D & J Florida Southern College Landing, Lakeland, FL

After several months of emailing back and forth, I finally had the pleasure of meeting Desiree & Jon on a gorgeous Saturday afternoon at the Florida Southern College Landing here in Lakeland. Desiree had requested old books, an old blanket, and a family photo of everybody (including the family pets) in matching Christmas sweaters for their engagement session. Yes, yes, and even more yes to all of the above.  So loved trying to make their requests a reality!

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It turns out, this is one of Jon's favorite Harry Potter books...we almost lost him to the book there for a few minutes. :)

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Love the outfits they chose to wear!

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This was entirely Desiree's idea and it turned out beautifully!

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And then at the very end, this total bit of awesomeness happened....

Desiree & Jon- I cannot wait to be a part of your celebration in June! Thank you so much for choosing me to capture the memories of your special day! As a thank you, if we can get 18 comments on this blog post (there's that number 8 for you!), I will add an extra hour of photography on to your wedding day. 

With Regards- CBlackwell

C & J Lakeland, FL

These two....where do I start? Have you ever heard that phrase "those two wild and crazy kids?" That explains Carrie & Jordan in all their wonderful, happy, include-everybody, always making somebody smile way, pretty much exactly. Their wedding was built with the love of family and friends. Everything from the big potluck dinner to a special dance for one of their ring bearers at the reception was designed to highlight community and togetherness. Even the list of photos Carrie wanted to capture was a testament to those around the couple and how much  they were loved. Thank you allowing me to be apart of your beautiful, music and laughter filled day!

Let's start this off right here with Carrie & Jordan's first look...one of my favorite times of the whole day. Carrie, you looked so amazing walking towards Jordan that he couldn't take his eyes off you....love.

Family & Bridal party formals next...no shoes...adored it! 

One of my favorites from the day. A moment of prayer before the ceremony with the pastor.

Incorporating both sets of parents in the giving away of the bride....

Yes, yes that is Jordan trying to sneak an extra kiss.

Carrie and her bridesmaids and friends spent many hours designing little special touches for the wedding. Loved all the sweet signs.

The signage in action!!

Carrie & Jordan- may your road be filled with all the family and laughter that the two of you hold so dear. Wishing you much joy & happiness on your walk through life together-

CBlackwell

C & J Lake Mirror Promenade Lakeland, FL

I met Carrie & Jordan in between rainstorms at Lake Mirror Promenade this past Saturday.  These two made me laugh before I even fired off the first shot.  They made me laugh in that comfortable, known-somebody-for-a-long-time kind of way. It was just about enough laughter to chase away the rainy day.

In one of Carrie's first messages to me, she said she was happiest in her Jordan's arms. That soon proved true.  She was never very far from those arms and the happy smile was never very far from her face during our time together.

Love Carrie's smile...one of my favorite photos from the set.

That look...

And right after all the rain that ended our session, came the rainbow. 

Carrie & Jordan- thank you for the pleasure of meeting you. I can't wait to photograph your wedding and be surrounded by all that wonderful laughter again.  Until October- CBlackwell

L & B Oak-K Farm Lakeland, FL

Last year, after dating several months, Bob planned to ask Lonnie to marry him on Christmas day. But after asking Lonnie's visiting mom Cheryl for permission to marry her daughter and then dropping Cheryl back off at her hotel, Bob couldn't wait any longer. As Lonnie & Bob were walking back to the car across the parking lot, Bob told Lonnie he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her, forever and ever and then some. Lonnie, not realizing what was going on simply said "deal." Bob instantly dropped to his knee, said "really?", and offered Lonnie her adorable Mickey Mouse engagement ring. 

Lonnie and Bob made good on that deal last Saturday.  They were married on a rainy, thundering afternoon outside but inside there was nothing but laughter and warm wishes for the happy couple from their surrounding friends and family. Lonnie loves all things Disney and especially the Disney movie Tangled. This was reflected in everything from the flowers in her cascading hair to the quote on the top of their wedding cake. Here is a little journey through the newlywed's "Best Day Ever."

