A few months ago, we shared the amazing news that a selection from our winter 2010 editorial was chosen for the Grace Ormonde inspiration galleries. Today, we’re excited to share that the editorial has a 3-page spread in the March/April 2012 Bridal Guide magazine issue!

We thank all the talented vendors that helped to bring this vision to life and waited so patiently for the issue to be released. We’re thrilled this editorial has received such a great response and can inspire brides nationally.

But that’s not all that’s in store for this collaboration. You’ll be able to see the editorial featured on Brenda’s Wedding Blog this Friday, February 3rd and here on our blog next week. You won’t want to miss those features that will include never-before-seen images and an exclusive film created by Tampa Wonderworks (We’ve been dying to share with all of you for a little over a year)!

We couldn’t have done any of this without the tremendous talent and support of Brenda Bennett Maille, Kristin Anderson Rose, Marlene Garcia Turner, Bryan Coward, Samantha Powell Valentin, Lauren Harper Grove, Mante Baronas, Michele Renee Zerda, Amanda Allen, Tristian ‘Brien’ Skidmore, Cindy Almanzar Rivera, and Ivy Long. Sending a virtual hug to each of you!

Cruising aboard the Carnival Inspiration for 4 days, pristine aqua-marine water, a beautiful ceremony on an exclusive and limited access beach club with a lovely couple and their sweet family and friends.

Margarita and Juan’s destination wedding in Mexico was definitely an adventure and an unforgettable experience. There are so many details, that the feature will be two-parts. Their lovely wedding day as you’ll see below and part II will include the rest of our 4-day adventure.

There are many elements that made this experience so unique, but one of my favorites was spending a few days with our couple, their family and friends, and the very special person who made this all possible by referring us to Margarita, one of our first brides- turned amazing friend, Nerlin. (You can see Nerlin and Andy’s beautiful wedding from Nov 2010 here)

Within a few seconds of meeting Margarita, you cant help but smile and be infected with her laughter. She is as beautiful on the inside as on the outside. Her eyes light up whenever Juan’s around and it’s adorable.  I’ll never forget how excited she was to see Juan for their first look. We set it up so that while everyone was debarking the ship, Margarita and Juan were alone at the top of the ship with an incredible view and practically the entire area to themselves! It was gorgeous! I found out there are many advantages to going on a cruise for your destination wedding, but I’ll save all those tips for a future blog post.

When we arrived in Mexico we had an awesome surprise waiting for us. An extra hour. Yep, we didn’t realize the time difference and had a whole additional hour! Let me tell you, to a wedding photographer that’s like winning the lottery! When we got past the port, (and everyone there either congratulating the couple or yelling that they still had time to reconsider, lol) we took a taxi and Juan brought us to a beautiful rocky beach area where we did their bride and groom portraits. Juan also introduced us to coconuts with lime and chile…yum!

Margarita and Juan had their ceremony at the exclusive Nachi Cocom Beach Club in Cozumel. Their wedding colors included tangerine tango the stunning 2012 Pantone Color of the year. Ana and the rest of the Nachi Cocom team did an amazing job with all the details and the lovely wedding cake was scrumptious! I wanted to bring some back home with me, along with a little bit of the  home-made salsa and chips!

This was our first time to Cozumel and hopefully not our last. Margarita and Juan, we wish you many, many years of happiness and from the bottom of our heart, thank you. For trusting us with your beautiful memories and for sharing this wonderful adventure with us! Much love to you and your family!

 

Even before meeting Jessica and Jessie for their engagement session we had a feeling this couple’s relationship was very special. The way they tease each other; the loving way Jessie looks at Jessica; the infectious happiness that they share. I couldn’t stop smiling as I was gathering the images for their blog feature! I’ll never forget how Jessica glowed on her wedding day. Purely elegant and classic with a love of Pride & Prejudice and everything vintage.

When I walked in and saw her absolutely breathtaking gown and gorgeous bouquet, I couldn’t wait to see Jessie’s face when he saw his bride! As I mentioned in their e-session blog feature, Jessica and Jessie had to move up their wedding date due to Jessie’s obligations in the Air Force (coincidentally we discovered Jessie will be deployed to Saudi Arabia, which is where Khaled is from.) We were amazed with how well everything worked out and how this sweet couple handled the changes.  Their wedding was set for a Friday and I must say, I loved it. It was our first Friday wedding and it just felt so different. Their intimate church wedding was simply classic and lovely. Aside from me almost falling in front of everyone during the ceremony (we’ll leave those boring details for another time) this was definitely a wedding we’ll never forget!

