Beth & Joe | RIVIERA MAYA, MEXICO

On a breezy warm day in May, Beth and Joe married at the Riviera Maya's bright and colorful Now Jade Resort & Spa in Puerto Morelos, Mexico. It was a beautiful, care-free day shared with the couple's closest family and friends.

I love this moment caught right as a captivated hotel maid watched Beth pass down the resort hall to see Joe in their "first look".

Beth and Joe's elated group of family and friends enjoyed a casual cocktail hour as the sunset began to fall over the reception area on the water's edge. 

In two short weeks, Beth and Joe will celebrate their marriage abroad with a hometown reception in Columbus, Ohio. Be sure to check back!

Gloria & Joel | CASA FELIZ, WINTER PARK FLORIDA

Held at Casa Feliz, a beautifully restored historic home in the quaint village of Winter Park, Florida, Gloria and Joel's wedding was the perfect blend of family, friends, love and details. Their aqua, yellow and grey color palette paired flawlessly with the vintage-rustic inspired styling and details. Gloria and Joel's wedding day was one of those where even upon arrival, everything just felt right. Comforted by a warm sun, slight breeze and the sweet ambiance of love, I felt so thankful to be the one they chose to document this amazing day for them. 

Across the street from the home, Gloria and Joel came together for their "first look"... always such a sweet moment (and one of my personal favorites) of a wedding day.

Kristy Rapp Events and Lee Forrest Design did an exquisite job of creating a bright, beautiful setting for the outdoor ceremony and reception.

Another stunning cake design by Michael Anthony Cakes.

Michelle & Fernando | DOWNTOWN MIAMI

With locations like one of Miami's coveted downtown hotels, the Sky Terrace at Miami Tower and St. Francis Church on South Beach- I was all kinds of excited to document the wedding day of Michelle and Fernando. The beautiful bride began by preparing for day at Muse Salon and Viceroy Miami where hair stylist, Olga DelRio, and makeup artist, Veronica Amitrano, completed her look.

The interior of Viceroy Miami was designed by, in my opinion, one of America's best modern designers, Kelly Wearstler. I loved the way the room's rich color palette and decor paired with Michelle's heavenly Lazaro gown and heirloom vintage accessories.

Just before the sunset, Michelle and I were able to spend some time on the windy spa deck at the Viceroy for these portraits- finishing just in time for her to meet her groom for their evening ceremony.

I've always loved the mission chapel-style exterior of St. Francis De Sales church on South Beach. The romantically lit interior was perfect for their evening ceremony.

After the ceremony, we headed back downtown for more portraits of Michelle and Fernando on the beautiful rooftop of Miami Tower's Sky Terrace. Classic Fare Catering and Events and Dreams & Designs completed Michelle and Fern's vision for a modern reception on the terrace.

Just as I wrapped up documenting the reception, I walked along the rooftop terrace, faced my fear of heights and captured this shot. What a beautiful scene of life happening in Miami.

Michelle & Fernando | COMING SOON!

Michelle and Fernando's downtown wedding last weekend was a beautifully designed, perfectly orchestrated event- with my favorite part of the day being the time spent with this stunning beauty on the spa deck of the Viceroy Miami. Watch for a full feature on their wedding, coming soon!

Monday musing...

There is one thing the photograph must contain, the humanity of the moment. Robert Frank, American Photographer

. . .

Kat with her father | September 2009

Brian & Stephanie | PROPOSAL

This past Friday, I had the true pleasure of documenting a marriage proposal at the beautiful South Point Park on Miami Beach. Brian had contacted me with a perfect plan to surprise his lovely girlfriend, Stephanie: along the long winding, romantically-lit, path, he'd walk hand-in-hand with her and upon getting to same spot along the shore where they'd shared their first kiss years ago, he'd drop to his knee and ask her to marry him then suddenly- camera flashes would start going off- making the whole moment with dramatic surprise! What an awesome challenge it was for me to shoot this monumental experience for the two of them in such dark open space, all while being inconspicuous (thank God for ISO and Camera Raw settings!) and with my own tears getting in the way.
Congratulations Brian and Stephanie!

. . .

Eternity begins and ends with the ocean's tides. --Unknown

Brian is the proud owner of DealDoc where you can find great discounts both locally and internationally. I encourage you to sign up and start enjoy saving on all your favorite things! 

