Hillary and Jeramie were married last November at the Beachside Key West Marriott Hotel.
These two met when Jeramie joined Hillary’s band, the Hillary Keane Project and he became the lead guitarist. She’s the lead singer of this awesome blues-rock band, so you can imagine that music played a big role in their wedding. After all, they spent their time dating singing, playing music, and writing with each other!
After the two of them had been dating for a year, they went on a family trip to Hilton Head, where Jeramie proposed at a Japanese steakhouse dinner. Now, Hillary is a Certified Integrative Transformational Life Coach for teen girls as well as a certified Reiki Practitioner working toward her Master Teacher level. And the two of them continue to perform together and fall deeper in love all the time.
Hillary’s father, Barry, is also a musician, and her mother, Debbie, played a huge role in the wedding planning. One of the best moments of the day, then, was when Hillary walked down the aisle with her parents to a song that she’d written with them. Not only was it an amazing moment for Hillary to share with her parents but Jeramie’s expression when he saw her for the first time was hands down one of my favorite parts of the whole day!
A Tropical Key West Marriott Beachside Hotel Wedding
The ceremony was a beautiful blend of Christianity and Judaism that their officiant, Reverend Steve Torrence, pulled off perfectly. They had a sweet sand ceremony as well as a traditional Jewish glass-breaking. What a great way to bring cultures together!
For most of the day, we had beautiful weather . . . until about thirty minutes before the reception was supposed to end. We were hit with a heavy downpour that sent everyone running for cover, but my second shooter, Aramis Ikatu, and I made the best of it. We had still managed to get pictures of the luau-themed décor, and when the rain hit, we captured a couple’s portrait of Hillary and Jeramie under an umbrella.
Speaking of the décor, Hillary and Jeramie had the most amazing luau-themed reception decorations! They had tiki torches, tropical flowers, woven grass fans, tropical leaf print napkins, and adorable gift bags from Kermit’s Key Lime. Even the arch at the ceremony was made of driftwood!
Of course, they also made sure to incorporate music into their decorations, including a black guitar with metallic Sharpies that they used for their guest book. They had guitar cake toppers, too!
Jeramie & Hillary, thank you for asking me to be part of your amazing wedding. I was so touched by the love you share and for the support you have all around you!
Thank you to their Key West Wedding Vendors:
Ceremony and Reception Venue / Accommodations: Marriott Beachside Key West
Catering: Tavern N Town
Officiant: Reverend Steve Torrence
Floral Designer: Love in Bloom
Photographer: Mary Veal Photography
Favors: Kermit's Key West Key Lime Shoppe
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Missie and Brian are the sweetest couple. I met up with them at the Bahia Honda State Park here in the Florida Keys to capture their engagement session.
Missie and Brian’s Florida Keys Engagement Session
Brian is a musician and describes himself as adventurous and relaxed. He plays guitar and can even learn music playing by ear! Missie, in contrast, describes herself as silly and introverted. She is currently working on her Doctorate at Ohio State. She is also a pretty talented photographer! They both live in Wisconsin where together they enjoy hiking, biking, boating and NFL games.
Missie and Brian met when she was out with girlfriends and caught the eye of the cute guitar player in the band performing there and they've been inseparable since.
Missie and Brian both look forward to going to sleep every night and waking up every morning together getting to spend every day with each other. I am sooo excited for their wedding!
Bahia Honda State Park Engagement Photography
Another thing that this couple shared was their favorite place to hang out was anywhere on the water somewhere. So, I was thrilled to capture their engagement session at the Bahia Honda Park! The Bahia Honda Park took a huge hit from Hurricane Irma on 9/10/17. Currently, all of the park is closed except the main beach and its shortest trail to the bridge. Though it suffered severely, the water remains beautiful. With time, the fauna will return to its previous glory.
I was fortunate to have my favorite assistant along for this photo shoot, my ever-helpful husband, Rod Veal. I'm going to need him to quit his job soon and permanently team up with me! We have THE best time together!!!
There’s something so amazing in the moment a couple gets comfortable with me and my camera. In the very beginning of a session, it’s sort of like holding your breath, and stiffness and unfamiliarity rule. But, on the exhale, relaxation occurs and true emotions begin to appear. That moment-- the exhale, so to speak, is where the true magic lies in capturing a couple's connection. It is one of my favorite times to be behind the camera. This moment occurred only a few frames into our session when Missie fake "choked" Brian. And the laughter and fun that ensued after lasted the entire time we spent together.
An Upcoming Sunset Key Wedding!
