Erica and Brian

We were this close to getting rained out… it had been sunny all day but it was sprinkling on my way to the shoot.  I even brought my umbrella.  On top of that it was Memorial Day and parking was atrocious.  I'm pretty good at finding a spot but I didn't think they would be able to do it.  Cars were backed up on the King Street (our main road downtown) all the way through town. But it DID work out.  We both found parking and the sky cleared enough to let some soft light through - and I am so happy with how their pictures turned out!

Michelle and Dan

Michelle and Dan won our drawing from a recent bridal show and we had a great engagement session together a couple weeks ago in downtown St. Augustine.  

 

the Away We Go Event

So, you may have caught wind of our involvement with this little event called Away We Go. We wouldn’t want you to miss out on our own enthusiasm! We are thrilled to be a part of this idea, to have a chance to twirl around in the sweet breezes of elopement. There have been some changes to the plans, mainly in regards to the date change. This event will now take place on March 1st, 2014. Thats right, now you can have that spring time wedding you dreamed of. This date change also allows you that time to gather your coolest family and friends and get them to save the date. Perhaps you know someone this would be perfect for, even someone who would like to renew their vows. Or maybe you have been wanting a simple wedding without complications, while not feeling ready to run into any Elvis characters on your special day. This all inclusive elopement package gives you the wedding of your dreams for a fraction of the cost. Learn more about each of the three unique packages, along with the amazing talent that will be involved on the Away We Go Event Website, and keep yourself up to date on Facebook as things unveil. If you haven’t heard already, there are going to be some pretty sweet vendors involved! Planning by Coastal Celebrations, photography by Kate Gardiner Photography, cakes by Sweet Weddings, makeup by Amanda Hopcraft, flowers by the Conservatorie Floral & Event Design, Lighting by St Johns Illuminations, Videography by us, Life and Love Studio, and location at the Ximenez-Fatio House.

 For more information email info@awaywegoevent.com!

Feven and Teddy's wedding

Feven and Teddy had an incredible wedding day.  We had beautiful weather and got some gorgeous outdoor portraits after their first look.  

It was the first time we shot an ethiopian wedding.  There were a few traditions that I hadn't seen before, mostly at the reception.  After dinner when the open dancing began their guests put money on their foreheads as they danced.  I've seen a "money dance" before but not with the money on the bride and groom's foreheads.  They also had a very specific style of dance with head and shoulder isolations that I had never seen.  Later, after their cake cutting they hugged all of their closest family members.  With Indian ceremonies, after the bride and groom cut the cake the family members feed them each a bite which reminded me a little of this.  Then, toward the end of the reception they said a goodbye to their family members who sat in chairs.  They knelt down and kissed their knees and hugged them goodbye through tears.  Finally, they danced some more and were hoisted up on the shoulders of their guests.  When they tried to leave, their guests didn't let them go.  They held them back to dance some more.

I loved experiencing these traditions and learning a little about their culture.  My favorite thing was all of the very lively dancing traditions with family and friends of all ages dancing throughout the night.  It was quite a party and a night both they and I will never forget!