fort desoto beach | wedding and lifestyle photographer

“I love that after I spend the day with you, I can still smell your perfume on my clothes. And I love that you are the last person I want to talk to before I go to sleep at night.” Harry said that to Sally in a rambling, sprawling confession. It was awkward and adorable and oh I loved it. We all loved it, every one of us who has watched that movie over and over, secretly wishing for The One someday. And I remembered it when I went to photograph Marie and Michael’s wedding. Because they look every bit as much as two people very much in love, and who have found the one person they’ve been waiting for all their lives.

It was a very intimate affair at Fort Desoto Park – just the couple, the bride’s parents, the groom’s best friend and his wife, the officiant and me. The ceremony took place by the beach. In the distance, the famous skyway bridge painted a pretty background. It was one of the coldest days of Tampa in decades, but it was also sunny – we had a breathtaking blue sky that was just perfect for the wedding. Marie’s mom and dad flew in from Long Island to surprise her, which meant so much. The families of both the bride and groom are mostly out of state, hence the small event, but I thought it made everything even more romantic!

It’s like they were the only two people in the whole wide world: their eyes are mirror images of each other. The whole wedding was both cherished and warm, despite the cold. Even my hands felt like frozen popsicles! It was so cold that we ran into the cars several times between shoots to warm ourselves up. But I had so much fun, as did the bride and groom. They were so playful and attentive and can’t stop looking at each other. This is why I would’ve argued that their love was enough to keep everyone warm.

To Marie and Michael, I know this will hold true for both of you: “When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.” I think yours has already begun.

Officiant : Lauren Byers

Michael was so attentive. He's warming Marie's hands with his breaths.

Priceless expressions on everyone's face.

A Vogue Pose

Another Vogue Pose

She's The One