This couple is planning a small wedding with 20 people total on the exclusive private island, Sunset Key, located just off Key West. After their intimate ceremony, they are planning dinner at Latitudes Restaurant, also on Sunset Key. To commemorate their upcoming wedding, we took a special picture. It’s a black and white image of hands holding jewelry with the latitude and longitude coordinates of their wedding location with the future bride and groom sharing an intimate moment blurred behind the necklace.
Missie and Brian say they chose me to tell the photographic story of their wedding because they like my eye and my lighting style. Sounds like we are a perfect match! I am thrilled to photograph these fellow artists’ wedding day and excitedly anticipate their March 2019 Sunset Key Wedding!
Florida Keys Wedding Vendors:
Wedding Planner: Anna with Say Yes In Key West
Wedding Venue: Sunset Key
Reception Dinner Venue: Latitudes
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Tony and Gavin were married on April 14 with their wedding ceremony at the Key West Garden Club and their reception at the Margaritaville Resort.
I absolutely adore these guys and it was such a pleasure to be their Key West wedding photographer.
Tony and Gavin met by chance while Gavin was working. Tony brought his sister into the retail store where Gavin worked, and the rest… as they say… is history.
Their engagement was not by chance, rather it was a thoughtful, planned affair.
They started about a month prior, each writing in a separate journal all the reasons why they love each other and why they wanted to get married. Then, they travelled together to NYC for a long weekend. They stopped at a jewelry store where they picked out matching Cartier Love rings. From there, they went to their hotel room, cracked open a bottle a champagne, exchanged their journals, and asked each other to be husband and husband. So sweet!!!
A Stylish Florida Keys Wedding
We covered their day for 8 hours. My second shooter, Aramis Ikatu, and I arrived early in the afternoon to capture the grooms’ getting ready preparations. Both grooms got ready together with Tony's dad helping tie their ties.
The color palette for the wedding was black and white with touches of tropical greenery. By using black and white theme the grooms hoped to showcase the natural beauty and colors Key West has to offer as a gorgeous backdrop. They requested all guests wear black in white attire to have them coordinate with the theme. In contrast, the grooms wore stylish custom suits. Tony chose a light grey fitted suit with a white shirt, navy tie, and suspenders. Gavin wore a royal blue suite with white shirt, navy tie and suspenders. Using those colors allowed them to stand out from the color palate they requested their guests to wear. The result was both classy and modern, but still embraced a Key West wedding vibe!
We had a few minutes before leaving for the ceremony to take some more stylized photos and used the hallway outside of their suite for this, which resulted in some of my favorite images from the day.
In fact, my favorite image came from a quiet time before the ceremony as well. There was a touching moment between the grooms on the conch train, when Gavin kissed Tony on the cheek while he has his eyes closed and is soaking it up. It was an image charged with emotion. I am honored to witness and capture to capture so many emotions in their wedding photography. I also love the black and white image of the two of them in the hallway holding champagne, where Tony is in front and Gavin in back. It makes me happy when I can create art and preserve these moments for my couples!
Gavin and Tony’s Key West Garden Club Ceremony
From the Margaritaville Resort, we traveled to their ceremony location at the Key West Garden Club via a conch train. We immediately got in place for their processional. Gavin and Tony walked in together behind their mothers who were escorted by their brothers and Tony's niece, Madelyn, who had the distinct job of both Flower Girl and Ring Bearer. It was an emotional ceremony as the two committed their lives to each other. The ceremony included each groom presenting their mothers and grandmother with a single calla lily. It was a beautiful visual way to show the two families uniting into one.
Key West Wedding Photography at the Margaritaville Resort
Once married the guests boarded a conch train to the reception venue while we stayed behind with our newlyweds to create some more couple's photos and catch the second train to the reception. Not only did that give us the chance to get some more wedding portraits with the grooms, but that train ride gave them a peaceful moment alone to enjoy the start of their journey as husband and husband.
Upon their arrival at the reception, both grooms entered together, holding hands and were received with boisterous cheers from friends and family. Cocktail hour was in full swing and we captured tons of candid moments from this time. We even had a few minutes to sneak away for some couples portraits during their first sunset together as a married couple! Once dinner was complete, Tony and Gavin cut the cake and then shared their first dance as a married couple. Afterwards, they danced with their mothers, which stirred some more beautiful emotion! Tony's niece and friends then surprised everyone with a choreographed dance, just for them, and then the real party ensued.
It was a tremendous joy watching everyone celebrate these two amazing men!
