This was such a fun and unique wedding!  It all started with a phone call from Justin… the first “groom” to call me on behalf of his bride-to-be… most of my grooms are quite happy to leave all planning details to the brides, just wanting to know where and when to show up for their wedding day  Justin was so fun and personable on the phone- I knew this wedding was going to be special, and I wasn’t disappointed! This was our first visit to Port St. Joe, and it quickly become a favorite destination of mine (by the way, just in case my in-laws happen to read my blog… I’m now going to hold you to your promise, made 13 years ago, to take me to Port St. Joe for a vacation!). Chyrel and I had a blast at their rehearsal dinner held at the Sunset Coastal Grill (food was amazing!), which gave us a great preview of what the next day would bring- lots of fun games, meaningful details, with love and laughter in abundance.  The next day was beautiful and sunny, a perfect day for a wedding. Maggie had many unique and fun details picked out for her wedding, and we had so much fun trying to find them all (there were so many, trying to track them all down to document felt like a scavenger hunt!  I feel pretty confident we managed to capture them all… but I wouldn’t bet on it either ).  A unique element of their wedding that I thought was truly special- Justin’s own father married them, which was a beautiful and touching way to begin their life together.  Unlike Pensacola, in Port St. Joe you’re allowed to have a small bonfire on the beach, and the reception was split between the “s’mores” stations down along the water, and the eating and dancing taking place up at the two beach homes.  Many friends and family members came from a great distance to be a part of this special day, and it led to an incredibly sweet and intimate wedding, with everyone having a wonderful time.

Maggie and Justin, thanks so much taking a chance on us without having an opportunity to meet us first!  Your wedding was unique and beautiful and I was touched by the obvious connection between you.  Maggie, you truly light up when Justin walks into a room… and even better, Justin, you do the same when you see Maggie.  I hope we have a chance to meet again in the future!

In this business I’ve been very lucky to meet lots of fun and talented people.  And Haley is definitely at the top of that list!  Haley is a fabulously talented wedding planner who I’m always super excited to work with  (a sample of weddings we’ve done together will prove my point more than words: Tara&Wes, Morgan&Trent, Eron&Jason).  So I was super excited when she chose Chyrel and I as her wedding photographers! We’re so excited with all the ideas she has planned for her own special day, and can’t wait to help her achieve her vision.  I haven’t known Ben as long, only getting a chance to meet him at the last few weddings, where he was a huge help to Haley- remaining calm and efficient in the midst of all the craziness that comes with any wedding (and getting plenty of experience to help out on his own wedding day!).  Though he was obviously a huge help at those weddings, it’s kind of hard to get to know someone when you’re both busy working hard  So it was wonderful to see how much fun he is when not working hard!  I’ve never seen Haley smile and laugh so much, and he definitely had me laughing and having fun as well. When working, Haley always seems so in control, organized, and on task… so it’s awesome to see how Ben can bring out her playful side  I can definitely see how these two became a couple, and I was excited to document the next stage in their lives… their engagement.  They now make their home in Mobile, AL and I had a blast wandering new-to-me areas, capturing their laughs, kisses, and wonderful chemistry.  I had waaay too many favorites, but even knowing how picture crazy Haley is, I couldn’t get away with blogging all 100 of my faves  I finally got it down to a manageable level… but every time I looked through their gallery I wanted to add more- they were just too much fun!

Haley, it was awesome spending time with you as a “client”… I hope you had as much fun as I did!  And, Ben, I’m impressed with your laughter inducing powers… continue to keep that smile on Haley’s face and I know you guys will be happy always!   I can’t wait for your fun New Year’s Eve wedding!!!!

What can I say about the Hayne family besides I absolutely LOVE them   I first photographed them in Pensacola; then followed them out to California… and now I get to photograph them in the beautiful countryside  near Denver, CO.  I can’t believe how BIG Landon and Mason have grown.  Same age as my kids, it just helps me realize how truly big my own kids have grown!  Time passes so fast when you don’t get to see someone very often; though it’s been three years since I last photographed these adorable boys, it only felt like a few short months since last I saw them.  Of course, it’s hard to improve much on perfection, but I feel confident in saying both boys have gotten even more handsome, while Ms Kristin is as beautiful and fun as ever!

You guys know I love you so much  I can’t wait until I can come visit again (and this time we HAVE to get Traf’s handsome face documented as well!).  Thanks for once again entrusting me with your family memories- it means a lot!

I fell in love with Colorado- in part because of the amazing people there!  On my first (but definitely not last!) trip to Colorado I was lucky to photograph Michelle and Dave and their 4 gorgeous kids.  It was such a difference for this native Floridian- dark green evergreens and red rocks instead of white beaches and historic downtown settings.  It was definitely a fun challenge and they were a fun group to work with- up to try anything , and ready and willing with smiles.  And can I just mention how exciting it was to be in the woods in summer- nice cool air with not a mosquito in sight (though I’ve been told they exist there- they definitely aren’t the same nuisance as you find here on an average day )… of course I kept arguing that it WASN’T hot… but no one seemed to believe me

Dave and Michelle, you guys were awesome!  I can’t wait to come back and share some more green juice with you