Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Coral Gables and the Keys Wedding Photography & Videography

Painted Dress Project | Human Trafficking Awareness Campaign | Rome, Italy

2/5/2019

Raleigh Wedding Photographer Collaborates With Model Lyndsey Raynor-Wren & Dress Designer Isla Atropa

I am so honored to be a part of this special project. Isla Atropa reached out to several photographers all over the world to join forces in a special collaboration. Isla Atropa is a bridal fashion brand that emphasizes fair trade products and works to promote social issues, mostly through human trafficking awareness and donation. She designed and created 3 special dresses to be sent around on an Eastern US tour, Western US tour, and an international tour. The idea is for the dress to be passed around and each photographer would be able to create a unique story with the goal to raise awareness about human trafficking, forced sex work, and illegal child marriage which are all still very prevalent today:

* The International Labour Organization estimates that there are 40.3 million victims of human trafficking globally.
81% of them are trapped in forced labor. 25% of them are children. 75% are women and girls.
* The International Labor Organization estimates that forced labor and human trafficking is a $150 billion industry worldwide.
* The U.S. Department of Labor has identified 148 goods from 75 countries made by forced and child labor.
* In 2017, an estimated 1 out of 7 endangered runaways reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children were likely child sex trafficking victims.
Of those, 88% were in the care of social services or foster care when they ran.

I was thrilled when my dear friend Lyndsey agreed to model this dress at the Colosseum. She from Virginia and is studying law in Italy with a particular focus on the international side and goals to fight against human trafficking. So of course she was the perfect model for this project. She was able to masterfully show beauty yet vulnerability beneath the complicated shadow of the Colosseum. Such an iconic location, but with an infamous past of violence, sexual exploitation, and slavery. We also wanted to show the trafficking side by going underground to the metro showing how easily someone can be overlooked. But it's not all dark, there's always hope. As the sun dipped and tourists scattered, we wrapped Lyndsey up in lights and she transformed into a beacon of strength and resilience.

I will let the rest of the pictures tell our story:

Ways To Help:

Educate yourself on your town and area of the world
Get involved in a local chapter to raise awareness, help victims, and fundraise for law enforcement efforts
Make informed purchasing decisions like ethically made clothing and fair trade goods
Be a good neighbor to the struggling teen or substance abusing friend
Get political, write and call your politicians to let them know the issue is important to you and ask how they're implementing policies to address the issues
See something off, say something!

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Raleigh Wedding Photographer | Downtown Apex Backyard Wedding | Alex + Robin

10/22/2018

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North Carolina Garden Party Outdoor Wedding

Robin and Alex met in Charlottte, NC in 2014 and on their first date at a brewery they talked until 1:30am. As they parted ways and Robin texted her sister, "I just went on an awesome date." After several significant steps together like getting a joint phone plan and moving in together, Alex proposed to Robin 3 years later. They celebrated their official union of beautiful weirdness in a backyard in downtown Apex in a friend's backyard. Full of roses and perfect for a party, cafe lights strung across the grounds illuminating all of their DIY decorations. Robin glowed in her fluffy and classic dress and Alex looked dapper in his branded suspenders. Their first look was priceless, their vows personal and hilarious, and sunset light perfect to capture their love. I knew this was going to be an epic celebration when Robin responded on the timeline form under the "Other religious ceremony" category with "Just drinking". The party did not disappoint. Their music was a mix of classic rock, oldies, indie, and current and not a foot left the dance floor. Drew and I were warned about a particular ritual that takes place at every one of their friend group's weddings. It involved a lot of shouting, touching, and love with R+A at the center of the mosh pit. It was a true joy to capture this wedding and document all these amazing moments. R+A instantly felt like friends and it was the perfect, welcome back to NC wedding full of warmth and joy. Thank you for letting us into your crazy awesome lives and we send so much amore from Roma!

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Raleigh Wedding Photographer | Miami Beach Botanical Garden | Haley + Miyen

10/2/2018

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Outdoor Pink and Navy Wedding With Vintage Touches

I first met Haley and Miyen at a cool coffee shop in Wynwood. We talked all morning about being student-athletes in college, working out, Argentina, Miami gluten free eateries, and their hopes for their wedding day. They wanted to throw an awesome party where friends and family from all over the world could join together and have an amazing time. Well, mission accomplished! Their day, just like them, was chill, beautiful, personal, and and a ton of fun. They met working out so of course they're both stunning models in every photo!