Day-After Wedding Session
The entire day was absolutely magical. It was filled with nothing but love! So much love we couldnt pack it into a single day so Gavin and Tony chose to do a "Day After" session with me too. We went back to their ceremony location and utilized the beach and ocean while they wore swim suits and more casual attire. Wow! Their undeniable love is contagious! We had an unbelievable amount of fun together during this session!
So much about their Key West wedding was memorable, from the unique décor, to the close relationships with their family and friends, and all of the sweet moments they shared together. I absolutely adore these guys!
Here is some advice they had to share with future couples who are planning a wedding:
“Don’t stress over the small things. No one will notice. On the day of the wedding make sure you take a moment to step back and embrace the special day. It feels like it is over in the blink of an eye. Don’t skimp on the photographer or food! Pictures are the only thing you get to have to look back on your day!”
Thank you so much Tony and Gavin for allowing me into your big day and for trusting me to your memories! A huge thank you to Julie at Simply You as well for referring these amazing gentlemen to me and for all of your hard work that ensured their wedding weekend was nothing short of perfect! I also want to thank Peter and Anthony from Milan Events for creating and executing incredible designs that continue to impress all who are witness to them.
Vendors
Planner: Julie Shrek with Simply You Weddings
Ceremony Venue: West Martello, Key West Garden Club
Reception Venue: Margaritaville Resort and Marina
Officiant: John Hernandez
Florals and Decor and Linens: Milan Event
Ceremony and Reception music: Jimmy Cooper with Soundwave
Dessert and wedding cake: Cupcake Sushi
Prestige Party Rentals: Prestige
Transportation: Conch Train
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Marquessa and John were married on March 3rd, with a ceremony and reception at the Key Largo Lighthouse on Coral Beach.
These two met through mutual friends on New Year’s Eve and bonded over their love of traveling and adventure. They have seen each other through plenty of life’s twists and turns—from Marquessa’s decision to stay in Ohio to run her mother’s dance studio instead of pursuing an acting career in Los Angeles to John’s decision to return to school to get certified in robotics. And through all of it, they’ve only fallen deeper in love.
Since Chicago is close to Marquessa’s heart as the home of her dancing days with the Chicago Bulls, that’s where John decided to propose. But for their actual wedding, they wanted a destination wedding here in Florida to do something unique in a tropical setting. They are both in their late 30s and getting married for the first time, (which I am seeing as a growing trend) so they wanted a bigger celebration than just one day could encompass. So, they invited their friends and family to the Keys—which has been Marquessa’s second home since childhood, so it was the perfect vacation spot, too!
Key Largo Wedding Photography
On the day of the wedding, my second shooter, Loyda Ikatu, and I arrived to photograph the last of the preparations before we went straight to the ceremony, which was officiated by a friend of theirs named Galen. We were also able to capture some family formals as well as some amazing sunset portraits with the two of them. My favorite images came from that sunset session with the two of them; I loved being able to get those more unconventional portraits for them.
As you might expect from a dance teacher, the first dance as well as the father/daughter dance were both amazing and sweet to witness. At the end of the father/daughter dance, Marquessa’s father jumped for joy—it was a joy to witness that bond.
I was also impressed by all of the loving details that went into this wedding. They had a unique “wavy” table set up, a full roasted pig, a “seafood” boat, and a surfboard guestbook to go with the tropical theme. They also had a kids table with playdough and other fun stuff. And John made the archway that they used in the ceremony, too!
Not all of the details were about the fun, though. Some of them were incredibly touching. For example, Marquessa wore her great-grandmother’s handkerchief during the wedding, a tradition in her family. Her mother wore it for her wedding in 1973, and it’s been a staple in other family weddings for her cousins since 1964. I also liked that even though Marquessa’s cathedral veil and long-sleeved gown were very traditional, she opted for a less traditional morganite ring.
John & Marquessa, thank you for letting me be part of all the fun of celebrating your big day! I was thrilled to be your destination wedding photographer!
Thanks also to all of the vendors involved for making their wedding dreams a reality! Teamwork is dreamwork!
Vendors
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As a couple about to embark on the lifelong partnership that is a good marriage, you are probably overwhelmed with all of your choices when it comes to your wedding, including who you want to capture it. Most likely, this is also the first time you've considered hiring a professional photographer and are at a loss as how to choose the best one for you. Follow these 3 steps to to make your choice as stress free as can be :
First, you want to look at portfolios and reviews of photographers who specialize in weddings and narrow your choices down to 5 of those photographers whose work you can picture yourself in. Does the work speak to you emotionally? Great! You're onto a nice start!
