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On a totally personal, unrelated note, in three short days I will be boarding a plane and flying across the country. Destination? NEW YORK! It will be my first time in the Big Apple, and I couldn't be more thrilled. I'm sure my family and close friends couldn't be more thrilled either, because I've been ridiculously obnoxious in the weeks leading up to this trip ('Countdown is at 16 days! In 16 days I will be in New York! YAY!'....'Have I mentioned that I will be in New York in 13 days? 13 days! YAY!')
I wanted to throw out that little piece of info for 2 reasons; one, because this is my blog, and I can be obnoxious if I want to. ;) Two, Starks Photography 'office' will be closed during my absence. All e-mails, messages, and calls will be returned as soon as I get back into Florida (which will be on Tuesday, September 15). I'll be taking my camera (of course), and I can't wait to post an overwhelming "all things New York" blog when I get back!
***
Ashley and Reid were married at Shades of Green in Orlando Florida (Disney area). This was a first time for us shooting at this location, and we couldn't have been more pleased with the whole experience.
Shades of Green is an Armed Forces Recreation Center, designed exclusively for men and women in the service. Ashley and Reid are both part of the dedicated group of people who protect and serve our country, and Ben and I were so honored to be a part of their big day. The wedding was beautiful, relaxed, and full of emotion. Ashley and Reid have an awesome bunch of family members and friends, and we felt completely comfortable throughout the entire day.
It was easy to see why Ashley and Reid are so 'right' for each other - they both possess the same down-to-earth attitudes, and easygoing, approachable personalities. I don't know how Ben and I keep scoring these fabulous, laid back clients, but I couldn't be happier with our luck! :)
Enjoy a few from the day...more to come soon!
Ashley's jewelry was gorrrrrgeous.
Ashley and Reid passed through an arch of swords after the ceremony, making for a really unique exit. :)
I think this next image says a lot about Ashley and Reid's fun personalities - they could only hold the 'serious' pose for about 5 seconds before breaking into laughter. This is one of my most favorite couple shots ever. :)
The bling. :)
This groom's cake topper is made out of rice crispy treats. For real. That's a seriously cool cake.
First dance love.
This kid deserves special recognition for his killer moves. He kept the dance floor alive all night.
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I'm really going to have to stop calling these "sneak peeks" - I can never actually narrow down the images to an appropriate number for that category. I start clicking and compiling and before I know it, I'm making a folder. A folder for what is supposed to be a "sneak peek." Hi my name is Amy and I'm the most indecisive person on the planet.
I suppose that's not such a bad thing though, right? Having a tough time choosing means that there are tons of fabulous photos to select from. :)
I have a lot to say about Annie and Reeves' big day, but I think the surplus of images below should speak for themselves for now. A bigger blog post is on the way very soon with details about this beautiful couple and their absolutely gorgeous wedding celebration in St. Augustine, Florida. :) :
Annie made a ridiculously stunning bride.
I lovvvve the expressions from Reeves and Annie's sister-in-law when they see Annie walking down the aisle with her father. :)
Pretty happy about that new ring on her finger. ;)
First kiss as Mr. and Mrs.!
Annie and Reeves gave us plenty of time for photos after the ceremony, which made us super happy photographers. :) P.s. I have officially decided that I'm entering into a love affair with St. Augustine. Every corner, street and building is photo-worthy. Be still my heart.
Annie and Reeves just so happen to be outrageously photogenic as well. Awesome scenery + awesome couple = win-win. :)
Two things: One, that photo on the right is my favorite from the day so far. Two, could Annie be more gorgeous? Seriously.
Something about this first dance shot completely draws me in. It's dramatic and filled with emotion - I love it.
This series was shot towards the end of the night and I think it sums up the whole event perfectly; excitement, love, and happiness. :)
A sparkly exit!
**More to come soon!**
Heidi Mitchell:
Ummm, the portraits you did of those two are FAB. Nice work :) And she is really gorgeous!
(08.31.09)
Ashley McCormick Photography:
Amy these are beautiful! St. Augustine is so amazing and you total captured their wedding beautifully! I can't wait to see more :)
(08.31.09)
Megan:
that last photo? LEGIT! I love it.
(08.31.09)
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There is a moment; it's right when the familiar march is cued before the bride appears - I hold my breath. It's habitual - perhaps even instinctive. I'm standing (crouching, kneeling, sitting, etc), camera aimed at the entrance, and I'm not breathing. It's as if my body knows how monumental the following 20 seconds are, and it is anxious not to do anything - even take in air - to disrupt it.
The bride emerges at the end of the aisle, beaming, and begins her procession. I can inhale again. The moment is perfect.
***
Rae and Jason were married at gorgeous Hollis Gardens. The day was nothing short of incredible, and Rae was absolutely...breathtaking. :)
I love the emotion in the following two:
A really, really good kiss. ;)
Are we in the rainforest? Beautiful.
A good contestant for my "favorite of the day" award.
Cute portrait of the Mr. and Mrs. :)
Just a taste of the reception insanity. This one will go down as one of my favorite crazy-dancing-drink-slinging-thrown-over-the-shoulder images of all time. :)
Mom (Tina):
I love it! It was a great wedding and you and Ben captured it beautifully. :)
(07.13.09)
Andrew G:
The over the shoulder photo has to be my favorite picture from all the ones I have seen from you guys. The faces are awesome, the clarity of the spilling drink is awesome, and your choice of color usage is awesome.
(08.17.09)
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10 days of rain.
