This weekend was the first time I've ever shot a wedding where I'd never even spoken one word to the bride and groom ahead of time. I literally saw, heard, and met them for the very first time at the rehearsal the night before. WHY? Because Monika and Kyle live in Madagascar! While they originally met in Monterey, their adventures have taken them around the world...most recently working in Madagascar. The reception toasts included stories of volunteering, Peace Corps, and giving back. The party favors...canvas totes. Their rings...recycled metal and diamonds from Canada. It was clear from everything I heard at the event, that while Monika and Kyle try to tread ecologically-light in this world...they have left a HUGE impact on their friends and family. People took 25 hour plane flights to support this union, and it doesn't surprise me in the least. So, now I must add learning to Polka dance to my list of things to do. Monika's family and I have a date at the Portland Polish Festival at the end of September. *wink wink* If you want to see me, look for the girl with two left feet. The ceremony was at the beautiful Santa Catalina Rosary Chapel in Monterey. Monika's mom kept looking back and forth between her two daughters with the most amazing, unending smile. She was clearly just as happy as Monika was. Kyle's mom, Suzanne, did a majority of the leg work for this wedding due to the whole Madagascar thing. =) She is a ball of energy, and a huge Boston Red Sox fan! YEAH! And who doesn't love the moment the groom sees his bride for the first time? The reception party went down at the always cool Holly Farm in Carmel Valley.