Second, contact each photographer on your short list. Does that sound daunting? Don't worry, most of us are friendly people who genuinely want to help. When reaching out, whether electronically or by phone, there is some information we need from you to be able to give you an approximate quote. Please include;
the date you plan to be married, the location or locations, approximate guest count expected, size of your bridal party and a little about what you envision your day to be like as well as how you want to display and preserve your memories. It helps to know your budget for your photography as well so we can tailor a quote for you.
3rd, Once you've received the information you have requested, your short list will get even shorter, either because of budget or availability usually. You'll want to actually speak to the remaining photographers you've narrowed down and get a feel for their personality. This is extremely important because you will be spending one of the most important, highly emotional days of your life with this person, you should be comfortable and feel relaxed around them. You are entrusting the way the world will remember your wedding to this person.
It has been said that potential clients like to try to get to know their photographer as much as possible and having a small "About Me" section doesn't come close to telling the whole story. Being a person with high standards and lofty goals, I’ve chosen a difficult but rewarding field that will also serve as my legacy, Destination Wedding Photography. While these traits don't make things easy for me, they are great news for my clients and their Wedding Photography.
Why? Because “calling it in” is never an option for me. I realize that although my next wedding, for me, may be the third one in so many days, for my clients, it is THE ONLY ONE they have anticipated and will experience as their own. I take that responsibility very seriously, doing everything in my power to make their day as perfect as possible. It has never mattered what they paid me, from the days I was starting off and shot my first wedding for the fun of it unttil now and going forward, I will always treat my client's wedding day with the care and respect I would want for my one and only day. I give my absolute all to each and every one of my clients. Every. Single. Time. I’ve worked when I was physically hurt and medically shouldn’t have, torn calf mucsle, grieving a loved one lost the previous day, starving during a 12 hour day with no bathroom break, working outside in 100 degree heat with no water and many other circumstances, all the while remaining 100% present in the day, with a smile on my face and nobody the wiser. I understand the gravity of what I do and put myself aside so I can get it right for those who’ve trusted me with the memories of their big day. It is a commitment that I embrace when I accept a commission to photograph a couple’s wedding day and one I hope always translates with love through the final images my clients receive.
Recently these attributes have gained me some notoriety in my chosen field that has left me humbled and thrilled beyond belief.
I have been accepted into THE most prestigious and exclusive Wedding Photographic Society on the planet, the International Society of Professional Wedding Photographers, known to the pros as ISPWP!
What does it mean to be accepted and how does this benefit you as a bride and groom looking to hire their Wedding Photographer? I believe an excerpt from the ISPWP website sums it up perfectly:
“The International Society of Professional Wedding Photographers is an organization of the best wedding photographers in the world. It was created by professional photographers to raise the standards of the wedding photography profession. We are a resource for wedding clients who know they want to hire the best and the brightest for their wedding. We provide assurance and peace of mind that they are hiring the most respected, most ethical, most professional and most talented wedding photographers in the industry. It’s no secret there are many online directories of wedding photographers. Some of them have hundreds, even thousands of photographers. That SOUNDS great because there are so many to choose from! But most of these directories have little or no criteria for membership, they are simply link farms that oftentimes include photographers with zero experience and unknown backgrounds who have simply paid the applicable fee. The International Society of Professional Wedding Photographers (ISPWP) is a rarity among wedding photography organizations. Photographers cannot simply buy an ISPWP membership, they have to earn it. Our requirements are experience, talent, and professionalism. To be accepted, a photographer must have shot at least 50 weddings, submit their portfolio for review, agree to operate under the ISPWP Code of Conduct, and have an ISPWP Sponsor or four references. And THEN they have to be voted in by current members. In short, when you hire an ISPWP Photographer, you are hiring a talented veteran with a track record, recognized by their peers to be at the top of their field, and a passion for creating heirloom images of your wedding.”
So exclusive is it that I’m one of only 9, yes, NINE in the entire state of Florida listed! Now I don’t know exactly how many professional Photographers there are in the entire state of Florida but I do know there are 72 listed on my tiny 2x4 mile island so I’m assuming there are A LOT!
Holy WOW……… me! I’m on cloud nine! (Pun intended)
What an honor be listed among such extraordinary talent!!!
If you’re looking for inspiration and information, whether you are a bride planning your wedding or photographer looking to advance your skill level, you’ll find lots of useful articles and gorgeous, award-winning photographs on their website here:
]]>It's a wedding registry which allows you to register for gifts relating to your wedding, particularly, your Wedding Photography!
Yay, right?
The idea is simple:
1) You may have needed to forgo some things you really wanted for your wedding day because they didn't fit into your budget, like an additional session or a smaller album than you REALLY wanted; and
2) You may also already own many of the things you might ordinarily register for at a traditional store; e.g., wine glasses, kitchenware and the like.
