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.
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!! ❤ ❤ ❤
Another beautiful lakeside ranch wedding is in the books and I was blessed enough to do it for a very special couple! I had known Kessid already from my church – she is not only our children’s pastor’s oldest daughter but she’s also been a leader at every kids camp/VBS event I’ve helped photograph in the last few years so I knew long before now what a sweetheart she is.
It’s the momma in me that makes me so elated she found a great guy like Jonathan to build a life with and the more time you spend with them the more perfect together they seem. P.S They met at church camp guys. I mean C’MON, it was meant to be!
While I’ve shot weddings at Lakeside many, many times this was actually my first morning/mid-day wedding; even with the very different lighting outside, I honestly loved it. Kessid and Jonathan had so many unique little spins on their day that just made it so cute and extra THEM.
Instead of dinner there was delicious coffee and brunch food. Because the first date they ever had was at a coffee shop. ❤ There was a flower girl but there was also a “rock boy” on account of Kessid having little twin siblings. An unforgettable donut cake. And one of the best wedding trends of all time; picture guest book with instamax polaroids.
Kessid and Jonathan’s joy and love for the Lord radiated throughout the whole day from her aunt, best friends and cousins praying with her before she got in her dress to my favorite part of their ceremony where they read personal vows and did communion together but then they had all their parents come up and lay hands on them and pray over them right before the ceremony concluded. Which I thought was just the most precious and special thing and I wish more people would do it!
It was a glorious day filled with so much love, I hope the love birds enjoy these sweet sneak peeks from their day and all the honeymoon cruisin’! I’ll list all the vendors at the bottom and thank you for reading!!
Nestled deep in Inverness Florida there is a gorgeous piece of property that is Kara + Chris’s own slice of heaven, surrounded by greenery, animals and glistening sunlight it is actually a dream place to live and furthermore the most epic residential wedding spot I’ve gotten to photograph yet.
How sweet it is to find a love like Chris and Kara! These two kindred spirits were just made for each other in a special way. I got the privilege of meeting them for engagement pictures and they were a country dream, delight! The first thing I ever learned about them and I do think it is one of the most important; is how much they love their animals! The engagement pictures we took were either around their animals or on horseback and I honestly just love them so much for it. So of course, the only absolutely needed, and highly requested photo I take at their wedding would be one with their animals. I love the shots we got of Kara and her horse (whose name escapes me right now…) And the image of Macy the *golden child* retriever…. It was just darling in so many ways and you just can’t get that unless you have a wedding at your own home. There’s so many beautiful photos, that it’s really hard to choose what to share for the sneak peek without giving away ALL the magic hahah.
Also I wanted to mention the cutest thing that I have not seen a lot of yet; Was this clever text exchange that Chris and Kara did pre-ceremony. I got to see both of their reaction’s to each others love messages and it was the sweetest thing. To my knowledge it was kind of like a personal vow to each other but done privately.
Goodness what a lovely job Gloria with beautiful moments did with converting their property space into an outside reception and ceremony area. There were candle lit tables with beautiful florals, Warm market lights strung all over the space illuminating the dance floor, and all of this was under the stars outside in beautiful, non buggy weather. It was stunning. It was unforgettable. And it was a dream come true.
When the end of the night came and I said my thank you’s and goodbye’s to everyone; Kara’s mom Ellen, said to me:
“Kara was so adamant about having you as her photographer, she just would not consider getting anyone else – I just love the photos you took and thank you so much, you were wonderful.”
My heart melted, it’s just such an honor to serve people who value what you do that much. There’s so many photographers, so many truly talented photographers around even just this small little county and somehow God draws me to the right ones for me. In the words of my pastor and I’m going to apply it to me – I know it’s not biblical, but I think God loves me the most. 😛
Check out all the vendors at the bottom of the page!
Thanks for reading! And be blessed
SEIRRA! I’m pretty sure the horses name is seirra hahahah – I remembered!!!
Oh man…THIS WEDDING YA’LL!! This was a special one to me – It was special and closer to my heart for a few reasons; For one, it was my first destination wedding I’ve ever shot! I had gone to Massachusetts to photograph my cousin’s wedding in 2018 but I don’t feel like I can count that because we’re related lol – just doesn’t carry the same kind of weight in my mind. For two, it was the first time I have ever been to North Carolina and my first time in a loooong time going up north during peak “fall season.” The beauty in North Carolina is absolutely unmatched. I spent almost all of my driving time from the airport to my hotel just gawking at the beautiful rolling hills filled with cows or goats, the vibrant golds, oranges and reds in all the trees and saying “wow!” at literally every house on every plot of land because they were all just stunning. It was incredible and not a for sale sign in sight might I add.