Heath & Lisa | FRANKLIN PARK CONSERVATORY

Lisa and Heath's wedding was held at the beautiful Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus, Ohio on New Years Eve! I've been to the conservatory many times and have never seen it in this light. With the reception to span over midnight to welcome in the new year, the sparkling holiday lights and glow throughout the conservatory created a warming and celebratory ambiance.

Under a canopy of palms and soft spotlights, Lisa and Heath were joined by their friends and family for a romantic ceremony.

The groom's incredibly talented mother designed and set up all the decor, complete with sparkly accents that paired perfectly with the spirit of the celebration.

And at the strike of midnight, everyone celebrated by welcoming the new year together!

. . .

As I packed my gear and left the happy couple for the night, the many memories of experiences from 2010 came streaming through my mind. I was stuck just thinking about what a truly a great year it had been and felt a deep thankfulness for each and every couple who'd welcomed me into their lives. Here's to a new year, new experience, and many new couples! Happy 2011!

Sheila & Ricardo | ISABELA, PUERTO RICO Part II

Sheila and Ricardo's wedding was a full day of celebration! There were so many images I loved that I had to share a double feature! Be sure to check out Part I of their wedding day for the first part of their special day.

The reception was held adjacent to the picture perfect ceremony site, at Villa Montana's oceanside restaurant Eclipse. I was completely in love with the design of this simple open air structure and it's West Elm inspired decor.

Click here to see the film created from the day by the ultra talented Michael Sanabria. Absolutely beautiful imagery.

As the sun set over the shore, we took a little walk to get some more portraits and I am so glad we did. These are some of my favorite shots ever.

Once the sun set, it was time to celebrate with the tunes the groom and his music-enthusiast friends hand picked for the night.

Sheila & Ricardo | ISABELA, PUERTO RICO Part I

Oh what to say about the most incredible day that was Sheila and Ricardo's wedding? Over the last year Jonathan helped complete the vocal production for the upcoming album of Retroaudio, Ricardo's band. Through the process, I was blessed to get to know him, his incredible girlfriend of 13 years, Sheila, and all their beautiful Puerto Rican friends and family. When they got engaged and began planning their oceanside wedding, I was honored to have been chosen to document this significant day in their lives for them. You see more than being awesome clients, the bride and groom have become dear friends of ours.

On the day before their wedding, as we unpacked our bags at the beautiful Villa Montana resort, I told Jonathan I just knew the weekend was going to be perfect. The resort, set on a long strip of deserted Caribbean beach was designed with the perfect blend of modern, earthy and inspiring detail. With a carefree bride and groom, the ever-classy color palette of yellow and grey and this especially peaceful location it was a photographic dream.

While Sheila prepared for the day at the resort, Ricardo was at a friend's nearby beach house with his guys. Ricardo and his groomsmen's suits were handmade by a tailor in their hometown of Cabo Rojo. I personally think every groom should have a custom fit suit!

Shortly after, the two met in a quiet, shaded garden at the resort for their "first look", followed by a series of beautiful casual portraits.

I love this shot Jonathan captured of Ricardo waiting to see his bride.

The following series are my favorite shots of the day!

The ceremony site was set, complete with the majestic view of the sea, a big beautiful sky and color-coordinated parasols as guests arrived to share in the moment when Sheila and Ricardo would be married.

Just like our wedding, the groom's father officiated the ceremony, making each moment incredibly personal, moving and even funny!

Just after the ceremony, qests were invited to enjoy the beautiful, open-air restaurant for the reception. Watch for the second part of Sheila and Ricardo's wedding celebration to be featured in a follow up blog post tomorrow!

Tiffany & Jay | RIVIERA CANCUN, MEXICO

Like most of my destination wedding clients, Tiffany and I hadn't actually met in person prior to their wedding weekend in the Riviera Cancun, Mexico. Just a couple phone conversations and lengthy emails was all I needed to I feel like I already knew her and to share in their excitement for the big day. Upon arriving at the Excellence Riviera Cancun, my excitement grew- I could hardly wait to begin documenting. With the kind of weather wishes are made of, the calm setting of the Mexican shore and excited energy from loved ones, Tiffany and Jay had the perfect wedding day. I was completely thankful to capture it.

Tiffany's gown was an impeccable fit for the mediterranean style of the resort.

Along a shaded path, Jay and Tiffany had their "first look". I loved the way Jay patiently waited in anticipation.

Favorite shot of the day.. caught in a passing moment.

Tiffany carried her mother's purse throughout the day.. wow, do I love heirloom details!

