Alex and Billy knew they wanted to have their wedding day at The Oxford Exchange in Tampa, FL from the moment they stepped foot inside. From the modern black and white checkered floors, to the grand staircase, and the fact that the food is far more delicious than your typical “wedding food”- this was the perfect place to host their I Do’s in front of all of their family and friends.
Scroll on to see a highlight from their colorful and whimsical Tampa wedding day
Simple yet modern wish a dash of elegance is how to perfectly describe Charley and John’s wedding day. On our favorite little island of Gasparilla, Charley and John had a wedding day for the books. From kisses shared underneath the Banyan trees lining the streets, to laughs and hugs on the white sand beach, this wedding had so much overflowing warmth. Aside from all the love, Charley and John had stunning details- from gold-rimmed silverware to impeccably white furniture & florals, this wedding exuded elegance to the nth degree.
Before the wedding, we asked Charley what the most important thing to her is for the day and she said: “I do want to document all the beautiful details we put so much thought into but I care most about the capturing the emotion and experience of the day, particularly the love between John and I, and our family and closest friends. I hope the photos are able to reflect the just as beautiful, much more intimate and special micro-wedding we're having during this historic time, quirks and all! Like any guests wearing masks, or the maid of honor sitting at her own table during dinner, or having a 12 piece band for 30 guests! We want to remember the best day of our lives exactly as it is! :)”
Despite their wedding being in the middle of COVID, they safely and beautifully said their I do’s and we could not be happier to have been a part of capturing such a wonderful and unique wedding day. Scroll down to see their Gasparilla Island wedding.
This wedding made possible by this talented and creative team:
Venue: Gasparilla Inn & Club
Planning: NK Productions
Florals: Botanica Florist
Band: The Rivertown Band
Gown: Monique Lhuillier
Videography: Eli Meyer
November is always a time we reflect as a society on things we are thankful for.
There’s something about the change in weather, good food, and holidays with family that can really bring out feelings of gratitude! I don’t know about you- but sinking in thankfulness can really affect life as a whole, and helps me see the world with an all around better attitude! It’s why Justin and I use the below tips all year long to try and bring gratitude into our lives not just in November- but each and every day. We hope they’ll serve you as well as they’ve served us over the years!
Justin and I absolutely love this journal! It’s in the title: It takes only five minutes of your time per day! The journal challenges you to think of things you’re grateful for in the morning, and things that happened each day that were “good” at night. It’s a small thing, but even marinating in thankfulness just a few minutes a day has a huge impact. Plus- it’s an easy way to preserve memories to look back on you may have otherwise forgotten!Buy it here
Justin and I have both have had a habit throughout our marriage of spending time in prayer each and every morning. Through crazy times in life, moving, good times and bad- this habit has remained consistent. We both spend a good chunk of our time in prayer telling God the things in life we are most grateful for: From our home and each other, to how delicious coffee tastes ☺ Seeking out things big and small to verbalize each day makes a huge impact on perspective.If you prefer a devotional to help guide your prayer, we like this one
Maybe it’s the southern gal in me- but I LOVE a good thank you note, as does Justin! Not only does everyone love to get mail, but it makes both the writer and the reader have the warm fuzzies ;) Taking the time to write out what makes you grateful for someone is such a small gesture that can really humble you, and make you feel thankful for what you’ve been gifted in that friend or family member! It’s a more unique and fun form of reflection, and only takes few minutes!I always stock up on thanks yous from Target like these.
I hope you loved these three simple ways to shift your focus on gratitude all year round! Go buy that 5 minute journal and a pack of thank you’s, and wake up a few minutes earlier to pray or meditate. I guarantee you’ll feel a difference and become as hooked on these as we are!
XO,
Ashley & Justin
Imagine this: Your 10th wedding anniversary is coming up for you and your husband. (Not me freaking out that Justin and I are already halfway there…!) You never got around to making an album or prints after the big day and thought it would be cute idea to collect some of your images to use for an anni gift. The only problem is you can’t seem to find ANY of the photos. You no longer recall where they were backed up (if they were at all?) and the panic begins to set in.
This is just an example of many could-be scenarios that show why backing up your wedding images is SUCH an important step after you receive them!
Today, I want to share with you tips that will leave you knowing without a doubt that your images are safe & secure (in multiple places). And for those of you who are not as technologically savvy, I promise to make this as easy to understand so you too feel your images are properly stored (Bonus- you will also acquire some new skills!)
To start, we’re introducing you today to your new best friend- the 3-2-1 rule. This rule originated in the IT world as a practice for backing up computer data. Now many photographers (including Justin & I ;) ) follow it for safeguarding images. The rule simply states saving three copies of your data, in at least two different ways, and one of them as an offsite copy. Ultimately, the big idea behind it is to have your images stored in various, different places. This way if your internet crashes or you misplace your album, you can rest easy knowing you were proactive and still have a copy or two of your images safe & secure!
