How did you two meet?  Chris and I met at a boat Marina ( Aminty boat Marina) of SR 13 – ( closed now) We caught each others eye can he called me outside… we started talking and haven’t stopped

How did he propose? Chris propose on a private island- We went on a cruise with his parents in May 2011, The first stop was CoCoCay- He asked me to be his wife on a private beach… It was perfect!

How did you choose your theme? Flowers? and overall wedding design? I picked the venue and went from there.. I knew that I wanted my colors to be spring.., I went with green, pale yellow and coral.

What was the best part of your wedding day? When I started walking down the isle and say my husband crying ( happy tears) with a huge smile on his face! And of course… When we said “I DO” !

What do you want to always remember from your wedding day? I want to remember the vows and standing by them for the rest of our lives!

“IF I only I knew!” what is one piece of advise you would give to brides planning their wedding day?  Don’t sweat the small stuff.. no one else knows if something went wrong but you. AND… stand back and look around… take it all in! Look around and be amazed! It goes by so fast!

And where are you going on your honeymoon? We went to Mexico and stayed at the Paradisas La Perla resort! It was amazing!

Chris and Amanda- what can I say- what a year of planning {and venues} its been. But the end result was amazing! I had so much fun at your reception- and I know I was not the only one! I loved seeing you two so happy- never forget the awesome feelings of your wedding day! Love you guys!

The Fabulous vendors-

Rehearsal Dinner venue – Winterbourne

Rehearsal Dinner Entertainment – we got cornhole boards made

Ceremony Venue – The Club Continental 

Reception Venue – The Club Continental

Bridal Gown – The Love Boutique

Bridesmaids Gowns – Davids Bridal

Grooms Wear -Mens Warehouse

Groomsman’s Wear – Mens Warehouse

Makeup - Carrie Wilson

Hair – Tori Godwin and Melissa Richardson Tease Salon Macclenny Fl 32063

Flowers – Deerwood Florist – Deerwoodflorist.com

Invitations – Invitationsbydawn.com

Ceremony Music – Double take DJ ( Tina)

Reception Music {DJ or Band} above

Engagement Ring -  Harby’s Jewelers

Bride’s Wedding Ring –   Harby’s Jewelers

Groom’s Wedding Ring – Beards at the towncenter

Caterer – The Club Continental

Cake Designer – Publix

Officiant – My uncle Bo Norman Pastor at Taylor Church – Sanderson, fl 32087

Thanks guys for allowing me to be a part of your celebration! And thank you for being so awesome on a difficult day for me- I am forever grateful! I hope that the next few months are filled with relaxation and lots of dinners out- before your little one arrives!

Congratulations!

Enjoy guys!

How did you choose your theme? Flowers? and overall wedding design? my photographer inspired me palm valley gardens was perfect location for  a “secret garden” wedding

What was the best part of your wedding day? when the Jersery dance party started

What do you want to always remember from your wedding day? that it was the happiest day of my life
“IF I only I knew!” what is one piece of advise you would give to brides planning their wedding day? pay attention to detail but if something goes wrong no one will notice but you, and remember was the day is truly about and enjoy it, it goes by so fast
Where are you going on your honeymoon? Eleuthra in the Bahamas

The Fabulous vendors-

Rehearsal Dinner venue-Our home on Vilano
Rehearsal Dinner Entertainment-Preston Pohl
Ceremony Venue-Palm Valley Gardens
Reception Venue-Palm Valley gardens
Bridal Gown-Vera Wang, White Collection
Bridesmaids Gowns-Vera Wang
Grooms Wear-Express
Makeup- Paulina perez
Hair-Misha Lee Arnold of Hue’s Salon
Flowers-The Conservatorie
Design- Myself
Invitations-Jayson Earl
Ceremony Music-
Reception Music {DJ or Band}-Humanzee
Engagement Ring-Madelyn’s Jewelry
Bride’s Wedding Ring-Madelyn’s
Groom’s Wedding Ring-JC Penny
Calligraphy-Lynn Davis
Coordinator-Mariah Sheridan
Caterer-Perfect Pear
Cake Designer-Taylor Chole Berk
Officiant-Jamie Davis
Videographer-Jason Wafford

For more wedding pics and to see their custom website click here Slideshow will be live this week!