What if you could register for an even more amazing wedding photography package? Would it help you achieve the wedding of your dreams? Now you can!
Simply use the link below to view a sample. I've used my husband and I as the bride and groom in this sample but each registry is customized just for you. ;)
https://www.gively.com/register.html?v=2160c389&c=45257f1755d45276
There you can register for various things you may really want for your wedding and then share the link with your family and friends. There are also social media sharing tools and even a preset email that may help you to tell your friends and family what this is all about so you don't have to waste time figuring out how to present it to them. Also, whether you choose to register for anything specific or not, when you send your guests that link, they'll be able to purchase gifts for you. If they purchase anything you don't want, you have the ability to apply it towards a product or service that you DO want. It is super easy and I'm finding many of my clients are utilizing the registry to maximize their wedding!
Go ahead and check out the sample registry now and don't be shy about asking me to set one up for you!
Whether you are planning your wedding in The Florida Keys, Key West or somewhere completely across the globe, I can help you preserve the memories of your special day with high quality, timeless imagery while supplying you with a stress free, white glove experience. Reach out to me and see for yourself! I'm easily reachable at: e-mail: [email protected] and phone number: 305-433-1237 and happy to answer any questions you have.
Thanks for stopping by and happy wedding planning!!! :)
PS- Are you a wedding vendor that would like to offer this amazing service to your clients as well? You're in luck! I’m happy to help you too! Check out this link : https://www.gively.com/?ref=PED3A and use this referral code; PED3A to receive a discount when signing up for it! You can share it too so spread the love!
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The first post of the year I've promised to Heather and Kay and I'm so very excited to share their gorgeous wedding with you!
Heather and Kay, traveled from the United Kingdom to have their wedding in Key West, Florida and brought their nearest and dearest from all over the world with them to witness it. You see, Heather is originally from Texas and so her family is in the US but Kay and his family hail from Germany and our lovely couple lives in the UK along with many of their friends so their wedding at the United Methodist Church (The Old Stone Church as Key West locals know it) with their reception at The Casa Marina promised to be an event for all in attendance to remember! Thanks to their planner, Peggy, at Destination Wedding Studio, it was!
Heather's mom, Gale, worked closely with me throughout the entire process since Heather was overseas and concentrating on her job and it was such a pleasure getting to know them both along the way. You know the traditions...Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, right? Well, you may not want to wear your great grandmother's wedding band but you could always have your mom sew it in your gown with blue thread and you'll conveniently have all 4, assuming your gown is new. ;)
Heather is a natural beauty, with piercing sapphire eyes that the team at Beauty Boutique and the Glam Squad knew just how best to emphasize! They finished off her sophisticated look with a stylishly intricate updo that held beautifully and helped to keep her cool all night long!
Her gorgeous flowers were impressive and full of texture! I love when brides have rememberences of loved ones who've passed on attached to their bouquets. Being experienced with loss myself, I feel it is such a nice gesture to include these meaningful elements that help make your wedding even more personal to you.
Heather was escorted by her dad and given away by both of her lovely parents during a touching, candle lit ceremony performed by both Pastor Rueben and their close friend, Rev. Billy.
Too many ceremony shots? Never! Especially when you have a ceremony filled with special songs and readings from loved ones!
Dramatic exits are always fun!!! Rose petals during the day are an excellent option. Just please make sure they are real flowers because our sensitive island ecology depends on it!
Why not incorporate a unique tradition too, like the German custom of cutting a log?
An excerpt from Southern Bride Magazine sums the tradition up perfectly: "An old German wedding custom, the tradition of cutting of a log represents the first obstacle that the couple must overcome in their marriage. They must work together to "overcome the obstacle" by sawing through the log. Using a large, long saw with two handles, the couple demonstrates their teamwork to friends and family, and their willingness and ability to master the difficulties that inevitably arise in a marriage. Hopefully the log will not take too long to saw through!"
Lucky for them and their guests (because of the brutal July heat here in The Florida Keys) it didn't take very long and they were off to their reception!
The celebration was held at the unparalleled Casa Marina, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, with their cocktail hour on the patio and reception in the Flagler Ballroom which was decorated perfectly to create the sophisticated, yet relaxed atmosphere the couple envisioned. Tall, colorful structured, yet flowing centerpieces were elegant and took center stage among the other natural elements used throughout.
Their cakes!! LOVE them both! How cute is this Groom's cake though?????? Kay driving the boat while Heather lays out, with the flags from both of their home countries! Grooms cakes are a great way to infuse a little whimsy into your wedding day!
