This past Saturday we had the privilege of shooting an amazing beach wedding! It took place on the beautiful St. Petersburg, Florida. Upon arrival from the airport on Friday afternoon we immediately headed out to the ocean to check out the clear 80 degree water and beautiful shell-covered sand. A short storm rolled in that evening creating a beautiful sunset of pinks and oranges across a slate blue sky…gorgeous! Can I just say that we have the best job EVER?!

The day of the wedding dawned, clear and beautiful, and after a few more hours playing by the beach, we got ready to get to work. Samantha and Ben decided to have an intimate family gathering to celebrate the beginning of their new life together, so we went to meet up with them and start chronicling their preparations. Since they had wanted a sunset ceremony, we decided to do some couple shots of them together before the ceremony to ensure there was enough time to capture all that they were wanting. Joel had taken Ben out to the garden walk-way and turned his back to the door, so that as Samantha emerged from inside he could see her in her dress for the first time. It was a beautiful moment as she walked toward him radiant and stunning – he simply beamed back at his bride. We did some great shots with them together and individually around the resort before we all headed to the beach for the ceremony.

The site was set up just beyond a pier-like bridge that led out to a nice alcove with a grass-covered sand dune as the backdrop. Samantha was escorted down the bridge by her father and step-father as acoustic guitar music strummed softly and the family gathered to await her entrance. The ceremony was short and sweet with the family pretty much all tearing up as they took their vows. As the sun was beginning to set we took the bridal party out for some fun shots on the sand and finally the newly weds out near the water to catch that sunset. Though not as colorful as the night before, it was still a stunning backdrop to a beautiful couple full of young love!

It was a wonderful wedding, and we were so honored to be a part of it. It is always very humbling when a couple sees our service as valuable enough to fly us half-way across the country to capture their wedding.

Congrats to Samantha and Ben!

Shannon Conner