However, the biggest and most impactful reason – number three, the bride and groom is a couple I literally have grown up with as a photographer. They have stuck by me through pricing structure increases, editing changes and somehow when they could have picked anyone to be their photographer in North Carolina for their destination wedding – they chose me. Because they agreed it just wasn’t going to feel right with anyone else… and I’m still just so shook when I play that through my mind. How did I get so blessed to find people that view what I do as THAT important; GOD that’s how! Can I get an AMEN! Lol
By the grace of God, I got in contact with Vanessa around Christmas time 3 years ago. I remember she said she was new to the area and I think she found me on google – had three dogs and a boyfriend and wanted to get some cute family pictures done to make Christmas cards. What a blessing picking up that phone call became. She is in every way a woman I aspire to be like. She has the sweetest heart, the most contagious happiness that just pours out of her, the love she has for her family members AND Travis’s would make your heart melt and just her aura as a person is purely magnetic…like I feel privileged to know this girl – Wow, I just fangirled the heck out of Vanessa haha, Travis I think you are just as exceptional, and Vanessa is very blessed to have you in her life. Really though, they are that wonderful and thoughtful and I am so overjoyed for both of them because really Travis and Vanessa together as husband and wife makes all the sense in the world, they are absolutely amazing, kind and generous souls who deserve each other in every way and their love for each other just beams out of them. Furthermore, I hope they do rethink that “I can’t have kids, my dog’s are allergic.” thing because the world needs more people like Travis and Vanessa in it!! Lolol
Some of my favorite moments were the first look with dad and the epic 3 or 4 course dance routine they put together, Vanessa’s grandmother dancing at the reception and watching Travis’s reaction to Vanessa walking down the aisle.
The wedding itself was absolutely beautiful, every key aspect of it was perfect – the way it was decorated inside with all the lights and chandeliers, the loving little touches of their engagement photos on all the tables as centerpieces, the hot cocoa bar with all the fixings on a charcuterie board they really thought of every little thing… the location of Fussell Farms sits right in front of mountains so the ceremony scenery outside was just more gorgeous than you can even imagine. It was just a dream destination for a wedding and I say that lovingly, and not to boast because it has always been my dream to travel and to photograph – I don’t want anyone to read this and feel less than or overshadowed I wouldn’t ever want to make someone feel that way. However, everyone has dream jobs and ideal places they would love to visit someday and I just so happened to actually live one of mine out and I thank the Lord so much for it. I got to see the mountains, breathe the northern air again – I got to experience shooting a wedding in a brand new place with, people I just adore! Enjoy these sneak peeks and check out the vendors at the bottom – this was one for the books!
Love ya’ll!! I hope you’re having the time of your lives in Europe right now!
Emily and Gavin’s wedding day will be a Lakeside ranch wedding I won’t soon forget! From the beautiful dusty blue tones to the vibrant, fresh rain greens – you just have to see how beautiful overcast can be to believe it!
The day before Emily and Gavin’s wedding it was very rainy and that brought out the dark green colors that I love but thankfully what was forecasted to be 70% rain the day of turned into cloudy, windy and very chilly overnight, but NO rain! Grateful that even if it had rained the ceremony was completely covered so it wasn’t a big deal for one and two, it was so cold it actually probably would have snowed instead haha; and this silly Florida girl left her jacket at home – go figure.
However, even with the shivering cold temps Emily and Gavin lit each other up with love. Every time Emily saw Gavin there was a smile on her face that couldn’t be held in. The first look between bride and groom was like something out of a romantic comedy, Gavin said; “I will not turn around unless she calls me – Lord McCloskey” and he really didn’t, but it made it all the more heartwarming for them. Just look at his reaction! So sweet.
It’s rare that I show up and meet my bride and groom for the first time on their wedding day, but for Emily and Gavin it definitely didn’t feel like the first time. Emily was warm and kind hearted and so willing to do anything I asked of her. And Gavin was a goof ball who didn’t have a shy bone in his body lol. Both of them felt like old friends within minutes of meeting them and I’m so happy to have been chosen to photograph their gorgeous day! Even though we didn’t have the engagement session prep they were natural models and made it easy for me. Here’s some more beautiful photographs from their day, I especially love the images I took of their handsome little men, one of which at 5 years old gave a good little speech haha – I hope you enjoy these sneak peeks and make sure to check out the vendors listed at the bottom!