Their entertainment, Brian Roberts, kept the crowd moving to the music all evening! This was a fun crowd!
As always, the day went by in the blink of an eye and it was over all too soon but the sunset did not disappoint and we had fun with some couples portraits!
Heather and Kay, it is my wish that you two enjoy and carry the bliss you've shared for the past 4 and a half years, for the remainder of your days. Thank you two for allowing me to share in and document the special beauty that was your wedding day!!! Congratulations!!!
Many Thanks to the amazing vendors who helped make Heather and Kay's wedding dreams come true!
Vendor Team:
Photography: Mary Veal Photography
Venue: Casa Marina, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
Church: Key West United Methodist Church
Officiants: Pastor Ruben and Rev. Billy
Event Planner: Destination Wedding Studio
Hair and Make Up: Beauty Boutique and The Glam Squad
Band: Brian Roberts Music
Flowers: Mama Flowers
Cake: Amazing Cakes and Creations
Rehearsal Dinner: The Roof Top Café
Transportation: Old Town Trolley
Linens: BBJ Linens
Chairs: Prestige Party Rentals
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At first contact, I felt like I had known Genevieve for years and knew immediately I needed to work with her! Not only does she have a beautiful, unique name that is also shared with my grandmother but she is a fellow creative with high style. After listening to her tell me her vision for her wedding and the special DIY touches, I was almost beside myself with glee that she had chosen ME to translate it for her visually. I am one lucky girl to have some of THE BEST clients and these two are permanently among them!
Genevieve and Rob's wedding was incredibly beautiful in many ways! Unique, and styled to perfection, including lots of hand made touches that are unique to them but are sure to inspire other brides as well.
They were married this April at The Hemingway House and with just one look, you can tell these two are absolutely perfect for each other!
Genevieve got ready at The Merlin House which is a lovely property surrounded by lush greenery. Her grandmother made her gorgeous lace wedding gown and her aunt made her head piece and bouquet too! Check out the bows on their shoes...adorable, right?!
Rob got ready at The Lighthouse court right across the street from the Hemingway House. Did I mention that Genevieve's aunt also made Rob's boutonniere too?
They elected to do a first look and liked the idea of seeing eachother for the first time in their wedding attire at Fort Zachary Taylor. First looks are always fun but they do present a logistics challenge so having a good wedding planner on your vendor team, like Kate Bentley who was theirs, is essential in ensuring it all runs smoothly.
Who knows, you may even have a few extra minutes to take some photos around town or stop in a local bar, like The Green Parrot, for a quick drink and pic!
The Banyan trees in Key West are pretty amazing too! They can be used for some fun bridal party pictures and even moody couples portraits. In this case, we had fun with it all!
Have you ever been to the Hemingway House? It is such a beautiful property and so full of history you can't absorb it all on only one visit. With the help of their Wedding Planner, Genevieve and Rob's ceremony was timed perfectly to in order to exploit the beautiful light pattern streaming through the dense canopy of trees. Their ceremony arbor was decorated with hand made paper chain using printed off book pages. Very creative! Their touching ceremony was witnessed by many of their nearest and dearest, some traveling from across the country to witness the marriage of these sweet individuals.
Some of my favorite images come from the 15 minute period I get to spend with my clients alone for their couples portraits. They're relaxed, the pressure is over, and they radiate love! How much more perfect can conditions get? Okay, throw in a few cute kitties and you get the proverbial cherry on top!
Lots of books, candlesticks, and candles covered in book pages, hearts made with "book shreds" and cute cats all came together to create the perfect ambiance.
Sushi bar for cocktail hour? OH YES!!! Catered Affairs = Awesomeness! Romantic first dance? You betchya! (Anyone else been watching Fargo? I find myself repeating many sayings from it)
As if there isn't enough inspiration to plan your own literary themed wedding already, how about adding a vintage typewriter as your guest book? Don't forget to add lighting if you are planning an outdoor reception too! It will add more than you think to the look of your soiree.
This is such a great idea! Genevieve and Rob had a "Decorate Your Cupcake" theme dessert table! Start by choosing the flavor of your cupcake and then add on as much or as little in any combination you want...brilliant! Oh, the fun that was had with this!
Congratulations Genevieve and Rob! It was an absolute pleasure working with you and a complete honor that you chose me to be the visual story teller of your wedding day!!! Thank you for putting your faith in my talent and believing in my vision when I didn't have any images from this venue to show you. (This was my first wedding here!) I hope you love these memories of your day and will look back on them with fondness for the rest of your lives!