We started the day at the chic One Hotel with an ocean view as the ladies got ready in their pink flannels and mismatching pink dresses, complete with leaf crowns. Drew hung out with the guys and captured details like matching pink socks, floral ties, and personalized wooden tie clips. I was so excited when they told us they wanted to do a first look, we LOVE first looks! We love it because we get extra time to photograph the happy couple and sneak in a few family photos too. The rain moved us indoors to a gorgeous hallway with hanging orchids. Miyen surprised Haley with photo face cutouts of their adorable pup and puppy! It was perfect.

They also included their dog, Chase, the entire day!! Chase walked down the aisle, rolled around during the ceremony, walked back down the aisle with his parents, was in family photos, frolicking photos, and even dancing pics! They even attached a GoPro to him during cocktail hour!

They filled the gardens with bistro lights, vintage signs, a typewriter note station, floral napkins, book center pieces, and my favorite - a vintage truck turned into a working bar! She even had gold converses to match!

I so loved getting to know H+M and Drew and I really can't wait to visit them in Austin after our world travels! Thank you for including us, it was the perfect last 2018 Miami wedding. Love y'all!

Venue: Miami Beach Botanical Garden
Planner: Halo Event Design
Florist: Primrose Floral and Event Design
GF Cake: Bunnie Cakes
DJ: A Productions
HMUA: Celina Beach
Catering: Yummy Chori
Gown: Merlili Bridal
Bridesmaids: Brideside
Videographer: Alexa Caravia
Vintage Mobile Bar: Mac's Pubs

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Raleigh Wedding Photographer | Boca Rio Golf Club Wedding | Danielle + Zach's

9/4/2018

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Boca Raton Ballerina & Body Builder Wedding

Danielle & Zach's wedding was an amazing dream! It was the perfect combination of the most beautiful couple, my favorite weather, and stunning details. By day, she's a nurse and he's in insurance, on their time off she graces the world with her dancing and he hits the gym. The perfect pair! I was so ecstatic when we were taking portraits and he lifted her in the air! Their proposal story is just as wonderful:

"Zach took me on his family (mom, dad, twin brother, little sister) vacation to CA and we first started at Seal Beach where I met his aunt, uncle, and cousins. We had a blast at the beach, celebrating his little sister's birthday, and just winding down for vacation time. Then, we left and drove up the coast, stopped in Santa Barbara, continued on our travels to Carmel where we stayed for two nights. It was beautiful there! Then, we continued up the coast to our last stop in San Fran. The first day there, we checked into the hotel, got a bite to eat, and then we went to the Golden Gate bridge. It was beautiful weather and we were going to take pictures and Zach was acting a little funny and offered for our picture to be taken first in front of the bridge. We took like two pics, and then he turned toward me and said some beautiful things (about how he wanted the two most important women to be here on this day) and he got down on one knee and asked me, "Will you do me the honor and be my wife?" Of course I said uh huh! And then YES! And he got up to take more pictures, but started waving down below to where my (SURPRISE!) mom and sister were hiding in the brush. It was magical! He is the absolute best! I had no idea they would be there, and started crying like the typical Danielle would. This trip was the best of my life (so far)!"

Danielle looked radiant in her gown, fresh eucalyptus filled the space, and their interfaith ceremony was emotional with song and tradition. Zach's dad is the chef at the venue and the food was unreal! It was so neat to feel how everyone came together to make this day a success. We danced the night away and ended with a sparkler exit! I love these two and their supportive and enthusiastic families as well!

Thank you for letting me document your day!!!

Venue & Catering: Boca Rio Golf Club
Dress: Tara Keely
DJ: Romero Davis
Flowers: Connie - Whole Foods Boca Raton
Shoes: Betsy Johnson
Officiant: Pastor Paul Underhay and Rabbi David Degani
Second Photographer: Cortiella Photography
Videography; Hope Media

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Raleigh Wedding Photographer | Marquette, Michigan | Carp River Garden Wedding

8/23/2018

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Upper Peninsula Wedding | From Lake Michigan to Negaunee Woods

Drew and I were beyond excited when his cousin Jared and now wife, Emily, asked us to photograph their wedding in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. We flew up from Miami for a much needed heat reprieve and family time. Drew's parents summer in Houghton which is a charming town a few hours away from the wedding. So we flew in early to be with family and explore the gorgeous nature. Then we drove down to college town, Marquette where the wedding would take place. It's our new favorite town! Lake side renovated downtown with shops and restaurants full of gluten free food! We even got to crash Jared's bachelor party!

