I have had the privilege of knowing this bride since we were 14 years old, and I was so honored when she called to tell me that she wanted me to be her photographer! I have only recently gotten to know her now husband, but the love that they have for each other is beautiful! Here's a quick sneak peak of their south beach wedding! 

Marjorie & Leo's day took place at the beautiful National Hotel that is perfectly placed on Miami Beach & has been their since 1939.

Not to mention everything from the hotel to the decorations all had a vintage feel including the brides beautiful lace dress, eco-flower bouquet, & touches of garnet and gold throughout the decor.

The reception was held on the pool deck at the national hotel where friends and family were able to dance the night away with Levine Events.

The Team that put it all together:

Venue & Catering: The National Hotel
Brides Bouquet: Eco Flower
Makeup & Hair: South Beach Makeup & Hair
Bakery: Edda's Cakes
Officiant: Madison
Dj: Levine Events
Rentals: PCS Events

It is a rare & beautiful treat when the stars align & magic happens in all aspects of a wedding ceremony & this was one of those ceremonies. Jessica & Dave ceremony was one of those incredibly specials moments. The clouds came out & played peek-a-boo with the sun just enough during sunset so we could have a stunning sunset sky without any crazy harsh orange rays on people's faces. These two have known each for a long time & life has not always been easy for them but some how they found their way back to each other & I am so incredibly honored that they chose me to document this new incredible chapter in their lives. 
       Before we get to the gorgeous sunset photos take a look at their intimate first looks with not only each other but also with their sweet daughter Emma.

While I love to be in the hustle & bustle of big weddings...there is something that touches me much deeper about the smaller, intimate ceremonies that I get to be apart of. Here are some photos from after the ceremony.

Thank you to some amazing vendors for a job well done:

Planning/Design: Elysian Events
Venue: Hakuna Matata House 30a
Minister: Kevin S. Tillman
Makeup: Morgan King Makeup
Hair: Erin Craig Hair
Catering: Chef Dawnelle
Dj:  B-Boy Productions, Inc.
Videography: Theory Y Design

Some weddings are full of tears of  joy & others are filled with constant laughter! Everyone handles big life events differently & this wedding was a prime example of that!  The moms cried sweet happy tears; the bride & groom smiled & laughed throughout their ceremony.  Afterwards the bridal party had us all laughing so hard some of us (namely me) had to stop to catch our breathe! Just take a look at this beautiful couples gorgeous beach ceremony.

& with the final rays of light the wedding party let loose....

The nerves of the wedding day always seem to be a little more real once the bride is getting in her dress. Here are just a few photos that captured those sweet moments with her mom.

Guys have a much simpler approach to getting ready for their big day ;)

Oh my! I always just swoon over the details that Beach Side Ceremonies & Events puts into their events. This wedding was above & beyond expectations with everything from the ceremony to the reception decor! 

This photo below is definitely one of my all time favorites! This would not have been possible with out the lovely ladies at Beach Side Ceremonies & Events! They were the ones that "threw" flowers petals at Kacie & Austin & just look how that final product turned out.

The details that went into making Kacie & Austin's Big day, were perfectly executed!  I mean seriously just take a look.

& just take a look at this gorgeous cake that April over at Bonne Vie Specialty Foods designed & made.  This girl knows how to rock some desserts.

Lastly, no day would be complete without a little dancing in the mix. 

     I have just officially completed my first year running my own photography business! Even though I have worked in this industry for over 4 years I never had the courage to begin on my own until last year.  I just wanted to take this time to thank all of my clients that I have had this past year!
     This year was my Portfolio-Building year & what a whirl-wind it was. On top of starting my business, my husband & I celebrated our first year of marriage back in March & welcomed our beautiful daughter into the world in May.
    Many times as photographers we get so wrapped up in our business that we forget to thank our clients, without you guys none of us would make it!  I am so excited to watch some of my favorite little boys & girls grow up & blossom! I honestly cant tell you guys how excited I am for next year! I have so many ideas for all my repeat customers & new ones of course! My clients are all fantastic & so much fun to photograph.  I went away from every session/wedding on Cloud 9 because MY clients are awesome! 
    With that being said, don't forget to contact me for those little ones milestone sessions!  What better way to cherish those moments than with a photograph (ya know what they say "a picture is worth a thousand words" & especially their biggest milestone-turning 1.  I know several of those little guys that would LOVE to smash a cake!
       Love you all! Anna Calhoon