April 9, 2015
When photography was still just a hobby for me and people would ask, “Do you think you’ll ever photograph weddings?” I would immediately say, “No – that is way too stressful. Too much could go wrong.”
Then, the day finally arrived when a real couple that was getting married actually asked me to photograph their wedding and all of the fear left me. It was replaced with excitement and optimism.
Hala and Billy were our first bride and groom – and they were the perfect pair to start this adventure with. Thomas and I did research, upgraded our gear, and read photography blogs for hours for tips and inspiration. I asked my good friend Rachel to tag along and be a third shooter – just in case. Two years ago, the wedding day was upon us and everything went smoothly – it was a beautiful day. I will always be grateful that Hala and Billy allowed me to find my passion.
Seven months ago, I began dreaming of a watercolor wedding filled with pastels and dripping with flowers. I reached out to Cassandra, a photographer/stylist/venue owner/overall crazy talented woman and asked her if she would help make my vision come to life.
Like any wedding, there were a few unforeseen bumps in the road. Finding local models that fit the look we were aiming for proved to be more challenging than expected. I began thinking of my previous couples and Hala and Billy were the first that came to mind. Hala and Billy were flattered and excitedly agreed. It meant so much to me that we could provide them with more images, just a week before their two year anniversary. They had taken such a risk on us and given us so many opportunities in return.
There were other speedbumps….including the missing suit, the perfect dress that was destroyed just days before the session, and the invitation vendor that fell through. Sometimes things don’t always go according to plan, but that just makes the story even better. 🙂
Cassandra and I partnered with Becky, of Daly Digs to fulfill our vintage, pastel furniture vision, and oh man did she deliver! Marigold Flower Co created the most beautiful flower mantle that complimented the furniture perfectly and set the stage for the entire session.
Hands on Sweets provided the stunning four tiered watercolor floral cake. Marie specializes in hand-painted cakes and I was so grateful when she agreed to help out for the shoot. Even the flowers on the cake were hand-painted (and made out of sugar)! Marie also provided the (delicious) cookies for the favor station. We loved the idea of guests painting a little bit themselves and taking their hand-painted cookies home as favors!
Stephanie from SMP Makeup Artistry created a natural, glowing, and organic look for Hala’s makeup that complimented Hala’s rose gold embellished Marchesa Notte gown perfectly. Her waterfall braid flowed with the artistic vibe of the session.
I couldn’t be more delighted with the dream team that contributed their time and talent to this session. A huge, heartfelt thank you to the Ever After Vintage Weddings, Daly Digs, Marigold Flower Co, Hands on Sweets, SMP Makeup Artistry, and Signature Event Rentals. Ethan and Kat joined us as the ring bearer and flower girl. Some of my close friends, Dominic and Chelsey came to help out and set up. Caitlin watched our sweet dogs, and my parents even made the three hour drive to watch the styled shoot unfold. Seeing all of the elements come together was truly magical. I was in tears by the time I had hugged all of the vendors just before the shoot started.
It was an absolutely perfect day and I can’t believe we pulled it off. If I had to choose, my favorite part of the day would have to be seeing Hala and Billy in front of my lens once again and recognizing that their love has only grown deeper over the past two years.
Finally – I can’t contain my excitement that this session was featured on Ruffled! What a dream come true!
Vendors: Vintage Rentals: Daly Digs // Styling: Cassandra Vancuren of Ever After Weddings // Hair and Makeup: SMP Makeup Artistry // Gown: Rent the Runway // Cake and cookies: Hands on Sweets // Florist: Marigold Flower Co // Gold Chiavari chairs: Tampa Event Rentals // Models: Hala Assar and Billy Palmer // Ring bearer and Flower girl: Ethan and Kat // Photo processing and scanning: PhotoVision