Hello! I'm a lifestyle photographer. I love to document. I love to DIY. I love all things animal. And I want to take your picture. But I want it to look like you don't know I am.
Some wedding days just feel like sunshine – and that’s exactly how it was for Marissa and Randal’s Clearwater Beach wedding at Shephard’s Beach Resort. The entire day was full of laughter, genuine connection, and the kind of easygoing happiness that reminds you what love is all about.
A Destination Wedding Filled With Family and Sunshine
Marissa and Randal live in Michigan, but they dreamed of saying I do with their toes in the sand and the ocean as their backdrop. So they planned a destination wedding in Clearwater, Florida, surrounded by their closest family and friends who traveled to celebrate with them at Shephard’s Beach Resort.
To make the day even more special, their wedding date also happened to be Randal’s birthday – (26th I think but don’t quote me on that lol) talk about a perfect way to celebrate!
The Heart of Their Day: Family and Their Sweet Son Scotty
One of the sweetest parts of the day was their adorable 8-month-old son, Scotty. He was full of smiles from the moment the day began and quickly became the star of the show. Every time he giggled, or did that huge open mouth smile, everyone around him lit up. It was easy to see just how loved this little guy is. Because I honor the wishes of my clients about what not to post on social media you won’t be seeing any photos of him. But just know, there are DOZENS. And they are all So SO so cute. Hahah
From Family Photos to “I Do”
I first met Marissa and Randal a couple of years ago when they reached out for family photos at Fort Island Trail Beach in Crystal River, FL. Even back then, I could tell they were something special – a loving couple with the kind of chemistry that makes photographing them so natural and fun. Clearly, they are best friends and it’s a wonderful thing to be best friends with your spouse. It’s not happy wife, happy life. It’s happy spouse, happy house. IYKYK lol So when Marissa contacted me about capturing their wedding day, I couldn’t have been more excited.
A Celebration Full of Personality and Laughter
Randal has a personality that lights up a room. He’s definitely the class clown type, always ready with a funny face, a goofy gesture, or a playful joke that keeps everyone laughing. During their first dance, he even surprised everyone by planning a “fall” into their routine – it was classic Randal and had everyone cracking up! Pretty sure all the guests expected nothing less.
Marissa, on the other hand, was the picture of calm. She was one of the most laid-back brides I’ve ever worked with – easygoing, relaxed, and simply focused on soaking in every moment. “Just tell me what to do type” and I loved that. She fully trusted me and together, they balance each other perfectly.
The Beauty of a Beachfront Celebration
The setting at Shephard’s Beach Resort in Clearwater Beach couldn’t have been more perfect. The ocean shimmered under the afternoon sun, palm trees swayed in the gentle breeze, boats and jet skis buzzing by and the couple exchanged vows surrounded by family, laughter, and love. The Florida sunset painted the sky in warm tones, creating a breathtaking backdrop for portraits that we’ll all remember forever.
The way the light glistened through the windows during their first dance – complete with a romantic “dancing on a cloud” moment – was one of the most magical parts of the evening. Probably my favorite to photograph after the sunset photos. They skipped the usual reception games and cake-smashing traditions, choosing instead to spend the night mingling with guests, sipping drinks, and enjoying the warm Florida breeze by the fire lanterns outside. It was relaxed, joyful, and filled with so much genuine connection as they danced off and on with family all night long.
Final Thoughts
Capturing Marissa and Randal’s wedding day was such a heartwarming experience. Every smile, every laugh, every playful moment with baby Scotty told the story of a couple who truly cherishes life and each other.
Marissa and Randal, thank you for letting me and Olivia be a part of your beautiful Clearwater celebration. Here’s to a lifetime of laughter, sunshine, and sweet family memories together.
If you’re planning your own Clearwater Beach wedding or Florida destination celebration, I’d love to help you capture those once-in-a-lifetime moments with the same warmth and joy. 👉 [Inquire about your wedding photography here!]
Some weddings are elegant. Some are romantic. But this one? Julie and Cody’s wedding at The Packing House at Sugarcane Farms in Crystal River, Florida was an absolute blast from start to finish. It was the perfect celebration of two adventurous souls doing things their way.
I’ve had the honor of photographing Julie’s family for nearly a decade, starting with her first daughter’s newborn session. (How is she almost eight already?) Since then, I’ve captured just about every milestone in her life. From maternity photos in a street-legal golf cart in St. Augustine to a wild airboat engagement session, to her mom’s wedding, family photos and more. Every shoot with Julie and Cody has been something fun, fresh, and full of personality.
So when she told me she was planning to wear a black wedding dress and throw a party that broke all the traditional rules, I knew it was going to be unforgettable.
First Time Shooting at The Packing House at Sugarcane Farms
This was my first time shooting a wedding at The Packing House at Sugarcane Farms, and I hope it’s the first of many. The venue is tucked away in Crystal River, FL, and it’s a true hidden gem. It blends rustic charm with natural beauty, and the entire day was filled with joyful, hyped energy. Secretly hoping these photos make it on to their gallery page of their website because I would love to book more weddings here.
The weather was breezy, and a little moody but without a drop of rain, (Thank goodness) which matched the couple’s black, beige and terracotta vibe perfectly.
Ashley, the venue owner, was amazing to work with. Such a sweetheart, that truly loves helping couples have their dream wedding days. She’s created a space that feels both down-to-earth and thoughtfully designed with eclectic, antique style. But really every vendor was a rockstar at this wedding. The hair and make up was done ahead of schedule, which always significantly impacts me. Alexis the wedding coordinator was so helpful every step of the night. It was the ideal setting for a wedding that threw tradition out the window and focused on fun.
A Wedding Full of Personality
From the moment I arrived, the entire vibe was pure fun. Julie and Cody didn’t want the traditional “white glove” wedding day – they wanted a party, an experience, and a celebration of who they are. Truly a night that friends and family will be talking about for months.
Instead of a candle-lighting or sand ceremony, these two took a shot together as their unity moment (how perfect is that?). Later, they made their grand entrance into the reception by shotgunning beers, setting the tone for one of the most energetic and laughter-filled receptions I’ve ever photographed.
And if that wasn’t enough? They each got tattoos at their wedding. Yep, you read that right. Julie now has a letter “C” and Cody has a letter “J”—a permanent, inked-in celebration of their love story.
Why I Loved Capturing This Day
As a wedding photographer in Florida, I live for weddings like this. Weddings where the couple makes the day completely their own. Weddings filled with laughter, inside jokes, belly-laughs, hugs, and a whole lot of dancing.
Julie and Cody gave me so much to work with. Candid moments happened around every corner. Friends filled the dance floor, drinks in hand, under the glow of chandeliers. The energy never dropped — just pure celebration, start to finish.
There’s something powerful about seeing a couple toss tradition to the side and celebrate in a way that actually feels like them. It’s the kind of wedding that reminds me why I do what I do.
