Lovers in Havana: Felix + Ishak

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To meet Felix (floral jacket) and Ishak (black jacket) is to meet vibrant electricity in a colorful place. You can't help but to feel happiness and excitement when you're in their presence. We shot in the streets of Havana at 7am and it was nothing short of early morning magic. And even better for them: they got on a plane to Paris later that evening for what would be Felix's first time out of his home country! During the entire shoot all we did was laugh and it was easy to see their genuine love for one another. Their energy was contagious!

They met in Havana when Ishak was on vacation with friends. That was a little over a year ago. They have been together ever since.

Ishak on how he met Felix:

"I was going to Cuba for a week with a group of friends. On the first night, we went to a great outdoor bar with a large balcony. Félix was there. He offered to take us to another place after, and once outside on the street he kissed me. He asked me “Would you marry me?” and I answered “Yes, for one week only.” From that point he stayed with me non-stop during my entire week in Cuba.

Only two weeks after I left, I returned to Havana to see him, and since then I do it every single month. In January, for the first time in his life, he left his country to come to Europe, where he met my family. I’m planning to take him again this summer. Our plan is to get married at some point and for him to move with me to NYC."

Words by Crystal Whiteaker, the photographer, and Ishak-Kristof Fernandez, as told to Amber Marlow. Photos by Crystal Lily Photography.

lovers in havana felix and ishak embrace in street
lovers in havana couple with linked hands in street
lovers in havana felix and ishak leaning on graffitied wall, staircase leading up into a building behind them
lovers in havana candid of ishak walking in street
lovers in havana felix on sidewalk, hand casually on pipe near the building
lovers in havana ishak leading felix by the hand down the street, an orange cat watching them curiously
lovers in havana middle shot of ishak looking off frame
lovers in havana laughing candid embrace in street
lovers in havana felix hugging ishak from behind, both laughing
lovers in havana couple sitting on stoop gazing at one another
lovers in havana close shot of couple on stoop, both looking at camera
lovers in havana couple on stoop holding hands looking off to left
lovers in havana felix and ishak almost kissing in middle of backstreet
lovers in havana couple walking away with arms around each other, vintage car parked near
lovers in havana laughing candid of couple with arms around each other, vintage car in background
lovers in havana felix in doorway winking and modeling a new straw hat
lovers in havana couple on balcony, ishak saying something to make felix laugh
lovers in havana closer shot of ishak making felix laugh
lovers in havana couple on balcony looking at one another
lovers in havana kiss on balcony
lovers in havana close shot of insect pin on ishak's jacket collar
lovers in havana felix buttoning floral jacket
crystal of crystal lily photography

CRYSTAL LILY PHOTOGRAPHY

Crystal is a photo obsessed travel bug who lives for good vibes and real experiences.  She's free spirited, shamelessly goofy, and she thinks she can dance.  Crystal is focused on giving her couples great memories to share with the people they share their wine with, because what good is a fun experience if you aren't going to re-live it it over a good bottle of vino and laughter?!  Crystal also believes in spreading the love so a portion of the costs from every booking goes towards an organization in need.

When she's not busy living out of a suitcase and following couples around with her camera she acts as an avid home body while planning her next trip. 

Crystal can often be found with a big laugh and her sassy chihuahua Lily by her side.  Yep, you read that right.  Lily is a dog; and while she's too old and cranky to go on shoots, she is a great photo editing companion!