PS- I've created this post in an album type format, so please, leave me a comment telling me if you prefer seeing the images this way or the way they appear in previous posts.
Vendor Details:
Photography: Mary Veal
Photography Assistant: Cierra Grein
Wedding Planner: Kate Bentley, Kate Bentley Events
Hair and Make Up: Southernmost Glam
Venue: Hemingway House and Museum
Officiate: Marcela Morgan
Catering: Catered Affairs
Cupcakes: Sweet Savannahas
Rental Company: Prestige Party Rentals
Florals: DIY
]]>That doesn't mean I won't keep trying so go ahead and subscribe, you already know I won't fill up your inbox with too many posts! ;)
This has been my busiest year in business so far and yet I've taken on too many "private" clients that don't want me to share the images from their sessions and as such I've been "off the radar" so to speak. Because of this, I'm now limiting the amount of commissions I will accept that demand privacy. This is another topic I need to tackle for a blog post at a later date....
For now, lets get to the long awaited sneak peak of Jackie and Greg's beautiful garden wedding.
These two Key West locals are some of the most genuine, laid back, relaxed individuals I've met. When I moved here, almost 6 years ago, I met Jackie and Greg through the dive shop they both worked at as Scuba Instructors. I was training for my advanced scuba diving certification with another instructor who became a close friend as well and the rest, as they say, is history.
Yes, they've been dating a while now, and have experienced their share of challenges but that has only strengthened the bond they share and heightened the anticipation of their pending nuptials for the many, many people who are lucky to know and love them both.
So many of their friends pitched in to make their day special and I'll be sure to mention everyone at the end of this post.
Enjoy this small sampling and be sure to check back in a couple weeks for their full gallery to be released. It is chock full of all of all of the "fun" photos I'm sure their guests will be glad I did NOT share here.
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Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Miller!!!
Vendors List
Photography: Mary Veal / Mary Veal Photography
Photography Assistant: Cierra Grein
Hair and Make Up: Amber Hogue and Jackie Rann
Florist: Love in Bloom
Cake: Key West Cakes
Caterer: Small Chef at Large
Ceremony Venue: West Martello Tower
Officiant: Captain Frank Wasson
Reception Venue: Island Dogs
Ceremony Music: Tony Baltimore
Reception Music: DJ Andy Lewis
Flare Bartender: Josh Golders
Bagpipe Player:
Menswear: Timmy's Tuxedo
Bridal Gown: Mikaella
Bride's ring: Blue Sophia
Groom's ring: Jack Daniels
Transportation: Conch Train
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Well, it is now officially the last week in January and my 3rd post of the year. It is pretty exciting that I'm doing 300% better this year than last!
These sneak peaks are getting more views through the blog than through Facebook and although you aren't commenting, it does seem like there are a few people reading this now so I'll do my very best to keep It up for you!
Next month I'm even preparing a couple "inspiration" posts for future brides and "how to" posts for photographers as well so go ahead and hit that subscribe button. ;)
It is nice to share some of the stories from my sessions and give you the opportunity to ask any questions that pop up while looking through the posts too.
Meet Zoey and Bryce, my first session of 2014! These two were married exactly 1 year ago today!
A fun loving, relaxed, adventurous and amazingly adorable couple!
We met on a Wednesday afternoon right after the first of the year and had a fabulous time getting creative even with a fast moving cold front bearing down on us. We were going for sunset images but the sky was uncooperative. Instead, we got some nice even lighting from the overcast sky, a great breeze and some lovely cloud drama so it was far from a bust.
Zoey and Bryce visited Key West as a celebration of their wedding anniversary and wanted to commemorate it with a photo session.
We began with the Fort itself since it closes at 5pm daily and not sunset, like the rest of the park. Keep that in mind if you ever visit Fort Zachary Taylor, visit the fort first, then go to the beach.
It is not every day that one can get the following image. Yes, cruise ships frequent Key West in multiples, almost daily, but for everything to come together (lighting, clouds, timing) at just the right moment, its priceless.
After utilizing the many locations within the fort itself, we headed over to the Australian Pines.
The Australian Pines at the state park are a sight to behold themselves. Tall and graceful, curved from enduring the constant trade winds, they provide the gorgeous dappled light I love so much. They aren't native plants (thus the name, eh?) and if it weren't for a group of dedicated, concerned citizens willing to fight in court for over 12 years, they wouldn't exist here today. I for one am very glad they remain.
