St. Augustine Wedding Photographer: Pioneer Barn Wedding, Florida Gay Wedding

I knew the moment I met Katie & Olivia over beers at Dog Rose Brewery, in St. Augustine, that we were going to be fast friends. The planned the entire wedding weekend, not only around each other and their love, but their families and AWESOME friends, who traveled from all over the country. The decor in the barn was super unique (and showcased their outdoor-sy nature), featuring US national parks at each table—and they even had hiking boots to change into during the reception. Olivia is in the Navy and they are about to relocate to CA. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for them (and to visit, of course...)

St. Augustine Wedding Photographer: Memorial Presbyterian, Manda & Jeremy

Manda & Jeremy had their destination wedding in St. Augustine because it's one of their favorite historic cities. They have been together nearly a decade and everyone was ready to see them tie the knot.

St. Augustine Wedding Photographer: Treasury on the Plaza, Nazmin & Kelly Creative Portraits

Nazmin & Kelly hired me to do their creative portraits post-wedding. These "after-sessions" are AWESOME because you don't have the stress of the wedding day and you can stroll around the city without a timeline to follow. :) We took portraits in the Treasury on the Plaza, where they were married only a month prior, and then headed toward the Lightner Museum. It was such a rad evening—here's a few of my favorites.

St. Augustine Wedding Photographer: The awesome Engagement Session and how to do it right!

This post is not only for my clients but for any couple wondering what this engagement-session phenomenon is all about.

An engagement session is about becoming comfortable with your photographer and learning what it takes to create rad portraits. It's important for the three of us to work together before the big day. It should (in my opinion) be provided to all couples who book a wedding package. Unless, for some reason, they absolutely detest the idea of an engagement shoot (which is okay), or can't make the trip before the wedding because they live in Antarctica (but if that were the case —I'd definitely fly there to shoot it.)

St. Augustine Wedding Photographer: Creative Portraits in St. Augustine, Oriana & Chad

I was not available for Oriana & Chad's wedding this past December—and was surprised (and excited!) to hear back from them a month later, saying that they were happy with their ceremony photos but really wanted a session with me for creative portraits. I had to post some of these images— not only because I am missing the night of lights magic but because her dress was killer and deserves some recognition.

St. Augustine Wedding Photographer: Casa Monica Weddings, Venue Snapshots

The Casa Monica Hotel, in the heart of downtown St. Augustine, is one of my favorite venues. Even if my brides aren't getting married in one of their awesome ballrooms or the pool deck, I always recommend their suites for getting ready with the bridal party. They're spacious, beautiful and have the best view of St. Augustine (and Flagler College towers). Killer for detail shots. They recently contacted me for some work to feature and I got super excited compiling these photos from 2014-2015.

St. Augustine Destination Wedding Photographer: White Room Villa Blanca, Kelsey & Michael Tricoli

Kelsey & Michael take the lead for best reception dancing of the year. Nearly ALL of their guests found their way to the dance floor and I am in LOVE with the expressions that Kelly & I were able to capture throughout night. My favorite part? The aunts dressed as flappers.

St. Augustine Wedding Photographer, St. Augustine gay wedding photographer, St. Augustine Ice Plant & Vilano Beach Engagement: Ali & Marcie

I have to say...I have never spent 6 hours shooting an engagement session—until now. I just couldn't stop hanging out with Ali & Marcie. They are madly in love, hysterical to be around and we have similar taste in drinks (and pizza). We started at the Ice Plant to beat the heat (and to save the awesome makeup by Amanda Hopcraft Makeup Artist) and ended up at the shrimp docks nearby and later, at the beach— once the clouds rolled in. The night ended with a stormy Florida sunset (my favorite) and beachgoers photobombing our last couple of shots. :)

I am beyond stoked to be part of their wedding come November.

Creative Florida Wedding Photographer: Casa Monica Wedding, Holly & Jan Lindahl

Holly & Jan are a special couple—I knew it the moment I met them, arriving late at a Starbuck's in Jacksonville (I am always getting lost in Jacksonville) but they greeted me with big smiles and a no worries attitude. Their creative energy is electric (Jan is a designer, Holly a painter) and when they are together, you feel happy just being around them. Our second date was at Halkers, after we spent the afternoon shooting at the Cummer Museum for their engagement shoot. They told me how they met (online), how Holly never thought she'd find the man of her dreams until she met Jan and she spoke of his unwavering support during her ups and downs battling lime disease. His eyes do not leave hers when she speaks.

St. Augustine Photographer: St. Augustine Engagement: Paige & Andrew, Classic Black & White Photography, St. Augustine Photography

Paige and Andrew currently live apart (she in Atlanta, he in Mayport) and I could tell moments after meeting them that they were psyched to not only be taking these photos, but to be near each other. We planned a sunset shoot that changed to sunrise last minute and I am glad it did. It was a beautiful and chilly morning. The contrast of the sun rising and their dark attire had me basically seeing in black and white.

THE BLOG

This post is not only for my clients but for any couple wondering what this engagement-session phenomenon is all about.