Lacey and Logan Wedding! (Part 1)
Last month we covered Lacey and Logan’s wedding at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens in Gainesville. Since Lacey and Logan were getting ready in different spots, Ryan and I split up for the getting ready shots. The atmosphere with the bridesmaids and Lacey was awesome. They just enjoyed each other and getting ready (despite some of the minor setbacks of the day). Here are some of my favorite shots from the first part of their big day…
Meanwhile…
Much more to come soon!
Whitney & Zac Engagement Shoot
This past weekend we did an engagement shoot for Whitney and Zac on the campus of the University of Florida. We had an amazing time working with them and loved that they brought items that were significant to their relationship, such as their wonderfully vintage matching his-her bikes. Yes, Ryan and I were happy campers. I hope you love looking through them as much as we loved taking them.
I’m so tempted to write the story of how Whitney and Zac got together right here, but I’m going to hold off until I post more. All I’m going to say is that moms certainly know what they’re doing:)
In the fields surrounding Lake Alice…
Through the bike spokes… 
Because Whitney and Zac said they loved how people are so genuinely happy in our photos, here they are… so sweet and so happy in sepia. Thanks, Whitney & Zac! We can’t wait to share the stadium and Century Tower shots with you! And then it’s off to the Crosley for the wedding!!
Carla & Andy Engagement Shoot Sneak Peek!
Today we did an engagement shoot for Carla and Andy- so fun! They picked downtown Gainesville as their spot. Here are the photos that I couldn’t help but edit right away. Andy said to us how low key and easy it was (his first photo shoot like this) and we have to say a big thank you in response for Andy and Carla’s company and an awesome photo day!
Megan and Liam! Family Photo Time!!
The day before Thanksgiving Liam and Megan made it official – they are now married! We covered their courthouse wedding and the family portraits (all in an hour and a half). But the fun is just beginning because this was only the first in a long line of amazing photo days. In January we have an engagement shoot with them and then the BIG wedding weekend in May. We couldn’t be more excited! We had so much fun with them and can’t wait for some more!!! Hope you enjoy some of the shots from the family portrait part of the shoot!
Megan and Liam asked for some non-traditional family photos and this is one of our favorites from the bunch. Love that low aperture and shallow depth of field!!! I also absolutely adore the little girls in the background who look like they are imagining their “someday”s.
Laughing away…
The top picture came about because the little guy was not so happy with the camera. So, of course, I showed him a picture of himself and… who doesn’t like to see photos straight from the camera? The funny faces, smiles, and silliness ensued. The bottom pictures (side by side) are Liam and his brother sitting on a bench doing their thoughtful man poses to each other – we couldn’t resist snapping away.
Grandpa looking over at Megan (not in the frame).
Yep, this picture pretty much sums how we felt after getting to know Megan and Liam. Thanks to Liam and Megan for taking us along for the ride! We’re honored and having a terrific time so far!
Erin & TJ Married!! The Ceremony
Erin and TJ were so incredibly sweet. They were completely head of heels for each other. And I must say, we were pretty head over heels loving the shoot, them and all the folks we got to know!
The portrait shots and reception shots are on their way soon!! Keep checking back!
Sneak Peek at Erin and TJ’s Wedding!
Erin and TJ- we hope you love your tiny sneak peek! More to come soon!!
Priyesh and Manisha Engagement Ceremony and Party!
In September, Ryan and I headed to Jacksonville for the engagement party for Priyesh and Manisha. As I mentioned in their post for the engagement portrait shoot, I was so excited when Priyesh called me initially about the engagement portraits and also the engagement party. I was even more excited to be at the party and see it all in action. I had previously (and very briefly) met some of Priyesh’s family, but to see everyone gather from both families to celebrate was amazing. More than 200 family members were there to celebrate the engagement. Some family members even flew in from Zimbabwe! Anyway, hope you enjoy a glimpse into the first part of their big night! Congrats to them both!!!
The festivities started with a receiving line of the families greeting each other.
Priyesh’s father and grandfather.
Manisha’s mom.
Priyesh and Manisha entering. Afterward there were pictures and hugs galore as Priyesh and Manisha said hello.
I LOVE her reach for Priyesh to pull him into a hug.
It’s late, so I’m heading off to get rested for another exciting day of edits and posting. So many great moments and details that I’m feeling like a Part 2 and Part 3 may even be in order!
