Amy & Paul's Engagement!!!

After a blast of a wedding Saturday night, Ezra and I headed back out to Fernandina for Amy and Paul's engagement session..

When Amy contacted me about doing her engagement session I knew it would be fun! She shared their love story and Paul's proposal on the pier at Fort Clinch. So, naturally that was the perfect location. We met Sunday morning at sunrise. The morning was clear, but a band of storms passing over Florida left the skies filled with large beautiful clouds that would allow the sun to peak out every so often. Here's a little preview of the morning's images...very beutiful and unique, enjoy!

Stacie & Chris Are Married!!!

Saturday we were blessed with photographing a beautiful wedding and reception on Amelia Island Plantation. On the marshfront deck of Walker's Landing, Stacie and Chris exchanged their vows in front of their family and friends. This wedding was so much fun and very special to me as Chris and Stacie are very good friends of ours and two of the sweetest people in the world!
Congratulations you two and we wish you the VERY, VERY BEST!!!! Thank you for such a great time and your wonderful friendship! Enjoy the sneak peak...Enjoy your honeymoon more! ;)

Even More Pictures.... click below for more fun with Stacie & Chris :)

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Stacie's Photo Cards & Signature Frame

Stacie's event cards and signature photo frame are here!!! I can not wait for her to see these- she was so excited with the proofs and now here they are in person! She is using her photo cards in her wedding program for guests. Stacie and Chris picked their two favorite images from their engagement shoot and a beautiful bible verse for their photo cards. Her signature frame photo is also one of my favorites from their session- they are sooo cute! A metallic 8x10 print will be the centerpiece for her guest signatures. This frame is very elegant and I know they will enjoy it for years!

News & Trends: Must Haves {Part 1: Videography}

Many brides that I work with share their feelings about the value of photography and how they are commited to keeping that a top priority because the pictures will be all they have after their wedding is over. While this is true, there is sometime else that is just as important...

Videography is typically overlooked or is the first to go when a budget needs to be tightened. Due mostly to a misconceived notion that the same footage can be captured on a personal DVD camcorder. It's hard to image all the precious moments that are missed.

A good videographer offers the same quality and artistic eye as a photographer. The beauty and emotion that they can produce is phenomenal and well worth the investment. Not only will an experienced videographer know how to adjust and anticipate the great shots, they will also creatively edit your footage to reveal a cinematic movie of your special day that you will actually enjoy watching and sharing with others.

Choosing the right videographer is just as important as choosing a photographer. Do your research, choose a style and personality that matches yours. View lots of examples and talk to your friends and other vendors that you are working with. I have worked with too many brides and learned that the ones who hired a videographer were so thankful they did and those who did not wish they had.

This moment in your life (your wedding day) will happen only once and it really will all just be a big blur when it is over with. Videography and Photography together allow you the precious keepsakes that you will enjoy over the years. To be able to look back and see in motion your love and the family and friends that were there to celebrate it with you will be worth every penny.

Click here for just one example of cinematic videography that is worth your consideration.

Amanda & Ronney's Wedding!!!

Saturday, I had the pleasure of working with Amanda and Ronney! They are a super sweet couple who clearly have so much fun with one another and are sooo in love! Their family is equally as sweet and kind- thank you all for such a wonderful time...the kids were just too cute :) Amanda & Ronney, we wish you the best and all the happiness in the world. I hope you enjoy the sneak peak...

News & Trends: True Value of a Wedding Planner {Priceless}

...As promised and inspired by the ABC Meeting at the The Capital Grille and presentation by Cassandra Cherneski {Flaire Weddings}

The ABC Meeting this week was a very important for us because as the economy is an ever growing concern for our brides and their budgets. A wedding consultant can be the saving grace for stretching every penny and also ensuring a stress free, successful event. Too often we see many brides {and mothers of the brides} stress about details and logistics of all the activities that have to not only fit perfectly in place but also depend on a delicate balance of timing and organization. They try to coordinate all vendors and activities themselves and do not get to really enjoy the little moments that make up the unforgettable experience of the day...instead it is all a blur and they are completely exhausted {emotionally, physically and mentally}.

From a vendor's perspective Event Planners and Coordinators make our jobs easier and less stressful as well. They work out a VERY realistic timeline of events so everyone knows what is happening and when {this alone is essential to a successful event}. Specifically for photographers by which time and organization are essential to quality images. However, much of what they do goes unknown and unseen. As most weddings go it is just a fact that not everything will be perfect. The real value of a coordinator's expertise comes in peace of mind. They intercept issues and situations; correcting, fixing and creating solutions before and without the bride even knowing. It can be compared to a conductor of a beautiful symphony orchestra- when everyone is in harmony it is a wonderful melody, but if one note is off the entire production could be ruined. It is definitely worth sitting down with an event planner and coordinator to let them make the most of your budget but ultimately give yourself {and your mother} the gift of enjoying the day you have both dreamed about for so long!

Tell us what you think...we want to hear from you- what is on your mind, your unique advice, ideas, challenges and solutions for other brides about marriage, stress, love and life in general!

Place your comments below to inspire!

ABC Meeting- The Capital Grille

Tonight we had the pleasure of attending the ABC {Association of Bridal Consultants} Meeting at The Capital Grille. We were welcomed by a beautiful array of wines and specialty Hors D' oeuvres...their Pan Fried Calamari is especially delicious :)

Among meeting and mingling with top wedding professionals in Jacksonville, we also enjoyed a Blogging 202...Beyond the Basics presentation by Cassandra Cherneski {Flaire Weddings}.

Cassandra touched on the basics of blogging but also how we as professionals can offer unique information to our brides that can help and inspire them to have the wedding of their dreams! So, newly inspired and now flowing with ideas you can expect a new energy on the blog that will offer news and trends of all things wedding! Of course this mixed in with our real weddings and stories of all the couples and wonderful brides we are blessed to work with.

This post will serve as the introduction of the new series...we are looking forward to the future posts :)

Clothing Drive for Girls {Prom Dresses Needed}

The Professional Women's Council and the PACE Center for Girls is having a clothing drive through the end of April for girls (age 12-18) who are part of the PACE Center's Non- Residential Delinquency Prevention Program.

How can you help? The girls need prom dresses! Any formal dresses, bridesmaids dresses, your old prom dresses, etc. As well as any other clothing items you may not need any more (shirts, pants, skirts, shorts, etc.). This is a great time to clean out your closet and be a part of making a young woman's life a little bit brighter with some beautiful clothes that inspire their individuality and inspires self confidence!

If you can help in any way, please email me to find out how to donate your clothing items and prom dresses. Thank you so much for making a difference!

Beautiful Sunrise!!!

This morning we got up early and headed to the beach! What a great start to the weekend. Chris and Stacie were as beautiful and fun as ever! The lighting and the weather could not have been more perfect :)

It is always so wonderful to have the opportunity to work with a couple that is clearly sooo in love and just absolutely enjoy themselves and forget we are there with the cameras. Here is a little sneak peak, enjoy...

...see more pics here :)

Erin & Dean :)

Tonight was another beautiful wedding and awesome reception! Erin and Dean are a wonderful couple with a loving family that really knows how to celebrate. Here is a little sneak peak...more photos are on facebook and a slideshow will be coming soon...Enjoy!