"The moment you say 'I've got it,' you've lost everything you had. As soon as something comes, you have to go one step further. Then there is evolution. The moment you say, 'I am satisfied with that,' that means stagnation has come. That is the end of your learning; you have closed the windows of your intellect. So let me do what I cannot do, not what I can do." ~BKS IyengarMelissa with Yoga Downtown Tampa started the class with this quote, a great start to a phenomenal class.
Alison + Drew :: Engagement Shoot
Alison and Drew make it look effortless... In fact, at one point I do recall Drew saying "man, models have the easiest job ever". As it turns out, their really cute dog Charley felt the same way about modeling. He is one of the easiest dogs I've ever worked with, and does he not look just like the dog from Cesar Canine Cuisine? The gorgeous weather, their great outfits, and their obvious love for each other all worked together to produce one pretty long blog post... And I was selective!
Katie + Erick :: Tampa Engagement Shoot
My biggest goal for my business going in to 2012 was to only book clients that are a great fit. So far I've stuck to my goal, and Katie and Erick are a perfect example. They'll be getting married in April at one of my absolute favorite venues, Selby Gardens in Sarasota. The more I learn about them, the more I like them. They're stylish, fun, and really thoughtful. Needless to say, I can't wait hardly wait for spring to come around. Thank you both for everything.
Jessie + Chad :: Dance
What happens when you mix two professional dancers (who happened to be married), and a gorgeous natural setting? Something more beautiful than I could've ever imagined. Dance, and specifically ballet, has a beauty I can hardly put it to words. So finally, I was able to bring together three of my favorite things - nature, ballet, and love. Let's just say this probably won't be the last you see of Jessie and Chad, and the last of dance on my blog. I could not have asked for a better couple.
Caitlin + Rob :: Downtown St. Pete Engagement Shoot
These two certainly make me look good... I wish I could take credit for their outfits, their chemistry, or the beautiful light and weather we had, but I'll just settle for some pretty sweet shots. I can't wait for Caitlin and Rob's wedding at the Davis Islands Garden Club in April, and from what I understand, they're lining up an all star cast of vendors.
Ashley + Rob :: Bluemont Vineyard Wedding
The rain in Washington D.C. persisted for a full week before the wedding, and just started to let up for the rehearsal. As fate would have it, one of the most popular wedding dates of the year turned out to be one of the nicest days of Summer. On the back porch of the Lansdowne Resort there was an amazing breeze as we took portraits, and for the ceremony at the Bluemont Vineyard, there were just a tiny few puffy clouds in a lofty blue sky. And then of course, there was an amazing party at the reception. Thank you Ashley and Rob for being so gracious with all my travel arrangements and planning a beautiful wedding to make my job easy.
Ashley + Rob :: Preview
Good things come to those who wait... Well waiting for the film from this wedding was especially hard, but it was worth it. Full blog coming very soon. Stay tuned! (This might sound strange from a guy, but you have to love those Kate Spade shoes Ashley is wearing)
The Secret Garden
Every day after elementary school, I rushed to the woods surrounding my home to build or protect one of my many forts. As the years went on, my twin brother and I attempted to hide our own forts from each other. In middle school, my best friends and I built a "Fort Knox" of forts that would become our secret meeting ground. In high school, I explored endless acres of tall grassland, that I would later call "The Field". I can't explain the wonder and freedom I felt in these places. But I can say I felt that thrill of discovery and adventure again when I recently read The Secret Garden. The book not only conjured my most vibrant and vivid memories from childhood, but also spoke to the present. Yeah... It might be a children's book, but we all might benefit once in awhile by seeing the world as a child does. Besides, there's a reason it's a classic.“If you look the right way, you can see that the whole world is a garden.”― Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden
Destination Engagement Sessions
Looking through my portfolio, you might guess that many of my engagement sessions are shot outside of Florida. Truth be told, my background in nature photography has led me to some of the most scenic and beautiful locations in Florida and some you might call uncharacteristically "Florida". Sometimes though, nothing can replace Autumn in New England, the soul of NYC, or simply the place where your groom proposed. For those instances, there is honestly nothing I love doing more than a Destination Engagement Session. In order, you'll see - Washington D.C. for the Spring Cherry Blossoms, outside Philadelphia in Autumn, New York City (Central Park), Autumn in Boston, Blue Ridge, Georgia, and finally Chicago. I hope there are many more destinations to come!