If images carried sounds with them, in this series, you would hear the trickling water from a nearby fountain, the gentle whispers of palm leaves sweeping against each other and the sweet, quiet conversations of a man and woman about to be married. This was my favorite moment from the day.

The bouquets, designed by the resort, were a delicate blend of roses, orchids and tiny sea shells.

Shortly before the sunset ceremony on the ocean, family and friends met to capture some casual portraits. I absolutely love the excitement, peace and love of their parents that show through in these. 

Another truly beautiful moment, just as Tiffany's father was to hand his daughter off to be married to Jay.

As the sun began to fall, Tiffany and Jay had a couple more portraits at the shore.

A few steps from the ocean, guests gathered for a private dinner reception and were welcomed by a mariachi band, of course!

Thank you Tiffany and Jay for welcoming me to capture your dream wedding. It was an absolute joy to work with you, your families and friends!

Jenny & Joey | COLUMBUS OHIO WEDDING

The evening before their wedding day, Jenny and Joey and I romped around downtown for some amazing portraits. The energy and excitement was contagious through out the session and had me waking up on their wedding day with chills. I couldn't wait to get them in front of the camera again!

Designed around this modern couple's personal style, the day was absolutely incredible. Their rooftop Ceremony and Reception at the Renaissance Hotel was designed by the fabulous Bliss Weddings & Events, with the ever-so sophisticated color palette of grey and yellow carried throughout. Jenny and Joey's day was so fun and so them, it made us want to get remarried!

Thank you both for your infectious joy and for handing us the awesome responsibility to capture this most happy day for you!

Designers from Nurtur salon came to the hotel to complete the looks for Jenny and her bridesmaids.

On a windy downtown street, Jenny approached Joey for their big reveal.

One of my favorite "first look" shots. EVER.

Every detail of Jenny and Joey's attire was carefully thought out. Jenny wore this amazing custom fit Mikaella gown,  Kate Spade shoes and carried a perfect grey clutch her mom gifted her from a boutique called Faze. while Joey pieced together a slim fit tux from BCBG, Calvin Klein high polish shoes and mother of pearl cufflinks, gifted by his mother. To complete his look, Jenny got Joey a Movado watch. While taking this shot, Jenny told us that the first gift she ever got Joey was a fake Movado watch from Chinatown, so she figured as his wedding gift from her, she'd get him a real one. How cute!

Oh downtown light reflections, I love you.

While I was running inside to get the Attendants ready for their portraits. I left Jonathan with the bride and groom. Just as I walked away, I envisioned this shot and left it in his capable hands. It's perfect and it may be my favorite from the day. So Hollywood.

I found this design on a poster inside the hotel. Yummy design.

A gorgeous ceremony set up looking over the city for a modern bride and groom. 

Program fans are always a great idea for an outdoor ceremony. Aubrennen's Invitations created these along with the invitations and menu cards, all using the same modern brocade element.

Flowers On Orchard Lane floral designs graced the rooftop with the subtle yellow tones. I love a personal love for these dainty yet bold blooms, called Billy Buttons. Check out more ideas on how to use them here.

DJ Drastic, master Turntablist, spun mixes throughout the ceremony and to begin the reception. Jonathan and I were all about him- if we'd known, you better believe we would have had him mixing at our own wedding years ago.

That's real sun-flare, folks. I love when an image captures exactly what a moment felt like. 

Bakery Gingham served up an adorable array of desserts for the evening. Topping the bride and groom's cake was this this amazing cake topper Jenny found on Etsy. Jenny appreciated it's charm of creepy and cute.

As the sun set behind the city skyline, MoJo Flow took the stage to get the guests moving with their soulful twist on popular hits.

Amery & Gary | COLUMBUS OHIO WEDDING

Amery and Gary's wedding was held at the elegant Pinnacle Golf Club in central Ohio on a beautiful day just before the Autumn season broke. The warm sunlight above and sparkling lights throughout the venue complemented the romantic, soft color palette of deep purple and pink. 

Amery's Monique Lhuillier adorned gown and blush pink shoes paired perfectly with her soft floral bouquet. 

I loved this intimate ceremony setting. Close family sat just in front of the bride and groom while the rest of the guests were seated at tables throughout the room to witness their marriage.

Love this entrance shot! Just after their entrance, Amery and Gary shared a traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony with close family.

... and ended with glo-sticks and a ton of dancing!