Well, it’s been quite some time since this blog has had some attention! Christmas season is easily one of  the busiest times of the year for photographers. In fact, the past month I’ve had more all nighters than I can count working on sessions, card designs, orders and packing up all those Christmas goodies for my awesome clients. This poor blog has been neglected beyond measure!

I have lots to share since my time away, and I have to start with this incredibly awesome wedding. Kudos to Victoria and Jamie, who have the patience of Job, as they’ve waited on this post! They happened to get married just a few days before my family Thanksgiving vacation, which was then followed by tons of mini sessions and Christmas orders. I’ve been plugging away, but am just now finding some time to start sharing their stunning images…and trust me, there are LOTS of them!!! Hollars, thank you for being so gracious and understanding!

I first met Victoria while attending the F.S.U. Baptist Collegiate Ministries, and although it’s been years since we’ve seen each other, I was thrilled when she contacted me about her wedding! There were 2 things that I immediately recalled about Tori: 1) She is gorgeous! I knew she would be an amazing bride. 2) She radiates joy all the time. You’ll see the proof of this in every image, where she beams and glows! I knew whomever Jamie was, he was one blessed man!

Tori and Jamie chose to get married in Madison, at the First Baptist Church 1898 Chapel and then had their reception at the gorgeous Wardlaw Smith-Goza House. Tori is a classy gal and this wedding was beautifully thought out. Every detail was breath taking… Get ready to be blown away!!

This day was also super exciting for me, as my extremely talented cousin Sarah, came along as my second shooter. She’s an incredible artist, both with the camera and in her field of specialty, Interior Design. I’ve actually been looking for an opportunity for us to work together, as we have many of the same artistic visions. Since this wedding was so close to Tallahassee, where she’s a student at Florida State, it was the perfect solution. (Not to mention, it made for the perfect arrangement of Seminole fans at the wedding!!) Sarah totally rocked it and captured some pretty awesome images herself. I can’t wait to work with her again!

Wedding: First Baptist Church 1989 Chapel, Madison
Reception: Wardlaw Smith-Gaza House, Madison
Catering: Classic Catering, Perry, FL
DJ: Goram Entertainment

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According to the weather channel, it was supposed to rain the entire day of Victoria and Jamie’s wedding. We were so bummed because the location is breathtaking! Lots of prayers later, we were walking around in the cool north Florida air, not a rain drop in sight capturing some awesome pictures. These are perhaps my favorite detail images of all time! So, I’m sharing a few more than I typically do on a blog post. Maybe it’s the Fall leaves that make them so stunning to me, since we never see them around here in the Bay Area!!

Tori got ready upstairs in the Wardlaw Smith-Gaza House. The simplicity of this image takes my breath away!

One of my favorite images Sarah captured:


This is one of my favorite images (one!!) of Tori, as she looks at herself for the first time as a bride.
Just a few minutes before seeing her groom; I love how reflective Tori is in this image. Check out her incredible eye makeup (eyelashes!!!). She did this all by herself! Tori is certainly the mascara pro!

Jamie and Tori decided to see one another before the ceremony, in order to have lots of time to capture images of them together and with their bridal party. It’s a decision that I highly recommend! Seven years ago, my husband and I did the same thing and those first look moments are some of my favorite memories of our wedding day.

Another one of my all time faves of the day! She could seriously be a model!

This was so beautiful of the Matron Of Honor, I had to share!

The groom and his bride: Sarah’s perspective.

The stunning wedding invitation.

The 1898 Chapel is indescribable. It is rich in history and captures your attention when you step inside, realizing the interior plan is octagonal. Check out these pipes too! Wow!

A tender moment during the ceremony.

Right after the ceremony, the light was pouring into the chapel. It was stunning and helped to make this image all the more breath taking. I am in love with this one in a big, BIG way!

Sarah saw the moment from this angle. There is something so romantic about Jamie’s arm, the tilt of Tori’s head- and yes, those old school Baptist Hymnals (the ones I grew up singing out of). It’s perfect!

The reception begins: 

The beautiful cake, with monogram. 

First dance as husband and wife…

I love Jamie’s face in this one and his mom and daughter looking on in the distance. 

This picture is worth a thousand words! There wasn’t a dry eye in the place when Victoria and her dad danced. Seriously, it doesn’t get much sweeter than this!

This moment of Jamie and his mom is just as priceless. 

While Jamie and Tori were working on cutting the cake, some of the children were being supervised by the bride’s sister. I love how you can almost feel the anticipation as they await a piece of cake!

Coolest color cake of all time! Key Lime with cream cheese icing! YUM!

Another creative part of the reception: the potato bar! You picked plain mashed or sweet potatoes and all the trimmings were there for your enjoyment. How cool is this? Awesome job Classic Catering!!

The beautiful bride waiting on her hubby, to head out for their honeymoon.

Congratulations Jamie and Victoria! May God pour out His richest blessings on you today and in all the years to come!