Barbara and Marc

Barbara gets Cleopatra.

Sometimes my couples get nicknames, it just happens that way. It kinda comes with the way I work, it’s a really big deal to get a good idea of who this person is that’s standing in front of me and my camera. I mean, it’s pretty hard to make a meaningful photograph of someone if you don’t have any idea of what they’re all about.

It might be because her fiance is named Marc (yes, spelled just like Marc Antony, the would-be Caesar, not the pop singer), Cleopatra’s lover and soul mate. It might be because I’m reading all about Cleopatra in this latest National Geographic. 

But I think the real reason for her nickname is that she’s as charming and charismatic as the ancient Egyptian queen was fabled to be. So Barbara gets Cleopatra.   

I’m sure Marc is way ahead of me in figuring that out. He has this way of beaming, just beaming at Barbara when she’s not looking. I’m not sure he even consciously knew he does it, till I gave him away while shooting, ‘do you know that Marc has this completely smitten look, this way of looking at you?’, I laughed and asked Barbara while we were shooting.

Chances are she did, I mean, Cleopatra must be aware of her effect on him.

Barbara and Marc had me come out and shoot their engagement party, I’ve never done one before, and it was really great to be apart of it.

 

Sarah and Chad

Sarah is the type of girl that entrusts red lips to her makeup artist only. And I get it, I do, bold red lips and fair skin is like playing a violin in public, it’s very obvious to everyone if you make a mistake. 

Everything Sarah planned was just like that, thoughtful, deliberate, and done-the-right-way-or-not-at-all.  That’s who she is.

And then I met Chad.

Chad is a irreverent ride of laughs, dancing and drinking with friends, facial hair, and sudden and disarming congeniality. And he really, really loves Sarah.

To see the two of them together is like watching a chemical reaction. Sarah lights ups, loosens up, and belly laughs with a raise of Chad’s eyebrow. I’ve never seen chemistry quite like it. 

It’s like they are each the one and only catalyst for the other, and it’s awesome to watch.

Venue was the always-amazing-to-shoot-at Powell Crosley Estate in Sarasota 

Planning and Day-of Coordination by the unbelievably organized and talented Jamie Billigs of Confetti Events

Holly Nazario of Collective Creations was the Hairstylist-de-force

Jess Waldrop was the Makeup Artist prettying all the girls up

Kevin Lacassin of Good Food Catering made up the most amazing braised short ribs over mascarpone grits you’ve ever tasted

Josh from Inspired Entertainment did a fantastic job of keeping the party going, even after the clouds let loose


Floral design, lighting and lounge pieces by La Vie en Rose