So I can’t help but admit I’ve been slightly stressed out lately! I was so ready for a fun bridal shoot with some friends I rounded up. The shoot took an unexpected happy turn when I talked to my own wedding coordinator (and an amazing coordinator at that!), Jenn from EllaCharles Events, about the shoot – and she helped me get a couple of other great vendors involved. I’m not very good at asking for favors – but I still can’t get over how willing everyone was to join in!

We were shooting at historic Church Street in downtown Orlando – but the wind had a different idea, and we ended up finishing the shoot in the great outdoors at random fields near my house.

Amanda from Something Blue Bridal was the first to get involved and willingly turned over her amazing salon so we could take our pick of dresses. I was like a kid in a candy shop! We all got there around 6 and just ran around like crazy. I bee-lined for a couple of dresses that caught my eye right off the bat and then she pulled out this amazing “Sex in the City” style dress and I was in love. I knew it would be amazing on Sara.

Then, we got in touch with Lee from Lee Forrest Designs for a bouquet – and they did not disappoint! It was beautiful, modern and elegant, everything I was hoping for! He said it was their signature style bouquet – and I’m a huge fan! Not to mention it smelled amazing. We were all sniffing it the rest of the way to Church Street!

Katie Russo, who is my main makeup artist, loaned her mad-skills for the shoot and helped us pick out dresses yesterday. I love spending time with Katie, who works on nearly every fashion shoot with me. And I even got to see Katie’s 3-year old daughter, my little Stella, who is growing up so fast! She informed us she’d get married when she’s a big girl – like 15. Good to know.

And a huge thanks to my models and non-models, Noelle, Adrien, Sara and Lauren. Hopefully they didn’t mind all the craziness and long hours today!

On to the pictures!

This is Sara in the “Sex in the City” dress by Sarah Danielle.

Here’s a closeup of the flowers by Lee Forrest Design.

This is Noelle in a dress by Mon Cherie Bridal.

Lauren is on the left in a gorgeous “goddess” dress (actually called “Margherita”) by Amy Kuschel Bride.

Ok, don’t even get me started about the next dress Sara has on. I loved this dress when I went to look for my own wedding dress at Something Blue. It’s a Carmela Sutera dress (have you seen this designer? She’s got the most incredible style!) and Something Blue is the only salon in Florida who carries her!

Random – but that’s my engagement ring on Sara! It looks so pretty with that dress

Ohhh… another amazing dress (can you tell I love wedding dresses?) Lauren is wearing an Alvina Valenta Couture dress. Crème silk duchess satin fluted gown. Strapless pleated V-neckline with empire waist and flower detail. Ivory Alencon Lace peeks out neckline and hem, sweep train….. ahh!

And here’s Noelle in the Margherita dress by Amy Kuschel.

So that wrapped up my day! Tomorrow I have an editorial shoot for a magazine in Miami with Katie Russo… then it’s off to Ft. Lauderdale and Ft. Myers until Thursday!

So first of all, welcome to my new blog!

Ok, short and sweet. Now on to the good stuff.

I had the pleasure of working with Lauren and Jason Kube at their March 7, 2009 wedding out at Sand Key, Clearwater Beach, Fl. Lauren is actually a friend of 2 of my past brides, Heather Johnson Brooks and Ashley Pietri Baker. It’s so awesome when I have referrals – I know I’m going to click with everyone and it makes it that much more fun to shoot!

Their wedding was at the beautiful Clearwater Beach Marriott Suites Sand Key. This place was absolutely amazing, and I don’t think we could have asked for nicer weather. Our room was right on the water – and nothing beats waking up in the morning and opening the doors to the fresh gulf air. So wonderful!

Lauren’s details were amazing. She wore a Jessica McClintock dress that I loved so much! Its was simple and elegant and fit her style so well. I also loved how she pulled together a mix of teal and bright pink dresses. Very colorful and fun!

This is Erin, her maid of honor and high school friend, pointing out the ceremony site.

Their ceremony was right on the beach at Sand Key Park.

My favorite part of beach weddings is being able to shoot the emotion and reaction of the ceremony. Lauren’s face was just priceless!

And their bridal party? Forget it. They were so much fun to work with!

Check out that Karate Kid kick on the left!

And what’s a wedding without some gorgeous pictures of the bride and groom? I couldn’t keep these 2 away from each other! Not that I should need to…

Their “Getaway Car” was a new Saturn Sky. Have you seen these little Roadsters? They’re so cute!

Eric Harding from Grant Hemond Mobile Disc Jockeys gave everyone some great music to dance to back at the hotel reception!

The reception was outstanding – Lauren and Jason did the cutest slideshow of them (I barely recognized some of Jason’s pictures!) and Lauren’s dad was just precious during their father-daughter dance. He was so emotional and I just love seeing that come through in pictures.

We ended our night with some super cute shots of them rolling around on the staircase and making funny faces at each other, which is always my favorite way to end the night!

What’s a good wedding without a good honeymoon? Lauren and Jason spent their honeymoon at the Sandals Grande Antigua Resort and Spa. I’m so jealous