Betsie + Curtis Wedding | March 3rd, 2013 | Clearwater Beach Recreation Center

Betsie and Curtis were such an amazing, down-to-earth and joyful couple to work alongside. We had an engagement session last year in Ybor City, where I had the chance to meet their daughter Sophie and got to hear a little bit of their story. Sophie has this incredible smile that just illuminates a place. She was a pleasure to work with and I was able to get a few candids from her. The day of the wedding she connected with Curtis and Betsie in a way that made those moments even more special.

It was a chilly day in Clearwater, but that didn't stop Betsie from getting up early and decorating the venue for her reception. Friends and family helped to decorate the Clearwater Beach Recreation Complex with a simple yet meaningful atmosphere. 

On the way to the ceremony, we stopped at Hammock Park for their first look photos. It was an emotional moment as Betsie and Curtis spent a few minutes together on the park's boardwalk calming down the nerves of this important day. They decided to have a small ceremony at the nursing home where Curtis' mom is currently living. Betsie's dad is a pastor and he performed the wedding ceremony.

After the ceremony, we hopped in the limo and took the scenic ride along the coast towards Clearwater Beach. Betsie and Curtis (and myself) were pretty hungry. We were able to stop at Tony Pepperoni's Pizzeria, a small pizza place near the beach. Of course, I did not let Betsie or Curtis get out from the limo. They were able to enjoy that delicious pizza from the comfort of their limo seats.

My prayers are for Betsie and Curtis to raise their beautiful Sophie in a loving, kind and grateful household. May your marriage produce many fruits and your old age be full of wonderful memories.

See more photos here

New opportunities and new beginnings

Graduation Time

 Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.  Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.  It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.  We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?  Actually, who are you not to be?  You are a child of God.  Your playing small does not serve the world.  There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.  We are all meant to shine, as children do.  We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.  It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone.  And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.  As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.  ~Marianne Williamson, A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of "A Course in Miracles," 1992

The Warrilow's wedding

I had such a great time photographing Mat & Christina's wedding. Christina had pretty much arranged the details for her wedding. From her wedding gown down to the chair covers where the groom and the bride were sitting on. I love how she decorated her wedding with a "peacock" theme. Feathers were put together in the bouquet, and tables.

I've known Christina for a little over 3 years now and it was such a blessing and honor to be a part of this day for her. You can see the rest of the pictures on my facebook page

Florida State Caverns Park

Some friends and I decided to visit some the Florida State Caverns Park while we were in Tallahassee. They're only a little more than an hour from Tallahassee along I-10. The guided tour was educational and the rangers seem very helpful and eager to share their insights about the caves.

These caves were formed millions of years ago when most of Florida was still underwater. As the water resided through the years, it formed the beautiful formations that you see in the cave. They are the only air-filled caves accessible to tourist in Florida. The park also offers camping and nature trails. They have a natural spring called "blue hole" which it's perfect to cool off over the summer.