During their visit to Chile, I surprised my parents with a special gift: a photo session with Kyle Hepp and Sebastian Larco, Santiago’s most creative photographers. Kyle and Seba travel the world to take pictures of weddings, and I was so happy to find out they were in town for this special session. I also hired the incredibly talented makeup artist Rodrigo Farah to add some polish to mama’s look (and mine!)

Earlier this year my parents celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary. I specifically asked for a “slightly gritty but still pretty” location, because I know that popular places in Latin America hold a special significance to them. (They planned to break up after a trip through South America in 1979. Obviously plans changed…)

Kyle and Seba met us at metro Quinta Normal, and then we strolled through Parque Quinta Normal to take a bunch of photos. Then we sampled mote con huesillos, one of Chile’s typical drinks. Next we drove a short distance to Bloque Diego Portales, a public housing project that Kyle had jogged by dozens of times, hoping she could photograph a session there.

I’ve been a big fan of Kyle’s work for a long time, and my dad loves photography, and I am so happy this all came together.

Here are two of my favorite pictures from the shoot.

This photo echoes one taken at Angkor Wat earlier this year. Partners in Yoga!? by Kyle Hepp Photography.

Papa-razzi captures a fun shot of mama and me. At Bloque Diego Portales, a geometrically fabulous 60s-era housing project. by Kyle Hepp Photography.

Click here to see the full set, filled with Kyle’s sweet comments.