Elise + Stephen :: Vinoy Grand Ballroom Wedding

The longer I shoot, the more I am aware of my responsibility to create something timeless. On this day, Elise and Stephen's impeccable style and classic venue made my job was easy. I can honestly say I will never tire of gorgeous light and authentic emotion. The tears and emotions started with the amazing gift exchange between Elise and Stephen, continued with an absolutely amazing first look and incredible father/daughter first look, and continued throughout the evening. Elise and Stephen weren't sure about the first look during the planning process and even doubted whether they wanted to do it in the week leading up to the wedding, but immediately after the first look and the ceremony, they both expressed how thankful they were that they did. After witnessing it and now going through all the images, I have to say I could not be happier that they did. I can't wait to tell this story in their wedding album. Just a side note, Elise is the third bride I've had from the Delta Zeta sorority at UF, and I sincerely hope I get the opportunity to work with many more! Special shout out to Aaron Lockwood for second shooting, and my studio manager Renee for assisting and shooting.

For more images of this elegant wedding, please check out their feature on Elizabeth Anne Designs Blog.

If you love their wedding, you might also love their engagement session.

Gown Boutique :: Malindy Elene - Couture for the Bride

Ceremony and Reception Venue :: Vinoy

Hair and Makeup :: KyleLynn Weddings

Coordination :: Flawless Occasions

Florals :: MMD Events

Blue Ribbon Photographer

If you follow wedding trends and blogs, you know that there are few publications with as much my style, class, and consistency as Southern Weddings. Each November for the past 5 years, they have continued to set the par for print magazines. In taking the magazine and blog to the next level, the editor in chief Lara Casey has not only filled the pages of the magazines with amazingly original details, but also always reminds brides what a wedding and marriage is truly about. For this and so many reasons, Lara has inspired me in life and business in 2013, and to make things happen in 2014. That's an entirely different blog post. Let me simply say, I'm honored to be one of the few chosen as one of their Blue Ribbon Vendors. Please click the link, because it is also one of the most beautiful profiles! 

Courtney + Paul :: Cross Creek Ranch Engagement Session

Anyone that knows Courtney knows that she is a sweet southern belle, and that she loves cupcakes. So Cowboy boots, Cross Creek Ranch, and Gigi's cupcakes could not fit any better. Courtney and Paul are absolute troopers for waking up early and fighting through the stifling heat and humidity of a Florida summer morning. If these shoots are any indication of what to expect for the wedding, February can't come soon enough!

Elizabeth + Evan :: Engagement Shoot

I can't quite quantify it, but Elizabeth and Evan have something amazing. They're so perfect together, and it sounds funny, but they're both perfect clients for me. When I was first contacted by them, my initial excitement came because they'll be getting married at the Black Diamond Ranch, a venue in Florida, that at times looks as though it might be in the mountains, or at least a different state (much like many of my images). But most of my excitement came from Elizabeth's initial email, which could not have been any sweeter. As I found out at our initial consultation, Elizabeth gets that sweetness from her mom. Two random facts, Evan rode a bike across the United States not that long ago, and he also restored the bike you see in the photos below. Amazing people... I can't wait for the wedding.

Karla + Andy :: Engagement Shoot

Fewer things excite me more than exploring. Through exploration, on occasion, I'm rewarded with a location in Florida that looks as though it could be somewhere out west, or simply a place with elevation. For this shoot, the light and land might feel like Southern California, but I promise, it's Florida. For Karla and Andy's wedding though, I will be traveling just north of the Florida border to the beautiful Pebble Hill Plantation. I cannot wait.

Kara + Mike :: Southern Engagement Shoot

You might not know it, but an hour and a half south east of Tampa, there are a few wonderfully southern towns. Places where a 4x4 is a must, and of course the home of southern hospitality and amazing accents. Judging from how small the towns are in these parts, the fact that their families own such vast tracts of land, and that Kara and Mike are so obviously in love, you would think they knew each other their entire lives! Either way, I'm confident they have a very long future together. Thank you guys for taking the trouble to transport your gorgeous horses and for taking me around your beautiful properties.

Cecilia + RJ - Engagement Shoot

Pulling in to our second location, you can't miss the "no trespassing" sign, but we figured, we're not doing anything wrong. After exactly two frames, someone pulled up on an ATV and told us we had to leave. This might be the only time I was happy to be kicked out of an awesome location. Fortunately, RJ's parents lived only a few minutes from where we were and their property turned out to be perfect! Not only that, I got a chance to see where their wedding will take place in just under a month! Cecilia and RJ were so amazing to work with. So many times through out the shoot, I had to remind myself to stop talking and take pictures. Needless to say, I'm looking forward to shooting their wedding.

Jessica + Derek :: Engagement Shoot

I could create a long list of the things I love about Jessica and Derek, but let me just name three. First, I love that not only is Jessica constantly excited about the engagement shoot and wedding and always running ideas by me, but Derek is extremely involved as well! The second thing, they're great to be around. One of things that stands out from their engagement shoot is when I was telling them how I have an attachment to my old camera bag that I've had for close to 7 years, and Jessica said "Do you want me to take a picture of you with your bag?" The third thing, they know how to dress. Jessica had a wardrobe of J.Crew to choose from in the back of their car. Anyway, on to their engagement shoot! When I initially met with them, they described how they got engaged at Lindey's Restaurant in Columbus, Ohio, and they talked about the charm of the restaurant and cobblestone streets... And then I thought, well if we can't go back to Columbus, I know the perfect place for the engagement shoot! We found an amazing old inn/restaurant where they brought menu's from Lindey's as well as several other fun props. Overall, they were looking for images that had a magazine/editorial feel, and I think I delivered!I know I said I'll only name three things, but I thought I would mention that I also love having dinner with my clients. And Jessica and Derek treated me to Outback takeout at their home last night, where they got to view all of their engagement images for the first time on their HDTV thanks to Apple TV.