I still remember getting the call from Dr. Channell who wanted to know if I would be interested in shooting her wedding.  Of course I’m always interested in shooting weddings, but when she mentioned that her wedding was going to be held at the ZOO, I started doing back-flips (in my head of course).  I can’t tell you how much I wanted to shoot the wedding for them.  I’ve only known Carla and Phil for a very short time, but I can tell you that they are two of the sweetest, most genuine people you will ever meet.  The wedding was even MORE spectacular than I had imagined.  Here are some of my favorite shots of the SPECTACULAR event:

My mouth literally dropped to the FLOOR when I walked into the Safari Lodge at Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa, FL and saw this unbelievably beautiful venue.  I knew from the start that this was going to be an AMAZING day!

It took us a while to get Mr. Giraffe to come over and take a picture with the NEW Mr. and Mrs. Richmond.  Once he came over, he stayed over for quite a while and let us take a few pictures with him.

I’m sure that this video will appear on YouTube at some point.  Phil’s rendition of “Stoke-It” left all of us with side-stitches.  I don’t think I have EVER laughed so hard.  GREAT job Phil!

I hope you guys are having fun on your Honeymoon!!  Thanks so much for letting us share in your special day.  Thanks also to John and Sierra for helping me out! I could NOT have done it without you!

I just LOVE engagement sessions.  It really gives us a chance to get to know and interact with couples before the BIG day.  I first met Carla at our Animal Hospital where I spent a day taking pet portraits for all their employees.  Carla and Phil are BOTH animal lovers and veterinarians.  When Carla asked me to photograph their wedding I could NOT have been more excited.  First of all, they are just the sweetest couple and so obviously head over heels for each other; however, the icing on the cake is that they are getting married at the ZOO! It’s the perfect place for these two!

I know that Carla is a WONDERFUL vetrinarian, but I think she just might need to put in her application to be a Cover Girl model.  You are SO georgous!

One of the things we learned about Carla was that she’s NOT a diamond girl.  They went with a beautiful aqua-marine stone in the center that’s surrounded by diamonds on the the side.  I can’t wait to do the ring shots at the wedding.

Carla and Phil took shots with all four of their dogs individually.  They wanted each puppy to have their own picture with them.  We did end up getting one of the four (I think it was 4, maybe 5) cats in a shot, but we had to skip the shots with the turtles and fish!

One of the things that we learned about Phil during this engagement session was that he is REALLY…..I mean REALLY ticklish! In fact, I don’t think I’ve EVER seen someone as ticklish as he is.  Thanks so much for such a fun night you two.  I’ll work on the rest of the images this week and then let you know when the entire gallery is online so that we can start making your signature book.

Awwwwww Jessica you looked SOOOOOO beautiful today! Jessica celebrated her 1st communion this weekend.  Doesn’t she look like an angel? Jessica and her sister are two of my FAVORITE clients.  They both are so cooperative and patient when they have their photos taken.  This family is also near and dear to my heart because they were my 1st clients EVER! Thanks Jennifer for letting me document the milestones in your family.  I always enjoy chatting with you, I just wish we could find time to chat more often.  Good luck at school this week!

On Friday I was finally able to photograph the Monokandilos Family.  I say finally because we had to re-schedule their session 3-4 times (maybe more) for several different reasons.  But, we were FINALLY able to find a great day to have their session.  It can be hard to get three kids all smiling and looking at the camera all at once, but I think we were able to walk away with some keepers! Enjoy your sneak peeks! Your full gallery will be online in a few weeks.

On Friday, Miss Ciara came over to have her Senior pictures taken.  I first met Ciara at her sister’s wedding.  She and her sister are just the sweetest, most down-to-earth, and beautiful young ladies both inside and out.  Ciara plays softball and was awarded a FULL scholarship to play softball at Ursuline college.  Thanks so much for swinging by on Friday….here are your sneak peeks…and your full gallery will be online soon!

Tuesday I had the opportunity to shoot some senior pictures for Angela.  When her Mom called in to set up the appointment for her, she made the comment that her daughter was NOT shy in front of the camera.  Boy was she right! Angela is just a natural smiler and poser.  I had a lot of fun working with you! Enjoy your sneak peeks! I’m off to edit the rest!

It was my youngest Niece’s 1st birthday on Saturday.  We went to her birthday party on Sunday to watch her eat her cake and open her gifts.  She, like her older two sisters, did NOT like her birthday cake at ALL.  STRANGE kiddos I tell ya! Happy Birthday Sweetie….and Happy Birthday to your Daddy today!

The Samel ladies met us at Kapok Park in Clearwater last night.  These two were just the sweetest and prettiest girls you’ll ever meet.  We had a GREAT time and got some wonderful shots.  Many thanks to Mr. John who assisted me on this shoot AND to Jenny M. for sending the Samel family to me.  Jenny, your $25.00 Timeless Expressions gift card will be in the mail today.  Here are your sneak peeks….I’m off to edit the rest! Thanks again ladies for being SO patient and cooperative!

I know that I always say this, but I just LOVE my job.  I’ve photographed these two little ones since they were both infants.  It is SO much fun seeing them grow up! I guess I know that I’m really OLD when I photograph a wedding for one of my infant clients LOL! Thanks so much Niki for swinging by last week.  Oh, I need your sangria recipe for a friend of mine that remembered how good it was at FWW & Terri’s baby shower!  I guess it really made an impression….although, I have to agree…it’s REALLY good!

One of my sessions from my annual Mother’s Day Portrait Session weekend was Mr. D.  Isn’t he just the CUTEST? I really think that I need to make a connection with a children’s modeling agency.  So MANY of my clients could REALLY make it as models.  Thanks so much Heather for swinging him by on Friday.  I enjoy my time with you….always! Enjoy your sneak peeks!