As I deposited a check this morning, it was so strange to write 12/31/09 on the top of the slip.  I can’t believe another year is coming to a close!  2009 holds so many wonderful memories for me, and I can’t wait to see what 2010 holds in store!  I’ve already got plane tickets booked for Chicago, Nashville and possibly St. Croix, Vegas and more, 4 of my very closest friends are getting MARRIED (2 I’m shooting, 1 I’m a bridesmaid and 1 I’m a guest!), my sister will be moving back near the east coast so I can see her more often….can’t wait for 2010!!

I always have to stop and reflect a bit on New Years Eve.  You see, 5 years ago today I photographed my first “real” (i.e. paying) wedding!  It didn’t even pay that much, but it really was the start of my career and I think about the couple often.  Nate and Brenda, last I heard, had moved to New Jersey after Nate completed his pilot’s license for the military.  I hope they’re having fun celebrating their anniversary today!

My style has changed juuuuust a bit in 5 years, as I’m sure every photographers has!  It was fun to go back through some of their pictures.  I’ll share one that sums up the whole day – I loved this picture and plastered it on EVERYTHING!  Brochures, business cards, you name it.

I’m sure you’ll appreciate the use of my new-found Photoshop skills even more (I was in school at the time and soaking up all kinds of knowledge)!  I loooooved this effect and used it on everything!  Don’t laugh, it was popular back then. 

I hope everyone has a wonderful New Years Eve tonight, and a great first day of the year tomorrow.  Check back, as I’ll be announcing a great contest opportunity for all newly engaged couples!!

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What a great way to wrap up 2009!  I got to spend last Saturday with Jen, Scott and their super fun family.  The weather was PERFECT – bright, sunny with a nice chill in the air.  The Retreat at Bradley’s Pond was a beautiful venue and showcased the couples’ outdoorsy style.  Jen had decorated everything to a T with Tiffany Blue and Brown details.  I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves!

I hope you’re all having a great Christmas week.  Enjoy the time with your family and tell me all about your holiday traditions!  (ours involves going to a lot of movies, I think this week we’ll see 3 – Avatar, Up in the Air and Sherlock Holmes on Christmas day) 

Venue: The Retreat at Bradley’s Pond

Florist: Artistic Flowers

Entertainment: Sully with Mix One Music and Entertainment  (Tammi Correa owner, mixoneinfo@gmail.com)

Cake Artist: The Cake Shop

Makeup Artist: the fabulous Jenn Stowers

Caterer: Catering by Judi

Custom Jewelry: Dress Ups (inquire if you want more info, or I’ll post it when I get it)

Hair: Shannon Wells with KH Hair Group

I’ll start with one of my favorites details, their cake from The Cake Shop!

They had M&M’s on the kids’ table in their wedding colors….I think with the rings it redefines the meaning of “eye candy”!

Jen had custom necklaces made for the bridesmaids and junior bridesmaid, I thought it was such a great touch!

Jen has the most gorgeous features, look at those lips and eyelashes!

My dear friend Jenn did such a good job on the makeup, her face is just glowing!

They were a smart couple and had a First Look so we could take advantage of this beautiful December light!

This one makes me melt – their little boy Tristan was truly an angel.  I wanted to steal him as my own!

I love this bridal party picture!  They’re all laughing because they’re trying to coax the little ringbearer to come be in the picture.  He was too interested in ripping his tux off and jumping into the pond…..don’t worry, we got some pics of him later, but I just love this one!

Married!  I love this one of the little flower girls following behind:

There’s always something special about a wedding during the holiday season.  I loved the big wreath hanging on the wall and the roaring fire for their first dance:

Scott’s brother giving his toast – it was mostly funny with a few tears at the end:

I hope I explain this properly – there’s a tradition in Scott’s family that at every wedding the groom gets tackled and a cowbell is chained to their neck!  It stays on the remainder of the reception and is only removed with a trip to the fire station.  (that thing was literally padlocked on there!)  Here’s a glimpse at the craziness that ensued right after the toasts:

What a great way to end the night!  See the little moon glowing in the background?

I was solo for this wedding, so thanks to Jen’s friend Darren (I doubt I spelled that right!) for taking this picture for me!  She’s a pretty good photographer from what I hear! 

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Kira & Wesley’s November nuptials have been featured on the brand new blog for Weddings at Sandestin!  Go check it out!  They’re just getting started so they don’t have a lot of posts, but leave some love for Kira and Wes over there!

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