I did not know when I shot this wedding that it would be my last at Palm Valley Gardens, but since the venue is closing, I can’t think of a better couple to finish with!
I first met Jess through a referral last year, and from the moment I chatted with her, I knew she would be one of my most favorite brides. I always cry at weddings, when the father and daughter dance it gets me EVERY time! But at this wedding I cried the moment I saw Jess walk down the aisle. Through the last year we have gotten so close- and I truly felt like my little sister got married when I watched her say I do.
This couple is so special to me, and everyone they come in contact with- their love is so perfect, but even more they are both just awesome. Jessica has the ability to make everyone feel welcome- for her pint size frame {she wears a size 4 shoe!!} she packs a wallop of amazing southern hospitality {and she is from NJ}. And Jody, well, he is pretty darn amazing too, and the way he loves Jessica, well that makes him even more amazing! When you add Soph to this mix {Jody’s daughter, that adores Jessica from top to bottom}- you have the making of the most amazing new family!
Jessica planned her wedding around a secret garden theme, and carried it through from the skeleton keys to the carved wood table centerpieces. The Conservatorie did an amazing job with the florals, keeping them Southern with a touch of vintage- overall the wedding was the perfect combination of these two! Jody’s crew looked spectacular in vests and custom tennis shoes- perfect for this surfing group. And Jessica’s maids rocked the perfect champagne frocks- seriously loved them against the flowers! And the flower girls- so stinking adorable with their flowered tutu’s. Palm Valley gardens was the perfect backdrop for this wedding, it will be missed around these parts!

Jess and Jody- I don’t know what to say to you two except I love you both! You have made me feel so welcome since the moment I met you both- and being with you on your wedding day was nothing short of an honor. I don’t even know if their are words to describe you two!  I am excited for the future that you two are embarking on- you have the makings of an amazing family! Thank you for allowing myself and my crew to be a part of your love story- I know this is just the beginning!

**This is part 1 of 2, the wedding day from start through the first look. The rest will be on the blog tomorrow with all the wonderful vendors and the answers to Jess and Jody’s questions!

Whew! ok, so lets get this started! This beautiful wedding was at Casa Monica- and in typical fashion, Casa did not dissappoint! This is ANOTHER rainy wedding {I had a good 5 in a row} but as we have all learned- if you got a bride and you got a groom, then everything else is just icing on the proverbial cake! This sweet couple first met with me to do the “hand” shot that you will see later in the pics. Susan explained that she had an image of her dads hands before he passed away that she had everyone sign at the funeral- which I loved- and did something similar with marks father last week. When these two showed up at my studio with a busy two year old in tow- they had nothing but smiles. You could see how happy they were just being together. I saw this often {hmm, wonder if I am making an important point here} but the more you enjoy each other, the more amazing your photos will be! Having a big black square in front of your fave is awkward for most people, but this is once in a lifetime, so smile, hang on, and enjoy the ride- I promise it will make your day that much more memorable!

Susan and Joel, were so amazingly sweet, and smiled through it all, the rain, the crazy moments, and enjoyed their day. With family surrounding them, and their children supporting them, these two took their vows.  They even snuck in seeing each other before the big moment- which is my favorite part of the day! Stacy and I had a blast photographing this one, you can just see Joel’s happiness when he catches a glimpse of his brishing bride- I love it! It is by far the most romantic and touching moment of any wedding day!

Susan and Joel- I adore you both- your happiness and love is awe inspiring! Remember this happiness as you travel down this wonderful, but sometimes bumpy marriage road! Thank you for allowing Pure Sugar Studios to be a part of your love story!

