Crystal & Miguel's November Wedding

The month of November has always been known for "a time of giving and a time to be thankful".....which is why Crystal and Miguel chose the weekend of Thanksgiving,  to give each other their love for one another. The couple celebrated their day with their 1 yr old daughter at their side as they were introduced as husband and wife at the reception.  Luckily for me, the ceremony had ended before the sun had set so I had the opportunity to capture the beautiful colors of the sky. The reception decor was designed by Crystal; the wishing well tree stood on top of the place card table with crystal garland twinkling throughout.  The entertainment and uplighting was provided by Dennis, owner of  Devine Entertainment whom did an amazing job with the monogram on the cake wall. Crystal and Miguel, my best wishes to you both! Thank you deeply for choosing me to capture your special day!!!  

Anne & Rene's 11.11.11 Wedding

Anne and Rene's 11.11.11 love story unveiled on a private rooftop overlooking Ft Lauderdale beach with their 2 beautiful daughters at their sides as they anxiously have been waiting to say, "I do" for the past 21 years.  The ceremony couldn't have been any perfect without both Anne and Rene writing their own vows and well.....maybe Rene tearing up :+)  Anne had planned her dream wedding from Connecticut with the help of family residing in South Florida.  No detail had gone unnoticed; the sea urchin cake was amazing as the other tables were decorated with sweet treats and sea shells.  The estate rental home was absolutely lavish; 4 floors with an elevator, marble staircase, pool table room for the fellas and the list goes on.  Anne and Rene danced the night away with those  closest to them, which is exactly want they had envisioned.  Congratulations Anne and Rene!! I wish you nothing but the best as you begin your marriage together!!!!!!!!!!

The K Family Session

From February till October and 9 months later, Callie is officially 1 yrs old!!!! Callie is quite the curious 1 yr old and as sweet as ever with her sweet blue eyes :+)  The family session included Callie's 2 older sisters in addition to Mom and Dad of course with occasional visits from Ali+Gator (the family's 2 dogs).   Located in the backyard of the property is a horse shed where I've had my first opportunity to carry a 30lb "hay bale"......its def not as easy as it looks but quite the experience!  During this time, I had the chance to take some snaps of the older daughters while Callie was resting up for her 1 yr old birthday party the next day.  Thank you girls, Callie, Melody and Tye for a wonderful family session - I enjoyed the southern sweet tea and hospitality! I look forward to next year :+)

Crystal & Miguel's Engagement Session

Crystal + Miguel = tons of laughs, smiles and giggles!!! These two love birds are tying the knot in late November back in my home town of St Lucie. Crystal, whom I've had the opportunity of  knowing since middle school age has met her life partner in addition to their 1 yr old daugher that I can't wait to meet!!!  Can't wait for their wedding in less than 3 weeks! See you both very soon - thanks for a "breezy" session :+)

A blue dream to remember

Shaelyn and Wesley were married in late September at the Cocoa Beach Country Club. The ceremony was decorated with white roses, candlelight and blue silk sashes. The reception banquet room was a "blue dream to remember" as streams of blue lights lit the room from wall to wall. The blue uplighting was a surprise wedding gift from Wesley......and boy, was Shaelyn surprised as she entered the room for the first time! The music entertainment for the evening was provided by Sophisicated Gents. Two of the wedding party attendants had presented Shaelyn and Wesley with bicycles that were decorated in the lobby with baby formula bottles and Mountain Dew bottles -- very cute!!! To top the evening off, Shaelyn's father, Brad shared an emotional father/daughter dance that brought all of us to tears! Congratulations to Shaelyn and Wesley, thank you for allowing me to be apart of your special day!!!

Family fun with the "L" Family

Sunday "fun days" at its best with the "L" Family at the FIT Botantical Gardens is where I spent my September evening. Spending time with sweet Ava - 9 months old and her handsome/most polite brother, Chase - a 3rd grader was an instant sense of calmness for me. I've been shooting weddings all year round and has been at least 7 months since I've worked with families/children; I was then quickly reminded how much laughter children bring to any parent's heart [eager to get home to my 3 yr old for some cuddles]. Mom and Dad brought reinforcements for Ava.....Grandmother; Gmom did a wonderful job getting Ava's attention as so did Chase :+) While Gmom was attending to Ava, I was able to sneak Mom and Dad off for a few minutes of couple portraits. Thank you all for a fun evening of laughs, lots of smiles, jokes and memories!!!

