Natasha, Chris, and their son woke up extra early to meet dad at Sand Key for a beautiful morning beach session. Dad said their 3 year old was so much fun to hang out with. He had the happiest smiles! Dad also got to see our friend Robin and his little man as they played on the beach there too. We are excited for their family session coming up soon as well! Natasha and Chris, thanks for a great session. You have a gorgeous family!
Siobhan and Tony are really incredible people. They are so friendly and welcoming! Dad had a great time celebrating their wedding day with them and their families. The ceremony was held at Sand Key Park. Hanging shells and starfish decorated the square bamboo “arch” and flower petals lined the aisle. Siobhan carried a gorgeous pink and white bouquet made by Debbie of The Bride’s Bouquet. It looked great with her fabulous pink shoes! We think every bride should add a splash of color into her wedding day attire whether it be the shoes, the crinoline, or something else.
The reception was held at the Clearwater Beach Marriott. The DJ was James of Grant Hemond and Associates and it was dad’s first time working with him. Publix made the cakes including the groom’s cake which was covered in chocolate covered strawberries! Mmmmm, chocolate covered strawberries… Guests had a great time watching a traditional Irish dance performed by the bride’s cousins. Looking at the pictures, mom was amazed that they could jump and kick like that and still keep their balance!
Siobhan and Tony, you have a terrific family and we wish all of you lots of happy times to come. Congratulations!
Yes, it was so good it deserved two pictures.
Dad was a bit nervous about the weather on Sunday but everything worked out well. We got some much needed rain but it cleared in time for Kristen and Jeff’s ceremony on the beach of Sand Key Park. Dad first photographed Kristen and Jeff for their engagement session before they had even set a wedding date! It had been quite a while since dad had seen them and he was looking forward to their day. Beth and Shawna of Flawless Occasions were the couple’s wedding planners. Beth had also been working with Kristen and Jeff for some time and was excited that their day had arrived. Dad has fun working with Beth and Shawna and they do a great job.
Darla Stafford was terrific as always for Kristen’s hair and makeup. She is always so sweet. After getting ready, Kristen met Jeff on the beach for a First Sight. By seeing each other before the ceremony, they were able to do many of their group pictures then so they could enjoy their cocktail hour before the reception.
With the rain that had passed through nearby areas earlier, the ceremony was windy but the breeze kept the guests cool even as they sat in the sunlight. After the ceremony Kristen and Jeff took a few more pictures before heading over to Island Way Grill for their cocktail hour and reception. The decorations were beached themed with blue linens, centerpieces of candles floating in vases with shells on the bottom, and star fish table markers. There was also a display of framed pictures from weddings of the couples’ relatives. Dad liked the guest book the couple had made using their engagement images.
Just before they were introduced for their reception, dad took Kristen and Jeff outside for a short while to get sunset pictures. Then it was back inside for dinner and dancing! Guests enjoyed the surf and turf dinner, as did dad! He said the food was amazing! It was a wonderful day fo a wonderful couple. Kristen and Jeff, we hope you have a long and happy life together! Thanks to you and your families for being so friendly and great to dad.
Fun image during the recessional:
What’s a wedding day without lots of kissing?!
Dad saw the Snuggie on a tv commercial and thought it looked so comfy! He told mom that if he lived up north, he’d wear this thing around all the time and mom just laughed at him. So mom thought it was pretty funny that the best man gave one for the bride and groom during his toast and said that they should use them to snuggle together often.
This image is for Shawna…see, dad wasn’t the only one!
The newlyweds as the night ended:
Karin and her son came down from Kansas for a Florida vacation. They stayed at the beautiful Sheraton Sand Key Resort. Dad met them on Tuesday for a beach session at Sand Key Park and had so much fun! They explored the beach, climbed rocks, splashed in the water, and played in the sand. Dad loves sessions where kids can just be themselves and he can capture their personalities and expressions. Karin’s son was awesome! Next time they come down to visit Florida, dad hopes he can see them again!
Dad spent Monday at the beach photographing a family session and then an engagement session. Both people live out of the country which dad thought was awesome. Dad was surprised at how many people were in the water at the beach! With it being a holiday week there were lots of people out enjoying the Florida weather.
That morning, dad met Katie and her family. They were all in Florida for a visit and dad met them at Sand Key Park for a session. One of the best parts of the holidays is having people who live so far from each other come together, and dad is happy when families have him capture that.
Dad got to see Katie, her husband, and her daughter again the morning of New Year’s Eve! They came over for a smaller family studio session. Their little girl was so happy and made the cutest faces!
Thanks so much Katie! Next time you are in the states again, let us know!