Heather and Lang started dating in Hawaii- and kept joking through the rain, how great it would be to have a rainbow on their wedding day. At one brief point while taking pics on the beach Heather thought she saw one…but no luck. Then, during dinner, Heather looked outside and saw not one, but two!! rainbows coming together to make a total rainbow over them! I am hoping its a sign of their wedded bliss!

Heather and Lang, thank you for allowing me to be a part of your wedding day- from the rain, to the rainbows, it was perfectly you! I hope that the magic that started on this day, follows you throughout your marriage!

And now, in their own words-

Lang and I met 7 1/2 years ago in Hawaii after his band had played at a local bar.

Lang proposed to me on Valentine’s Day at Sunset Beach in Hawaii. We were walking down the beach, looking for sunrise shells and he got down as though he found something saying, “look at this”. I could tell something was up in his voice and when I walked over, he looked up at me and told me he loved me, showed me the most beautiful aquamarine ring and asked me to marry him. I was ever so happy and of course said that I would. I can still picture it even now.

I chose my overall wedding design with a beach wedding and garden party in mind. There isn’t a lot that needs to be done in the spring at the beach to make for a beautiful wedding. What I really wanted was simple, done magnificently. I chose white as the common background and added color through flowers and herbs. I have always loved lilacs so that was a color starting point. The herbs added the natural tones of green. The food was elegant and heavy tea, which was simple and wedding appropriate. It also incorporated the herb theme. Everything was bite size, fresh, and pretty. The lighting was simple and mood inducing. Overall, it was more than I could have hoped for.

The best part of my wedding day would have to have been the rain storms. I would not have expected that to be the case, but they did so many nice things for me. First off, they allowed me to finally let go. When I woke up that morning and there were severe thunderstorm warnings and it was already raining there wasn’t much else I could do, but let go and know that no matter what, at the end of the day Lang and I would be married. Second, they gave for beautiful lighting during the lulls for pictures. Third, the weather was cooler than it would have been on a bright sunny day. Finally, we were blessed enough for the rain to stop just in time for our ceremony and to give us the most magnificent double rainbow blessing! It did not rain again and the stars were even visible in the night sky as the evening progressed. They say rain is a blessing…that it brings abundance, growth, prosperity, fertility, and the like. They also say that a wet knot is a hard knot to untie. Rainbows are said to be the greatest blessing of all.

I will always remember how I felt when Lang and I had our first meeting there on the beach. Walking down Danielle’s Walk, knowing that this place holds so many memories for Lang, his family, and for us throughout the years. How I was crying already as I walked up to him waiting back to me. That first kiss and the glint of tears in his eyes. I will also remember Lang choking up during our vows and how important that moment felt to me, and made me feel. To know that after 7 1/2 years we are still so very much in love and so very lucky to have married our true loves!

My advice to brides planning their weddings are to keep it simple, and remember to let go and have fun.

Vendors:

Rehearsal Dinner: Sandy and Christopher Martin, Bill Sheppard and Betsy White
Ceremony and Reception: Eleanor Ashby
Bridal Gown: Oleg Cassini
Bridesmaids Dresses: David’s Bridal
Groom’s Suit: Men’s Warehouse
Groomsman’s Wear: Men’s Warehouse
Makeup and Hair: Make-up by Paulina Perez (Hair by Nicole)
Flowers: Floriade Florist
Invitations, Programs, and Papergoods: Heather Bach
Engagement Ring: mastergoldcraft (Etsy)
Bride’s Wedding Ring: mastergoldcraft (Etsy)
Groom’s Wedding Ring: Grandfather’s Ring: E.B. Langston
Day of Coordinator: Regina Story
Caterer: Ashe’s Boutique and Tea Shop
Cake Designer: Ashe’s Boutique and Tea Shop
Officiant: The Reverend Christopher Martin
Videographer: James Stowers

Kevin and Siera- you two are AMAZING! I had so much fun with the two of you- Kevin, your fierce model pose is to be envied- and Siera, your smile, lights up the room, and clearly your hubby’s life! Enjoy each other, and enjoy this newlywed time! Thank you for allowing me to be part of the beginning of your love story!