Gabriela & Brinton's August Wedding

Gabriela and Brinton tied the knot in early August at the magnificent DeSantis Chapel in Palm Beach.  The DeSantis Chapel serves as a house of worship for the students of  Palm Beach Atlantic University, whom both Gabriela and Briton attend as music majors.  I met the couple in July as we discussed their wedding plans and their connection was instantious as they couldn't deny their love for one another!!  The ceremony was breathtaking as the stained glass window provided a religious ambience.  The newly weds walked down the aisle after saying, "I do", with smiles beaming the entire walk down.  The reception commenced at the Embassy Suites in PGA.  Gabriela and Brinton, congratulations on celebrating your nuptials; I wish you many years of happiness and thank you both for allowing me to be apart of your day.

Jen & Matt's Summer Vow Renewal

After 5 years of marriage, Jen and Matt wanted to express to their love for each other  by planning a vow renewal at the Comfort Inn & Suites in Cocoa Beach, FL in late July.  The ceremony and reception decor was provided by KL Weddings & Events as Kristi, the owner provided a beautiful purple ambiance for all guests to enjoy throughout the evening. Jen and Matt served various flavors of cupcakes including Velvet and Carrot to name a few, in addition to having their own personal cake.  The couple literally danced the night away with those most dearest to them.  Congratulations on celebrating 5 years of marriage - wishing you many more years to come! Thank you Jen and Matt for having me be apart of your special day. 

Carl & Keesha's, "A red affair to remember" themed Wedding

In the beginning of July, Carl and Keesha tied the knot at the St. Lucie Botanical Gardens.  The couple planned for an initmate ceremony and reception with their closest and most dearest friends and family.  Both Carl and Keesha are childhood friends of mine, so when they asked me if I was interested in being their wedding photographer, the answer, without a doubt of course, would be "Yes"! The decor was red and white,  making a bold statement from a bride who knows exactly what she wants.  The dessert table offered various cakes and cupcakes of different flavors which the guests loved!  During the reception, Carl and his oldest daughter whom I've know since she was a baby, shared an incredible emotional "father/daughter" dance that brought tears to all in attendance. I wish you both a lifetime of happiness as you begin your marriage together.  Thank you both for allowing me to have been apart of your special day!!

Jack & Kaleigh's "Vintage Inspired" Wedding

The newly weds, Jack and Kaleigh were announced husband and wife at the Suntree Country Club in late June. The colors of blue and green were chosen for their Vintage Rustic themed wedding with green apples served as guest place cards. Kaleigh wore an Oleg Cassini designer wedding dress that fit her perfectly; Jack's attire consisted of a gray suit and lime green tie. Jack had proposed to Kaleigh on Christmas Day 2010 and with both living apart on opposite ends of the state, they planned an unforgettable wedding. Congratulations to you both on starting your journey together. I wish you many years of happiness :+) Thank you for allowing me to be apart of your special day!

The "Story" of a Lifetime Wedding

Mr. and Mrs. Brian & Liz Story celebrated their "Love Story" at the lovely Duran Golf Club back in early June. I've had the pleasure of working with Liz over the duration of the last year as she planned her wedding; a remarkable woman, mother and past service member I must say, that has provided me with encouragement as my husband was on military orders the past year. She has truly left a mark on my life and grateful that I've had the opportunity to tell her "Love Story". Its apparent that Liz is quiet the beauty in addition to her daughter whom have provided me with the perfect opportunity for "Mom and daughter" portraits which left me in tears of happiness.  With Liz standing at Brian's side, they were as if there was no one else in the room watching them.  Brian, indeed a soulful man with a heart of gold, has created the perfect "Love Story" for his best friend. Thank you both for an amazing day that was filled with love, happiness, tears of joy and lots of smiles :+) My very best to you both as you start your journey together......