Final Thoughts
Julie and Cody, thank you for letting me be a part of your story again. Watching your lives unfold in front of my lens over the years has been one of the biggest honors of my career. Your wedding was full of heart, joy, and completely unfiltered fun. You inspire everyone around you to live boldly and love loudly. I love you both with my whole heart and while this in some ways feels like the perfect ending to our relationship as client to photographer, I really hope it isn’t and you keep inviting me back into the legacy of your lives over and over until one of us dies. Hahah.
If you’re planning a wedding in Crystal River or anywhere in Florida, and you’re dreaming of a day that breaks the mold and truly reflects you, let’s talk. I specialize in capturing weddings that are real, raw, and anything but traditional. Whether you’re shotgunning beers at your reception or rocking a black wedding dress, I’m here for it — and ready to document every wild, emotional, unforgettable moment.
Until the next adventure, Taylor | Wombs to weddings Photography Florida Wedding Photographer | Crystal River, St. Augustine, and Beyond
Some weddings feel like they were plucked straight out of a fairytale – and this one, set high above the Amalfi Coast at Villa Eva in Ravello, Italy, was just that. But for me, it was more than just a dream location or a stunning couple. It was personal.
The bride was someone I grew up looking up to – literally. She was my babysitter when I was little, the kind of girl who seemed to carry sunshine with her wherever she went. She was a great older girl role model for me; she obeyed her parents, she was sweet, kind and uplifting to me even though I was younger and never made me feel like a tag along or less then. When she reached out to ask if I’d photograph her wedding in Italy, I nearly burst into tears. To be chosen as her photographer, all these years later, for one of the most important days of her life? That was a full-circle moment I’ll never forget.
As a Central Florida wedding and lifestyle photographer, I’ve captured love stories in orange groves, on sandy shores, and under moss-covered oaks. I’ve even traveled to North and South Carolina and been blessed to do other out of state weddings. But this wedding was a first in a big way – it was my first INTERNATIONAL destination wedding! And what better way to start than with two amazing souls, in a place as romantic and timeless as Ravello?
From Babysitter to Bride
Watching Carolyn – someone who once watched me – walk down the aisle was emotional in the most beautiful way. I remember her kindness and warmth from my childhood. Riding her horse while she walked me around their property with a lead line – watching her practice pointe ballet moves (she was always dancing) and seeing that same light in her eyes on her wedding day was surreal. She’s still that same gentle, grounded person, who uplifts everyone around her and now she’s found someone who matches her heart.
The groom is just as wonderful and everything he says sounds like a country song hahah. Together, they make the kind of couple that makes you believe in soulmates – genuine, thoughtful, the best of friends and full of life. Though they now live in North Carolina, their love for travel and culture made this destination wedding in Italy feel perfectly “them.”
Me, A Central Florida Photographer Goes TO EUROPE
Traveling from Central Florida to Italy with my camera gear, my 1 year old, my videographer husband + his gear and my mom in tow was an adventure in itself. A whole separate blog could be written for our experiences we got to have as we stayed in Rome a few days before heading to Ravello but I’ll save that for another time.
I remember being in photo class in high school and a classmate asking me what I would like to do, if I could do anything with photography. I didn’t know the “kind” of photography at the time because back then I just knew I really loved photojournalism; Documenting things in a non obtrusive way… which is so fitting for me now that I’ve fallen in love with lifestyle photography and specifically taking that into the wedding industry – go figure. But my answer was: “I’m not exactly sure yet but I’d love to travel really far to do it, like Greece or Italy or something.” Can you even believe that? And the Lord delivered on that desire of my heart. Even when I had very little faith for it to happen because it just seemed so far fetched to even think about – but my God really figured out a way. The Lord never ceases to amaze me of how he works things together for my good in my business. It’s truly astounding the things he will bring you to (and through) when you put all your faith in him.
Villa Eva, with its soft evening light and scenic coastal views, gave me the creative spark every photographer dreams of. This entire trip is a far off dream most people have but especially photographers. I will never lose the gratitude in my heart for being able to take it. I know how blessed I am and if I never shoot another wedding this far away again I can die happy knowing this was my one and only.
Shooting this wedding reminded me why I love this job so much. Whether it’s a backyard celebration here in Florida or a cliffside ceremony halfway across the world, the beauty is always in the people – and this couple and family made it unforgettable.
A Destination Wedding Weekend on the Amalfi Coast
This celebration was more than just a wedding day – it was a full wedding weekend full of unforgettable moments. It all began with a warm and welcoming rehearsal dinner at Da Salvatore, a charming cliffside restaurant with sweeping views of the Amalfi Coast. Guests gathered for heartfelt toasts, delicious Italian food, of course a serenata of music and dancing which heightened the excitement for the big day ahead and all the kids just absolutely loved it including my little Eden.
The next day, Carolyn and Anthony said “I do” in a stunning garden ceremony at Villa Eva overlooking the cliffside and surrounded by beautiful flowers and greenery. Tucked away in the charming village of Ravello, the venue felt like something out of a movie, every where you turned something beautiful was there – lush greenery, sweeping views of the Mediterranean, and the kind of old-world magic that makes your heart skip a beat. Villa Eva offered not only beauty but a feeling, a sense of being suspended in time. And that’s exactly what their wedding felt like: timeless. It was the perfect setting for Anthony & Carolyn whose love is rooted in both adventure and authenticity.
One of the most emotional moments of the day was the couple’s intimate first look, where they read private vows to each other before the ceremony. It was quiet, personal, and so deeply moving – a reminder that the most powerful parts of a wedding are often the ones shared just between two people in love.
Thoughtful Touches & Italian WONDER
Carolyn and Anthony thought of everything when it came to making their guests feel loved. Each guest found a handwritten note waiting at their dinner seat – a personal touch that made everyone feel deeply seen and appreciated. During cocktail hour, an on-site artist sketched and painted guests from photos, giving everyone a beautiful keepsake to take home.
Later in the evening, the couple surprised guests with bagged midnight snacks to take back to their hotels – because all that reception dancing into the early morning really works up an appetite! Speaking of dancing, their first dance was nothing short of spectacular – elegant, choreographed, and completely swoon-worthy. As I knew it would be knowing Carolyn the dancing queen. Every inch of this wedding, every moment of the day was an all encompassing cinematic adventure. My only wish was that I could have somehow extended the hours of the day so I could have photographed it longer. I already want to go back and soak it all in again.
To wrap up the weekend, everyone gathered the day after the wedding for a fun and interactive pizza-making class on the rooftop of Hotel Bonadies, where laughter and spritz flowed freely as guests became honorary Italian chefs for the day.
A Husband-and-Wife Creative Team
This wedding also marked another milestone for me: working internationally alongside my husband, who is an incredibly talented videographer. He captured the magic of the weekend through film, including cinematic drone footage for the first time and emotional highlights of the ceremony and celebration. Getting to create side by side in such a dreamy setting made the experience even more special.
