{Real Weddings} Keith & Lauren

Thank you guys so much for all of your awesome book recommendations yesterday, I can’t wait to dive in!  Actually I’m kind of dying, I wish I had the time to start now.

I get all sorts of wedding submissions… big parties, small parties, venues where everything is pre-planned, elopements that were planned in 3 days… there’s no one formula for a beautiful wedding.

But in the end, what really gets me are the emotions.  The bride dancing with her father… the first time the groom sees his bride… the pure joy on each and every person’s face.  That’s the best part…

Here’s the story straight from the bride…

Keith and I met through a sorority sister at UCF, who somehow knew “we were meant to be” and that we were perfect for each other. And sure enough we are. Keith and I love being outside, boating, beaching it up, and other fun things. We dated long distance for a while which was hard, but we some how managed to make it this far.

He proposed simply on April 9th in my bedroom. I think he tried to get my little beagle Lucy involved somehow but she wasn’t cooperating with him. Aka, I found him under the bed trying to get her to come out moments before the proposal.

I will move to wellington fl once I graduate. We are pretty simple people and love to have fun.

Photographer: Root Photography / Venue: Longboat Key Club

Alosha & Stephanie’s Artsy Engagements

Stephanie, an art teacher, and her fiancé Alosha really wanted their engagement shots to represent who they are as a couple, and what better idea for this creative pair than to stage a painting party?

Photographer: iDropPHOTO

So That’s Where The Snow Went! Tracy & Nicola’s Italian Engagements

I know I’ve been all about the sunshine lately, but I just couldn’t pass up this gorgeous winter wonderland of an engagement shoot.

And, as it turns out, while I was taking afternoon strolls in the sun, my parents were welcoming mass amounts of snow for the first time in… ever?  Well, maybe since ’69.

Growing up, I really only remember visiting snow.  If it fell on our house it was usually just in time to melt.  I think there might have been one time when I was able to build a very small snowman.  But this year, apparently anything is possible, because this week my childhood home saw a full eight inches of snow.

So, while you’re missing the snow that you might not have received this year, tell me, is this the prettiest winter shoot you’ve ever seen?  I think it is.

Photographer: Gianluca Adovasio Creative Wedding Photojournalism

{Real Weddings} Rachael & Adam’s Stylish Soirée

When I first opened this gorgeous submission from Anne Nunn Photographers, I wondered if it was a styled shoot.  I mean, seriously, look at that gorgeous couple.

Turns out, Rachael and Adam are just that fabulous.

As a photographer herself, Rachael knew exactly how to get the most gorgeous shots imaginable on her day.  She gave her photogs complete freedom to go anywhere they liked, and a full two and a half hours to shoot… which now has me rethinking my planned hour and a half.  Enough, do you think?  Maybe not.

Photographer: Anne Nunn Photographers / Hair Stylist: Face it! / Floral Designer: Cherish Hill Florist / Cake Designer: Market of Choice / Jewelry: Hum Designs Jewelry / Event Venue: Downtown Athletic Club, New Song Fellowship

A Little Inspiration: Winter Warmth

Swing / Suitcase / Cakes / Turntable / Book / Coke / Bride / Reindeer / Table / Cabin / Tree

It’s been much too long since I posted an inspiration board, and since it doesn’t feel like winter here at all, I thought I’d try and create my own.

I love that despite the cold, this board still feels warm and cozy.  Right now I would like nothing more than to be curled up in that cabin, sipping hot cocoa and humming along to Christmas songs with my honey.  I can’t believe I’m saying it… but I’m kind of ready for some snow.