Love knows no bounds

When you find love that knows no bounds... love that resembles that of Christ's, you hold on to it, you treasure it.

On October 10th, 2009, Daniel and Audrey exchanged vows, the couple shared many laughs and smiles throughout the ceremony as memories were recollected and shared. Family and friends joined the reception that followed at the Ravine Gardens State Park and celebrated the new couples union.

It's our hope that the youth you serve will see the beautiful love of Christ in your marriage relationship.

Once Upon a Time... Continued

On September 28th, Prince Charming, Dustin, waited at the altar, anticipating the arrival of his Selfless Princess, Magen. With the celebration and support of friends and loved ones the two tied the knot and entered into their happily ever after.

Coy and I hope you both grown in love and understanding each day!

True Love Waits... more than a phrase

True Love Waits (TLW) is an international campaign that encourages moral purity and challenges teenagers and college students to make a commitment to sexual abstinence until marriage. Some say it's a movement, some think TLW is just a phrase. For Jessica and Michael, it's a way of life a reflection of their relationship. The two have been dating for years, early in their relationship they took the TLW pledge, and have been true to it. On December 28th, 2009 their engagement will come to an end and a celebration of new life as two individuals become one in the sight of God and man will begin. Stay tuned for more of their love story.

September 11th

Steven proposed, Kasey accepted, the two knew when they wanted to get married, so their decision was to either plan a wedding in 2 months or wait a year and 2 months. They took the challenge and in eight weeks, planned a destination wedding.

On September 11th, Savannah natives, firefighter Steven Parsh and former military turned civilian hottie Kasey Black made their vows. In the middle of creating joyful memories these two heros remembered the 343 New York Firefighters lost at the World Trade Center on September 11th, 2001 and the aftermath. One of the ways they chose to honor the lost was to erect three hundred and forty three flags in the sand. Coy and I arrived early on the grounds to shoot and although I knew the flags would be there, as a New York native myself and having watched coverage of 9-11-01 the day prior, it was a sobering sight to see.

Their wedding was quaint, thoughtful... beautiful. We wish you the best of life and love... and hope you one day make a boy.

A gift from a stranger

Sunday afternon, braving the heat we headed to beach with Tyshenia and Rennard. After a brief detour through Jacksonville and Atlantic Beach we finally arrived at our shoot location... Neptune Beach.

Tyshenia and Rennard chose the beach for their engagement session and shared with us that although they have done many things together as a couple, this was their first time at the beach. As fate would have it, it was made memorable by an engagement gift (I'm not telling what it was) given by a perfect stranger.... that was too crazy!

Ty and Rennard are laid back and easy going, the shoot followed suit. Their love is tested, polished and mature. Walking along the water hand in hand, sitting and enjoying the rare cool ocean breeze, we captured the essence of their relationship with ease.

We can harldy wait to see how your wedding unfolds.

Yawn, stretch, get ready...

Yawn, stretch, get ready to for a 7am shoot!

We pulled up in front of the San Marco Theatre last Saturday and met up with Len and Ashley to shoot their engagement session. Arriving that early allowed us to beat the heat, the weekend hustle and bustle and even the majority of coffee sippers and deli goers. With the streets virtually to ourselves, we shot a variety of backgrounds.

The saying, time flies when you're having fun was evident that morning! Where did 2 hours go? If laughter is good like medicine, it doesn't matter what turn Obama's Health Care Plan takes, Len and Ashley will be in perfect health.

I laughed through the shoot as if I were at a comedy show! Len was hilarious trying out his "new material" on us. I thought for sure that he did comedy or was a radio personality but no, at work not many people get to see that side of him. What a treat for those who do.

Ashley is a natural beauty radiating grace. I was truly perplexed when she shared that she does not have many pictures of herself. I would have one framed on every wall, but I guess that would be vain and she is anything but.

We are looking forward to your wedding day!

Once upon a time...

On August 18th Magen and Dustin were busy finalizing the details of their wedding. In the midst of the day was their engagement session in historic St Augustine. The two were straight forward... "tell us what to do and we'll do it!" As the session progressed they were comfortable in front of the camera and adding in their own creative twist, they interacted as if we were not even there. Beautiful!

Their love is fun and carefree, being in their presence makes you want to smile... makes you appreciate relationships and cherish the non material joys of life. I can't get enough of that!

On September 28th, 2009 a fanciful and elegant wedding will take place and this charming prince and selfless princess will make a commitment to love, cherish, honor and respect from that day forward til death do them part... stay tuned for the rest of their happily ever after love story.

Ole Sweet Tooth!

Some things you remember because you have photos or video, other things you remember because they were awesome or life altering or just sweet! As an adult I can think back to my childhood and I have the sweetest memories…. literally!

My mom would bring home small brown bags filled with Big Bol Bubble Gum and all sorts of sweets I liked, usually she would distribute them two or three at a time under my pillow, in my lunch bag, if I ate all my dinner...

As a result, I have a serious sweet tooth that has not grown up into peppermints and Ferrero Rocher Chocolates, Godiva and more mature candies…. I still yield to Now and Laters, Peanut M&M’s, Tiny Size Fruit Flavored Chiclets, and the like.

