I don’t have a lot of words for this shoot. Everything was just perfect. I was so blessed to have things come together with very little planning, only a small idea, some mood music and lots of rain.We shot this in about an hours time, in the rain. All the haze is natural Florida heat mixed with natural Florida rain in the woods. Gorgeous.

I named it “Wanderlust” [won-der-luhst]: a strong, innate desire to rove or travel about.

Which just seemed to suit how I was feeling on Friday.

For my photographers out there – I shot everything in manual at 1.4 on a 50mm and Nikon D700.

And as promised, the talented Erika Barker shot and produced this amazing Behind the Scenes video from the shoot!

Kristen Weaver Photography behind the scenes from Erika Barker on Vimeo.

Model: Samantha
Makeup: Yaritza Thompson
Photographer’s Assistant: Lauren Harrison
Video: Erika Barker
Retouching: Jennifer Frances

If you loved the shoot, please leave a comment on Lauren’s blog to let her know! This girl does such an amazing job giving us daily inspiration, it’s always nice to know it’s appreciated

Gowns are Justin Alexander, La Sposa, Lazaro and Carmen Sutera – all from Something Blue Bridal Salon in Orlando.
Bouquet by Lee Forrest Design, Orlando
Hair by Nicole Beth, Jacksonville
Makeup by Heather Schnell, Orlando
Coordination by April Dorsey, The D-Tales, Orlando
Photography by me, Kristen Weaver Photography, Orlando
Photographer Assistant was Heather Blackwell
Model is Tyler Hill

How do you put in to words how much your best friend means to you? I keep trying to think of something clever to say, but instead, I’m reminded of just how fantastic a person she is.

I met Candice while working at Handel’s Ice Cream back in 1998. I was a junior in high school, she was a sophomore. When we realized we were basically the exact same person, we were inseparable. That summer, and my senior year, you could always find us together – at work, at school, lunch hours, weekends, dances…. she just got me (and that’s not easy for anyone!). She was creative, funny and so down-to-earth. She was also super shy (until you got to know her) and loved all the same things that I did. She was a talented artist and driven to greatness, I was sure of it.

After graduating, Candice attended the Fashion Institute in New York City, and her career as a fashion designer began. Now, looking to start her own couture bridal line, Candice has met the man of her dreams, bought a cute little house in Pasadena together, and is planning the most amazing vintage wedding event at the famous Wayfarers Chapel and historic Viceroy Hotel in April.

Kevin is a fantastic match for Candice, and I knew he was perfect for her when I heard he proposed in her favorite city at the Flatiron Building in New York. Not only did he get the location right, but her one-of-a-kind vintage diamond engagement ring was the perfect fit for her flawless fashion style.

I can’t wait to shoot their wedding in April, and share their amazing plans with everyone! And keep a lookout for Candice’s first collection of custom bridal designs that I’ll be shooting

Candice has always been one of the most beautiful people I’ve known. But seriously – look at those big green eyes!

Kevin’s not so bad either No joke, I see beautiful babies in their future

After shooting in Pasadena, we stopped over at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in downtown LA for a few quick shots.

On the way out to Manhattan beach, we stopped over at this amazing restoration shop.

Here’s a shot of her gorgeous vintage diamond ring…

We were so lucky to find these 2 posters of the very place where Kevin proposed! On the right is the Flatiron Building!

We went over to Manhattan Beach and grabbed a Starbucks on the very bench where they first met each other…

This is the bench on the pier where they sat and talked on that first date…

And to finish off the day, we *cautiously* incorporated Kevin’s surfing background by hanging out at some tide pools in the Pacific!

It was no easy task for Candice and I to get out to these rocks – but I’m pretty proud of ourselves for getting there without falling
(with Kevin’s help, thankfully)! The waves were amazing as they crashed around us….

Just before we left, I wanted to get a quick shot of the shoreline. I love the west coast! You just don’t get these views in Florida!

I was down there shooting some editorials for the amazingly sweet and silky Dujour Magazine! A gorgeous fashion magazine with the slogan “Fashion with Sprinkles on Top!” You can’t go wrong with that, right?!

Anyways – they’re having their annual Cover Contest to have their readers vote on the next gorgeous cover of Dujour! And guess what else? 2 of my shots of the incredible Courtney are up for contention!

So you, my loyal blog readers, need to help me by voting and spreading the word for others to vote!

I mean, could you not DIE at how amazing Courtney looks? She’s only 12 and 5’10″ – and if you ask me – this girl MUST be on their cover!

And I wanted to mention that this shot is unedited (straight off the camera). Since the whole shoot is part of an editorial, we haven’t released the stunning edits yet So I can promise you that if one of my shots of Courtney wins, it will be fantastically gorg with an extra touch of wow.

So go vote for me (pretty please, with pretty pink sprinkles on top!)

Vote for Cover Option #4 or #5 here: http://dujourmag.com/blog/dujour-magazine-cover-contest-the-____-issue/