Katy & Ryan's May Wedding

Katy and Ryan celebrated their wedding nuptials of the beautiful greens of the Stuart Yacht and Country Club in Stuart, Florida.  After many months of planning from Indiana and France, the wedding couldn't be any more spectacular than they had planned for.  Katy, a local native to South Florida, whom I'm proud to have known since childhood, had waited patiently for her "dream day" to become "real". Ryan, a native of Indiana and working abroad in France, was immediately astounded by the beauty of his bride as she walked down the aisle. The couple chose "Walking in Memphis" as their first dance - their bliss was an amazing experience to watch as Ryan twirled her on the dance floor. To top off the evening, Katy's older brother whom is on active duty with the Military and was not able to attend the festivities, had a pre-recorded his toast that was played during the reception - absolutely speechless for all! Thank you both for an incredible wedding! I wish you many years of happiness as you start your journey as husband and wife! My very best.....XOXOXO

1950's inspired Engagement Session

Its not everyday that I get the opportunity to be apart of "themed" photoshoot, but when Jen and Matt tossed the idea around of a 1950's themed shoot - how could I refuse???? Jen and Matt's E-Session was taken over the course of 2 days, thanks to mother nature's lovebugs!! We had the opportunity to have some real 1950's fun by enjoying milkshakes and dancing to the tunes of the jukebox. As a note, the 1957 Chevy Bel Air is authentic with all of its original parts!! Jen and Matt are planning a late July wedding in Cocoa Beach and can't wait for their special day to arrive. Thank you both for a wonderful E-Session and I'll see you next month :+) 

The Craig & Ruff Family

The Craig and Ruff family invited me back again to take their annual family portraits in Melbourne at a local park on the river. Avery and Grant, the 2 cuties with amazing eyes and charm have grown so much since I saw them last year, especially with Avery walking now!! Its an amazing experience as a parent to watch children bloom into their own personalities. Avery, very much a "Daddy's girl" and Grant a "Momma's boy" was such a sight to see as they connect with their parents in their own way. Judi and Jim, locals to Brevard have such an amazing connection together and are always filled with smiles and laughs - makes me enjoy my job so much more! Avery and Grant's parents along with their children had traveled from Texas for vacation; as you can see, the children are blessed with their parent's beautiful features! Thank you all for a fun family session, its always great to see you and I look forward to seeing you again next Summer!!!

Carl & Keesha's E-Session

Carl & Keesha choose to have their Engagement Session on the sands of the beautiful Treasure Coast during the sunset as the sun casted vibrant colors of orange, pink and yellow.  The Treasure Coast, being my hometown is one of the most untouched and unhabitated beaches I've ever seen in all of my travels.  Carl & Keesha are having a July wedding, taking place at a botantical garden. Carl, being a long time childhood friend has found his love and I'm so thrilled to witness this time in his life.  Keesha, an amazing woman with a heart of gold and a smile that could light up the night sky is Carl's perfect match!! With both personalities, their engagement session was definately filled with lots of laughs, love and passion :+) Can't wait for next month to see these 2 love birds get hitched!!!

Alex & Zaklina's Wedding, "All dressed up in Purple"

Alex and Zaklina pledged their love on April 9th, 2011 at the Lutheran Church - Holy Cross  in Palm Beach followed by their reception held at the PGA Marriott. The couple has choosen the color Purple in various shades and Ivory; both the maids and groomsmen wore matching attire. Zaklina with her amazing green eyes wore an Alfred Angelo dress coordinated with a pair of gold Aldo glitter heals.  During the reception, I was able to sneak them off into the hotel lobby for a few minutes just for some "one on one time".  Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Alex Larriu, thank you for allowing me to capture your unforgettable day! I wish you both the very best !!  

Brian & Liz's Engagement Session

Liz and Brian decided to share their Sunday evening beneath beautiful Oak trees adorned with Spanish moss as they watched the sun fade away into the night.  The couple are planning to wed in June 2011, which Liz has been planning for over 1 year and hasn't missed a single detail.  Liz and Brian, without a doubt had no shyness when it came to being themselves and displaying their emotions for one another.  We spent our evening driving around the "greens" on a golf cart searching for the perfect spot - and there it was, a set of Oak trees in the distance. I'm looking forward to your big day when you both say, "I do". 