How did you two meet? At my brother’s house at a new years party

How did he propose? In Savannah at Forsyth Park

How did you choose your theme? Flowers? and overall wedding design? I’m a princess and Kevin was my prince charming so the theme was the easiest at planning. Daisy’s are my favorite so that’s why I went with them.

What was the best part of your wedding day? When it quit raining

What do you want to always remember from your wedding day? Saying our vows

“IF I only I knew!” what is one piece of advise you would give to brides planning their wedding day? You cant predict the weather so I would have much rather had planned it inside.

And where are you going on your honeymoon? Puerto Rico

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A Special Thank you to their amazing vendors-

Rehearsal Dinner venue The Pig Bar B que
Ceremony  and Reception Venue Country Day Castle
Bridal Gown Alfred Angelo
Bridesmaids Gowns Alfred Angelo
Grooms Wear Jos A. Banks
Groomsman’s Wear Jos A. Banks
Hair Tammy at Caviar Salon
Flowers Heather
Design Celebrity Event Decor
Invitations Declaration Boutique
Ceremony Music Event Sound Entertainment
Reception Music Event Sound Entertainment
Calligraphy Declaration Boutique
Coordinator Celebrity Event Decor
Caterer Linda and Mark Grantz
Cake Designer Pat Canady
Officiant Homer Leonard

Thank you Becky, Tim and Madelyn for making Pure Sugar Studios a part of your wedding day. From the moment I arrived, to the moment I left, you all made me smile, and love what I do that much more! Thank you!!

Their Fabulous Vendors-

Ceremony Venue – Amore Chapel
Coordinator- www.theweddingauthority.net
Reception Venue – 95 Cordova Restaurant in the Casa Monica Hotel
Hair- Debbie’s Day Spa
Flowers and Design -  57 Treasury
Ceremony Music –Richard Kunicky – Guitarist
Officiant-Reverend William H. Young
Dress Pressing-Kiss the Bride
Trolley
Christina Harrison, Charter Assistant
Old Town Trolley Tours of St. Augustine
Bridal Gown   - Ballew Bridal in Memphis TN
Bridesmaids Gowns – David’s Bridal  
Grooms Wear Men’s Wearhouse
Groomsman’s Wear – black suit
Invitations – Vista Print
Bride’s Wedding Ring – Jared
Groom’s Wedding Ring – Jared

Some details from the bride:

How did you two meet?
We met on Match.com.

How did he propose?
We had a date night scheduled and Tim took me to our restaurant, Itta Bena (the name of the restaurant that I NEVER seem to remember – - he loves to rub that in), in downtown Memphis.  We were having a great time and he said that he wanted to spend his future with me and next thing I knew a ring box appeared.  It was amazing. He said he did not want me to leave for another trip (I was leaving the next morning for a week long business trip) without knowing how he felt about me.

How did you choose your theme? Flowers? and overall wedding design?
Madelyn wanted purple so everything was planned around purple and once I found my dress everything just fell into place.  The flowers I wanted something the complimented but did not match and the florist was so very helpful in deciding on colors and which flowers.

What was the best part of your wedding day?
Besides marrying my best friend – being surrounded by my family and my chosen family for the most important day.

What do you want to always remember from your wedding day?
How much fun I had!!  The emotion of the day.

“IF I only I knew!” what is one piece of advise you would give to brides planning their wedding day?
The attitude I went in with – Don’t over think it, don’t over stress or complicate it.  Things will not go exactly according to plan but no one will notice.  Remember the reason for the day – stay focused that and everything else will just fall into place the way it should.  And it did!!!

And where are you going on your honeymoon?
We went to the Hilton Papagayo in Costa Rica.  It was an amazing relaxing time for the two of us.