When we arrived at Vilano Beach we didn’t have much time left before we lost the light so we went to work! We love the rocks and the soft light in these photos as well as some fun props. I found an enamelware mailbox at an antique store which went perfectly with reproduction royal mail envelopes. Once Mike is deployed I’m sure they will be corresponding often. We also threw in a mini book about “sweet nothings,” a red lantern and a metal sailboat as a subtle reference to their backgrounds in the Navy.

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Katie contacted us wanting to schedule an engagement session as soon as possible because her fiance Mike, was getting ready to go off to training and eventual deployment for the US Navy. They are getting married in 2012 in Pennsylvania and we are so happy they chose us for their session. We used light props this time due to the time constraints and used a bit of a travel or “Bon Voyage” theme. They knew they wanted to do the session in St. Augustine because  they shared a really nice day there once when they were dating. We started out at Flagler college to avoid the evening rush on St. George Street. There are so many great spots at Flagler College, we could have shot for several hours. We then headed to Vilano Beach for some sunset shots. Those are coming up next in part II!

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Originally we had planned on using two bikes and having them ride side by side for some shots. However, the evening before Jon discovered his bike had a wheel issue and couldn’t be used. Then the morning of the shoot, Jessica’s Bike had a flat. Alas, the side by side ride was not to be had. We made the most of the one bike we had though and had some fun using the handlebars as a 2nd seat. Throw in some chalk board love notes and some colorful Atlantic beach sidewalk and you still get a sweet engagement session. We are excited to shoot Jessica and Jon’s wedding at Christ Church and TPC Sawgrass later this year.

Jessica and Jon love to play at the beach whether it be tossing a frisbee, enjoying a nice sunny day together, or hanging out with friends. They are super laid back so we thought a chill session at the beach would be the perfect start to their engagement session. We found a vintage cooler, some Izze sodas, and a book or two to complete their easy going beach theme. Check back for part II which features a bicycle built for two (. . . or one, but we made it two

Karen and Nate love to be in nature and often go fishing. In fact, when Karen and I were brainstorming ideas for their session, she said that they used to joke how she should have her own fishing show called “Reel Time With Reamer” (her last name is Reamer). Later, Nate surprised her with a shiny new fishing pole engraved with the same phrase. Thus, our fishing themed session was born. We gathered a bunch of fun props and headed over to the Salt Run at Anastasia State Park. They weren’t afraid to get their toes dirty! Karen and Nate were also long distance for part of their relationship so we thought it would be fun to tell that part of their history with a prop series showing their home states, their many phone calls, and finally the love they now share as they are about to be husband and wife. We hope you enjoy!

Karen and Nate are such a fun couple! They were totally natural in front of the camera and even agreed to meet us for a sunrise shoot an hour away! It was a cool foggy morning and we had the entire length of St. George street all to ourselves. Karen’s Grandmother honeymooned in St. Augustine and still speaks of their magical carriage ride around downtown. Nate has fond memories of hanging out with his buddies at the various haunts on St. George street so it was a perfect place to start their session. Be sure to check back for part II of their session which took place at Anastasia State park and involves muddy toes, a red lantern and a funny story. For now, gaze upon these lovelies ;o)

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When Heather was describing their personalities, she said they were opposites. She was stilettos and city, he was jeans and country. So for their session, we did a little bit of both! We headed to Riverside Park for some casual shots, then headed downtown, and finished at the river walk overlooking the Jacksonville skyline. We are looking forward to their wedding at the River House in St. Augustine this spring!

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For the second half of the shoot it was polka dot perfection with Barbe in a lady like outfit with ribbon trimmed fedora and a polka dot halter dress. We finished up the shoot with a leisurely stroll around the Kingsley Plantation before heading to get some breakfast together. Their wedding will take place this March at the Mayport Navy base but Andy and I will get to be in a wedding for a change, so it will be up to someone else to capture all the fun of their day. Okay, so maybe I’ll have to sneak a few pics with my camera  . . . I’ll try not to get in the photographer’s way. Haha. Enjoy!

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I was hoping to do this in two parts, but there were so many photos I liked that there will need to be a part III. If you haven’t seen the proposal, scroll down to Part I. To represent the Prince Charming and Ladybug theme we brought in cupcakes with a ladybug and a crown on top. The gold crown matched Tony’s gold tie and Barbie’s ladybug accessories (ring, ladybug flower on her hat) matched her ladybug cupcake. We also brought a homemade sign, fresh flowers, and a little bubbly to help things stay loose. Stay tuned for part three when Barbie turns into a ladylike ladybug.

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