And a huge shout out to the second photographer I found in Italy to work with, Mariia! of mchierchia_photo she went above and beyond everything I asked of her and I cannot thank her enough, it was such an honor to work alongside her!
For Couples Dreaming of a Destination Wedding
If you’re planning a destination wedding in Europe or somewhere closer to home but still want that travel-inspired, heartfelt aesthetic – I’d love to be there for you. My passport is ready, my heart is all in and thanks from the push from Carolyn and Anthony – we can also shoot drone footage now!
From intimate elopements on the Amalfi Coast to full wedding weekends in Tuscany or Greece, I bring the same warmth, intentionality, and storytelling approach to every celebration. And whether you’re in Central Florida, North Carolina, or anywhere else, we’re just one (or two) flights away from wherever your love story takes you.
To the beautiful couple: thank you. Thank you for this experience that we will never forget. Thank you for trusting us, for bringing us across the world to witness your day, and for letting us capture the kind of love that stays with you long after the private last dance.
Here’s to you, your love, and all the places your story will go next.
With so much love, be blessed xo
Taylor & Shuli
Wombs to weddings Photography Central Florida Wedding + Destination Lifestyle Photographer
Ready to Plan Your Destination Wedding?
If you’re dreaming of a wedding abroad like this one or a one-of-a-kind celebration closer to home, I would be honored to capture your story. Let’s bring your vision to life, wherever your heart leads you.
The wedding of Natalia and Enoch is a wedding I will not be soon forgetting. Natalia, the old country music loving, cow girl boot wearing, God fearing Christian woman that she is, is also a big time horse girl at heart so when she said she was going to have her horse Shaman in the wedding as a “bridesmare” my photographer heart was elated. I was also a horsey girl through out my entire childhood, so this was the coolest thing I had ever heard of and a first for me to document! Even though Enoch isn’t quite as much into horses as his bride, he was a fantastic sport about it, very supportive and truly valued how much it meant to Natalia.
Black diamond ranch is where the reception took place but because the horse being there was a special situation the ceremony was actually assembled at a soccer field next to the church they were getting ready at. The way they had this soccer field set up looked like it was straight out of a bridal magazine. Everything was meticulously hand picked, and put together. I absolutely loved the doors that framed the whole scene which was the initial vision that Natalia and Enoch had for this. It was just breathtaking in every way.
Could not have been blessed with a nicer family to work with, Natalia’s side and Enoch’s side both were so wonderful and made their day better than they could have ever dreamed. Enoch and his brothers were upstanding gentlemen but also hilariously fun loving and Noah, one of the brothers even referenced a verse out of Ephesians in his beautiful best man speech; noting that Enoch exemplified that character to him, it was very sweet. And one of my favorite moments from the night was after Natalia and her dad had their moment on the dance floor she came over to mama to thank her for being the best mom in the world even though there’s not a dance for it lol.
We took some absolutely stunning portraits on that soccer field with family and Shaman but the cherry on top for me was stopping at the gorge right at the entrance of black diamond and snagging a couple more of just bride and groom together. Everything together added up to be the most pristine day, filled with so much love, light, great weather and all of it glorifying The Lord.
I hope you love these sneak peeks and I’m wishing you a lifetime of happiness together!
Sharon and Kyle, I’m not sure there could be a more loving, at peace or gentle pair in all of the world. I won’t go into all the details exactly but In the face of adversity, I have never seen anyone take on the events that happened with such grace as they did and especially Sharon. Her Christ like character that I already knew she carried from talking and meeting with her, was put on display that day. I’m proud but more so extremely encouraged by it; God bless you both! Sometimes the best thing you can do is just laugh through it and we all know it will make some memorable stories for grandchildren some day.
It has been an unbelievably long time since I have updated the blog but I am happy to jump back in with this gorgeous wedding I shot at The Baughman center in late October. It was the first big wedding I’ve shot since having Eden, the first time in all 9 months of her life that Shuli and I were away from her at the same time for longer than an hour. It was also my very first time I have ever gotten to shoot at the Baughman center in Gainesville, FL and what a treat that was for me!! From the stunning views of the lake outside to the exquisite architecture of the building that was filled with sky high curved windows letting all the scenery just pour right in the with the light; it was magical.
The day was beautifully planned out, set in three different locations with the most amazing people. Many of them were friends of Kyle and Sharon. I loved the fall colors they chose (Teal, orange and mustard) and the bohemian style influence that was weaved through out the whole day. It was decorative, elegant but simultaneously simplistic and the theme of nature really shown through everything in the most beautiful way.
Just being around them for a few minutes, It’s easy to see that Sharon and Kyle complete each other like puzzle pieces. What one doesn’t have the other does and what one needs the other provides. Kyle – the calm and quiet, Sharon is the fierce and strong. Maybe it’s an opposites attract situation but what I find more accurate and personally I believe, is that God didn’t make your perfect person to be everything like you he made them to be everything you lack, so that when you come together you help each other become more like Jesus; helpmates in every way. ❤
The day ended at the flow space where every one got to eat, mingle, dance their hearts out, watch the shoe game, the cake smash and finally to see Kyle and Sharon walk off as one right through their lovely bubble tunnel exit which has become one of my favorite wedding trends of all time.
Thank you so so much for trusting my team and I to capture your beautiful wedding day, we so enjoyed ourselves and we could not be happier for you. Keep being the fun loving light in this world! We hope you enjoy these sneak peeks and all the vendors from the day will be tagged at the bottom.
I can’t eloquently put into words the happiness Kallin and Brandon brought us, by hiring Shuli and I to be their wedding photography team. Their smiles are infectious; you can’t help but smile at them when you see them together and they are always smiling at or laughing with each other. The foundation of their love story was built on literally a once in a lifetime chance of meeting. Falling in love with each other before they ever even laid eyes on each other via gaming! They are two of the nicest, kindest, most loving and generous, down to earth people you could ever meet and it was such an honor to be chosen to document their beautiful wedding day. I don’t know how the most wonderful couples come to find little old me in citrus podunk county but God draws them!
Kallin and Brandon managed to do absolutely everything themselves for this wedding and the attention to detail that went into every aspect of it I still can’t comprehend. You would have sworn a whole 5 star, big production wedding planning team pulled it all together. Of course that does make sense now that I know Kallin used to be a wedding planner herself lol. The invitations, the detailing of her custom made veil that was done by the MATRON of HONOR. The sweet little fun facts on the back of everyone’s seating cards, her stunning dress that tied in the all the greens of the day. The Lobsters the guests ate were CAUGHT by people at the wedding!! It was mindblowingly, amazingly thought out and executed down to the littlest personalized favor coasters.
As the sun was setting, the ceremony came to a close and I don’t think we could have gotten a better view or better weather if we asked. The rest of the evening was a delightful mix of dancing, drinking and heartfelt speeches which ended with the most magical sparkler exit, one of the best ones I’ve ever gotten to shoot – It was truly an exceptional day filled with so much merriment. I adore these two and looking through all of these photos together, it’s so hard to choose my favorites.
