Nicole and Steven are such a fun loving couple. They booked us via email for their destination wedding next January in Orlando so their engagement session was our first time actually meeting in person. They flew in from Washington D.C. to finalize wedding plans and meet up with us for the day. We had a blast running around the beach in St. Augustine and stopping by the fort for a bit. It was definitely freezing out that day but I loved the look and feel it gave to the session. Nicole and Steve have some very exciting plans for their wedding next year, including fire dancers, hula lessons and plenty of spam to make their Polynesian themed wedding complete. Knowing how fun these two are we can’t wait to meet their friends and family. Its sure to be a huge party filled with Polynesian influence to celebrate Steven’s heritage.  I think Brad is just really excited about the fire!

Steve & Nicole, thank you so much for driving up from your short stay in Orlando to meet us on a cold rainy day. We hope the rest of your time in Florida wasn’t quite as chilly. We enjoyed exploring with you both and can’t wait to see you again next year!

Here are a few of our favorite shots from their engagement session. We hope you enjoy.

It was the very first day of law school orientation when Kelly first met James. Their love blossomed from study partners to friends to future husband and wife during their time at the University of Florida. When I first talked to Kelly she and James were in the midst of wedding planning and studying for their bar exam at the same time. They had their hands full for sure, but Kelly was as calm as could be. She knew she wanted to shoot her engagement photos at the St. Augustine lighthouse and I certainly wasn’t going to argue with that! We were so excited to shoot at such a unique location and we never pass up the opportunity to do something different. Although it was cold and windy at the top and both James and Brad share a dislike for heights we got some gorgeous images overlooking the river in St. Augustine.  James was so awesome letting us keep him out on that ledge for what I’m sure felt like an eternity and Kelly made windblown look HOT! Below are some of our favorites from our session and a short slideshow.

Kelly & James, thank you for climbing all those stairs with us and fearlessly displaying your love for one another in front of all the other lighthouse visitors. You guys were awesome to work with and we can’t wait for your Winter Park wedding in May!

It was a sunny but cold Saturday in early December when Jen & Bert said their “I do’s.”  It was my first wedding back on my feet after six weeks of crutches.  I was so anxious to get back in the game and couldn’t have asked for a better wedding to come back to.  Jennifer and Bert planned an elegant, vintage inspired wedding on the shores of the St. John’s river.  Club Continental and the Winterbourne Inn created the perfect setting.  Guests gathered on the lawn of the Winterbourne Inn as Jen prepared to walk down the aisle.  Her grandpa had the honor of giving her away and you could see the joy in Bert’s eyes as he took Jen’s hands in his own.  Although the sun was setting and the weather was becoming colder by the minute, no one seemed to mind as they watched these high school sweethearts commit themselves to one another for the rest of their lives.  Inside the Inn, the fires roared and the music enticed everyone to come inside and cozy up while the reception began.  There was so much love from these two families celebrating a match that was nearly a decade in the making.  We hope you enjoy a few of our favorites from the day below and don’t miss the slideshow for some extra goodness.

Thank you Jen & Bert for treating us like friends and allowing us into your world on such a special day.  We wish you many more decades of love and laughter in eachother’s arms.

In love,

Mel & Brad

A special thanks to all the vendors who helped make this wedding so lovely!

“Did the title suck you in?”

“Shoot yeah it did… so tell me about this Christmas miracle.”

“Oh there is no miracle, but there is a Snuggie!”

“Score!”

For Christmas, Brad’s mom bought Lucy this little piece of hotness.  Lucy loves clothes (I’m not kidding… I have witnesses) so we figured she was gonna super extra dig her Snuggie.  We were right.

Here’s the proof!

Please allow me to narrate (as you can see I’m quite good at it)

“Geez Mom I was totally sleeping.  Did you really just wake me up to take pictures of me in my Snuggie?  Seriously?!  You are so lame!”

Way back in early December, Brad and I teamed up with the fabulous Solutions Bridal of Winter Park to shoot some gorgeous images of a few of their spring gowns.  We were so excited to be shooting designs from Kenneth Pool, Badgley Mischka and Anne Barge.  Not only were the dresses to die for, but the location was insane.  Bella Collina sits just northwest of Orlando in Monte Verde, FL and offers a taste of the Tuscan countryside right here in Central Florida.  Brides, if you are looking for a truly unique location for your wedding, definitely check out Bella Collina.  There is beauty in every little nook and cranny of this venue.  Seriously, call us if you are getting married there.  We can’t wait to shoot a real wedding at this amazing property.

This shoot would not have been possible without the amazing team working with us.  Special thanks to Jillian Caro on hair & makeup.  Melanie Pace on styling.  The Solutions Bridal girls for providing the beautiful gowns accessories and assisting whenever needed and our amazing models, Melissa and Megan.  This was truly an amazing group to work with and if you are looking for the perfect wedding dress, exceptional hair and make up or help styling the a unique wedding to remember, do not hesitate to contact these ladies!  You girls were a dream to work with.  Thank you!

Here are a few of our favorites from the shoot.  We hope you enjoy!

This Kenneth Pool gown is so glamorous.  I loved how Melanie paired it with black fur and gloves to create an old Hollywood glamor.

I loved this adorable little tea length wedding gown from Anne Barge.  It can be sweet and sassy or amped up to have a rockstar appeal.  Nothing like a cute pair of Jimmy Choos to show off those legs!

I loved how these Jimmy Choo ankle boots gave the dress some edge.

Another Kenneth Pool stunner

I love the dramatic blue eyes that Jillian did.  Absolutely stunning!

This Badgley Mischka dress is so romantic and flowing.  It has such a soft elegance that I adore.