Meghan + Daniel Married!!
Meghan and Daniel’s wedding last week was such a joy to photograph. When Ryan and I met Meghan and Daniel, we commented on how loving they seemed. Meghan exudes joy. Little did we know that their families would be the same way. From behind the lens, you could tell how incredibly close they were with their families. Too often I felt like I was peering into a beautifully private moment as they interacted. Ryan pointed it out too – how close and how sweet. It’s in those moments, that I’m so grateful. Thanks to Meghan & Daniel for letting us share those times with you and your loved ones!
Meghan & Daniel choose the Wedding Oak location at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens for their ceremony spot. Each guest had a map to help them find their way with a heart over the Wedding Oak- I loved them!
The flower girl – so precious!
As a surprise, the ring was carried by the ring bearer on a baseball mit.
Meghan and her sisters clearly adored their father, and he adored them. On the way out to the ceremony, he helped to carry her train and his daughters flocked to fix his vest – so sweet. At one point Ryan commented on how wonderful it must be to be the patriarch of the family like that.
Meghan about to join her father to walk down the aisle.
Meghan’s bridesmaids were her three sisters and Daniel’s sister. Here’s one of her sisters watching the ceremony
A couple of my favorites from the portrait session right after the ceremony.
The Father-Daughter Dance and all the happy tears, smile and camera’s surrounding.
Meghan’s grandfather grabbed her for a dance and her grandmother snapped away.
There are so many more photographs that I love and want to share on here. There are also so many other people at the wedding who I know were incredibly close to the bride and groom that didn’t make it in here. To all of you – no worries – you haven’t been forgotten! All the pictures will be up in the gallery in the next 6 weeks or so.
**In case you noticed the switch up of the last post (now gone) to this one, there’s a reson…. I just didn’t feel like it was showing off the best part of the day – the people. So…. I replaced it! Hope you like the switch as much as I do!**
Priyesh + Manisha Engaged!!!
I’ve known Priyesh for… wow… seven years now. We went to undergrad at UF together and I can’t tell you how excited I was to get his call that he was engaged!!! Priyesh is one of those amazing people, a gentleman to the core. And I’m happy to report that Manisha is amazing too! They were adorable – he came with his thank you signs (yes, his idea and creation – wait til you see them) and her with a thousand sweet questions to get to know everything Priyesh. They make a beautiful, intelligent, and truly lovely couple. Congrats, Priyesh & Manisha! We can’t wait to see you both for the engagement ceremony in a week!
The photo above was taken at the old courthouse on Centre Street in Fernandina Beach. Further down the street I had scouted out an old stairwell – such a find! I had to crop down the pictures so that Priyesh and Manisha were more than a couple dots, but it’s GORGEOUS on my huge monitor without the crop.
After Centre Street, we headed over to the beach. Much less formal and so much fun!!
I have a million more fantastic shots that I’m tempted to put up, but I’ve got to rein myself in. I’ll leave you with Priyesh’s wonderful “Thank You” posters. There’s other great “Thank You” photos in their different outfits, but I had been dreaming about this shot with them up on the lifeguard chair. I’m a sucker for wide angles and lens filters that make the colors ridiculously dreamy.
Meghan + Daniel Engagement Shoot
This past Saturday, we met up with Meghan & Daniel for their Micanopy engagement shoot. They were adorable and a blast to talk with throughout the shoot. Meghan told the story of Daniel teasing and chasing her around in middle school. He explained later that he was just awe-struck by her beauty (yup, check out those blue eyes!) I felt like I was in gym class along with them. So cute!!! Anyway, they have so many amazing things coming their way and we’re thrilled to be covering their wedding day tomorrow!
Yep, I LOVE the smile she has in the next shot and the light sneaking in through the corner. So sweet!
We finished the shoot with a trip out to the Payne’s Prairie to capture the sunset. Here’s one of my many favorites from the Payne’s Prairie boardwalk.
Well, I’m off to prepare for Meghan and Daniel’s big day tomorrow. Happy Friday, folks!
Bride Ideas Sticky Notes
I absolutely LOVE Chronicle Books. I realized it after seeing them listed on favorite books as publisher time and time again, I got the hint and checked out their website and even their shop in San Fransisco. After that I was hooked. I visit their site every few month. Tonight I stumbled across an upcoming release – on September 16th Brides Ideas Sticky Notes comes out full of notes for flagging magazines, calls to make, and more. Awesome gift to help a bride stay organized or to treat yourself if you’re a bride!
