After 3 months worth of wedding weekends, 2 rounds of family illnesses (yes, all 4 children and parents sick), an unexpected injury, 2 out of town vacations and a charity project… I am FINALLY attempting to catch up on a personal and professional level. There are edits and albums, blog posts and emails that are needing my attention, yet; when it rains it pours and I think we’ve been in a torrential flood for a good bit. I’m looking forward to a new year and a chance for some fresh new beginnings!! But… enough about me, there’s a beautiful wedding of a fabulous couple that’s ready to be shared!

Ashlee and Russ tied the knot in Ft. Myers at the magnificent Edison Ford Winter Estates, with a lovely reception at the Royal Palm Yacht Club. It was a gorgeous day with bright blue skies, vibrant pink flowers and lots of love.

Ashlee’s ring was nothing less than breathtaking! Seriously, Russ did a phenomenal job! I could have taken images of this bling all day long!

Ashlee and Russ opted for a first look and this charming little garden was the perfect location for the big moment.

Russ waited patiently for his beautiful bride. Love this image of him- so G.Q.!

Finally, she arrived!

Ah, the glorious sun rained down in an almost kaleidoscope fashion. Between the colors, the rays and Ashlee’s expression, I am completely in love with this image!

Ok, so it’s been 5 days since I should have announced the winner of the 12:25 Dream Calendar Contest; but after a weekend full of sessions and a back injury, I’m finally getting around to it! To be eligible for the contest you needed to either sell 12 Dream Calendars or purchase 12 calendars yourself. After a week’s worth of helping to spread the word and encouraging individuals to get a copy of the Dream Calendar, I’m proud to announce that Susan R. is our first 12:25 winner!! Her sweet little girl, Anna, is actually the January model for the calendar! Susan, your $25.00 gift card will be in the mail soon.

I’ll try better to announce this weeks winner by Friday, so hurry… spread the word, buy some Christmas presents and be entered to win the next 12:25 contest!

It wasn’t all that long ago that I was photographing Alisha’s brother on his big day to Meg. Two siblings in one year? What an honor!! I was super excited to be a part of this wedding, with lots of familiar faces and incredibly sweet families. I knew it would be lovely.

It was the perfect day for a Fall wedding, with rich tones and stunning details, loads of laughter and precious moments- the perfect day to celebrate Alisha and Anthony’s love for one another!

Daniel came in to check on his sister before she started getting ready. This picture says it all.

I love this of Alisha’s mom watching in the background.

Lots of loving admirers!

It’s not every day that you get married and it’s certainly not every day that you see someone skywriting the word love above a hotel! Thanks Kelly for pointing this out!  Perhaps, it was a “sign” of the love these two have for one another!

Just before their first look.

Super sweet look from the happy groom!

Hands down, one of my favorites!

Just before the ceremony, I caught the flower girl taking a peek at the guests arriving.

This picture just captured my heart. Just moments before, Alisha’s dad had walked her down the aisle. While he was waiting to give her away, they locked hands like this. So precious!

Look at those blue eyes!

Another favorite!

Kuddos to this adventurous bride and groom, who willingly laid down in their wedding attire for this shot! Just a week or so before my Gran had given me this blanket, hand made by my great-grandmother to use for the Dream Calendar. I knew that Alisha and Anthony’s wedding was going to have a Fall theme and for some reason, I thought the yo-yo quilt would be a fun prop. I’m so glad I brought it along! I love this image!

First dances… Anthony looks so incredibly happy

…and Alisha looking up at her dad is super sweet!

Not only was this cake beautiful on the outside…Alisha’s creativity shined through on the inside. The filling was caramel apple! What a way to stick to their Fall theme!

At Meg and Daniel’s wedding, there was a little singing by the best man. The tradition had to be carried on…

And dancing… who stole the show?? 

Clearly, she picked up a few moves from her dad!

The grand exit as Mr. and Mrs.!

After months of shooting sessions, designing, and waiting… the big moment finally arrived! At 4:45pm it was Delivery Day for The Dream Calendar 2011. When the UPS man knocked on my door, I literally shrieked! Then after singing praises to the Lord for it’s grand entrance into the world; I shed some serious tears as I flipped through the pages and saw each child’s beautiful face!

Now the next journey begins…it’s time to sell these beauties! You can purchase yours online today or stay tuned for local merchants who will be helping to sell them as well! They’re going to be perfect under the tree this year…see for yourself! Oh and don’t forget the 12:25 Contest going on right now!!!

12/25/10 is quickly approaching, just like the arrival of the 2011 Dream Calendar! To kick off the Christmas season and to start spreading the word about this awesome charity project to benefit Clouds of Hope, we’re offering a super fun contest! Check out the video and info below to learn more about how to participate in the 12:25 extravaganza!

I can’t tell you how excited I was for this session with Lauren and Adam! When I first met this beautiful bride to be, we chatted, laughed and even shed a few tears when we talked about the loves of our life. There is something so special about having this connection with a client. I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to be a part of documenting the incredible relationship of these two lovebirds. You’ll find some of my favorites below… but picking was a chore. These 2 are naturals in front of the camera!

Shortly after our session, Adam moved across the globe. My prayer is that today these images bring smiles to faces and that they shorten the distance between these two hearts until the big wedding day!

What’s better than a man in uniform, dazzled by the love of his life?

Love. Love. Love this one!

Gorgeous.

Yep, it’s true. I swoon every time I see these images.

Seriously, could not have asked the Creator for more perfect lighting to end our session! Breathtaking!

Lauren and Adam- I’m so looking forward to capturing your love again on your wedding day. Counting down the days already!