Krys & Simona l Arlington, VA

October 26th, 2013

Bobby and I met Krys and Simona one year ago, this February. Love was in the air at Happenstance Theater's Valentine's BrouHaHa. I remember seeing their little family walk up the stairs to the fundraiser...a perfect trio. Simona from Italy. Krys from Poland. And Vittoria from Krys and Simona. We fell in love with them during our family photo session this summer and now we're here photographing their wedding day! BLISS

Krys and Simona are incredible tango dancers, part of a vibrant community that has been meeting for two years at the Lyons Village Community House to dance their feet off and celebrate life. Today will be no exception! Everyone has chipped in to pull together a day worthy of such special people. 

Little Vittoria gets in her dress rehearsal, while Papa suits up in anticipation of his beautiful bride...

And here she is!

The ceremony, while simple, is filled with love, laughter, and musical gifts...the best kind! Friends shower the bride and groom with song, including a lovely performance by Happenstance Theater's Mark and Sabrina (who served as unofficial officiant).

With Krys and Simona's families both so far away, it is beautiful to see their "tango famiglia" come together to bear witness to this union. The couple is covered in hugs and kisses the second they step off the stage.

Once Krys has gotten an adequate amount of kissing in (how can he resist?!), the trio heads back into the party. Simona has the necessary adjustments made to her dress; it is almost time, for the TANGO. Ladies and Gentlemen, presenting Mr. and Mrs. Gawetski!

This is no ordinary first dance. Simona and Krys are seriously impressive on the dance floor. It's decided, Bobby and I are going to have to try tango lessons.

The dancing continues...including a tango tradition where all the men dance with the bride and the ladies with the groom, respectively. I find myself watching the feet, many of which don custom-made tango shoes. Simona's blue pair is stunning as she wizzes across the floor.

Before some delicious grub, generously contributed by friends, a toast to the man and woman of the hour! And little Vittoria!!

Friends share love and blessings for the Bride and Groom. The cake is cut, rather dramatically. And the bouquet is thrown in true style!

It is such a pleasure to photograph weddings. No two couples are the same, so reason follows that no two weddings would be the same. For Simona and Krys, today is a celebration of love, and of community pulling together to support the love of those sacred to them. That, is something we can get behind.

Congratulations to the happy couple!

Story by: Kolleen Kintz

Photos by: Bobby Kintz