You can see in their eyes how much they love each other and how much fun they had the whole day. I hope it was everything they dreamed it would be and more!!
Wishing you both soooo many more adventures and a lifetime of happiness. It was such a privilege to get to work with you and your amazing family ❤
There’s been a sensation welling up inside of me to share my testimony since I came back from impact volumes; and I have with many close friends and family here and there in easily digestible nutshells, but I am not a public speaker in any sense of the word and I don’t think I could get all this out in a microphone at my home church so God gave me the idea that I could write it out instead and those that need to be encouraged would find it and receive it.
I’m so overjoyed and amazed at what God has done for me but if I were to just tell the exciting, happy part now, a part of me I think would feel devastated inside that no one else really understands the magnitude of what it means. No one knew the whole back story of what I was dealing with behind closed doors, or every word that was spoken over me in the past three years. So I’m going to write about it, and it’s not going to be a straightforward and simple concise blog, but more like a scrap book timeline of words and events and things that have all compiled to bring me to where I am today. Fair warning, I struggled with the idea of letting everyone know about this in depth story of mine because it’s such an uncomfortable and private matter to talk about, but when I said to God – in my mind – how would I tell everyone something so personal like this? He said the woman with the issue of blood was a really private and personal problem as well, but look at how impactful her story is. The same thing that she needed to heal her, healed you. Faith.
And then I suddenly had no more excuses.
To begin with, I don’t remember the exact date (it was around Oct. 2020) but I do remember this morning. Cohen was still sleeping and I went in his room to wake him up. He woke up with almost tears in his eyes asking “where the babies were?” and I said “Babies, what babies?” and he said “your babies, I saw two really cute babies – one boy and one girl and you had them in the bathroom – they were soooo cute!!!” He was so stirred about this dream more than I have ever seen him before and it stayed with me for a long time. One because at this point in time, Cohen was five years old and didn’t have any idea where babies exited the belly out of and I immediately thought it was weird he mentioned that I “had them in the bathroom” Second, because he was basically in tears that it was a dream and I’ve never seen him like that before and never seen it since. I later told my friend Kimberly about it and said out loud to her “If I ever have twins – one boy and one girl, let it be known my son prophesied it first.” in a serious but joking manner.
Let’s rewind a few months, August 29th, 2020 Shuli and I got married at our home church – Calvary off of croft. Up until this point in my life everything about “my cycle” was completely and totally normal. It arrived every month and when it didn’t for the first time ever, I found out I was pregnant with Cohen so it was obvious why it made a disappearance back then.
However, just like the woman with the issue of blood in the Bible I sudden had an issue of no blood right after we got married. I assumed that I had gotten pregnant right away and I was ecstatic! Shuli and I had known that we wanted to start trying for a baby as soon as we got married because Cohen was five already and it seemed like the perfect time. Well it was my idea of the perfect time. But God’s timing is always better. My cycle didn’t come September, or October so I took a pregnancy test – it was negative. I shrugged it off thinking maybe I tested too soon and surely I had to be pregnant, November came and went, a few more tests later still all negative and around mid December I started to get a little worried why suddenly I wasn’t having a normal cycle anymore. I talked to my friend Blair about it and she said if you don’t get it soon I would make a doctor’s appointment, it’s probably not good to go that many months.
I made an appointment in January 2021 to have some bloodwork and an ultrasound done. The ultrasound showed what I had already told her, there were polyps on my ovaries which is what it should look like if I hadn’t had a period in a long time, she told me that she only needed 2 out of 3 present symptoms to diagnose PCOS and I had 2 out of 3. When I went back to get my results and follow up with the doctor she told me that everything looked ok in my bloodwork except my liver enzymes were pretty high, she didn’t have any real answers as to why but she said for the time being, to be safe let’s put trying to conceive on hold until we figure out what’s going on. She then referred me to gastroenterologist for more testing. The doctor also gave me medicine to take that would force my cycle to come on because it’s not good for your body to go past 90 days and I had exceeded that by then.
I left that appointment somewhat terrified, not because what was said to me sounded all that crazy but because I was a 29 year old with a newly turned 6 year old and a professional Doctor told me something just wasn’t quite right with one of my main organs. Did she tell me it was very serious and give me some life threatening diagnosis? Absolutely not, but my flesh and my imagination went there real quick. In my head, I was already making it out to be undiscovered liver cancer. I called my husband before I even left the parking lot and told him everything that she said, immediately that man of God said “Don’t worry, God is going to take care of this – have faith.” I knew what he was saying I needed to stand on but I was scared and in that moment I also did something kind of smart. I didn’t tell anyone else. I didn’t call my friends I had talked to about my concerns leading up to this appointment, I didn’t call my siblings or my mom, or even our church. I just kept it all in and between shuli and I and his mom because I knew she would stand in prayer for us about it. I didn’t want to tell anyone because I didn’t want to add on any worry, negative what ifs or anxiousness to what I was already experiencing in myself. Also, I had very little answers to begin with. I took the medicine she gave me, she said it could take up to 10 days to come and from there I just waited, prayed and occasionally googled. Unfortunately.
The next month, in February 2021 our church and other churches in the county held a night of worship event at redemption point. I actually wasn’t planning on going, not because I had something else to do but because it just wasn’t something I put down on my calendar to go to. Around mid day I got a text from Pastor Luke, our worship pastor at the time – asking if I was planning on going and if I was able to, if I could take some pictures while I was there. I said “yeah, sure I can do that. ” Shuli stayed home and watched Cohen and I went alone. It was a night to remember, for more reasons than just mine. The presence of God was so thick it felt like standing in a room full of honey; It was warm and the singing was harmonious and it really felt like we were all standing there, worshipping amongst angels at the feet of the Lord together. I took some pictures around the room and when I felt like I had enough I stopped and just worshipped in front of the stage for a while. My pastor, Ottis – got up on the stage and said this: “Someone in here just got a liver diagnosis” *Pause* My mouth dropped open, my hand shot up in the air and tears filled my eyes. I walked toward the stage gaping at Pastor Luke who made eye contact with me and his mouth dropped open and Ottis continued with eyes closed “God is going to heal you. The doctors are going to say everything is within normal measurable amounts.” Anyone who wants to tell me God is not real has obviously never stood in a room full of people who never could have known something about you. And then exactly what you’ve been going through only in your own heart and mind comes out of someone else’s mouth. I am beyond blessed to say this isn’t the first time God spoke to me this way, it was the second. I went up to Pastor Luke and Ottis after the service ended and told them what the Doctor had just told me, and what was unbelievable about this night was that I wasn’t even planning to be there; but God knew how to get me there, because he needed me to know. The next morning I woke up to blood for the first time in six months. Sorry TMI, I know. Coincidence? I think not. I can’t tell you how happy that night and morning made me. How seen and loved I felt. How at peace the whole thing seemed now that I knew God was going to heal me or even just that he let me know I wasn’t going through it by myself.