Ansley and Sean embracing after their first look.
There is a multitude of providers to choose from! A few we can recommend are Microsoft One Drive, Dropbox, and Google Drive. A storage provider is a relatively inexpensive option and is usually pretty straightforward for uploading your photos to :)
Charley and John strolling down the aisle.
An external hard drive is another place we’d highly recommend backing up your photos. Having an external hard drive ensures your photos are doubly secure in a place beside an online platform! While more expensive than storing with an online storage provider, external hard drives are great in that they usually come with even more storage capacity. In addition, many are water-proof, drop-proof, and have high speeds making them a quick, easy, and safe option for putting images on. All you have to do is plug them into a computer. We’ve linked one of the most popular hard drive options that photographers and others alike love here. You can also store this at a loved ones home so if there were a fire, flood, or some other crazy scenario that might compromise any prints or albums in your own home, you’ve got everything safe and sound somewhere else!
Ragan and Barrett’s bride and groom portraits.
I can give so many reasons as to why purchasing an album is always the best choice (and I do in my album blog linked here) but just the simple act of storage is another one. Having an album as a final location to keep your images is the most special place of all because owning a physical copy of your most important day that you can hold in your hands and relive over & over again is truly priceless. (Our wedding day album is sitting right on the coffee table where I often find myself flipping through it and appreciating the memories of the best day ever!) Prints are also a nice alternative to put in frames and place around your home to enjoy every day. Either way, nothing beats having a physical copy of special moments from your wedding. They are right at your fingertips and come without all the hassle of technology.
Alex and Billy preparing to make their exit.
So there you have it- the 3-2-1 rule for having multiple copies of your photos. Three copies, at least two of which are different types, and one stored somewhere else.
This is the final and most important step to make sure your precious wedding day images are kept safe and sound forever!
XO,
Ashley
We are thrilled to announce that we are hiring! Our current beloved wedding and office assistant is sadly moving out of state, and will need to pass on the torch. We are looking forward to the opportunity to link arms with someone who will add value to our lives and business! DeMutiis Photography is searching for the unique position of an Office and Wedding Assistant : a part-time position that will continue to help to efficiently move our business forward.
Applicants must be self-starters, motivated workers, and eager to learn. As an Office Assistant, you will be involved in the daily work of running a photography business : fulfilling print orders, packaging and shipping client gifts and album orders, running business and occasional personal errands, ordering supplies, assisting with blogging and social media, submitting weddings for publication, learning studio-specific software and tasks, preparing equipment for wedding days and shoots, and assisting us on our largest wedding days of the year by changing film, setting up equipment, and assisting us/our clients as needed.
This position is a mix of office work and wedding day assisting, not a shooting position. If you are an aspiring photographer or know how to work a camera, that’s great, but not required for consideration. We may or may not expand this position to include photography or editing training in the future.
This is not the same as an internship. We are looking for someone to join our team year-round with the Office Assistant position.
Qualifications:
Professional, positive, friendly demeanor
Ability to strike up a friendly conversation with new people
Experience in the very basics of Photoshop or Lightroom is a bonus
Must not only be organized, but also have a love for organization
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Knowledgeable of current trends, styles and publications in the wedding industry
Personal/administrative assistant experience a big bonus
Must have reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license, as this job does require driving for business errands as well as driving to wedding day locations (most frequently in Tampa, St. Pete, Boca Grande, and Sarasota)
Logistics:
Part-Time Position
Works with Justin and/or Ashley in their home office 2 days/week (15 minutes of east of downtown Tampa) and assists them at approximately 25-30 weddings per year
Position to begin August 5th (there is some flexibility here)
Compensation:
Contracted position, $12-$15 per hour based on experience
10-20 hours per week, split between time in the office and wedding day assisting
Mondays – Thursdays, + 25 to 30 weekend days per year; flexible schedule
A word from out current Office Assistant who is sadly moving:
"Hi, Jordan here! For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Justin and Ashley’s assistant. I’ve made the difficult decision to move out of state and away from this job. I am incredibly excited to embark on this new adventure however, I’m heartbroken to be leaving behind Justin and Ashley, as they are truly the best employers I have ever had.
I have had the opportunity to learn so much throughout my time with them, from all sorts of camera knowledge to all things social media. This job has also helped me become more confident as well has improved my instagram skills by 1,000% (thanks Ashley!). Having a relaxed, flexible schedule with this job has given me the ability to complete one of my college degrees while working, as well as having a good work/life balance. The thing that surprised me most about this job was actually how physical wedding days are! You actually walk several miles on a typical wedding day, and it involves lot of carrying camera equipment, fans and supplies to help the brides, and wedding gown trains ;) But it’s honestly a great way to get in some exercise without feeling like you actually worked out, because it’s so much fun.