I would have celebrated this sweet tooth at our wedding (8 years ago) if I knew of the popular trend of candy buffets. Candy Creations a company based in Jacksonville Fl puts together candies and chocolates (old school and new) in beautiful glass displays. They special order the candies to match your wedding colors. When the buffet is open, your guests can fill their customized candy bags with their choice of sweets. Candy Creations also has fruit buffets, if you’re not into candy.

If you want more info or a quote call 904-710-2524 or e-mail them at klang10976@att.net. And tell them where you heard about them!

Platinum Wedding

On June 13th amidst smiles and sniffling through tears, Tangeia and Melvin before their guests and God celebrated a new life as one. They brought a touch of Platinum Weddings to Jacksonville Florida.

Tangeia and Melvin danced to "At Last", they moved elegantly, it was traditional, it was beautiful... then halfway through, the song came to a screeching halt. My first thought "The DJ must be a rookie!" But no, he was on point. Mouths dropped open as an Old School Hip Hop song replaced "At Last" and the couple brought back an array of dances including the running man and the kid and play. The guests were clapping, laughing and amazed. Then just as suddenly, the music screeched and went back to "At Last", the couple did not miss a beat, picking up right where they left off, finishing their dance in style.

To remind their guests that "Love Is Sweet" toward the end of the reception, the couple opened up their "Sweet Shoppe", a 7 foot table adorned with candy of every kind in the uniting wedding color scheme, and flavors, (Espresso, Peach and Ivory). It was definately a Platinum (Extravagant) Wedding.

Tangeia and Melvin, Coy and I wish you the best in your journey through a new life as one.

Dear Bride

There is a common phrase that accompanies you on your wedding day, I have said it many times myself, "Today is your day!" Many brides are even keel, cool tempered, and handle the power with poise. A few take the liberty to attach to the phrase "and what I say goes!" turning themselves into a bridezilla.

I saw something different in a recent bride and it was beautiful. She served each of her brides maids and maid of honor, assisting with their dresses and hair, encouraging them, and enjoying them, as if it were their special day. She was genuinely grateful to be surrounded by this group of carefully hand selected friends and she let it show.

It set a tone for the wedding and created an atmosphere that was delightful and stress free. Make sure you take time to celebrate your wedding party, not just with the common (or not so common) gift, but with your attitude and maybe even your service.

Waiting to Capture Your Love Story,
Michelle E Malone

A beautiful overcast day

On June 6th, despite the earth being soaked from days of rain, we met Sarah and Brady at Vilano Beach, a regular hang out and special location for the couple. Coy and I ditched our sedan and squeezed our bags and ourselves into Brady's 4x4 and rode out onto the beach for a great shoot. Capturing their relationship and affection for one another was so easy they were in their own world, both relaxed and unmoved by our cameras circling about them. Two hours, one wardrobe change, and lots of whispers and laughs later we were done, just as storm clouds were rolling in, we were rolling out!

She's how old!?!

You know when you have those moments when you realize you are getting old, I had one. I did a two part portrait session for a young lady and as she comfortably moved in front of the camera, working her "Next Top Model" skills, I thought to myself; I remember when she was 8 years old at my house eating breakfast and hanging out with my niece and the crew! She just turned 16 and is beautiful as ever, inside and out. Chelsea, I hope this year brings many sweet surprises! Happy 16!

Where has the time gone?

It's been a while since I stopped by to write a blog. I have been glued to my desk chair in edit mode, okay, I have gotten up for a couple portrait and engagement sessions and an amazing wedding, but I have gotten lost in editing.

A friend of mine updated his facebook status yesterday to let everyone know that he is now on twitter. I commented something to the effect of "I am amazed that you are able to keep up with EVERY form of Internet communication." He replied that "It is a full time job!" It is so true! I started to think about my full time jobs, I came up with 8, and only 1 pays.

There is a definite balancing act that takes place in my daily life. I feel bad that I have neglected my communications with you. I promise to do better. Stay tuned for May and June updates and sneak previews!

"Roll With It"

Initially an intimate beach wedding was planned on the grounds of a 3 story Crescent beach house. 90 minutes before Charlie and Lynnette were to pick up their keys to their rented beach house, they received a call that their reservation had been bumped... Say What!?! Charlie and Lynnette decided that their backyard would be plan B.

In the face of an infuriated mother bird protecting her nest, the couple and their combined 6 kids worked tirelessly all day Friday; mulching, re potting plants, hauling dirt and getting the yard and house (which are undergoing some construction) ready for their guests. When we arrived at their home Charlie was filling tiki lamps with oil (not easy to do when you need more oil than you have and the closest Home Depot’s are sold out). Lynnette was meeting, greeting, entertaining and making sure all of their details were presented beautifully.

Scattered showers and thunderstorms rolled by and by and by. Finally the weather’s dance was done. The skies cleared, tables and chairs were wiped off and decorated. The food was spread and guests slowly migrated outside. Manicures and hair retouched, attitudes cool enough to embarrass a cucumber. A simply elegant wedding proceeded without a glitch.

Pastor Tim prayed for and blessed the couple and the two became one. Two families also became one in the sight of God and man. The banner over their house and marriage is “roll with it”. We look forward to your family portrait session in the coming weeks. Lynnette and Charlie if there were an award for rolling with it, you two would have it on your mantle by now.