Jennifer & Joseph say "I Do": Their Enchanted Fairytale

When Jennifer Griffis of Daytona Beach originally contacted me a while back to ask about wedding packages I could feel her excitement through the phone. Literally.  Her theme was one I had been waiting for, for quite sometime.  Working with  Disney weddings so long you would think that I had plenty of fairytale themed weddings, but this one was different. This one was "dark enchanted".  Of course me being the artist I am, got super super excited and started to visualize just exactly what this title meant.

Jennifer and I texted back and forth the months leading up to her wedding, I think we both screamed like girls through text a few times in excitement haha!  The planning for this shoot was very simple. I'm not sure why I could see it so clearly but it was probably the easiest vision for me to see in my mind. Having never met Jen in person I had to base the plan off of photos she had sent of she and Joe as a couple.  Ummm....hello...this a a great looking duo. With a great theme, great personalities, and a great location.

On Oct 4, 2014 (Wedding day!)  Coral and I were warmly greeted into Jen's parents home where she was finishing up her hair and makeup.  Jen welcomed us with the biggest smile and hug...I knew I was in the right place! Finally, I was getting to meet the person behind the voice that was filled with excitement from day one. Jennifer was even more stunning in person than the photos she had sent me.  She wore a small black birdcage veil that fit perfectly with the dark theme of her wedding, along with black lace heels and a blood red bouquet of roses wrapped in black lace.  We took some shots of Jen and her beautiful sisters as they laced her gown and helped her put her jewelry on. These shots are amazing! (See below)

Let's get to the venue.  As we walked to the location spot within the Ormond Memorial Gardens my heart started to pump harder. Holy wow, this place was amazing!  We walked down a tree covered path leading to a small open area that was beautifully landscaped with blooming flowers, gazebo, bridge, and even moss covered steps leading up to the alter. To top it off Collete of Vows and Views and her team added some amazing finishing touches to this already stunning spot. Everything from the white chairs, flower covered arch, hanging black decor, and a candle lit aisle, made this wedding a dark enchanted fairytale only fit for a princess.

Their wedding was followed by a beautifully decorated reception at The Venue at D.B. Pickles in Ormond Beach. 

Thank you Jennifer and Joe for an amazing experience!  I feel so blessed to have been a part of such a special day for you. You two really made me happy, and reminded me that this "job" isn't a job at all. It's my passion. 

*My favorite moment of the day was when Joe picked up Jennifer during their first dance

 and twirled her around in his arms....*sigh* how dreamy! I cried a little on that one!

Emily and Tyler say "I Do" beach style

Emily and Tyler of Orlando, promised each other a lifetime of love on May 16, 2014 at Paradise Cove in Lake Buena Vista Florida.

The name of their venue really does perfectly sum up this hidden property that overflows with amazingness.  It's truly paradise hiding next to one of America's largest tourist attractions, Disney World.  As you drive into Paradise Cove's long entrance you really begin to wonder if you are at the right place being that you are in a very busy tourist zone, but surprise!  Right there in the middle of it all sits this little gem.  This venue will make you want to kick your shoes off, grab a drink and turn up "Margaritaville" as you sit and look out at the lake view from their white sand beach.

Tyler and Emily decided to do a first look to help ease the stress of wedding photos and it couldn't have been sweeter! Tyler nervously stood on a long walkway that leads to the dock over the lake as Emily walked up behind him tapping him on the shoulder. As a photographer, this is one of the most exciting moments for me.  Surprises have always been so fun to me, and to get to see the facial expressions of the groom when he sees his bride is one of my favorite moments during a wedding.  Emily wore an  A-line cut wedding gown with a sweetheart top made of lace.  Her jeweled ribbon sash, and vibrant orange and blue bouquet were perfect finishing touches. I'm pretty sure Tyler's heart skipped a beat or two when he first saw her in her wedding attire, but I think Emily felt the same as she walked the long walkway to see her prince charming all decked out in a grey suit and tie.

The tall cypress trees and lake view made a perfect backdrop for their wedding.  It couldn't have been prettier if you ask me.  Everything from the huge hut the receptions are held under, to the tiki bars and the chairs that sit in the sand. Paradise Cove, gets an A rating on my list of top wedding venues in Orlando.

The day after their wedding we met again to capture some family photos.  It was such a pleasure to work with people as kind hearted and genuine as Emily and Tyler.  Tyer's family traveled from Oregon and Colorado to be a part of this special time, so they wanted to make sure to get some great family photos in while they were all together.  Honestly I don't know if this family could be any more attractive than they are now. Everyone from Grandma and Grandpa, mom and dad, kids, spouses, all the way down to the little ones seemed to be blessed with good looks and sweet personalities ( as you'll see in the photos below).

***Tyler and Emily, thank you so much for choosing me to be your photographer!  I'm so happy I could be a part of such a special time in your lives.  I'm ready to go line dancing with you both, but you may have to teach this country girl a step or two!  We will definitely have to hang out soon.  ***

(photos by Cassie & Cami)

Alexis & Michael: Royal Crest Room wedding

Alexis and Mike of Ohio had their beautiful wedding ceremony at The Royal Crest Room in St.Cloud Florida.  Alexis planned everything over the computer and phone with me from Ohio, and let me just tell you how amazingly organized she was! From the first time Alexis and I chatted on the phone about her wedding plans I knew we would be a great match.  She was so excited about her wedding, the details, the planning, and all for good reason.  She was in LOVE. When I say she was in love, I don't mean just a little kind of love, or a simple kind of love.  Sometimes I meet people who radiate happiness from their souls, and this is what I found to be true from this one particular bride.

When the couple came down to visit their family in Florida we were able to schedule in an engagement session Downtown Orlando.  This is the first time I had met them in person.  WOW.  This couple was incredibly attractive.  One of those couples who smile so big you can't help but smile too...seriously.  The shoot was so much fun with them.  We just took our time and got to know each other.  Alexis and Mike have the sweetest little baby girl named Olivia, who at that time was almost 1 year old.  Learning about their love story really made my heart happy,  it made me count down the days until I got to see them say their vows.

The venue they selected for their wedding day is honestly one of my favorite venues in the area.  The Royal Crest Room is located in St.Cloud on a beautiful golf course that sits out in the countryside. Stone bridges, lush landscaping, and a red english style phone booth, make this venue a #1 spot for a wedding.  We used the garden areas for all of the formal photos of the wedding party, this place is a charmer (as you will see in the photos below).

Before the wedding I took Alexis and the girls outside for some formal photos on the lawn.  This beautiful bride was glowing with joy.  Like I mentioned earlier, she was just so in love and so happy.  I could feel it radiating off of her and their families,  this feeling is one of the reasons I truly love what I do.  Seeing Alexis so happy, and so excited really blessed me.  Watching Alexis, Mike, and Olivia come together was a beautiful moment, not only for them but for everyone present.  Once again I was wiping tears away just so I could see through my view finder. Laughing, crying, and shooting at the same time...I was a mess!!! Hahaha.

Alexis, Mike, and Oliva are back home now in Ohio but we do keep in touch. I know God blesses me with each of my clients for a reason.  Without a doubt every couple I work with teaches me something about life, love, or just myself. Thank you Mike, Alexis, and Olivia for letting me feel the love between the three of you and capturing such a special day in your lives as a family. Just as you will never forget that day, I won't either.

* Alexis, I'm waiting on you to teach me your coupon skills! ASAP ;)  Can't wait to see you again.