Ashley & John {Wedding}

Ashley and John were married in Destin, Florida at the Emerald Grande this past weekend. Guests traveled from multiple states and as far away as San Francisco to witness their marriage and celebrate the beginning of their new life together. And celebrate they did...

Prior to the wedding day, Ashley and John selected a few locations for portraits for their big day. Running along a stress free schedule, we made our way through the list which included a private boat ride to a little island across from the hotel! The exit from the boat onto the island was a little exciting...and if you have ever seen me jump across water with my camera around my neck you would know exactly what I am talking about. I believe the bride, in her full wedding dress, was more graceful than I was! 

A couple of hours before sunset, guests gathered on the Captain's Deck where they witnessed Ashley and John share their hand written vows to one another. Emotional, sweet, and honest would be an understatement. After the ceremony, the real party started which is where I finally had a chance to get to know Ashley and John better from watching their interaction and listening to the stories of their relationship circle around the room. 

John, strong and earnest, never let his gaze drift far from Ashley. Despite the loud and fast paced dancing going down, I watched as John and Ashley swayed on the dance floor and watched as John tell her how he would love her forever. The conviction in his voice made that moment one of my favorite moments of the reception. Of course, Ashley's smile lit up, as it did every time John was with her...because when Ashley fell in love with John, she fell in love with a man who would be her best friend, her strength...and all of that I can see in her smile when she looks at him.

Thank you both for having me document your wonderful, exciting, and beautiful wedding day! I truly enjoyed meeting you both and had a blast watching you guys break it down on the dance floor!!

 

  

 

Catherine & Broc {Wedding}

I met with Catherine and Broc for the first time the day before their wedding at a local Starbucks. The weather was dreary but their outlook was positive as we worked out all the back up plans that come along with rain and Florida. Assured everything would be beautiful, my heartfelt advice to them as they worried over the rain was this: come rain or shine you are getting married...and what could be more beautiful than that? As I got to know them through a little small talk, I noticed how neither one of the made a decision without discussing it first...not because they had to check with the other, but because they truly valued the others opinion. Match made in heaven!

The morning of their wedding I found Catherine and her two best friends laughing over stories from the past and showering Catherine with happy tears and love. In between laughter and tears I found myself thinking how amazing it is that Catherine had two women who clearly loved her like a sister to witness the next chapter of her life begin.

It wasn't until just before the wedding that I met with Broc and the guys for a few quick formal portraits. Clearly amused, they posed formally before kicking it up a notch with stoic rock star poses and modelesque look aways. It's always great to see a group of guys confident enough to let loose with a photographer they haven't met before. 

Once the ceremony began it was clear that Catherine and Broc only had eyes for one another. Sarah, the officiant, performed a beautiful, personal, heart felt ceremony she had written especially for Catherine and Broc that had the crowd emotional in between bursts of laughter. From there we walked the ground for additional formal portraits, brought out a couple vintage cars for props, and made out way back to the reception where guests mingled and shared stories from how the all knew Catherine and Broc. 

Catherine and Broc, thank you so much for having me document your elegant wedding. I will leave you with my favorite quote given during a speech at our dear friend's wedding: "Here is to the end of the chase and to the beginning of the adventure!"~Robert Barber

Lauren {Portraits}

Lauren and I made a sweep around a few of my favorite locations in Tallahassee for her portrait session. The light was perfect as was her perfect choice of outfits! Lauren is as equally smart as she is beautiful and radiates positive energy. Not only does she work at one of my favorite restaurants in town, she splits her time between that job and working at a local elementary school. Obviously, I think the world of Lauren. I know her parents will love her portraits and cannot wait to hear what they think of their surprise!