The second to last wedding of 2016 was amazing! Lauren and Ben had a blow out party for their big day at the Vinoy Renaissance in downtown St. Pete. They dreamed up a huge celebration that would highlight Lauren’s Greek heritage and their love of the ocean and each other. Ben is a fancy pants marine biologist so if you look closely you will notice the this wedding band is tarpon scales! Custom what up! The overall style of the day was also inspired by the ocean with sea foam accents within the bridesmaids gowns and sea glass inside their centerpieces. Everything came together so stunningly!

We lucked out with amazing weather on their big day too! Which was perfect for Lauren’s ambition to have long sexy curls that she could toss around all day. And boy did she work it! The first look between these two off the tea garden tugged at your heart for only a moment before they were all dance moves and laughter! That winter light in Florida too, ahhh!! I was so happy to knock out so many of their formals before the ceremony so that we could take advantage of the great light and allow them to join their swinging cocktail party. Together Regina and I divided and conquered their huge bridal party, can you spot a past groom amongst them?! This group was so much fun and they loved doing my whacky “Vanity Fair” ideas!

The actual ceremony in the tea garden under the market lights was just magic. I loved how the vintage pink hotel and fountain created the perfect mix of a cozy and epic setting. They incorporated special Greek traditions with crowns, walking circles, and a special ring ceremony. I love when a ceremony is a beautiful mix of old and new; traditions that are important, but in a totally new setting. After a grinning kiss it was time to PARTY!!

I stole a few more moments alone with the new Mr. & Mrs. Before they went off to join the fun and I set up to capture their incredibly transformed ballroom. WOW! The long feasting tables for the bridal party and the awesome wing backed chairs for the sweetheart was so amazing! And their cake was about twice as big as them! Their band was the perfect icing on top too. They really set the energy for the room and got everyone dancing at every opportunity. They cut a rug! Look at those dance moves!

It was so special to see Nick & Lisa again too! Especially since we had just recently gotten back from their epic honeymoon adventure in Iceland! Nick is Lauren’s cousin, small world!

Before the end of the night I worked out one of the images I am most proud of this year. With just 2 lights I created a portrait that shows off just how amazing this room was. It was filled with everyone they love the most and you could feel it. 

Congratulations you guys!! I can only imagine how you will ring in the new year as Mr. & Mrs.!!!

XOXO