Toronto was rattled this past weekend when protestors from all over the globe arrived to voice their opinion against the world economic powers. I have never seen a G20 summit without protests or violence and this year’s summit in Toronto was no different. I couldn’t let the opportunity to experience this event pass by so I made my way to downtown Toronto to take a few shots on Saturday afternoon. Yes, for those of you living in Toronto, Saturday was one of the most violent days of the protest. Fortunately, I was never in the direct path of the violence, but I must confess I have no appreciation for those individual that create or instigate violence, so containing my self at the sight of injustice was difficult.
Nonetheless, I felt well protected because the city of Toronto made sure police presence was overwhelming. In my opinion, these guys are the real heroes. They not only had to endure extremely long hours of work, but also the verbal, physical, and psychological abuse of many of the protesters.
I am in full agreement that the world needs change and I align my self with those peaceful protesters who expressed their feelings and view points, but I feel no empathy for those who protested just to be rebelious, those who covered their faces so as to not be identified by police, and those anarchists who participated in Black Bloc tactics (which caused most of the damage). In my travels across Downtown Toronto, I was shocked by the amount of people that had no real cause to protest, but where either acting silly or provoking the police.
It was heart breaking to see my beautiful city of Toronto suffer from the abuse of criminals who had nothing better to do but to cause violence for the joy of being rebellious. Martin Luther King Jr. once said:
“Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars… Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that”
At one point, I encountered a group of masked individuals. I couldn’t resist the temptation of asking them why they wore masks. Their response: Let’s just say it wasn’t very polite! Notice the dude in the yellow jacket wearing the gas mask! Weird!!!
Global social issues are extremely complex because of the many factors involved. Do they have a solution? Sure! I think the real solution is by changing ourselves. If each and every one of us strive to become better persons who live justly and with faith; if we uphold human dignity and defend life from conception, till natural death; and if we educate our children with those same principles, then we are changing the world one person at a time. Imposing, oppressing, or forcing a people to live or act in a certain way will get you nowhere. I leave you with yet another Martin Luther King Jr. Quote:
“Nonviolence is the answer to the crucial political and moral questions of our time; the need for mankind to overcome oppression and violence without resorting to oppression and violence. Mankind must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge, aggression, and retaliation. The foundation of such a method is love.”
Yesterday I went to my God-son’s soccer game. That’s right, Mimi has soccer fever! Children grow up so fast! It feels as if it was only yesterday when Mimi was born and now he’s playing soccer! I’m so glad to be able to see him run around with the ball and even score a goal (which absolutely made his day!). I also loved the fact that his team just happened to represent Mexico! Viva Mexico!!
The pre-game warm up began with a few friendly games of tag. Mimi was more interested in acting funny and giving me faces while I stood by the side lines photographing him. He’s a total clown!
Mimi waiting his turn to play.
Take a look at this animation from a few continuous shots of Mimi in action. His skills on the turf allowed him to score a goal! I’m so proud of him!
Mimi’s face after scoring is priceless!
Last weekend I had the formidable pleasure of capturing the wedding of Marisabel (Mari) and Pedro. You might remember Mari and Pedro’s Engagement Session back in February when I also traveled to Miami for this special occasion. The ceremony took place in the beautiful St. Hugh Catholic Church and the reception at the world famous Hyatt Regency of Coral Gables. I hope you enjoy these teasers!!!
Take a look at this Ring Pillow! It was totally amazing!
Mari and Pedro were one of the most relaxed couples I’ve ever met. They managed themselves so candidly it was a pleasure to make these lovely portraits of them.
I am particularly fond of the shot below because of its significance. You see, last December Mari and Pedro were not sure if they were going to postpone their wedding. Mari’s father was diagnosed with Cancer and his health was rapidly deteriorating. It was a very difficult time for everyone in the family, but her Father convinced Mari to continue with her plans. Unfortunately, Mari’s father passed away prior to the wedding, but I know he was there in spirit with his daughter. To me, the image below captures all of this.
As mentioned above, the reception was celebrated at the Hyatt Regency of Coral Gable and it was masterfully organized by Ericka Cribillero of the hotel’s catering department.
Dear Mari and Pedro, thank you for allowing me into your lives and capture your lovely wedding! I wish you both a joyful and happy life together!
I just arrived from Miami, where I photographed Mari and Pedro’s wedding (more on that later)!! But before I share with you those images, I wanted to share with you this set of Amelia and Arturo’s wedding albums I received a day before I left to Miami. Below are images of the 12×16 Wedding album available in my Enchanting and Dream wedding Collections along with a 6×8 Parent album which is identical. Bound in real leather, this gorgeous wedding album is large, sturdy, and formidably strong; it is made to keep your memories for generations to come!!!
Parent albums are available in two different sizes: 6×8 and 8×12. These parent albums are an identical version of the main wedding album (except for the cover of the 6×8 album) and can only be ordered at the same time you order the main wedding album. Parent albums come standard with my Enchanting and Dream Wedding Collections.
I am a strong believer in albums, that’s why all my collections include wedding and engagement albums. I think there is no better way to safe-keep and present your wedding images than with these beautiful albums. All albums come with a standard of 20 pages, but now until the end of July, when you book your wedding for either 2010 or 2011, you will receive an additional 20 pages for free! That’s a $500.oo saving! Cheers to life and love!
