Hispanic Heritage Month may have come to an end, but the cultural vibrancy and community spirit it highlighted will stay with me for a long time. From collaborating with incredible Latino businesses to attending rallies that fostered solidarity, this month was full of unforgettable experiences. Here's a recap of my journey through Hispanic Heritage Month.

Girl poses as La Catrina for a Day of the Dead Photoshoot in Derry, NH

Spotlight on Latino Businesses

SWAGGANOW: Art Meets Fashion

SwaggaNow was founded by Katherin Montoya from Cali, Colombia, who makes corsets! They are elaborate and beautiful, combining art and fashion in a fun way! In the photo below, she is wearing a Frida Kahlo corset, which further celebrates Hispanic culture. Even though Kahlo is Mexican, she has had an impact on the world, and Katherin is showing that influence through fashion.

LUCIERNAGA: Empowering Salvadoran Women Through Fashion

Luciernaga is owned by Lucie Ortega. She is originally from France, but she visited El Salvador with her Salvadoran husband and fell in love with the people and culture. Luciernaga is based in El Salvador, and all the clothing is designed by Lucie but is made by local Salvadoran women. Lucie commits to empowering and uplifting the people who make the clothes and ensures all clothing is made ethically and sustainably.

Girl poses for business branding photo shoot at Tall Ship in East Boston, MA

Cultural Events: Weddings and Rallies

Supporting Venezuelan Opposition Leaders in Boston

I attended a rally in Boston to support the Venezuelan opposition leaders Maria Corina Machado and Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia. People came together at Fanuiel Hall to show solidarity, sing, pray, and find community. As mentioned in one of the Instagram posts, 8 million Venezuelans have left their home country in search of safety from an oppressive government. Witnessing my husband and cousin connecting with fellow Venezuelans at the rally was so powerful, creating a sense of unity that we rarely experience in our small New Hampshire community.

A Cross-Cultural Wedding

I also had the pleasure of photographing a wedding! Lily and Tom celebrated love beautifully, surrounded by family and friends. Lily even had family from Peru visit for the occasion. It was lovely to see distinct cultures come together to celebrate love!

Two women hug at Venezuela Rally in Boston, MA

Tom and Lily at their wedding photos at Hidden Hill in Rindge, NH

The Richness of Hispanic Culture

Capturing the Beauty and Diversity of Hispanic Cultures

This is the largest number of photos I posted during Hispanic Heritage Month! Culture is my favorite part of traveling. I have gotten to see some fantastic things in my travels, and it was beautiful to celebrate both the familiar and unfamiliar this month! My husband and cousin celebrated parts of Venezuelan culture, a friend from high school showcased his Bolivian culture with his dad, and my friend Sade dressed as “la Catrina. " I was able to include some photos taken during my travels. Check out some of my favorite photos below!