Starting to write this post brings so many emotions. This is a wedding so close to my heart and one of the biggest blessings I have been able to share with my sister, Karim.

When my sister came to me and asked if I could join her in Peru in December and photograph her wedding, it was one of the biggest honors I could have and immediately said yes. If you know me, you know that I value my family and you know that I rave about how good Peruvian food is. To get the chance to be surrounded by both things 2 times in a year was just amazing and everything I could ask for! 

For three weeks I got the chance to eat, laugh, cry, dance, and just BE with my family; with my beautiful, sassy grandma, with my aunts and uncles who are really like another set parents for me, with my funny and wonderful cousins who are more like my brothers and sisters, and I got to share this time with my nieces, sister and brother-in-law. It also was the first time I was in Peru with my sister Karim at the same time since we had immigrated to the US in 1996!

I cannot have enough time with my family. Ever. 

A couple of weeks after I got back from Peru, on January 22nd, 2015, my family lost a wonderful person in our lives, my uncle Juan Julio. An uncle who encompassed so much joy, passion for his work, passion for Peru, and pride in his family. He was the 2nd oldest out of 12 siblings and is now accompanying my grandpa and aunt Ines in heaven, in all of God's glory. He always was one to give us advice, always in a loving manner. He wholeheartedly wanted his family to be the best they could be and was proud of us always. He was a constant reminder of what my family overcame. My grandparents, farmers in the mountains of Peru who only completed primary school, raised 12 children and provided for them, educated them, and supported them all to pursue better lives for themselves. My uncle, as we all are, was so very proud of the roots he came from. My family started from such humble beginnings, the determination and sacrifices my grandparents made seem almost unbelievable to me, especially seeing where I am today. My heart will not ever be the same losing him. Peru won't be the same without him. Something that has made me feel at ease is that I had the chance to see him and be with him so recently, getting to laugh, eat cuy, and dance with him. Tio Julio, I will miss your smile, your laugh, your big belly, your words of encouragement, and your big hugs. I love you.

This wedding was the hardest for me to look back on. It brought back memories of my uncle and memories of such good times that made me too emotional. I was trying to edit through tears, but time has passed and healing has begun that I am able to write this post and share with you all the wonderful time that was my sister's wedding.

Kike y Karim, thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to be your wedding photographer, for giving me this precious time in Peru to spend with our family, and for giving me the chance to gain 10 pounds eating Peruvian food. 

Thank you for reading my heart, and I am so happy to share these photos that will forever remind me of joyous times in Peru.