Gio, Sabrina and Family at Crocker Memorial

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

Submersible Floralytes Review

So we were honored when we were asked to review a popular product from KOYALWHOLESALE.COM, the leading wedding supply wholesale site on the Internet.  The product is this super cool little LED light that is completely submersible!  They come in ten different colors and they are super resilient.  We had fun working with our friends at Avalon Park Florist who helped design the pieces in which we used to SOAK the lights and test 'em out!

The lighting isn't over-the-top or in your face... it emits a soft, gentle but very true to life color, even through the water and gravel we used!  I love floating candles, but these lights add a different feel and we would highly recommend them for some cool effects at your wedding, party or reception! Get them now... through Koyal.com they are actually 71% off their retail price!

So check them out at http://www.koyalwholesale.com/pages-productinfo-product-2246/submersible_floralytes_decorative_accent_lighting_10_colors.html

Many Thanks!

Bill & Rachel

TJ & Kerry

This lovely couple hired us just last week and even though they had decided against engagement photos, they changed their minds and wanted them for their Save The Dates! Bill and I are fans of engagement photos for our clients! Not only does it give our clients a sneak peek at how much they will adore their wedding photos but it gives us a really great chance to get to know them even better! Engagement photos should be fun, sweet and endearing! I suppose it all depends on the couple, but most of our clients are lighthearted and I thought TJ and Kerry did an amazing job of being cute and sweet and helped us to completely avoid the POSED shots I hate! It took them a few minutes to warm up to the camera but they were pros by the end!

TJ and Kerry met at UCF in grad school and even though Kerry liked the idea of doing the shoot on campus she wanted to make sure the photos were not centered around the University... so I think we nailed the subtle UCF cameos! Bill and I are very much looking forward to photographing their wedding! They are such a sweet and silly couple who truly enjoy being together. The shoot took place late afternoon and the heat index was 108!! They managed to look great and not sweaty (with a little help from Bill and I)....

So thank you guys! We think they came out better than we hoped!

Much Love!

Bill & Rachel

Baby Girl is 2!

I love this blog entry... it means a lot to me (but then again everything I photograph means a lot to me)! I had the amazing pleasure and blessing of taking Carmalina's newborn photos at Winnie Palmer almost two years ago! I worked there for a short time as a Newborn Photography coordinator... and Carmalina's mommy and I were instant friends! Yesterday I was able to hold her hand and hear her speak and say "Thank You, Rachel" when I took her picture! Wow... am I blessed!

She was a stinker and it was hot and very bright and I had to play with the camera settings and adjust constantly. Bill was armed with everything I needed and our HUGE reflector... which drew her attention away from the lens, but it all worked out. I'm very happy to post these pictures... VERY. Thank you Lazel, Dida, Carmalina, Briana, Tony and Makai!

Many Blessings and lots of love,

Rachel & Bill

Team Work

 

It's nice to meet people with the same goals and desires as you! Especially when it's another business! We really lucked out and think the stars aligned just right for this partnership! The designer at Avalon Park Florist is beautifully talented and has a remarkable business sense! We are THRILLED to have the opportunity to photograph her amazing creations and offer our clients her services!!! Be sure to visit their website and for any questions regarding pricing please email or call us soon!

Ron & Jenelle

How awesome was this shoot? Super awesome.

Jenelle is a trainer at an amazing Ranch in Central Florida and her horse and her dogs mean a lot to her and her hubby-to-be, Ron. She wanted to incorporate all the things she loves so much into her "engagement shoot". The weather was shady to say the least and we did the best we could to avoid thunder and lightning. Towards the end of the shoot the rain started to come down but the ranch had an amazing overhang that we were able to still get some shots without everyone getting soaked!

We are very much looking forward to photographing their wedding in May 2012 at the amazing Albin Polasek Musuem and Sculpture Garden in Winter Park, Florida!

Thanks Ron & Jenelle...it was fun :)

Many Blessings,

Rachel & Bill

Let's Go Back

We are nearly mid-way through summer...sigh...I'll make sure to post this again in December :)

Just because it was pretty!

HAPPY SUMMER SUNSETS!

Rachel & Bill

Good Morning from the Grand Floridian

Sometimes it's nice to take pictures of anything! This morning we enjoyed a sunrise and we were "working" and location scouting! I couldn't help but be inspired!!

EXPANDING OUR REACH :)

What? No! Really? That's right, Thirteenth Moon has officially begun our advertising in Coastal Georgia (love them peaches) and my great home state of O-H-I-O!! Who's to say we have to stay in one place? But with all of our travel plans, friends and family in Ohio and some already booked weddings (WOOT! WOOT!) we've decided to see how the Buckeyes take to our photography style!

Anyone that knows me, knows I'm a proud buckeye...born and raised and even though I've made my life in Florida my roots are strong up North! We're excited about traveling and I'm so home sick most of the Fall/Winter I could use a few gigs up North to calm my nerves!

But don't forget Georgia!! Well, it's soooo close for us and I'm not going to stop until I'm completely NATIONAL...but we have connections in Savannah which make the visit that much sweeter! So we're looking forward to booking some "destination" weddings (for us)!!

Keep an eye out for us.... we'll be there soon!!!

Much Love,

Rachel & Bill

Most Wicked Cool Flower EVER!!

Hey Friends, Family and Brides-to-be...

We hope you all had a beautiful and memorable Fourth of July! Bill and I strolled through our little town, Avalon Park eating cotton candy and browsing the great vendors! What a great "old-fashioned" time! We watched some of the local dance studio kids dance their butts off near Town Square, a bike parade filled with wacky and patriotic participants and a good ole' hot dog eating contest! During our stroll down Avalon Park Boulevard we slipped into a comfy air conditioned floral shop right in downtown Avalon Park, so befittingly name 'Avalon Park Florist'! The shop is beautifully decorated and filled with good vibes! I'm all about happy faces and bright colors, and both were abundant here! I introduced myself as a "wedding photographer" and told them I was blown away by their presentation! When I told them of my love of the eccentric and funky I was handed the coolest tye-dyed rose I'd ever seen! It was explained to me that the roses are not dyed...they are grown this way!

The feat of awesome engineering had me drooling! They thanked me by GIVING me one of these roses which I happily displayed in my hand as we walked through town. I was approached by numerous people asking me where I got such a cool, funky flower...I pointed and said "the new florist down there...go check them out!"

So THANK YOU AVALON PARK FLORIST for your gift and for giving me an awesome subject to photograph! To all of our cool and oh-so-funky and original brides-to-be they are definitely worth a visit via in person or the world wide web!!

Avalon Park Florist

3680 Avalon Park East Blvd

Suite 115

Orlando, Fl 32828

(407) 371-0860

http://www.avalonparkflorist.com/

Much Love!

Rachel (and Bill)
:)