This was the forecast on weather.com for the week leading up to Erin & Spencer's wedding. Ben and I were preparing for the worst (but not talking about it, because we didn't want to jinx the day). I even styled my hair wavy for the occasion, because I know the not-so-cute outcome when straight locks and stormy weather combine.
Well eat your heart out Mr. Meteorologist - Erin and Spencer's day was drizzle-free.
That's right. Not a single drop. The sky was overcast (providing perfect, even lighting for photos), the temperature was warm, and the air had a slight breeze that made the inevitable Florida humidity totally bearable.
One could say that Erin and Spencer got lucky - it happened by chance; a fluke in the barometric predictions. I have another theory - I believe that good things happen for awesome people. Erin and Spencer are one of the most down-to-earth, easygoing, fabulous couples I have ever had the privilege of being around. Even if it had downpoured on their big day, they would have rolled with the circumstances.
So it's nice when God hooks it up for people who really deserve to be hooked up. ;)
Since this is a sneak peek, I'll try not to get too wordy. Check out the images below - there will be plenty more to come soon. This wedding will go down as one of my all-time favorites!
The gorgeous ladies...
...and studly guys. :)
Bling, bling.
The vows.
I LOVE these next two - the second might take the cake as my favorite from the day. Right after the ceremony, Erin and Spencer stole a couple of moments alone to enjoy the feeling of being husband and wife. :)
Seriously. Love, love, love.
Erin's brother, Justin, may be in the running for best brother of the year. Not only did he cover the photography cost as a wedding gift for the newlyweds, he also did an amazing job of playing guitar and singing the first dance tune - "Lucky" by Colbie Caillat and Jason Mraz. :)
The guests at the wedding knew how to get down. For real.
A photographer's dream venue - Casa Feliz (lit up at night).
Ok. I'm posting this last one because it cracks me up. While Ben and I were rounding up family members for portraits after the ceremony, I set my camera down on a chair. One of the groomsmen picked it up and started playing photographer for a few. This was one of the "gems" he captured:
**One more thing: If you haven't already, be sure to enter our contest for the launch of our new site! Killer prizes are up for grabs! :)**
Aunt Tina:
This is an awesome place to photograph. I have a meeting there once a year and have many great pictures of the house. It's beautiful.
Love ya,
A.T.
Anonymous:
Oh my Amy AMAZING pictures once again! That couple are beautiful. I loved there style and cant wait to see more!
(05.24.09)
Becka @Studio222 Photography:
I know them! Nate and I went to college with Justin. Erin looks absolutely beautiful! You guys did a fantastic job!
(06.05.09)
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*Our contest is only running for 1 more day! Be sure to get your entry in! :)*
Two posts in one day. This has to be some kind of record.
I have not failed to notice the irony of me posting this entry about Diane and Derek's beach wedding on a day when we've had tornado warnings and constant rain. I guess it will be nice to reminisce about basking in sunshine as I sit in my sweatshirt, staring out of our window at the gray, muddiness of this day. I'm not bitter or anything. ;)
In March, Diane and Derek were married on beautiful Anna Maria Island. Their ceremony was held on the sand, and the reception was carried over to the BeachHouse Restaurant where guests enjoyed dinner and dancing through the remainder of the night.
I suppose I should mention that Diane and Derek's wedding day was one of the windiest of the year. Or my lifetime, for that matter. From the moment I stepped out of the car, the ocean air began whipping my hair in 74 different directions. Palm trees were flailing around like one of those inflatable advertisements outside of a tire shop, and the waves looked like they were in the middle of a leap frog tournament with how quickly they were crashing over each other.
However, this isn't what I remember most about this day.
What I do remember is how Derek looked watching Diane walk up the aisle. What I do remember is Diane's bridesmaids sharing in the excitement of their friend being married by offering hugs and huge smiles after the ceremony. What I do remember is the toast given by Diane's father - filled with love and pride for his daughter and her new husband. What I do remember is the carefree, cheerful atmosphere that permeated through the air at the reception.
The weather was a miniscule detail; a blip on the radar. It was an unimportant aspect because Diane and Derek chose to treat it as an unimportant aspect. There was no stress, no anxiety, no irritation - they simply rolled with the circumstances, and didn't let anything come between their joy and enthusiasm of becoming husband and wife.
Diane and Derek - We enjoy every minute that we get to spend with you guys. Thank you for being two of the most easygoing, considerate people we've ever had the pleasure of working with. We feel so lucky to have been a part of your incredible day! :)
(*The gorgeous floral arrangements and event decorations were created by the dynamic mother/daughter team of DSR Designs & Atmospheres. Future brides, check them out - they are fabulous!)
Yvonne Morrow:
Beautiful wedding, beautiful pictures. Especially love the handprints and rings!
Diane Lokey:
Thank you so much Ben and Amy! Everything was so perfect and these pictures are just gorgeous!!! I can not wait to see all of them! Thank you for working so hard and doing such wonderful job! Your talent really shows through your pictures! :) Thanks again!
Diane and Derek
Cami:
hey this is where Kyle & Cathy got married! It's such a beautiful spot & you guys captured it marvelously! The handprints with the rings are my favorite!
(04.17.09)
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Hellooooo super cute grooms cake!
(09.08.09)Awesome pics!!
(09.08.09)These are great shots :)
(09.12.09)Tears. You both radiate happiness & love!!
(09.17.09)Delighted to see these beautiful photos...you both look so happy and full of love!
(10.30.09)