Myron & Yvette Post Wedding Shoot
With the Yvette and Myron’s wedding past, we were able to really kick back at the post wedding shoot and play around. Yvette and Myron showed up in their all their stylish splendor – him with an old timey hat and her with another gorgeous flower in her hair. The shoot took place at Bok Tower just outside of Orlando and was a perfect pairing to their wedding location photos (even had the same blue -trimmed windows!!) But the best part had to be when Myron got in the hexagon and started doing the robot. “What??” you ask… you’ll see… Anyway, thanks to Myron and Yvette for another fun-filled day and lots of laughs!
Elum Desk Sets
I couldn’t resist sharing these beautiful letterpress desk sets I found at Elum this morning. Wouldn’t they make wonderful bridesmaid presents? I adore them! I’m particularly crazy about the yellow Aviary design, but they are all wishlist-worthy. Thought you might want to check them out at http://www.elumdesigns.com/shop/letterpress-desk-sets. Happy looking!
Jamaica Bound!
I’m so excited – one of my booked brides just told me that she is 95% sure she’s switching her wedding at the end of the year to Jamaica!!
RESOURCES FOR BRIDES – Templates from Russell + Hazel
Oh my goodness, I just came accross a new online shop, Russell + Hazel. It’s amazing! You should definitely check it out for all of their stylish office supplies and gift ideas. But the really exciting bit is their free, beautiful and helpful templates for brides. In order to respect all the hard work that they did putting it together, I’ve listed out all the templates available and will give you the link to the containing page (rather than direct links for each template.) The link is http://www.russellandhazel.com/ideas_weddingtemplates.html. Enjoy!
1. Wedding Timeline/Checklist_1
2. Wedding Timeline/Checklist_2
3. Wedding Timeline/Checklist_3
4. Wedding Timeline/Checklist_4
5. Wedding Timeline/Checklist_5
6. Beauty Worksheet_Hair
7. Beauty Worksheet_Makeup
8. Bridal Party Contact List
9. Bridal Salon Appointments
10. Bridesmaid Fashion Worksheet
11. Bridesmaid Fashion Worksheet for Bride
12. Budget Worksheet_1
13. Budget Worksheet_2
14. Budget Worksheet_3
15. Budget Worksheet_4
16. Budget Worksheet_5
17. Ceremony Worksheet
18. Day-of Wedding Checklist
19. Destination Wedding Event Schedule
20. Destination Wedding Travel Worksheet
21. Emergency Kits
22. Floor Plan_Rectangular Tables
23. Floor Plan_Round Tables
24. Floor Plan_Square Tables
25. Flower Worksheet
26. Groom & Groomsmen Fashion Worksheet
27. Groom & Groomsmen Fashion Worksheet for Bride
28. Guest List Tracker
29. Honeymoon Travel Details
30. Menu Worksheet
31. Music Play/Do Not Play List
32. Music Worksheet
33. Photo Shot List
34. Registry Information
35. Registry Worksheet_1
36. Registry Worksheet_2
37. Rentals Worksheet_1
38. Rentals Worksheet_2
39. Rentals Worksheet_3
40. Transportation Worksheet
41. Travel & Accommodations Worksheet
42. Vendor Contact List_Baker
43. Vendor Contact List_Caterer
44. Vendor Contact List_Ceremony Location
45. Vendor Contact List_Florist
46. Vendor Contact List_Musicians/DJ
47. Vendor Contact List_Officiant
48. Vendor Contact List_Photographer
49. Vendor Contact List_Reception Location
50. Vendor Contact List_Stationer
51. Vendor Contact List_Videographer
52. Vendor Contact List_Wedding Planner
53. Wedding Cake Worksheet
54. Wedding Day Timeline
55. Wedding Gown & Accessories Order Worksheet
56. Wedding Invitation Worksheet
57. Wedding Stationery Order Worksheet
60 Charming & Absolutely Amazing Wedding Invitation Sites
Yes, the time has finally come to share some of my most coveted links. Below you’ll find a list of 60 AMAZING stationery sites. I handpicked them and set the links to take you as directly as possible to the wedding invitation/wedding portfolio areas of the sites. This collection includes some more traditional stationery sites, but mostly it’s a collection of charming designs. You’ll swoon as soon as you see all the contrasting colors, beautiful letterpress, great combinations, vintage-inspired styles, and just plain breathtaking paper choices out there. Sit down, ladies, because here we go!
