This past weekend Bill and I had the pleasure of hanging with Gio and Sabrina and their family at the adorably, historic and oh-so-romantic chapel, Crocker Memorial in Sarasota, Florida.
Bill and I got in the afternoon before the big day so that we could attend the rehearsal and get a feel for the lighting. We've photographed some church weddings with strict rules and regs regarding photography so we wanted to make sure we had all of our ducks in a row this time. We were ecstatic when we pulled up and saw the beautiful white chapel adorned with funky bright red doors! My creative mind began rolling immediately and I was off with Bill unloading all of our equipment! The venue coordinator was beyond polite and helpful (Thanks Linda) and I immediately felt the good "vibes" at this place! I really am all about listening to my gut and feeling an energy from people and places and I was instantly comfortable at this venue!
Sabrina and Gio made it even warmer by placing brown and lavender arrangements at the front door with a hand painted "Welcome" sign!
The rehearsal was fun and pretty stress-free. We joked with the family and worked out all the kinks (not that there was many at all)... and I threw in my opinion, but only when asked! The whole family coordinated and we had a chance to get some photos for them too!
The ceremony was set for a late morning start and when we walked in over an hour ahead of time Sabrina was already completely dressed and ready to go! Gio and his best man relaxed in the chapel while everyone kept the bride sequestered in an amazing historic cottage that sits adjacent to the chapel! The cottage was beautiful and made for a perfect backdrop for some formal shots of the bride and family while we waited to get started!
Her little sister got bored... and her Dad took a teeny nap :)
The cottage was filled with amazing vintage items from handheld mirrors to beautiful lanterns... it was a paradise for me and a bride who really wanted to see the details of history!
And all of the windows just had my head running and there wasn't enough time to take all the photos inside this cottage that I wanted...eventually I had to let her go and get married :)
So the wedding went off without issue! Rev. Glynn from Sensational Ceremonies preformed the ceremony and it was beautiful and light, just like I know Sabrina wanted the whole day to be (at it was)!
We knew there were a few shots we wanted and we had them planned out the night before... with two shooters it really eases stress for each of us and we had the opportunity to run outside and "peek" in!
The ceremony ended and we were able to get a gazillion "formal" shots outside the church in front of the fabulous red doors!!
One of my personal favorites...Sabrina with all of the beautiful women in her family :)
We had only a short time and it was SOOOO hot but the chapel sits on park grounds and we had some many photo opportunities it was great!
But eventually we had to let them go! But there will always be birthdays, and babies, and anniversaries and holidays to get my fill of this incredible family!!
Here's to wishing the two of you all the love and blessings you'll ever need!!
Your Photographers for Life,
Bill & Rachel
