PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA - Back in Riverside County, I must admit I have a peculiar relationship with this place. I don't dislike Riverside because honestly, it's been good to me. It just reminds me of Orange County, but a lighter version with its endless communities of plain residential, commercial, and industrial areas interspersed with small, somewhat useless parks. It sometimes feels suffocating, but there are amazing natural spots hidden in the far reaches of the county. Some are well-known like Big Bear or Joshua Tree. Truth be told, the hardworking people who live here are what make it awesome! When you're awesome, you make your surroundings awesome. These fantastic people keep inviting me back, and I keep returning because it's just that amazing. This time, Cristina and Alejandro invited us to capture their beautiful wedding in Palm Desert, amidst the desert landscapes.

Lady Black Rider and I traveled for nearly two hours through empty freeways and highways to reach Cristina's Airbnb. There, a scene unfolded with Cristina's lovely sisters and bridesmaids preparing for the big day. Seeing Cristina that day amazed me at how things unfold. I met this young lady at another wedding we photographed years ago—Miriam and Jesus' wedding in 2017—and I remembered her because my wife and I love photographing people we might use in one of our passion projects. Now, here she is as a stunning bride-to-be. Lady Black Rider began her magic, capturing the details and moments as Cristina got ready.

Meanwhile, I headed out to the windy part of Palm Springs as Alejandro and I did our respective roles and worked our magic. Looking at these photos, I realize how in sync my wife and I are. I'm reminded of Buffalo Bill from "Silence of the Lambs" when he says, "Would I hire me? Yeah, I would hire me." I'll say it, but I won't do the whole scene—that's weird, bro.

The ceremony was short and sweet, filled with tender moments between the newlyweds. Couples should be free to interact with each other as Cristina and Alejandro did. You guys are getting married; you're not winning a medal. That's just my take. Love these two.

We had so much fun with these two during the wedding portraits. Usually, we don't bring the bridal party along because it cuts into the portrait time with the newlyweds, and sometimes people arrive late. By photographing them first and working down the list, we ensure the couple aren't tired and hungry by the time we get to them. But of course, it's not mandatory. Besides, this party loved our camera, and not only that, with these two being young, they had the stamina to maintain their romantic vibe as we photographed into the evening. It also helps when In-N-Out becomes part of the schedule because, you know, In-N-Out is photogenic.

Don't judge us!

Finally, we arrived at the reception, where guests eagerly awaited to eat and party! The kids eyed the pastries and the Mexican dessert table, and I won't lie—I did too. The reception was lively, and the DJ kept everyone dancing! Overall, a fantastic wedding. Congratulations to Cristina and Alejandro on your marriage!