Sarah’s Sweet 16

Sarah celebrated her 16th birthday last weekend with family and friends at the Lighthouse Point Yacht and Racquet Club.  Guests enjoyed fun kid-friendly food, dancing, a photo booth, and an enthusiastic air guitar (later assisted by a stuffed guitar photo booth prop) rendition of Bon Jovi’s ‘Livin’ on a Prayer’ by Sarah’s dad. The room was decorated with pink and white details, down to a very sweet pink and white candy bar to celebrate this birthday.  We managed one family picture at the beginning of the night outside by the water before it started raining, and again at the end of the night with some light painting.  Happy birthday, Sarah, and drive safely!

Stacie, Reggie, and Amaia Maternity

This shoot was scheduled for Friday afternoon at Hollywood Beach, but the rain had other plans.  So, we rescheduled for this morning at Robbins Park in Davie.  It happens to be one of my favorite and therefore most visited parks for photo sessions, but in this case I didn’t even have to suggest it!  It was Stacie’s idea, as she’d celebrated her baby shower there a few weeks earlier.  You would think a location would get old after so many sessions there, but I always manage to find something new.  In this case, the matching doors shot was a new favorite!  Congratulations to this family, and I wish you much joy as you await the arrival of your new baby girl!

Fedline’s Getting Ready for her Wedding

Fedline was the Maid of Honor at Balkis and Fritz’s wedding last month.  We developed a bond when I photographed Balkis’ bachelorette party and wedding, and subsequently, Fedline’s bridal shower and bachelorette party (sorry folks, but I’m not posting the Bachelorette party pics).  She had already hired her wedding photographer when she met me, but wanted me there to capture a part of her day.  We agreed on the getting ready photos, since there would be many women in various states of undress, and she felt more comfortable with a female photographer.  That being said, I have to give a shout-out to my male photographer counterparts who shoot some of the most beautiful getting ready photos I’ve ever seen.  They just step out while you’re putting the dress on, and come back in to capture it being buttoned or zipped in the back.

Fedline’s getting ready room felt chaotic in the moment, and was a bit of a mess, and I was worried that the pictures would look messy.  What I captured was the exact opposite, and I am in love with these pictures.  The busyness of so many ladies preparing for such a special day created such great moments, from the bride’s oldest daughter getting her hair fixed, to her youngest getting her shoes put on, and later mom putting on the flower girl’s gloves with the bridal party making their finishing touches in the background.  One of my favorite shots is the bride helping her mom buckle her shoes, while a bridesmaid is ironing another bridesmaid’s dress and another is checking her phone.  All that activity allowed me to create very interesting photos.  Enjoy!

Bodytek Fitness Davie Expansion Grand Re-Opening and 3rd Anniversary

Another great event at Bodytek Fitness Davie! After the pre-opening the week before, Tekers, as they are affectionately known, showed up in full force for probably the largest classes the space has ever seen!  Classes are typically taught by 1-2 trainers, who make their way around the room, to motivate everyone working at all of the various exercise stations.  For this crowd, all trainers were present, and each led a different station.  This was a great way for the group to get to workout with and meet the trainers whose classes they may not otherwise be able to attend. 

After the workout and one last run to the stop sign to wrap-up this session, the ceremonial green ribbon was cut by owner Mike Verdugo, joined by Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel and his wife, and Vice Mayor of Davie Caryl Hatton.  There was a waterslide bounce house for kids of all ages, catered lunch by Char Hut, as well as several other healthy vendors.  Congrats on the expansion and happy 3rd anniversary!

Steve and Ellannee’s Wedding

Steve and Ellannee hosted their wedding at the beautiful Newport Beachside Resort in Sunny Isles, FL.  Since they were from out of town, we didn’t get to do an Engagement Session beforehand, so our first time meeting was on their wedding day!  We’d spoken several times on the phone and exchanged emails and texts, and this couple was so down to earth and welcoming, that we were comfortable with each other right away.  They also chose to do a first look, which is always a beautiful moment to capture, and leaves plenty of time for portraits both before and after the ceremony.  They were even up for some light painting at the end!  I was also on a high, having shot a wedding with my mentor the day before, so I really brought my A-game.  The bride and groom had some really nice hand-made and detailed decorative touches that added to their beachy theme.  They also had a polaroid set-up for guests to personalize their guest book entries.  Who doesn’t love to “shake it like a polaroid picture”?!  It was a great day, I was glad to be a part of it, and I just love the pastel pink accents – it’s perfect for this destination wedding!