Good on Paper Design
Linda & Harriett
Pearl by Milkmaid Press
Wiley Valentine
Hammerpress
Cheree Berry
Hello, Lucky!
Bella Figura
Atelier Isabey
The Lettered Olive
Inkbox Design Studio (Definitely worth waiting for it to load – go to the portfolio section. Gorgeous destination invites!!)
Paper & Chocolate
Paper + Cup Designs
Bird and Banner
Sesame Letterpress
Olive-Route
Simplesong Design
Sonia Davis Design
Float Paperie
Flush Designs
Swayspace Letterpress
Paisley Quill
Yonder Yest
Pretty Handsome Paper (Make sure you look below after you click on a style – great combinations!)
Kenzie Kate
Sanskripts
Pica Press (my favorite part is the custom design => wedding)
Brown Sugar Design (Worth the hunt to the wedding portfolio)
Blush Paperie
Blue Ribbon Design
Paper Cut Industries
Martha Stewart (through Crane & Co.)
Dauphine Press
Kate Spade (through Crane & Co.)
White Aisle
Subtle Glances Letterpress
CEVD
Mr. Boddington’s Studio
Design des Troy
Chartula Studio (Laser cut invitations – lots of potential)
Elum
Minna Designs
Miss Pickles Press (Really amazing for all the tiny wedding details)
Ephemera
Saima Says Design
Mok Duk
Chewing the Cud Weddings
Linea Carta
Lulu Paper
Milkmaid Press
Peculiar Pair Press
Carrot and Stick Press
Two Paperdolls
Oslo Press (Paper & wood invites – love them!!!)
Night Owl Paper Goods (Another site for paper & wood invites)
Letterpress Studio & Custom Designs
If you are like me and have looked through all these and felt the uncontrollable urge to design your own invitations, the following three links are for you. They all do letterpress for custom designs (as in your design), but they also have designers on staff to help you out. Hope you find the links helpful!
Yvette + Myron Married!! Part 2
The story and their happiness speak for themselves, so without much introduction…. Here is the much anticipated Part 2 – Enjoy!!
Being announced as husband and wife – I love the look on their faces!!
Yvette + Myron Married!! Part 1
Two Sundays ago, Ryan and I arrived at the doorstep of the makeup artist’s home in Winter Park to shoot Yvette and her bridal party getting their hair and makeup done. From the first sign of style (yes, those little ballet shoes below) I knew I was in photographer’s heaven. To start with, Yvette and Myron picked the most charming details for their wedding day. More than that though, Yvette and Myron truly lit up around each other. The fun they have together exuded out from them. I wish I had had two heads and four arms so I could have held two cameras and captured every little joyful expression (one locked on Yvette and one on Myron). Thank goodness for Ryan and his amazing camera skills! All together we got oodles and oodles of fantastic shots of them. Many thanks to Myron and Yvette for trusting us to tell their story and share in their lovely wedding!
Without further ado, here is Part 1 which leads us up to the the ceremony itself…
Here is the flower that her bridal party wore – I’m in love with them!!
A sneak peek at what’s coming in part 2….
Barbara & Johnny Beach Engagement Shoot!
This week I’m catching up on all the blogging that I’ve missed and I’ve decide to start with Barbara & Johnny… my beach couple. Like many groom-to-be’s, Johnny was a little camera wary, but OH MY GOODNESS… after about 5 minutes we were swapping doctor stories (he’s a resident and so is my sister) and he was giving me AMAZING shots. And let’s not forget Barbara, who was incredibly sweet. Together they were a breeze to photograph and whole bunch of fun. Thanks guys!
There’s a pier a short(ish) walk down the beach from their house. You couldn’t ask for a better location. Check these photos out!
Here’s to Barbara’s long hair and a beautiful sunset…
I’ll tie things up with their kiss on the pier… one of my favorites.
Sean & Jian Married!!
Last Monday we braved the rain to get amazing shots of Sean and Jian as they tied the knot at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens in Gainesville. Here’s a sneak peek of their photos!
Walking down the aisle with Sean’s father, the real trooper of the day (you’ll see why in a bit!). These also show Jian’s dress which was custom designed and made by her sister in China.