A few days later that same month, I had the appointment with the gastroenterologist. I sat in the car and prayed before I went in, declaring over myself what God had said through Ottis, that he was going to heal me, and to not be afraid of what it looks like right now. The first appointment was all questions and then an ultrasound on all my organs was done a few weeks later. The following appointment was the results of everything. Again, I was told my liver enzymes were elevated, I had a large amount of fat stored inside of my liver but so far no scarring yet, in fact he also said that the only thing that could happen next would be scarring, so I was diagnosed with fatty liver disease in that appointment. Everything else was fine, my kidney’s, spleen, no hep or autoimmune diseases…the doctor then said there’s nothing I can give you for this, you just have to be consistent with exercise and change your lifestyle to a low carb diet.
I went back to my gynecologist to tell her what had happened at the gastroenterologist, and she nor him could really make sense of why this was suddenly happening to my enzymes and how It was affecting my cycle but she instructed me do the same thing, exercise, eat right and scheduled for me to come back in six weeks.
Shuli and I started going to the gym, I tried to limit my processed foods as much as possible, I cut down on drinking so much Dunkin’ coffee because at this point in my life I was heavily addicted to having a super sugary iced coffee every few days. Addicted, addicted; like headaches without it addicted – The next few months my cycle came, not always on time but I knew God was working on it because it didn’t make a long disappearance again. I started going to daily prayer regularly and I kept praying this prayer throughout this whole journey of uncertainty. “Lord, give me a normal cycle every month or give me a baby, I want your will for my life and not my own.” I went back to my doctor a few more times in the next year but never the gastroenterologist, it was pretty much the same thing every time. She told me to let her know if my cycle disappeared again for more than 90 days and checked my weight. I tried to be better and stay consistent but I could never really find a groove, I’d like going for a few days and then I would get busy and need that time to be spent at home editing and skip the gym, over and over this cycle would happen. Still, I felt partially healed even if my enzymes weren’t where they should be, my cycle was coming consistently(ish) and that was the only part that I ever noticed being different anyway. God said he was going to heal me so I just kept trusting and believing in that.
In November of 2021, I had yet another appointment to do more bloodwork – I could have seen the results posted on my portal but honestly I didn’t even think about it because I knew I would be back in 3 months anyway so I would just hear about it then.
January 2022, what a huge, blessed month of my life! I’ll talk about why it was a little later because that’s a whole other testimony in itself. I can’t help but know why it was though, we started it as a church fasting for two weeks; and in that time I really fasted for the first time. I didn’t just give up eating. Suddenly, I was attacked with fear about my liver just completely shutting down and I sought God for healing, I cried out for it, I read a book about the Holy Spirit Ms. Gayle gave me. I leaned into fasting in a way I never did before. GLORY TO GOD. My appointment came to hear the results and do my weight check in as usual and as I sat there waiting to hear that everything was still the same, she instead said “So, here are the options for what we can try for medications to help you get pregnant.” I was immediately confused because the last conversation we had about this ended in “Let’s put this on hold.” And my eyebrows must have given that away because then she said “Didn’t you see your results on the portal? Everything is totally normal.” I said “No, I didn’t look at anything.” to which she replied “Hold on, let me go get them because now I’m second guessing myself.” She came back into the room, flipping through papers and said again “Yeah, everything is within normal measurable amounts.” My eyes started to water as I just sat there and replayed that night at redemption point in head, almost a complete year ago. The same exact words that came out of Ottis’s mouth came out of hers. How good is God!
Bonus testimony: Shuli and I had been searching for our first home for a long time, we considered buying a new build in citrus springs but I hated the idea of having a postage stamp amount of back yard. Every house that came on the market just wasn’t right for us; so we were considering asking our land lord if we could buy the house we had been renting for the past 3 years. During this same month January 2022, and during that fast; Shuli wrote up an email to send to Wayne but he heard God tell him to wait until I read it too to send it. After daily prayer that morning, he gave me his phone to read it and right then my dad called. He said “Taylor, there is this block house that’s for sale 3 minutes right down the road from me. It’s a three bedroom, two bath on 2.5 acres all fenced in and it has a carport and a barn. You have to go get in there and see it.” It’s almost too crazy to believe right? But it happened like that. On our 6 year anniversary of being together, January 23rd – we were under contract for that house, and every roadblock and hurdle we met along the way, God made a way in the wilderness to overcome. And thus started a whole other journey of becoming homeowners for the first time and taking on a fixer upper.
Walking into February 2022, I was suddenly, miraculously, and unexplainably back to normal – my bloodwork was normal, my cycles were coming pretty regularly and all I had done was go to God about this. I felt so amazed by his love and mercy towards me and I was so full of faith. I wish I could say that I made camp on that mountain top and never came down but the Lord knows there were ebbs and flows that awaited me. Shuli and I started trying for a baby again and one of the lows I faced was with every negative test I started to feel more and more rejected, not from Shuli but from the idea of becoming pregnant again. Also everyone and their mother was getting pregnant around me, so I cracked open that little door called jealousy and started complaining to God “Everyone else can make a baby, Why not me? *SMH* ye of little faith, Taylor – Pastor Mackenzie said it best at our last impact conference (2023) “When you open a door, you don’t get to choose what walks through it.” I feel that now looking back at last year, a lot of things started to happen; the enemy started to plant seeds in mind about why it wasn’t happening, that it was my fault because I wasn’t healthy anymore, I didn’t read the bible enough, or that we were parenting Cohen wrong, a lot of strife started to happen in my marriage and it was just overall, anything and everything “My fault” why we weren’t getting pregnant.
Around July of 2022 I guess God had, had enough of that. And while I was in Virginia photographing camp impact for the first time God again spoke through pastor Ottis. He got on stage and said “This is weird because I’m at a youth conference, but I have a word for mothers in the room – if you’re trying to have a baby raise your hand.” So I did, and Keagan who was standing right next to me ironically, did too. The only two hands up in the whole room. He said “This is not your fault, this is going to be for the glory of the Lord.” Immediately, mental and emotional weight lifted off of me and I didn’t even realize until that moment how heavy what I was carrying around was. Suddenly, I was free again. Why it was all happening this way I still didn’t understand, but I didn’t care because God said it was not my fault and that’s all that mattered to me. My husband got to witness that moment too this time, and that felt really, really good.
I went home from that trip so at peace again, that simple little phrase “This is not your fault.” hit my heart in the best way and just lingered around for me. Anytime Satan would come knocking, it stood at the door way and dispelled any thought that went against it. I hung on so dearly to it and it really steered me back into the right direction. I had told my family about all the liver stuff after God had healed my enzymes, so they were now aware and happy for me. My sister Cassidy knew that Shuli and I were trying to have a baby and had been since we got married but there was a lot going on right now – we started renovating as soon as we closed on the house which was in May 2022 and officially moved in June 26th 2022 the same day I left for Royal kids camp for a week – sorry honey.
