Mindy is so sweet! She is a local photographer and over the last few years she wrote me a handful of emails – passing along tidbits, asking a question, offering words of encouragement. I so appreciated those emails. In one of them, she told me that whenever it was her turn to get married, that I’d be one of the vendors she hoped to work with.

Well, sure enough, just a few months after that last email, Mindy messaged me with a ring on her finger and a date in the calendar! I was so excited for her and Jim! They had met through mutual friends on a blind date. Jim was a gentleman, and battled Tampa bridge traffic to pick up Mindy before attending a concert. While they couldn’t chat much during the performance, they had plenty of time to get to know each other during the drive. They hit it off and never looked back!

When their wedding arrived, I was so excited to finally meet these two! Mindy was so happy and upbeat. As her hair and makeup were applied, you could tell that she was so looking forward to finally becoming Jim’s wife.

I was a little anxious to meet Jim. Mindy had warned me that he “didn’t like having his photo taken,” so I was ready for him to give me a hard time, but I was so pleasantly surprised and blown away by his kind spirit. He did not give me a hard time at all but instead totally rocked being in front of the camera!

The ceremony was very intimate. There were 10 guests in attendance, and I was lucky to be one of them. As Mindy walked into the Governor’s Room at the Peninsula Inn, Jim did his best to hold back his tears. The vows were beautiful. They each chose words that described each other. But the words were so deep and real. They went beyond the surface. I had goosebumps being in the presence of such a loving couple. They exchanged rings in front of a fireplace that was covered with greenery, white flowers, and candle sticks. The ambiance was nothing short of romantic.

Mindy and Jim truly embraced their first moments of being married. After they kissed, they moved right into a first dance – completely unplanned. After dinner, we went to Pia’s, where they got engaged, and they shared a glass of wine. From there, we took portraits by the water. It was a beautiful day!

Jim and Mindy, thank you so much for including me in your wedding day! I’m so grateful that I was able to document your sweet love. I am so, so happy for you both – you clearly have found your other half. I can’t thank you enough for treating me like family on your wedding day.

A big thank you to the vendors that made this day wonderful: Venue & catering: Historic Peninsula Inn // Officiant: Troy McRitchie // Pianist: Thomas Pizzi // Bassist: Pat Gallo // Videographer: Digital Video Productions // Hair and Makeup: Lasting Luxe // Cake: Cakes by Carolynn // Coordinator: Tamie Hogan // Bridal dress shop and bridesmaid’s dress shop: David’s Bridal // Shoes: Badgley Mischka // Florist: Irene’s Florist // Jewelry: Sarah Walsh Bridal // Bouquet charms: Jrocks Jewelry // Groom and groomsmen attire: Men’s Warehouse