A Love Note To The Jungle - Ormond Beach, Florida

Dream photoshoot in the morning, evacuate from a hurricane that night. That's not really my usual day but I'm sooo thankful I got to photograph Reilly crushing it before things got all Irma crazy. And this shoot has been a long time coming for me.

I love all things tropical and jungle. Like really really. The air that feels like a greenhouse, the amazing plants everywhere, the way it makes you slow down, go barefoot, and wear breezy clothes. I spent a summer in Papua New Guinea and it has just stuck with me ever since. So this shoot was kind of a love note to that jungle from me.

Reilly (who looks a crazy amount like a real life Moana) was incredible, even when a big not-scared-of-people snake was following us around. (I wimped out a little. lol)  But we had so much fun, went barefoot, played, and sweat. All the things you're supposed to do in a jungle. ;) 

Model: Reilly G.
Dresses: Free People
Venue: Ormond Beach Memorial Gardens

Naza Surf Camp - Ormond Beach, Florida

"I love surfing even more than video games!" Coming from my 7 year old, that was music to my ears. We keep a tight leash on technology in our house but Finn was always most excited at the prospect of playing video games. We've done swim team, hiking, all kinds of things, but he was never that stoked on any of it. Once he had caught his first wave with our amazing friends at Naza Surf Camp, he was HOOKED!

I've been learning to surf over the last couple years too and having at least one of my boys be as excited about it as me is seriously a dream come true. All the groms (surfer speak for kid surfers) and teachers at this camp were beyond rad, always encouraging each other and so excited when someone had a really great ride. These super cool kids even cheered me (a mom kook!) on when I paddled out with them. It was really just a crazy amazing week and we're going to do it every year from here on out!! 

Carrie & David's Sunrise Engagement - Flagler Beach, Florida

Summer in Florida can be a tricky time to be a photographer. As soon as the sun comes, up you start sweating (which looks amazing in photos. lol) and then the thunderstorms pretty much every afternoon lasting as long as they want can nix an evening photoshoot. The light is beautiful and romantic at sunrise but I mean, sunrise is eaaaarly. So I usually don't suggest it to my clients because who wants to look pulled together and awake at 6:30 am? Enter Carrie & David. I was dragging and makeup-less but they were glowing with young love.

We totally reaped the benefits of being early risers because the beach was quiet and beautiful. They both work in ocean rescue so this was the perfect place for their engagement session. Even though I had to drag my butt out of bed much earlier than usual, it was so worth it.  And if you ever feel brave enough for a sunrise photo session, I'm ALLLL over that!

Casa Monica Wedding - Gina & Spencer

This wedding had a lot of firsts for me. First time rain had postponed a wedding (fortunately only by 15 min. That's Florida for you!), first time cannons were going off every minute during a ceremony, and definitely the first time a musket firing historical reenactment marched right past a wedding!  
Gina and Spencer had such a gracious, fun loving attitude the whole time, and certainly weren't going to be distracted from each other. And despite being interrupted, Spencer's sweet vows had all of us crying. Anyone else tear up when the groom cries? I think it's almost a requirement!
Their reception at the Casa Monica hotel was so happy and fun, with gorgeous flowers from Thicket Floral Design. The hardest part was keeping myself from jumping in that pool. ;) Congratulations, Spencer and Gina!

Location: St. Augustine, Florida
Ceremony Venue: Pena Peck House
Reception Venue: Casa Monica Resort and Spa
Florals: Thicket Floral Design
Coordinating: Coastal Coordinating
Dress: Love Bridal Boutique