Fast forward to September 2022 Cassidy tells us she’s pregnant, how exciting!! This pregnancy announcement I wasn’t focused on what I didn’t have, I was feeling blessed for what I did. I had God’s reassurance, I had healthy bloodwork, I had the yard and the fixer upper of my dreams, I was about to have a new niece or nephew and I had Cohen and if he was the only baby shuli and I were ever going to raise that was enough. Lord, whatever your will for my life is I want that, became my constant prayer again.
I don’t remember when I started the class “ears to hear” – September or October 2022? It was right after Cassidy told us she was pregnant. My brother Jacob took the class with me. The very first lesson Pastor Ottis prayed over us that God would release dreams to every person and unlock ears to hear him. I had a dream that night, a dream that I found out I was pregnant while Cassidy was, and instead of being flooded with happiness I had this weird unsettling feeling like I was stealing her spotlight from her first pregnancy or something. Even though, I had been trying and waiting for this for so long I woke up just feeling indifferent about it. Assuming that was just me having a weird dream, I didn’t think anything of it until the next weeks class when I told my brother about it and he said he had a dream that I was pregnant at the same time as Cassidy. I thought, Ok, that’s real strange. That couldn’t possibly be a coincidence. I saw my sister Cassidy that weekend and told her about my dream and how I felt in it, she said “I had a dream like that too, but that would be so cool if we were pregnant together!! I would love that” I was shook. There’s no way all three of us had the same type of dream and that not be from God. With hope and excitement carrying me home, I went right in and took a pregnancy test. Thinking this must be it, my moment has finally come! It was negative. Instead of getting to a low place again, I just said “God, you’re still good.”
Towards the end of the class we had a lesson on true unhindered worship to the Lord. Not singing along to lyrics on a screen in unison but real, authentic, individual, eyes closed praise to God. Pastor Mackenzie was on stage singing, Chris was playing the keyboard and Pastor Ottis told the class “Everyone close your eyes, keep a pen near by, ask God to speak to you and just worship.” I closed my eyes, the song started and I said – in mind – not out loud “God, what do you want me to know? What are you saying to me?” Immediately, with my eyes completely closed I saw Luke 2:12 in huge white font in the blackness of looking at the inside of my eyelids. I could see it so clearly as if I was looking at it on a page. It was the same font I see in the Bible, because it even had the little details of the “feet” on the letter “L” I almost didn’t write it down because I silently second guessed myself, is this really God or is this my own mind? But then I thought, if it was me why wouldn’t I think of a verse I know by heart? Because I really had no idea what Luke 2:12 was. For all I knew it could have said bring your flock to the greenest pastures or something so random like that. So I wrote it down at the top of my paper and just decided after the class I would at least look it up just to see what it was. We worshiped for about 10 more minutes and then pastor Ottis said “This is kind of odd but has anyone in here recently baked a cake in a bundt pan?” And one person raised her hand, and then he said “Actually, anyone in here that has a bundt cake pan come to the front even if you’ve never used it.” So I did, because though I have never used it, I know exactly where it is in my kitchen. He started to prophesy and spoke over three 3 ladies before he stood in front of me, and he said “Taylor, did God speak something to you? Or did you write something down?” I said “Yes I saw a verse, Luke 2:12 – Jacob check the paper.” and he said “Yeah, Luke 2:12.” And then Pastor Ottis said “Do you know what Luke 2:12 is?” And I said “No.” Then he said “Well let’s read it together.” And began reading out loud:
And this will be a sign to you: You will find a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.
Luke 2:12 NKJV
I was speechless, there were no words in that moment just tears and utter amazement. God had spoken directly to me for the first time through a verse I didn’t know and saw with my eyes closed. Furthermore, he told Pastor Ottis that I had written something down to ask me about. Like how crazy is that? Not to mention the verse it’s self; so spot on for ME. “This will be a sign to you.” That I hear you, that I will answer you. That I love you and I see you.
Pastor Mackenzie then sang over me and also said “The symbolism of the bundt cake pan is a two part message for you. I feel like the Lord is saying to you yes, a baby is coming like a ‘bundt in the oven’ but also, bundt cakes are a seasonal thing. No one is making bundt cakes all year long, they are for a specific time and purpose; You’ve allowed the Lord to change you, to teach you, to grow you, to mold you over these years and it’s like he’s saying you’re ready now, I’m taking you out of the oven because you were created for such a time as this.
For a long time, since I was about 11 or 12 I dealt with this question of doubt around hearing God that Satan had somehow planted. I remember asking a family friend we occasionally went to church with “How do you know you’re really hearing God and not just your own conscious?” She replied with “You just know.” Which wasn’t very helpful to me at the time and even after I gave my life to Christ in 2016 I still wrestled with that. God was so clearly speaking to me through Pastor Ottis and I knew that, but I couldn’t hear him for myself because that question had embedding itself so deep in my head. That finally broke off of me that night. It was like my ears had been unplugged and were fully operational now, I had a revelation that God wanted and would speak to me directly.
That night while we were packing up I started to really fixate on the word ‘Find’ in that verse he gave me. Thinking there’s so many scriptures that say so and so ‘gave birth to a son’ or so and so ‘conceived and had….’ ect. but the one he gave me said I would FIND a babe. Making me question that maybe I wouldn’t have it by natural standards, perhaps I would find it through adoption or fostering which would be fine with me, Lord your will not mine. Almost as if she had heard what was going on in my mind, Carol came up to me and said “I think the Lord may be opening your heart up to the idea of adoption.” God’s ways are above my ways and I don’t want to make the mistake of leaning on my own understanding; but that word find did make me think about that an awful lot in the next few months.
The class ended in December 2022, some time passed and Cassidy asked me to go with her to an appointment she had in Gainesville while she was pregnant. She like a good sister, tried to convince me to try the medicine the doctor wanted to give me or said maybe Shuli should go to the doctor to get checked out because we were still unsuccessful with getting pregnant. I told her about what had happened that night in class and said “No, if God can give Abraham and Sarah a baby then he can give me one. I don’t want to force anything or think that it happened because of the measures I took in my own hands. If God wants me to be a mother again he’ll give me a baby the old fashioned surprise way.”
