For Grant’s 8 year photos, we headed up to Amelia Island for a beach shoot. For little boy portraits, I like to direct them to pose like little men. In other words, they don’t have to be super smiley. I also like to let them start to play so their personality comes out. Sometimes it works well to have them make a mad “model” face, then they can only hold it so long without bursting out laughing. I love the brooding ones.

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We were looking forward to Brett and Kim’s wedding after having so much fun with them during their engagement session. The day did not disappoint with their fun  personalities, all of the pretty details (down to the green toenails ;o) and a beautiful venue. Kim and Brett have a natural ease in their interactions with each other. Every time they would go to kiss each other, they would make the “mmmm” sound as they leaned in . . . so adorable! Congratulations guys!

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You may remember Ben and Jennifer’s engagement session back in March (if not it can be found here) which was also shot at the plantation. It was nice to photograph them around the grounds that we knew we wouldn’t have time for the day of the wedding. Nevertheless, we always have a great time shooting at the Amelia Island Plantation. Their ceremony took place on the terrace overlooking the sand dunes and beyond to the ocean. Jennifer wore a beautiful Maggie Sottero gown (I’m partial to flowing chiffon skirts myself). The reception followed inside the Inn. These two are so sweet together and we wish them the best as they begin their journey as husband and wife!

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Kim and Brett were in town visiting their venue, the Amelia Island Plantation, when we met up with them in downtown Fernandina Beach. We had a chat at the local coffee shop and then had a great time exploring the downtown area. We found a cool fire escape, stair well, made a pit-stop at the ice cream parlor, the marina, a wine shop, and finally the beach pier.  I love some of the romantic images we captured so we hope you do too. Thanks guys and we will see you this August when it will be nice and warm!

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Over the last year we’ve had a chance to visit many of Jacksonville’s surrounding areas like Amelia Island, Jekyll Island, St. Augustine, St. Simons, and Savannah. We love love love traveling and of course documenting our adventures with photographs. Here is a little taste of some of our travel/fine art photography of late. Be sure to check back soon for Bonnie and Bobby’s wedding preview. We had a blast shooting their wedding in Lexington Virginia last week.

Sunset over the marina, downtown Fernandina.

Fishing Pier on Jekyll Island

Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island.

Sunset on the St. Johns River.

Night fall over the marsh at Jekyll Island looking toward Brunswick (time exposure).

Crane Cottage, Jekyll Island Club.

Ft. Clinch State Park, Amelia Island.

Sunrise over Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island.

Spanish Moss, Timucuan Preserve.

Creek reflection, Jekyll Island.

Dune, Anastasia State Park.

River Street, Savannah.

Sailboat, St. John’s River.

Lexington, Virginia.

Walking at night, Jekyll Island.

Staircase, Savannah.

Driftwood, Jekyll Island.

Frond, Timucuan Preserve.

Marsh looking towards Brunswick II, Jekyll Island.

Amelia Island Lighthouse viewed from Anastasia State Park.

Villa Marianna, Jekyll Island Club.

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We had the pleasure of photographing Nikki and Andy’s wedding at the Amelia Island Plantation. It was a stormy day but they didn’t let the clouds rain on their parade. Nikki and Andy are both in the military and are originally from Texas. There they planned their destination wedding in Amelia Island, a place Nikki always cherished from family vacations as a young girl. At the reception they played a video showing photos from their time together. I totally lost it when they showed photos of them in their army gear reuniting after a deployment. In the photo she’s giving him one of those jump-on-and-wrap-your-legs-around hugs. Okay, even now just thinking about it chokes me up! We really enjoyed being a part of their day.

Nikki poses for a quick Bridal portrait before we were ushered to the ceremony site by the fabulous staff at the Amelia Island Plantation.

One of my favorite things to shoot, the Bride and her Father just before their grand entrance, and just before he gives her away in marriage.

Nikki and Andy chose to have an intimate ceremony with close family and friends. Their honored attendants were Nikki’s sister and Andy’s son.

The couple read non traditional vows and could hardly get through them for their tears. You could see they had been through a lot and both the words and the moment was priceless to them.

First kiss as husband and wife!

The happy couple posed on the beach as the cloudy sky darkened. We were able to get a few shots despite the pesky weather.

Nikki’s colors were bright blue, and orange with splashes of lavender and lime green. We haven’t photographed this color combination before and I absolutely loved it. Orange is also a big color in fashion for spring and summer this year so way to go Nikki for being ahead of the curve!

The newlyweds steal a kiss during the reception.

I love to watch all the different expressions a couple has throughout the evening. They were watching the aforementioned video montage which had both some laugh out loud and tear jerker moments.

The couple ended the evening by letting loose and dancing through bubbles blown by guests.

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