Candidly Elegant Photography

As you can tell by our blog, we have been working non-stop and not only do I love doing what I do, but I love being able to share it with the world.

Jen and Robin are just an awesome couple. They are so different but yet so perfect for each other. During the course of the day, I was just drawn to their personality and spark.

I love how the bridesmaids will just cloud around a bride to help her with her dress. There is something beautiful and mesmerizing about all of the arms needed to button one dress!

Jen and Robin decided to do a first look to get the portraits out of the way prior to the ceremony. You have to love Jen in this shot. She’s like, “You like what you see?” and he’s like, “Oh, yeah!”.

Most of my brides and grooms hire me because they want ninja-like candids, but I do like to rock out with some high fashion portraits as well. This worked out quite nicely with this couple because Jen loves the camera, but Robin really didn’t want too many portraits at all since he is still recovering from his Bar-Mitzvah 2 hour portrait session while all his friends played. I like to get portraits done fast, but still have some edge to the shots and that’s what Jen and Robin needed.

During the Ketubah signing, the Rabbi was explaining the history behind the un-veiling of the bride. In the book of Genesis there is a story of Jacob wanting to marry Rachel the daughter of Laban, but Laban pulls a switch-a-roo on poor Jacob and gives her the ugly daughter, Leah, to marry instead. Ever since then, the tradition has developed to un-veil the bride prior to the signing of the marriage contract so the groom can make sure the father is giving the right daughter into the deal. After the Rabbi finished explaining, Robin un-veils Jen and then makes a face like he’s freaking out. It was the funniest thing, everyone cracked up.

The wedding and all decor was coordinated and organized by the talented Linzi Etzion from Linzi Events. Check out some of the details.

My favorite time of any Jewish wedding of course is the Hora, and this one was spectacular. What a good party and a great wedding night!

Jen and Robin, enjoy your ski honeymoon. Make a snow angel for me.

Dalie and Mike scheduled things a little different for their wedding than the typical routine. Dalie is a huge photo enthusiast so getting some cool pictures of them (bride and groom) and bridal party was high in the priority list. They decided to do a “first look”, where the bride and groom see each other prior to the ceremony in order to take advantage of time and do all of the portraits before the actual event. This alternate way of scheduling the day can be both fun and add peace to the time line after the ceremony since you already took care of the picture part.

It is very important to have a coordinator who is on-board with your vision to help accomplish the timeline and make it a reality. Karla Blanco from Stylish Events made sure that every little thing was taken care of so that Dalie and Mike could have the wedding of their dreams.

Lets start with Dalie getting ready…

This is when Mike first sees Dalie. Nerves, anticipation, excitement.

Dalie and Mike who appreciate cars, coordinated for a 1957 Buick, totally restored, to be their getaway car, but you know we had to take some cool shots of that before the exit.

The reception took place in the beautiful Westin Colonnade hotel in Coral Gables, Miami. The Colonnade has this gorgeous marble tile floor and circular atrium that is just perfect for a high class wedding reception.

For their grand exit, Dalie and Mike arranged for sparklers to be given to each guest. This is a fun exit which has to be coordinated and timed correctly because the sparklers only last for about 30-45 seconds before giving out. Thanks to Karla and her staff, the exit went great and they ran through the beautiful glow of their friends and loved ones holding sparklers.

Dalie and Mike, it was my pleasure working with you and I can’t wait to show you the rest of the images. Enjoy!

This was just a beautiful wedding from the beginning. The mix of emotions and friendship in the room was really refreshing. I just love the make-up process, it just builds the anticipation of great things to come.

The wedding ceremony took place at Brickell’s St. Jude Church a beautiful cathedral style church in the heart of Downtown Miami. I love this look between father and daughter moments before walking down the aisle as if saying, “this is it!”.

Some portraits of the bride and groom.

The reception took place at the J.W. Marriott and the event was coordinated perfectly by Carmen Becerra and her staff. www.carmenmbecerra.com.

Michael and Melissa sharing their first dance.

Father and daughter dance.

This party was just crazy fun! Masks were quickly passed around while the band played traditional Colombian music and stilt walkers cheered the crowd on. There are so many emotions at this point that it is easy to be overwhelmed by the crowd’s energy.

Here are some more pictures throughout the day. Click on the image to enlarge.

Melissa and Michael, I had a blast at your wedding. Enjoy the honeymoon and I can’t wait to show you the rest of the pictures!

This beautiful wedding started out at the bride’s parents house with mimosas and lots of activity. The house provided lots of natural light and charm that hotel rooms don’t always have.

Kristen’s sister assisting with the mirror.

Kristen and all the girls were ready with plenty of time before the limo came. It felt so weird for everyone to be so calm and ready to go with plenty of time. Everyone was relaxed and having a good time. Maybe it was the mimosas?

The groom and groomsmen hanging out before game time.

The ceremony took place at the beautiful St. Hugh’s Catholic church in Coconut Grove, Miami. I love the gorgeous stained glass window and light inside St. Hugh’s sanctuary.

Here is my competition. The paparazzi.

The reception took place at Fairchild Tropical Gardens, one of Miami’s beautiful outdoor locations for wedding celebrations. Fairchild Tropical Gardens were decorated impeccably by the talented Mayrelis Febles from A Joy Wallace Catering.

Kristen and Eric, enjoy the honeymoon and I can’t wait to hear from you when you get back.