*And I just want to add here I am not saying this with any judgement towards fertility treatments or medicine, science is a great tool the Lord uses everyday, you do you – this was just my own personal journey I was on with God.*
January 2023, the inconsistent – but kind of random consistent cycle I had gotten to know in the past year didn’t come the month before and it didn’t come in January. Half of February went by and it still hadn’t come. I cried out to God again “Lord, you healed me from this already. What’s going on? Why is this happening again?” I took another pregnancy test to rule out that being the reason, it was negative. My sister Cassidy told me I should go see her general doctor this time and see if he could run any more in depth tests that maybe weren’t done the first time. I made an appointment to get a whole new panel of bloodwork done with a new doctor. At the end of March 2023 I went back to hear the results. Everything was normal – Praise the Lord. The new doctor told me “Looking at this, I have no idea why you aren’t having a regular period. You aren’t premenopausal, your liver is fine, kidneys are fine, estrogen and progestogen levels are fine…flipping through three pages of tests, everything here looks great. Your cholesterol is a little high but nothing consistent, diet and exercise couldn’t fix. I’m sorry I can’t give you more answers than that, I don’t specialize in hormones I’m just a general doctor. But I could refer you to someone who does.” I was so happy to hear nothing was off again with my liver and I asked if he could prescribe me medicine to take to make my cycle come like my doctor had before. He did and I left. I tried to take that medicine but it made my body feel so strange, like really super sensitive to touch. It was really weird, and I didn’t even finish the script.
April turned into May still no cycle. This time though, I was oddly not worried about it as much or just that I wasn’t focusing all my attention on it. I put my new bloodwork on the fridge like I was 5 years old again and just marveled at it; not sure what to think of not having a period again meant, but so thankful that everything else looked great.
Something new started to happen in May 2023 though, I started to feel nauseous, a lot. Before I would eat something; after I would eat anything. I wasn’t throwing up, but I just felt like an unsettled stomach feeling – frequently; too frequently to be normal. I also started to feel pain, like a sudden cramp in my lower stomach, when I would get up from sitting too fast or sneeze in a wrong position. My heart sank, because I immediately thought I’ve let this no period thing go on too long and now it’s affecting my stomach or ovaries somehow. Shuli kept telling me to take a pregnancy test and I would tell him “No, I’m not pregnant…I just took one a few months ago…it’s always negative.” He also said “Your body is changing and I can see it. I’m telling you, I think you’re pregnant” This new stuff I was suddenly dealing with kept happening right up until I was about to leave for camp impact 2023. Shuli said to me one night just go take one test before you leave, just to make sure. Finally, I broke down – “Alright, I’ll prove it to you then.” I said – it was the night before Father’s Day.
Immediately, two pink lines appeared. One dark and one light, but unmistakably two. I didn’t know what “shock” really felt like until that moment. I was motionless, in utter disbelief – and then my heart started to race a little bit. After all this time, after all these words and countless people praying for me at this point. I had one single positive test sitting in my hands. I started to say “Oh my gosh, oh my gosh…” Read the test result instructions on the box, looked back at the test, read it again to make sure I was actually seeing and reading the same thing. “Two pink lines is a positive result, even if either line is faint” it said. I couldn’t wrap my head around how it was even possible, I hadn’t had a period since November of 2022. But it was there. I started to tear up and just thank God for everything, for walking me through it all. I called Shuli to come in and the sound of my “Babe!!” must have given it away because that little stinker came in with his phone recording like he already knew. We just cried and held each other and stared at those two pink lines like it was the best gift we could ever receive, because it was. I took a second test that night, a different brand because I just had to see it again. Once more, two pink lines popped up almost instantly. How gracious is God, he gave me a baby the old fashioned surprise way just like I said he could to Cassidy.
Father’s Day was Sunday and Monday morning I got on a bus to go to Virginia for a week to photograph camp impact 2023. I spent the whole ride up calling Genesis at every stop trying to make an appointment for as soon as I got back. That was a tricky, frustrating situation because as soon as I told them I hadn’t had a period since November of 2022 they didn’t know what to think or do with me. I wanted to be there that week but I equally also didn’t, because every fiber of my being wanted to run to the nearest ultrasound tech and have them really prove to me that I was pregnant, hear the heartbeat, see an actual baby on the monitor all those things to put me at ease. The first day of camp, Pastor Ottis preached on the conjoining message of the woman with the issue of blood and Jairus’ sick daughter. “Don’t be afraid, just believe” became my own personal mantra out of that message and for the whole week. I told Pastor Ottis and Mackenzie in private about my two positive tests because I really needed prayer for the way that I was feeling inside and also because they were both there that night in ears to hear so of course, they had to be the first to know. It’s crazy to see the timing of how God had this all play out. I was in that same church building getting a word that this was not my fault, and it was going to be for the glory of the Lord exactly a year ago. Except this time I was standing in there pregnant, with only a photo of two positive pregnancy tests on my phone. However, the timing was only about to get crazier.
A few days after I got back, I went to the doctor. She told me just to establish how far along you are, we’re only going to take a little peak and then next week come back for a more in depth ultrasound. I was 9 weeks pregnant and the heartbeat was a strong 173. Best sound/feeling/news I’ve ever heard. The following week we took Cohen with us, he got to see the baby in mama’s belly. Such a special day for our family, he was thrilled! He’s wanted a brother or sister for so long and we just kept saying God will give us one in his time, not ours.
I was 11 weeks almost 12 when I told my family, and the same day we announced it – to my surprise, Olivia, my other sister announced she was pregnant too! She’s due January 15th and I’m due January 28th. In addition to her and I being pregnant, Shuli’s sister is also pregnant now too!! Due a few weeks after me. What in the world!!
Remember that weird dream I, Cassidy and Jacob all had? Cassidy’s baby was born May 5th 2023 and wasn’t yet 10 weeks old, when I told them I was pregnant, so not only am I pregnant at almost the same exact time with Olivia but all three of us were pregnant together for a couple weeks before Hadley was even born; unbeknownst to any of us at one point. That is just *MIND-BOGGLING* to me.
A couple weeks later we found out on July 28th that Olivia is having a boy and a couple more weeks after that we went and got a gender scan done – didn’t see the results because Shuli’s birthday is August 20th so I said we’ve waited all this time, let’s wait just a few more weeks to find out on his birthday; and on August 20th 2023, nine days shy of three official years of trying for a baby we found out we’re having a little girl!!!! My heart is so full, if it could leak it would. God, you have been so good to me. So exceedingly and abundantly more good than I could ever ask or imagine. When that tennis ball popped revealing the pink smoke inside, I couldn’t help but think of Cohen’s dream all those years ago and about the babies he saw; one girl, one boy and what I was thinking had to be twins; maybe God showed him a future moment in time of Olivia and I’s babies together. No way to know for sure, but it’s possible…I’m a firm believer in God speaking to me through dreams now.
I know this was a lot, and if you didn’t lose interest or track along the way of this crazy up and down long winded testimony I congratulate you on finally making it to the end. Thank you for taking the time to read this and I hope it brings you some encouragement if you find yourself in a similar situation. Or if you are in a completely different type of disaster and you’re wondering where God is in the midst of it. I promise you, whatever you are walking through you aren’t walking through it alone. There is a God who knows you, sees you and is longing to have a relationship with you. Let my story be the thing that stands in the way of your doubt, if he could heal me why wouldn’t he heal you? If he would talk to me why wouldn’t he speak to you? If he could give me a baby why wouldn’t he do it for you too? That’s who he is, and what he does. Grab hold of that promise that he has a plan and purpose for your life and start doubting your doubt!!!