Their wedding day was perfect. The rain stayed away and peaked out just for the ceremony. I felt like it was Emily's father shining down on us! Their details were put together by Emily's talented cousin and the coral dresses stood out beautifully against the greens. I so loved that we got to take lots of time for portraits. We wandered the venue's gardens and rock formations and then drove to Lake Michigan's shore for beach photos! This was so special to me that they valued quality time together and took a moment to breathe and take in their wedding day. Their reception was full of yard games and music and all the fun!

Thank you for letting Drew and I be a part of your day!! We love y'all!!!

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Durham Wedding Photographer | Miami Beach Elopement | Carolina + Diego

8/17/2018

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Navy And Red Tropical Beach Wedding Celebration

Carolina & Diego met at art school and fell in love while sharing their passion for creativity. Diego is a film maker and Carolina is a painter and make up artist. I'm always so humbled whenever other artists trust me to photograph their weddings! I was so thrilled hearing about their low key picnic style celebration. They eloped over winter break but still wanted to be able to include their family. So everyone flew in from around the world for the occasion! Carolina's tropical laceleaf bouquet was the perfect compliment with the navy, green, and gold touches. Intimate weddings are my favorite because the bride and groom gets quality time with everyone and I feel like I'm part of the family. They even sent me home with a plate full of home made empanadas! Thank you Carolina & Diego for including me!!

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Durham Wedding Photographer | Fort Lauderdale Anniversary Session | Fíonna + Madeline

8/16/2018

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Here Come The Brides - One Year Wedding Photo Redo

Fíonna and Madeline contacted me a year a go to talk about retaking some photos from their wedding. They didn't have a professional photographer but still wanted special hand made details captured, including her wedding dress her mom made! I was so thrilled when the timing finally worked out and we met at the park they got married. Laura Ward Park in Fort Lauderdale has a small green area, colorful benches, and a beautiful beach. I so treasured getting to know them! They're active and out doorsy, but also love a cozy night in. Just texting with them I knew there were special. Genuine, caring, easy going. Their proposal story is just as perfect:

Madeline planned an "impromptu" trip home to Puerto Rico giving Fíonna a days notice to pack for a 3-day weekend. On day two they ended up in a small body of water, with its own little waterfall, after hiking a 40 minute trail in El Yunque National Forest, where Madeline proceeded to hurry Fíonna over to her to show her what "she found". Dumbfounded to see a ring in Madeline's hand, Fíonna did say, "YES!" when she came back to Earth! A complete, complete surprise! After returning home Fíonna had her own little surprise of an engagement pendant waiting at home for Madeline, which she presented to her on Ft. Lauderdale Beach.

Fíonna says of Mads, "I have only fallen more deeply into "US" in this last year and I am so grateful I'm married to my best friend!"

Like gaaahhhhh!! Just beyond beautiful!!! We laughed and had an amazing time taking photos and chasing the sun. I loved their energy, their delight in each other, and their details. Here's some of the special things they put together:
Dress: Fionna's mom hand made her dress!!
Flowers: Fionna's favorite flower is the calla lilly and Mad's is the Bird of Paradise so she created her own bouquet for the session
Shoes: Fionna wrote "Just Married" and their date, 7-27-17 on the bottom
Rings: Fionna made her own wedding band from beads
Tie Clip: Special family heirloom Madeline wore

These are clearly just two special people, see their overflowing love below!! Thank you F+M for letting me celebrate with y'all!! <3

And because I'm silly and I had soo much fun with them (and I love my drone) I had to hop in too!

