Maria and Kavin – Thank you guys for being so much fun and taming the rain.  You guys are awesome!!

Maria, you are stunning!!

One of my new favorite engagement photos ever!  Hotness!

By the way, have you noticed how AMAZING Maria’s purple dress looks with everything??  Brides-to-be take note.  A jewel tone for your e-pics can be great!

And we wrapped things up at the riverfront where Kavin and Maria had their first date – awwww!!!

Jessica and Josh – thanks for being so fabulous!  We can’t wait for your wedding!!

The first day we were there we literally threw down our bags, put on our swim gear and ran down to the beach so I didn’t take a single photo until after dark.  This was the view from our balcony that night.  Ahhhhh, I want to go back!!

The next day we stayed on the beach alllllll day.  This resulted in two things: #1 no photos and #2 the need to spend the following day out of the sun hence our impromptu trip down to St Augustine.

I was feeling pretty bad that day so I didn’t take too many photos but the city was really pretty.  Maybe we’ll go back one day when I’m feeling more like myself

Flagler College was my favorite part.

See the face in the tile?  I think they said that is Henry Flagler.

These were on the doors of a church near the college.

Castillo de San Marcos aka the Fort.

And the real reason that John was so eager to drive down to St. Augustine….The World Golf Hall of Fame.  Ehhh, marriage is all about compromise right?  At least it had AC.

And shopping in the pro shop.

At sunrise the next day John got up to go golfing.  I got up to take this photo and then promptly returned to bed

And when I finally rolled out of bed the beach looked more like this:

John was a big fan of the hole right below our balcony.  I kept wanting to yell “GET IN THE HOLE” at the unsuspecting players but John wouldn’t let me.  Party pooper.

I didn’t take pics of the actual resort but it was beautiful.  Most of it was shaded by big trees and Spanish moss.

When John returned from golfing he brought me a rose and a cupcake.  Awwww!  The cupcake did not last long enough for me to take a photo of it, but here’s the rose.

After a little bit more lazing around on the beach we got ready and went to dinner for our anniversary.  The traditional anniversary self-portrait:

Thanks to a pre-dinner google search we went to Luigi’s Trattoria for dinner.

Luigi’s was incredible.  The atmosphere was perfect, the service was wonderful, and the food was the most authentic I’ve had since I was in Italy.  Our trip to Luigi’s was one of the highlights of our trip.  Warning – food porn ahead!!

(I didn’t eat the broccoli – if you’re a food-no-toucher like me take note to ask for that on it’s own plate)

They gave us dessert for free because it was our anniversary!  I can’t remember what this was called…it wasn’t tiramasu….it was some kind of cake.  I don’t know, bottom line is it was delicious.

And what’s a celebration without a little bubbly?

Gorgeous sunset that evening.

And the next day we drove back home to reality.  Boo.  Here’s to next year!!

Below are a few of my favorites – for more be sure to view their slideshow here or here.

Ben is a drummer

Favorite!

Such a beautiful couple!

This is absolutely one of my favorite “prop” shots ever!  The photo they are holding is the first one ever taken of them together 10+ years ago.  Awwww!!!

Mandy and Ben – thanks again for being so much fun!  See you in September!

Be sure to view their slideshow here or here.

Location: Mt. Zion and the Inspiration Center

Dress: White House Black Market

Shoes: Stuart Weitzman

Beautiful bouquet by Belles Fleurs.

Their sweet first look.

Love me some sassy ladies!

The grandmas keeping cool with the program fans!

And a proud grandpa, too.

Tori was stunning all day, but she was absolutely radiant during the ceremony.

And once it was official we were off to the Cool Spring’s House.

Tori’s Dad had passed away prior to the wedding.  He was honored in several ways throughout the day and I know he was smiling down on her.  When I saw this butterfly land on her veil, I immediately wondered if her Dad sent it.

Tori and Jonathan were so darn cute together!

She made these cute flip flops to wear to the reception!

And speaking of reception – Tori had the cutest decorations including buttons and lots of photos of family.

And then, my favorite part of the day – grandparents with bubbles.  Folks, it just doesn’t get much better than that.

Wonderful, wonderful wedding.  Now to bed to rest up for tomorrow’s wedding!

Saqi and Alex – thank you both again so much for having us there on your special day.  We wish you both all the best!!

Vendors who made this day possible:

Events Plus Nashville

Classic Party Rentals

Shalimar Fine Indian Cuisine

Belles Fleurs Floral Designs

Cakes by Rebecca

The Factory at Franklin

Embassy Suites Franklin

Spring Tree Media

Music City Bus

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For the final day of Saqi and Alex’s wedding John met Alex and family at their hotel and I met  Saqi and her family and friends at the Factory in Franklin.

After both parties were ready, Alex’s entourage made their way to the Factory where they haggled with Saqi’s family and friends on an entry price.

Once the groom and his group gained entry, the Bengali ceremony began.

At this point Alex looked into the mirror and spoke a few words about his beautiful bride.

Then the two adorned each other with flowers, exchanged a drink, and received rings from the mothers.

Then we stole a few moments for bride+groom pics

A short break for some dinner in the absolutely lovely Liberty Hall.

And it was time for the Korean Ceremony, or Paebaek.

Did you know that ducks mate for life?  I didn’t!

After performing the bows, the parents throw dates and chestnuts at the bride and how many she catches in her gown represent the number of children they will have.  The dates represent female children and the chestnuts represent male children.

Saqi’s Dad had a very definite idea about which gender of children he wished for the new bride and groom!

Looks like you are going to be a very busy mom Saqi!!

A little bit more mingling and then it was time for cake.

And as the night came to a close Saqi’s dad and all the parents thanked the guests for coming out to celebrate Saqi and Alex’s union.

Thanks again Saqi and Alex and family!!

Additionally, I would like to send a big thank you to Joy Dement for coming along to be my second shooter.  Thanks Joy!

Back later with more still of this amazing wedding!

Henna application: Karissima Salon.

April, Eric, and Ethan – thank you all for having us there to capture your special day.  We wish you 3 all the happiness in the world!

P.S. Don’t forget to check out the slideshow here or here!

Location: Private Farm in Leipers Fork

Makeup: Lisa Johnson

Coordination: Beth Anne Holden

Video: Audio Video Art