Be blessed,
Xo Taylor
Peep that little pink preview no one caught of the first try lol
Walking into the girls getting ready room on a wedding day typically makes me a little excited/anxious feeling – Kind of like walking into a brand new class at high school and you don’t know anyone yet, however when Shuli and I walked into Rachel’s house on her wedding day; we were greeted by faces we get to see every Sunday morning! (One of which was a bride I photographed last year!) and it was so wonderful to be surrounded by friends and get to celebrate another young couple in our church get married.
Even now as I write this, I’m listening to “dancing” by elevation worship which was their last dance song and I’m recounting how beautiful the entire wedding day was and how it didn’t feel like we were “shooting” a regular wedding but more like we got to attend a wedding with friends that we were also coincidentally enough shooting.
Rachel and Erik had an amazing traveling wedding; starting at her house to get ready, then to the ceremony which was held at Church of the Nazarene and the festivities came to a close at Citrus Springs community center in Lecanto, FL. Every carefully thought of detail was beautiful and intentional and the reception was an epic party with a ridiculously cool Photo Booth with video/audio messages, a jenga guestbook which will be a really neat future momento for family game nights, inside corn hole, and so much more.
The most heart warming part was the beautiful toasts that were given, from not two but six different people. There were tears and many laughs about that “old church van” but it couldn’t have been sweeter. You could visibly see the impact that Rachel and Erik have had on so many lives in their short years and to be able to capture for them the very beginning of their journey as husband and wife is such a blessing to us.
The night ended with the most gorgeous exit I think I have ever shot, in leu of sparklers they had bubbles and normally bubbles is what is used for day time weddings when sparklers can’t be seen but bubbles at night actually rock! So much so, I am now mentioning bubbles to every bride I have in the future because they came out so, so magical. Not to mention, you can have bubbles anywhere (inside, outside, no restrictions) it’s inexpensive and you can go through them multiple times! It’s absolutely genius.
I’m so thankful that we got to be the team they chose to document their very special day and that we get to continually see them at church, evolving and growing in their marriage. Praying blessing and wisdom over everything you do! The amount of things you will accomplish for the kingdom now as one flesh will be immeasurable. Enjoy these sneak peeks, and all vendors will be listed at the bottom!
On March 25th, 2023 Audrey and Tim officially became one at Lakeside ranch, in the glistening and glamorous big white barn! This wedding was a beautiful roller coaster of emotion – and yes, every wedding kind of is but this one especially thanks to a jam packed timeline of events;
There were 4 first looks planned; Audrey revealing her dress to the bridesmaids, a first look with her father and grandfather, Audrey doing another reveal to the groomsmen and Tim doing a reveal to the bridesmaids (mainly his sister Shannon) and 2 completely unplanned but wonderful moments of a first touch between Tim and Audrey through a door and my personal favorite, the “something blue” moment that was a handmade handkerchief gifted to Audrey from her sister with their relatives handwriting saying “I love you” stitched into it. Oh my gosh, the tears! The feels! Once one special moment happened we came down for a split second and then went right back up into another. It was so, so special!
What an adorable and genuine pair of souls Audrey and Tim make! I am so thrilled we got to be the team they chose to document their very sweet day. I loved the untraditional flower arrangements, the colors green and purple were absolutely perfect for what she had chosen – succulents – very fitting for a spring March wedding. Everything was just so amazing and came together perfectly from the weather and light to the heartfelt moments shared in the reception to Tim’s “Tennessee waterfall!” blowing in the wind for the getting ready pictures ahaha
It was fun, it was lovely and I hope it was everything they both dreamed it would be. Here are some of my favorites from the day and video will be following along soon! Woohoo! Thank you so much for having us ❤
You can find all the vendors listed at the bottom!
Sitting down to write this now and I just feel an overwhelming feeling of “stuck” but not in a bad connotation kind of way, not like writers block or in hesitance – but in a wonderful and grateful and a “I cannot believe this is my actual life; I found the thing that ignites my soul in every way and I get to do this all the time for amazing couples – even states away from me. WOW, God you have been so, so good to me and I am so grateful!!!” kind of way… Maybe a better choice of words would have been “pause” instead of “stuck”Ahah.
Backstory, Alison was actually a high school classmate of mine before she was a client; we had one class together that I recall, which was journalism but she moved away from citrus county to South Carolina to pursue teaching after high school and that was how she met Wilson! To know them, is to love them. They are such a sweet and utterly adorable couple. They emanate their happiness between each other and it’s contagious! It was such a joy getting to be there with them and I couldn’t picture better people to travel to and serve. Everything I asked of them they were happy to do, even scrambling into every position in a small car known to man haha, and they extended so much kindness towards me like I was an honored guest or something for coming a long way. I would have traveled anywhere they needed though! 😉
I remember the day she reached out to me to see if I would even go to South Carolina and without missing a beat it was an “ABSOLUTELY! Where and when?”
It has always been my dream to photograph, since I was 16 – I just love photography and seeing the reactions of the people I get to do it for – I just didn’t know how or what for a while, but second to photographing – the next closest has always been to travel; to see and experience places I wouldn’t have ever gotten to see otherwise – and when those two dreams or passions coincide it’s like I can literally FEEL how much the Lord loves me because it’s everything I have ever wanted and he knows the desires of my heart.
This wedding was in one word. “Stunning.” Everything about it radiated beauty. I was fascinated with this venue and asked the owner all about it. One, because I love old things and two because I am absolutely obsessed with look of the old brick in this building (I’m currently decorating my fireplace room the exact same way) The venue used to be an actual working cotton press mill built in 1904, the roof was taken off and replaced and the walls were the only thing standing, they used to drive trucks right through the middle of it on dirt! Such a cool, historic place to get married – The windows, the old brick, the hardwood floors, the really nice outside cocktail space all just so gorgeous. Alison and Wilson could not have picked a prettier place to get married!!
Everything went so smoothly, and perfectly according to plan except for the last event on the list, the grand exit to the get away car. It had started to rain and sweet Alison said of course I’m not going to make everyone stand out in the rain to send us off so the wedding coordinating team and I tried to devise a plan to set it up inside. This would not have been possible with sparklers BUT thankfully Alison and Wilson had already thought of a unique spin on this and had dried petals for guests to throw on them anyway. At the last second the rain turned into a soft, light mist and we had just the break we needed to do it outside like we had planned all along. It was so, so, so awesome!!
Also can I just say that South Carolina has some of the best food I have ever tasted. The BEST burger, the BEST cupcake of all time, the BEST pizza. It was all wonderful and I’m such a foodie – 5 stars!
Here are some sneak peeks that I pulled from first, and vendors are all located at the bottom! Thank you for reading ❤
Be blessed,
Taylor
A thousand thank you’s from the bottom of my heart!! ❤ ❤ ❤