This is a great position for someone who is considering a career in social media/marketing or weddings in the future. You’ll especially love this job if you’re an outgoing, hardworking, and creative person with a passion for photography. There have been so many incredible moments this year from experiencing all the different gorgeous weddings to getting Justin and Ashley to make some hilarious TikToks/Reels (Ashley is the reels queen), and of course…Justin’s dad jokes.
I cannot even begin to express how grateful I am to have had the pleasure of working with Justin and Ashley, as well as all the amazing wedding planners and vendors and of course brides and grooms! I will forever have a place in my heart for Justin and Ashley and will never forget all of the amazing things I learned during my time in this position."
To Apply: Complete this form no later than 11:59pm on June 28th, 2022.
We can’t wait to hear from you!
Did your parents play a big part in your wedding? Whether they paid for all or part of the wedding, or just offered unconditional support and advice during the time you were engaged, I find many brides and grooms yearn to get their parents a sincere thank you gift after the wedding day.
The trouble is, mom and dad are probably at a point in life that if they really want something, they’re going to buy it. “Stuff” just doesn’t mean a lot. Something that DOES mean a lot? The happiness of their kids. (It’s why they give so much when it comes to your wedding planning!).
After years of watching couples search to find the perfect gift of gratitude, I’m sharing the three I’ve seen to be the most impactful:
1) A parent album
There’s truly no better way to thank mom and dad than a luxury book filled with images of friends and family on such an important day. Parent albums aren’t an inexpensive gift (although a fraction of what they paid if they funded the wedding!), but they’re truly an heirloom quality product that will bring your parents joy for many years to come. I know my mom proudly displays her album on the coffee table and is thrilled to re-live the day again and again, especially when guests come over!
From Molly who ordered parent albums: “Just talked to my mom and dad and they LOVE the album!! My mom said the cover is beautiful and the pages are so sharp! She said every time she looks at the album makes her feel like she’s right there, again and again.”
2) A wine subscription
This is honestly one of the better gifts I’ve seen a bride give her parents! Because, let’s be honest, they’re going to need some wine after that year of helping you plan and writing checks ;) I’ve heard great things about the Biltmore Wine Club, but if your parents have a specific place or brand they like, it’s definitely worth exploring a subscription service more tailored to them.
3) A side by side print
I heard about this gift once from a past groom, and apparently his mom was a puddle when she unwrapped it! He printed a photo directly from the wedding gallery we sent, and put it in a side by side with a photo of his parents from their own wedding day. I thought this was such a cute memento to display on a shelf! There are a lot of two photo frame options to choose from, like this one.
There you have it- my three best wedding thank you gifts for your parents! If you’re considering the album, be sure to see a few more images of our wedding albums on our Instagram highlight.
Looking for more gift ideas? Check out our Valentine’s day gift idea blog!
Ashley
We are thrilled to announce that we are hiring! After much thought, prayer, and consideration, we have decided to expand our small team of two (Justin & Ashley), and link arms with someone who will add value to our lives and business. DeMutiis Photography has grown so much over the past several years, and we are excited to move forward into the next phase of our business. Now that we are at maximum capacity, we are at the place where the workload is beyond our ability as two people. We have created the position of an Office Assistant : a part-time position that will help to efficiently move our business forward.
Applicants must be self-starters, motivated workers, and eager to learn. As an Office Assistant, you will be involved in the daily work of running a photography business : fulfilling print orders, packaging and shipping client gifts and orders, running personal and business errands, assisting with blogging and social media, submitting weddings for publication, learning studio-specific software and tasks, preparing equipment for wedding days and shoots, and assisting us on our largest wedding days of the year.
This position is an office position primarily (while assisting on a portion of our weddings with behind the scenes tasks such as changing film, transporting equipment, backing up images, etc.) not a shooting position. If you are an aspiring photographer or know how to work a camera, that’s great, but not required for consideration. We may or may not expand this position to include photography or editing training in the future.
This is not the same as an internship. We are looking for someone to join our team year-round with the Office Assistant position.
Qualifications:
Professional, positive, friendly demeanor
Experience in the basics of Photoshop or Lightroom preferred
Must not only be organized, but also have a love for organization
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Knowledgeable of current trends, styles and publications in the wedding industry
Personal/administrative assistant experience a big bonus
Must have reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license
Logistics:
Part-Time Position
Works with Justin and/or Ashley in their home office 2-4 days/week (15 minutes of east of downtown Tampa)
Occasionally works on weekends
Position to begin April 25
Compensation:
Contracted position, $11-$12 per hour based on experience
12-20 hours per week (potential for increased hours during wedding season: October-May)
Mondays – Thursdays, flexible schedule
To Apply: Complete this form no later than 11:59pm on February 13th, 2021.
We can’t wait to hear from you!