Lonnie's dress made her look just like a princess from every little girl's dream.

Love the Mickey Mouse engagement ring and the invitations with the floating lanterns. All the little details to create the Tangled theme were gorgeous!

The flowers were amazing!

Just down the stairs from the spacious bridal suite, Bob was excitedly waiting for the first glimpse of his soon to be wife.

And then, the beautiful princess was ready.

Is there anything better than seeing your intended's smiling face waiting for you?

The kiss...always a favorite moment!

May I introduce Mr. & Mrs. Robert Jones? These two never stopped smiling for the rest of the night!

 Lonnie and some of her Sigma Kappa sisters. So lovely, they were able to join the festivities.

The very best day ever!

Handmade "Tangled" inspired Christmas ornaments...so creative!

Not enough words to describe their level of cuteness...

Standing out in the rain at the end of the reception as everybody was leaving. No cares, no worries, just the brand new promise of their vows and two hearts full of love.

Lonnie & Bob- hoping that every day for you is the "best day ever"  & wishing you much joy and happiness on your walk through life together. 

CBlackwell

A & C Florida Southern College, Lakeland, Fl

It all started with macaroni & cheese.

I met Ashley & Chris this past Saturday at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, FL for their family session and to find out a little about their story. The two were introduced at a barbecue party by mutual friends. When asked, Chris said one of the first things that attracted him to Ashley was her macaroni & cheese.  They say the way to a man's heart is through his stomach & Ashley definitely has that figured out!

There's a warm glow of happiness surrounding Ashley & Chris. It's an amazing thing to be around.

This session wasn't about only them though. They brought along two of the cutest little people and I love little people.

Everybody ready for more cuteness? These two just about cornered the market on it!

And I love, love, love that Ashley brought her Grandmother. There is nothing like being able to have these pictures to look at years down the road.

Beautiful lady. Beautiful story.

Ashley & Chris- thank you so much for letting me capture some of the love in your family. Wishing you much joy & happiness on your walk through life together.  (and delicious macaroni& cheese!)

CBlackwell

S & P Hollis Gardens, Lakeland,FL

I met Susan & Paul this past Saturday at Hollis Gardens here in Lakeland. These two are one of the most vivacious couples I've had the pleasure of photographing. They have a presence about them that steals whatever stage they find themselves on. Effortlessly, they fell into perfect position with little direction from me. 

On a mild May evening, Susan & Paul had their first date at the Black & Brew in downtown Lakeland.

Just having coffee that evening wasn't enough. The two needed to spend more time getting to know each other. That decision led them down to the lake Mirror Promenade and to Hollis Gardens for a walk.

Susan's smile when she looks at Paul can only be measured in megawatts. Paul did an excellent job of keeping that smile turned on. So awesome to be around!

Love the richness of the colors Susan & Paul chose to wear. So striking against the colors of Lake Mirror theater.

What did I tell you about Susan's smile? :)

And again in Black & White. Can you tell this is my favorite picture of the two?

Susan & Paul, I loved meeting you and  having the chance to capture some of your magic. Wishing you much joy and happiness on your walk through life together.

CBlackwell

P.S.- Susan, I hope you found your ice cream & you made Paul buy you the biggest one they had. :)

Hollis Gardens, Lakeland, Florida Editorial Wedding Shoot

2:00 o'clock Friday afternoon, June 26th, Hollis Gardens at Lake Mirror:      It was hot. It was drippy wet, ring-your-shirt-out-three-times-in-an-hour hot. And my lovely models, well they did amazing in my vintage,pink styled editorial shoot. Hollis Gardens is a beautiful location for a wedding that the City of Lakeland rents out regularly. Attached are plenty of locations for your wedding reception such as the Magnolia Building, the Peggy Brown Building, or Lake Mirror Tower. 

Dress by: David's Bridal , Invitations by PontoMountainPaper on Etsy, Hair & Makeup by Tabbi Brooks of Handmade N Lovin' It