Luis Atilano (Chalino)

Luis Atilano, originally from La Piedad, Michoacán, began a new chapter when his family migrated to the U.S., first settling in California before making their home in Arkansas. His family's chain of restaurants, Las Palmas, pays tribute to their California roots and provides a strong sense of community.

While deeply involved in the family business, Luis discovered his true passion for art during his teenage years. Today, he is celebrated as a distinguished mixed-media artist, with his work vividly showcasing Latino heritage. His dynamic pieces frequently grace festivals across Central Arkansas, captivating audiences with their rich cultural narratives and artistic innovation.

Luis is also known for his engaging live painting shows, where he brings his artistic process to life in real-time. His daughter plays a special role in these events, assisting him and learning the art of painting firsthand. Luis takes great joy in sharing his craft with her, hoping to pass down not just his techniques but also his deep love for art.

Beyond his artistic endeavors, Luis is a dedicated family man. He actively coaches his children’s soccer teams and serves as a lead coach in the local league. His commitment extends to his role at 10 Fitness, where he helps community members achieve their fitness goals. Despite his busy life, Luis’s unwavering dedication to his family, fitness, and art reflects his belief in hard work and perseverance. His art, enriched by his experiences and personal values, stands as a testament to his vibrant spirit and relentless drive.

LR BOYS

LR Boys is a team dedicated to making quinceañeras unforgettable with their exceptional dance performances and presentations. Founded by Daniel Mendez, also known as "El Niño," in 2022, the group discovered their potential early on and made their debut at a quinceañera on November 18th, 2022. Daniel, a proud Oaxacan, brings his rich cultural heritage into every performance, incorporating traditional Mexican dances that add an authentic and vibrant touch to each event.

Since their debut, LR Boys has covered numerous events, leaving families with cherished memories through their captivating performances and unwavering professionalism. You can often find them rehearsing at Plaza Frida or performing at the next quinceañera in Little Rock. Committed to inspiring the next generation of dancers, they frequently participate in events at pro bono rates, demonstrating that with perseverance, all dreams can be achieved.

Jackie + Balta

How time has passed. Jackie and I met back in middle school and naturally being 2 out of the 8 latinos in the school we became friends. The other 6 were my cousins.

For as long as I know Jackie and balta have been together. Is there a term other than highschool sweetheart? For someone you met before that time?

Anyways, when I got the call that they were getting married through the church, I was so thrilled that they chose me. She explained to me how they were doing and planning everything and I couldn’t have imagined it any better. It was so fun, the music was great and the food hit. If you haven’t partied with Michoacanos, I definitely recommend it.

Enjoy the photos!

Katherine + Jose ( 3rd wedding of the year?)

I don’t often do weddings but when I do, I sometimes think: we don't think about how cool it is that we're all alive at the same time together enough.

Im sorry for click baiting you, anyways enjoy the photos.

Danny + Jessie

Danny & Jessie got married this year. This was hands down my favorite wedding of the year. I may or may not be biased on this decision. I have been friends with them for a very long time. More than a few years. Fun Fact: I also covered her twin sister’s wedding about a year ago. I don’t have a bucket list but this inspired me to create a photo bucket list. The first one checked off the list: Shoot twins’ weddings.

Shout out to them for bearing the blisteringly cold wind on that day. Also on this day we broke the traditional stair photos at the capital and tried a different angle. I loved the turnout of these photos and I hope yall enjoy them too!

Anyways, enjoy these photos below. Jessie & Danny, thank you for letting me be part of your big day and capturing it!

Jose + Eli

I wish I knew where to begin with these two. I guess I’ll start with how I met both of them. 

Jose first, I first met Jose at church and we both got really close when we were both tasked to run a youth camp. To be honest, I think we were both just winging it. Some might say it was trauma bonding because neither of us got any sleep within those two weeks and we were always busy. However his work ethic and dedication to learning and adapting to new situations shows you the kind of person he is. A person that cares and will do anything to complete the task at hand. 

I think to Eli I was just some random dude who showed up but our first actual interaction was when she was fasting. Daniel’s Fast or something like that. Anyway, I tempted her by saying, “Lets go get some pizza” I tried so hard to convince her but she wouldn’t crack. That alone can tell you her dedication to her faith, to her work and now to Jose. 

Thank you guys for having me at your wedding. I loved every moment of it. Love you guys!