The look right after the kiss…
Jian makes this shot look like it was during the shoot after the wedding. This is actually her just looking beautiful while setting up before the wedding.
As I mentioned before, it rained but this was no normal rain… it was torrential rains for about 30 minutes. The most amazing part of the day was how helpful and sweet the whole family was. Sean slugged through the rain to make sure everything was just right for the wedding while Jian rescued Sean’s father for the oncoming deluge and looked after everyone. If you could imagine the complete opposite of selfishness, you have Jian. Here she is in action…
We couldn’t resist capturing this…
After the wedding Sean and Jian changed into some of her traditional outfits flown in from China (also designed by her sister). I felt like a little kid at Christmas… the outfits were gorgeous and so much fun to photograph!
Sean and Jian, many thanks for letting us share in your big day and take shelter in the gazebo!
Saturday’s Bridal Obsessions
I’m completely and utterly obsessed with some of these items and ideas for brides. They’re in no particular order and the photographs are not mine, but I had to share!!
1) Oui ring – it’s Dior and discontinued, but I’m madly in love with the sweetness and simplicity of it. If you go the custom-made route, the style could always be used to spell something else.
2) Map paintings by Rachel Ann Austin. These bright paintings are done on maps. I’m not sure whether or not she’ll do custom work – but wouldn’t it be fantastic to have your first hometown as newlyweds incorporated into a painting? I adore the idea and her cheerful colors. These make me smile…
3) Umbrellas & Parasols – either as a bridal extra or as a photo shoot prop, I’m ga-ga over the idea of umbrellas. This umbrella is a Guy de Jean parasol, available in a dusty purple, cream, black and some other colors. If you don’t want to pay top-dollar for a brand new umbrella, you can always go to the great selection at Bella Umbrella. Bella Umbrella is both a rental and umbrella sales store. The story behind it is wonderful and inspiring too – a bride bought all of these umbrellas for her own wedding and then started a rental company with them. There’s a whole section on bridal parasols too (although I’m partial to bright colorful umbrellas).
4) Colorful, non-traditional ring bears pillows. Although I made the pillow for my sister’s wedding and I have to say, it was pretty good, it’s nice to save the time and buy them. These from bklyn pillow are delightful. Their current stock is a little scarce, but keep checking back – I’m sure she’ll have more soon!
5) Vanessa by Grazia - These shoes are an old obsession and they were my sister’s find and final pick for wedding shoes. As a gift for being her maid of honer, she gave them to me in black. I don’t think I could be more infatuated. They are surprisingly easy to walk in and stay glued on to your feet so you never worry about a mishap. Worth every little penny.
6) Every Jot & Tittle – I keep trying to invent ways I could use this etsy seller’s adorable tags. The most obvious answer is that they would make perfect placecards or table numbers. The best part? She does custom orders.
7) Paper flowers. The best paper flowers that I’ve seen done are by Zoe Bradley – they make me want to design for merchandise/ store fronts. Her work is beautiful and clean and large. Paper flowers can be a bit hokey… not these though! My suggestion would be to check out Paper Source and their flower kits. You can always blow up the pattern and do them in the color of your choosing.
Keep an eye out for a huge batch of new photos in the next couple weeks!!!
Spring Showers: Cheery Bridal Shower Gift & Decorating Ideas
Happy Monday! Thought I would start the week out right with some bridal shower gift & decorating ideas. Stay tuned every week for more product recommendations and, of course, to see the latest photos!
Summer & Chris Hitched!!!
Exciting news… Summer and Chris are married and on to their new life together. I could go on all day about how wonderful it was… Chris did an amazing job with his own vows. When a marine is crying, you know it’s a great wedding! The bridesmaids sang Summer and Chris down the aisle, Summer’s dad was their preacher, and everything was so charming (even the cake falling over!) – and lucky me was there to witness it all. The best part was the focus on the truly important stuff. Here are a few shots from their engagement session…. Thanks for being so much fun, Summer and Chris!
After the graffiti wall we headed over to the Kaypok tree on Palm Beach Island. The next photo has to be my favorite photos from the day…. The reason I love it? Chris is constantly aware of Summer’s happiness and everything else. Not treating her as fragile, but as a treasure. Here she’s slipping down the tree root and…. he’s got her.
And to finish out, one of the photos that Summer is “obsessed” with….