We are so thankful for Jessica and Jessie’s family and bridal party. They were such a pleasure to spend time with and so helpful. Jessica and Jessie, thank you for allowing us to be part of your day. We hope our images bring the happiness and beautiful memories from your wedding day to life everyday.

Wedding gown designer: Robin Jillian
Wedding gown boutique: Jon’s Bridal
Bride’s dress shoes: Marc Fisher
Garter: Fredericks
Bride’s Hair: Mei of Divine Design 
Bride’s Make Up: Lindsay Does Makeup
Wedding cake: Publix
Invitations, Paper products: Bride (DIY)

Featuring our clients’ weddings on our blog let’s us relive their special day, but I especially love that it allows us to savor the moments that while documenting weddings may rush by.

You might remember Matt & Alison from their sweet engagement session last March. Their October rustic-elegant wedding was at the lovely Cross Creek Ranch. When Alison told us that her wedding reception would take place in a barn with hundreds of twinkling lights and her wedding colors included razzleberry pink, chocolate brown, and apple green, we were excited to see it all come together.

Although rain threw some challenges our way on Matt and Alison’s wedding day, their romance and love prevailed even under the harshest weather conditions. The Cross Creek Ranch crew were amazingly helpful, even holding umbrellas over Khaled while he shot formals and I positioned family and friends under the barn. Additionally, we couldn’t have asked for a more understanding or sweeter bridal party! The guests had a phenomenal time and the evening celebration went on without a hitch.

Enjoy some of our favorite images from their sweet wedding. The wedding details are all lovely but you MUST check out the groom’s cake. It’s simply a work of art. Created by Matt’s aunt, Gayle.

Wedding gown designer: Robin Jillian
Wedding gown boutique: Jon’s Bridal
Bride’s dress shoes: Nina
Bride’s cowgirl boots: Ariat 
Garter: The Chica Boutique (Etsy)
Bride’s jewelry:  T’s Studio Jewelry (Etsy)
Bride’s hair/make-up: Collective Creation’s - Marissa Bush
Groom’s cake – Groom’s Aunt – Gayle Brown
Wedding cake & cupcakes - Publix
Cake topper – Nicole Clark (Etsy)
Pastor: Mark Saunders from Baylife Church
Wedding Venue: Cross Creek Ranch
Florist: Alta Fleura by Alta McCarthy
Caterer: Hungry Harry’s BBQ
Invitations, Place Cards, Programs – Bride & Groom (DIY)

Ok, I admit it. Speedy Gonzales gave me my first exposure to a place called Mexico. Yes, I was six year old, who can blame me? He was the funniest little cartoon ever! However, as I grew older I fell in love with something much more important: Mexican food! Hey, I’m not talking Tijuana Flats, Chipotle, or Taco Bell (although, I love every.single.one.of.those.) I’m talking about authentic, scrumptious, Mexican food. Those tasty empanadas, tortillas made from scratch, enchiladas and mouth-watering sauce…yeah, I’m getting hungry.

You can imagine my excitement as I was having lunch with my previous bride, Nerlin, and she went into detail about her sweet friend, Margarita’s, destination wedding to…you got it, Mexico! It was a few months later that we would have the opportunity to meet Margarita and Juan in person and we couldn’t be happier to document their beautiful wedding day.

Margarita and Juan will be saying their I-do’s in Cozumel at the exclusive Nachi Cocum Beach Club this Saturday and we’ll be boarding the Carnival Inspiration headed to Cozumel this evening!

We’ll be doing many ‘firsts’ on this adventure. It’ll be Khaled’s first cruise. My first time traveling internationally, which means my first time using my passport. (Yay! The travel junkie in me is just throwing a huge party!) Our first time to Mexico, our first international destination wedding, and our first cruise together. To say we’re thrilled is an understatement.

¡Ándele! ¡Ándele! ¡Arriba! ¡Arriba! Have a fabulous weekend!