I had been scouting blogs for many months and noticed a trend in a concept known as “bridal shoots”. Basically, they are mock weddings in which you can dream up your perfect set-up and take beautiful photographs of details, the couple, and your location. Unfortunately, all the beautiful shoots I kept seeing were across the country, mainly in California. I’ve said this before, but I feel as though South Florida has some secret society of photographers that nobody can be a part of unless maybe you bribe with Godiva chocolates. And since I’d most likely end up eating the chocolates myself, I’d get discouraged one too many times. And frustrated. A combination of hogging the computer and hearing me complain drove Adi insane. Because he can only take so much whining and quite frankly, wanted me to focus on something other than sulking, he told me something that I still apply today… Don’t wait around for somebody. Be that somebody who does something.

And so I did. I have to be honest…I had no clue what I was doing. It was difficult, at times embarrassing, and frustrating. I was promised things by vendors that never came through, I was naive in my requests, and most likely, unreasonable. But I learned. And I kept at it. Through it all, I met some incredibly talented people who were not only willing to help, but excited at the idea. And today, I can call those people my friends. From the incredible dress designer to photographers I met, to my model couple, I was blown away by the generosity and support. Looking back at everything, it was probably the best experience I’ve had since jumping on this crazy journey. I was honored & humbled to work with people that are willing to see this industry grow into something that is more about community than competition. To Ozzy, Julie, Lauren, Jorge, Krystle, Oana, Elizabeth, Linda, Jackie, Aniela, Diana, Alex, my girls that pitched in and helped, and my number one supporter Adi, thank you. Thank you for all you’ve done and all you continue to do. You are all amazing to the tenth power, and I was so lucky to have been able to meet you.

As a child, I’d read the Secret Garden and let my imagination run wild with the beauty Mary discovered. Visually, it was heaven on earth. When I thought about a theme, a summer garden with a touch of vintage seemed like the perfect fit. We scouted places and collected items we thought would flow nicely. Vintage branches, birdcages, ivy, and summer flowers began to come together in ways we never expected and my childhood vision of the Secret Garden came to life. Whenever I see bridal shoots like this, the details are so incredible. And probably unlikely in a real wedding situation, unless of course, the budget allows for it. For this shoot, we wanted things that any bride could put together with any budget. Krystle made this “table number” using vintage fabric and painting a frame from the local craft store. A simple, yet beautiful touch. We could not get a florist to commit to the project, however Flowers by Le Fleur was kind enough to provide us with beautiful flowers that we arranged ourselves. The bouquet turned out beautiful and we were quite impressed with ourselves. Although you really can’t go wrong with peonies, vintage lace, and a brooch…Meet our adorable couple Diana & Alex who were not only beautiful on camera, but sweet as can be off as well. It was such a pleasure working with them and oh-be-still-my-heart, the photos we got!Separately, these two were quite stunning……but together, they were breathtaking. When I first met the great Jorge Manuel, I was a nervous wreck. I thought he’d laugh at me and tell me not to waste his time. But instead, he welcomed us into his studio and his imagination and I held back the tears. No really, I repeatedly told myself not to cry. As soon as he heard the idea behind the photoshoot,  he said he had the perfect dress in mind. I never expected it to be this beautiful, this flowy, and this romantic. And I never expected Jorge to be that gracious, kind, and unbelievably generous.
I love natural moments like these… Robbin’s Lodge Park provided so many gorgeous spots for photos, it was unreal. I could stare at these all day:

Diana, you are so gorge, it’s just not right. Alex was not to be outdone and looked pretty studly as well How adorable are these two?!I’ll end with a favorite. 

To see more of this summer garden wedding, CLICK HERE for a slideshow!

*And a VERY special thanks goes to everyone that was involved*

Location: Robbin’s Lodge Park
Styling & Concept: Yours truly and Krystle of Love Ever After Events (loveeverafterevents@yahoo.com)
Wedding Dress: The incredibly talented Jorge Manuel
Makeup: Oana (oana@oanagetmadeup.com)
Hair: Elizabeth Villa (Elizabethvilla95@gmail.com)
Accessories: Belles For Her
Florals: Donated by Flowers by Le Fleur
Linens: Linda’s Party Rentals
My incredible models: Diana Vilskaya & Alex Taylor

By the looks of everything, you would have never known it was that day. High heels spread across the floor, loud laughter bouncing from every wall in the room, and a never ending supply of mascara. Nothing out of the ordinary for a group of girlfriends getting ready together. However, today wasn’t just any ordinary day…it was her day. The day every girl dreams of…the day every girl anticipates.  A calm and collected Alex patiently waited as her friends excitedly buttoned up her wedding dress. She smiled at the sound of her future husband’s voice outside the door, reminding the girls they were running late. She knew that voice so well and would soon call it her husband’s. Amidst the chaos of wedding day mornings, we made our way to take pictures and Alex and Toni saw each other for the first time on their day. Sweet whispers came from the hallway and soon enough, Alex erupted in giggles. Because that’s what they do…laugh and love.

Though it was a fairly large wedding, Alex & Toni stole plenty of moments to themselves. Through looks, whispers, and lots of hugs, they were living out their dream day…together. I couldn’t help but notice how well Toni took care of his bride. Holding her bouquet and helping with her dress came as second nature to him and it became obvious that these two had a deep love for one another that was expressed through gentleness, care, and laughter. After a beautiful ceremony at the Elim Church and reception at the Hillcrest Country Club, we made our way to the beach to bask in the sun’s warm rays. As Alex grew tired towards the end, Toni gently held her as Lauren, Adi, & I snapped the last few shots. And with that, they walked hand in hand together, ending their dream day and beginning their life together.

Alex & Toni, thank you for showing me what kindness in love looks like. What a gentle hand and a silly face can do to a tired bride at the end of the day. Thank you for having patience with me as I worked to get these out to you. You were both so much fun to work with and I wish you all the best blessings in life .

Enjoy your pictures and click here for a slideshow.

Lauren is my ring bearer, per say. She just gets beautiful, clean pictures of rings. EVERY. TIME.

The picture below on the left is my most favorite Lauren shot ever. If it wasn’t strange to hang other people’s wedding photos in your bedroom, I’d so have this. On a canvas. Huge. 

It was a rather chilly day so we went inside for some sweet, warm serenading. Fun fact, Toni has by far one of the most amazing voices ever. I was truly blown away and I’ll admit…a bit jealous when I first heard him sing.  Future photographer anyone? This cutie is even holding the camera like a pro.

After the reception, we headed over to Hollywood Beach and had so much fun getting these final shots of the day. The light was absolutely divine. As were Alex’s eyes. 
Just as I was getting the shot above, Adi got this one below. I love that we can see an image so differently. Adi captured this shot and I loved how completely random (note the shoe) yet so very colorful it looks. As Alex was working it for me, Toni was trying to get a break. Adi caught his “relaxed and ready for this to be over” look and I love it.