Carnival Love

With the arrival of Spring comes beautiful weather, engagement proposals and last but not least, the Carnival!!!  Tayler and Garrett are planning a late Summer wedding of this year in Winter Park as the couple recently engaged during the Christmas holiday season. Oh the fun I had......sitting on a carousel snapping photos isn't as easy as it sounds, but well worth it! The Carnival provided such a "colorful" location in addition to the balloons :+) Tayler and Garrett enjoyed their visit by taking advantage of the dart throwing and even won his blushing bride to be a teddy bear. As the sun set well into the West, the couple enjoyed their last ride and what better view could you get of the entire fairground - the Ferris Wheel of course!!

Cocoa Beach Pier Ceremony

The Williams & Kobe family traveled all the way from "The Windy City" to declare their love in the presence of their immediate family on the shores of the Cocoa Beach Pier in late March.  Lisa and Bob planned a family vacation with each of their 2 sets of teenagers during Spring Break and spent their time between Orlando and Cocoa Beach.  In addition to declaring their love for each other, Lisa & Bob decided to get "inked" prior to the ceremony with "3-24-11" to signify the date of the marriage. I wish you both a lifetime of bliss; thank you for allowing me to capture your special day.

Brad & Danielle, a "Pink and Tiffany Blue inspired wedding"

Brad and Danielle declared their love in the witness of their friends and family on February 26th, 2011 at St. Ignatius Loyola in Palm Beach Gardens followed by their reception at the PGA Marriott. As some of you may remember, I shot their engagement session back in mid December, in addition to having the opportunity to partake in my 1st South Florida wedding (which is my hometown where I grew up). Brad and Danielle, truly a passionate, loving and beautiful couple displayed tears of happiness as they vowed their selves to each other. Their large wedding party was amazing....we had tons of fun laughing and sharing jokes as I had them pose; truly a wedding party I will never forget :+) The reception room displayed the colors of hot pink accented with Tiffany Blue flower centerpieces.  To top off the wedding, Brad and Danielle had rented a vintage Chrysler Desoto limo providing me with many photo opportunities! Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Brad Misskelley, thank you for giving me the opportunity to be apart of your special day! I wish you both many years and happiness, love and good fortune!   

Sunday funday with the neighbors

Meet Bailey, Cole and younger sister Sophie.....3 angels of my lovely neighbor, Stacey. Sunday funday was just that; an ordinary weekend with the exception of Sophie's 3 yr old bday planned later in the afternoon. So, how does a mother of 3 manage a photo shoot on the day of her beautiful daughter's birthday party?? The answer is quite simple - I come to the home and document their families activities as is - neither props nor backdrops are needed, easy as that....simple lifestyle photography at its best! Stacey was preparing stuffed shells in the kitchen as the 3 kids (including my 2.5 yr old) run amongst the house - all well behaved and simply beautiful! Their home provided simplistic furniture, all from Pottery Barn, what more could I ask for?? Sister Sophie, quite sassy and as the mother states, "Aggressive she is no, but assertive she is!" Middle child, Cole....the sweetest eyes any mom would brag over is quite the model as he sat on the couch effortlessly as he looked into my camera lens. Older brother, Bailey...the teenager whom is all about sports and video games is the most reserved out of all the kids which he didn't mind me taking up just a few minutes out of his busy schedule. Sunday funday at its best - thank you Stacey, Bailey, Cole and Sophie for an amazing day in your personal home and I look forward to the next shoot within the next month or so.

Zaklina & Alex's Engagement Session

Zaklina and Alex, my 1st engagement couple of the new year.....and my......it was a memorable one! Zaklina, a European goddess with the most amazing green eyes that could make any mans knees fall to the ground accompanied with her Latin lover, Alex whom had me laughing half the photo shoot with a great personality.  Zaklina and Alex.....both filled with passion nevertheless, with the location picked by the bride couldn't have made their engagement shoot any less romantic than it was!! I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to be apart of their wedding in April 2011 in Palm Beach Gardens.  Thank you both for an amazing session :+)