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Durham Wedding Photographer | Vizcaya Elopement | Niklas + Marjo

7/17/2018

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A Love Story From Finland to Miami

Niklas and Morjo met online and from their first date to an amusement park, they knew it was the last first date they would go on. Both of them have hearts of gold. He is in public service and helps manage road projects and she is an elementary school teacher for kids with special needs. They love visiting Miami and when they decided to get married they wanted a simple and stress free celebration. Their ceremony was a heartfelt exchange of vows on the beach and and followed by elopement portraits at the amazing Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. We talked about their love story, their passions, and travel!

Drew and I love traveling, meeting new people, and experiencing all cultures. Next year we're so excited to begin our year of adventure in Rome, Italy! If you're traveling and our dates match up, let me know! We'd love to show you around our new city and of course take pictures!

Now - Sept. Miami, FL
Sept.- Oct. 10 Raleigh, NC
Oct 10-Jan 8 Rome, Italy
Jan 19 Miami Wedding
Jan2 24- Feb 24 Christchurch, NZ
Feb 8-15 Chiang Mei, Thailand
Feb 24-April 21 Queenstown, NZ
April-June Trollhättan, Sweden
July-Sept 2019: Raleigh, NC

Thank you and congratulations again N+M! We can't wait to meet up when we're in Sweden!

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Durham Wedding Photographer | Downtown Miami & Brickell Key Wedding | Isabella + Drew

6/18/2018

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Historic Church Ceremony & Mandarin Oriental Portraits

Isabella + Drew got married in one of Miami's oldest buildings in downtown which is now home to a church. The most beautiful thing about this church is that Isabella's parents and her grandparents were married at the same place! It was such an honor to be a part of a 3rd generation saying vows in such a personal location. As a native North Carolinian, I was thrilled to hear they had ties to the south. Drew lived in Charlotte and they met in college in the mountains of Virginia. This wedding was so uniquely them and lots of friends and family came together from all over the world to make their day special! I loved their first blind look as they held hands around the corner and they started off their ceremony with a slide show entitled "The Story of Drew + Bella". After their incredible breakfast buffet, we ventured to Brickell Key's Mandarin Oriental Hotel and took photos on their oasis surrounded by water, palm trees, and the skyline.

Thank you both for allowing me to document the next chapter in your love story and come see my Drew and I in Rome!

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Raleigh Wedding Photographer | Intimate Fort Lauderdale, FL Riverside Wedding | Tenisha + Courtney

6/12/2018

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Pink & Navy Tarpon River Wedding

Drew and I love being hybrid photographer and videographers. So we love whenever a couple wants us to do both as we capture their wedding day. We brought in the talented Jennifer of Cortiella Photography to help photograph the day! T+C are so bright, full of energy, and clearly totally in love! Miami is turning into a small world, while T was trying on wedding dresses, she started talking with another bride who was in for her last fitting. It just so happened to be one of our friends and bride Andrea! (See out blog of her stunning wedding HERE). SO grateful Andrea recommended us because we adored this unique and intimate wedding. I knew the day was going to be perfect when T had the idea of having a pillow fight with her bridesmaids! I love seeing couples just have fun on their wedding day. That's what I treasure about intimate weddings. The groom was no different, he was striking poses and looked so Miami GQ with his cigar and jacket over his shoulder. He even had flowers delivered to her room with a special note before the ceremony. Gahhh how special and thoughtful!

If you want more proof of their adorableness, here's how he proposed, from the bride:

It was truly a total surprise. I was not aware that Courtney had asked my dad for my hand in marriage. All of our close friends and love ones were also involved with the proposal. I had recently graduated, and my parents were leaving to go back to Georgia the following day. Courtney wanted to take my parents out for dinner that night at Mai-Kia restaurant in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. When we got to the restaurant and all of our family and friends were there. I was so surprised and wanted to know what was going on, but everyone just said "surprise it's your graduation dinner". I instantly started crying tears of Joy because I really was not expecting it. It was the last show of the night at Mai-Kai, Courtney and I plus others from the audience were chosen to participate. At first, I did not want to go on stage, but everyone at the table started chanting for me to go on. At the end of the show, they asked everyone to introduce themselves and there on stage in front of the entire restaurant he proposed.

They got ready at the Riverside Hotel and had their dinner reception at the Lobster Bar Sea Grille in downtown Fort Lauderdale. I loved taking photos down by the river with the river boats chugging along in the background.

Thank you so much for letting us be a part of your day!