Clayton+Valerie surprise proposal | April 21, 2013

 I've known Clayton for a few years now and it was a privilege to capture his engagement to Valerie.

Earlier in the week, we sat down with a couple of close friends and delegated the roles for the night. I, of course, got the "paparazzi" duties for the night. We arrived around 7:00 PM as a small drizzle started to come down. We quickly set up the candles along the MLK fountain, the rose petals, the pound cake (delicious pound cake), and his bluetooth speaker.

We were positioned at different spots in order to get a good view. I went on by myself and my tripod in order to get those candid photos. The rain picked up a little bit, but we were hopeful that it would stop. Everything was set!

Valerie slowed down her pace as she approached the fountain and became aware of what was about to happen. Clayton took out his cellphone, and using the bluetooth speaker, started the playlist of some of their favorite songs. They ate some of the pound cake, which gave way to Clayton asking her to dance. It doesn't get any more mushy than this...

Here's the best part of the proposal: Clayton and Valerie are staff workers with Intervarsity, a collegiate ministry that is dedicated to see students and faculty transformed, campuses renewed, and world changers developed. She lives in Mississippi and he's in Tampa. They met as they were serving students at a leadership retreat. Now, there were in the middle of one of the largest Universities in the country affirming their commitment to serve each other and the campus.

Continuing with a servant heart, Clayton decided to wash Valerie's feet as a symbol of his commitment to Jesus and His call for us to be servants. As he was about to dry her feet, he pulled the engagement ring from his back pocket.  A diamond passed on by his grandma on a band specifically made for this occasion with great meaning behind it. Needless to say, she said YES!

After a few moments we joined them in celebrating their engagement. I know that their lives are being joined together for a greater purpose, and I can't wait to see what God will do through their ministry once they're married.

P.S. If you would like to financially support their ministry you can donate by clicking here and searching for Clayton Cullaton.

Jessica's Graduation photos at University of South Florida | April 14, 2013

Jessica started at USF in the Summer of 2009, and she will be graduating this May with a major in Criminology and a minor in Psychology. Jessica would like to go to law school one day, but before she does that, she would like to work with inner city youth who have had encounters with the law. She says, "I have aspirations to work with the Department of Juvenile Justice or Success 4 Kids for at least two years before attending law school (Possibly at FAMU)."

She loves life and has plenty of friends who love her. She told me that there were many memories she made with friends at USF, but there was one in particular that stands out. She says, "I think one of my favorite memories was a 9 day Spring Break road trip to Tennessee, New York, Connecticut, Maryland, and Washington D.C. during my sophomore year." Jessica has conquered many obstacles throughout her life, and she has a very bright future ahead of her.

Congratulations on accomplishing something that very few people in the world are able to do. May God use you and your future career to bring both justice and grace to a broken people yearning for His Kingdom to come.

Graduation is only a concept. In real life every day

you graduate. Graduation is a process that goes on

until the last day of your life. If you can grasp that,

you'll make a difference. ~Arie Pencovici

Yulli+Franz Engagement Sunrise Session @ University of South Florida | April 7, 2013

Franz and Yulli are a passionate, spirited and fun couple that is making a difference in their community. Franz and Yulli are very passionate about seeing underrepresented latinos have a voice.

They met at USF through mutual friends and they quickly developed a friendship that became a little more than that. Franz tells the story on how Yulli came to visit him while he was working the night shift at MOSI. Franz, holding a flashlight, gave Yulli a short tour of the museum. This was their first date. Needless to say, they're getting married in August at the same place where they had this wonderful date.

Enjoy the pictures and please like Eternal Sight Photography on Facebook

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Martine+Gary | April 6, 2013

Martine and Gary decided to have their wedding on a beautiful Saturday afternoon in Tampa Bay. Caribbean roots run deep on each side of the family and you could see that in every detail of the wedding.

The wedding weekend started with an afternoon bridal shower on friday at The Tea Rose Cottage in Ybor city. The bridal party, friends and family gather for Tea sandwiches, scones with cream, jam and lemon curd. Check out these awesome hats!

Martine and Gary got ready at the Westin Tampa Bay with rooms overlooking the Courtney Cambell bridge. They were such a fun, sophisticated and loving couple; it made my job a lot easier. I hope for many blessings for their marriage and their future. 

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Wedding planner: Lance Rogers-Romance and Elegance

Makeup artist: Nicki Mac

Jewelry: Kiefer Village Jewels

Wedding venue, linens, lighting and floral arrangements: La Vie en Rose Design

Catering: Mekenita Mexican Grill

Videographer: Stat Media