The front was bearing down on us and I knew we only had time for one more "location" within the park and after consulting with my amazing couple, Zoey and Bryce decided they would prefer images in "the field" over some on the beach. The field is located behind the Fort itself and if you aren't from here, you'll have to look kind of hard for this grass since they mow it every year for the Superboat Races in November. Just go closer to the back of the fort, by the moat, you'll find it.
These two are the most elegant kissers I've encountered yet! You know how you can take dance lessons before your wedding? I think Zoey and Bryce should give kissing lessons! No smooshy faces here!
Lots of playfulness! If you can't have fun, why do it, right?
We got to watch the wall cloud roll in from here. A memorable experience for sure!
Happy 1st Anniversary you two!!! I hope the love you share will bring a lifetime of happiness!!!
Photography by: Mary Veal / Mary Veal Photography
Hair and Make Up by: Calm Waters Spa at Hawks Cay Resort
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Meet Jackie and Greg! A fun loving and adventurous couple who are getting married at The Key West Botanical Gardens this coming April.
I LOVE my clients, all of them, and it is always a complete honor to be chosen as someone's Wedding Photographer, ALWAYS.
However, it is an extra special feeling when locals, people who undoubtedly know some of the other 55 listed local photographers, choose ME to capture the love they share. I couldn't be more excited to be tasked with visually telling the story of Jackie and Greg's wedding day and for this post, their Engagement portraits!!!
We met early on a Sunday morning this past December and had more than a few laughs.
Jackie and Greg are "Fresh Water Conchs" (pronounced "Konk") which means they've lived here for more than 7 years and are most definitely considered locals. They love the flair of Key West and wanted to do more "tourist" type locations. BO's Fish wagon was a great starting place because Greg had a pick up like this one growing up.
It was early and the crowd had not descended upon Duval Street yet so we did a mini tour of Duval and Green Streets with Sloppy Joe's Bar, Captain Tony's Bar, a couple of real (and delicious) Bloody Mary's and a kiss on the corner before we were off to Fort Zachary Taylor State Park for more kisses, a little dancing and lots of romantic hand holding.
Of course no tourist type session is complete without the quintessential Key West Post Card shot in front of The Cuban Coffee Queen!
For those of you that know Jackie and Greg, you'll appreciate the strategic placement with them beneath the scuba diver. I was undecided which orientation I liked better. Which one do you prefer?
Jackie, Greg, you both are amazing individuals and I can't thank you enough for putting your confidence in my talent. I look forward to your wedding in April with great anticipation!!!
PS- What are your favorite Key West "touristy" photo spots? Post your favorites in the comments section. :)
]]>This year I'm going to do something different. Instead of posting sneak peaks on my Facebook page (www.facebook.com/maryvealphotography) I'm going to post them here!
With the changes Facebook has made to their format it has made it impossible for me to tag the hard working vendors who contribute to each of the events I've had the honor of capturing and I believe it is only fair they receive credit. Plus, hopefully this will give YOU, my valued reader (yes, you're probably the only one since I've been terrible at updating this blog, lol!) an easier overall experience to enjoy my most recent weddings and portrait sessions. I hope you enjoy this new format!
Meet Janey and Phillip! They exude style and class in every way yet are a relaxed and fun loving couple who enjoy the Florida Keys immensely and want to share it with their family and friends for their wedding.
They will be married this April at a spectacular private estate on Cudjoe Key featuring some of the most talented vendors in town so look for their wedding on the blog sometime in June 2014.
We met last month for a couple hours to take their Engagement Portraits and had the best time together!
I was warned when we met that neither one of them likes themselves in pictures so immediately I thought "Challenge Accepted!". It wasn't hard though, they're both beautiful people, inside and out. See for yourself...
Congratulations Janey and Phillip! I'm very much looking forward to capturing your wedding!!!
Soooo, what do you think? Is this better than a sneak peak through Facebook or not? Please comment below.
PS- What was your New Years Resolution? (Post your comment below) Mine was to create more work/life balance and to tell the truth I've failed miserably so far but hey, the year is still young and I will keep on trying! :)
PPS- Are you interested in and Engagement Portrait Session with me? I provide a full upscale experience. For 2014 I'm including an Engagement Session in my basic package now so you will feel more at ease when your wedding day arrives. To make your experience even more pleasurable and stress free, I provide transportation during our session from your hotel, to our photo shoot locations and back to your hotel or requested drop off location in addition to including the entrance fee to Ft. Zachary Taylor State Park if you choose that as a location and ice cold spring water. Please contact me for more information here: [email protected] or 305-433-1237.
Vendors:
Photography: Mary Veal Photography
Lodging: The Gardens Hotel
Hair and Make Up: Beauty Boutique & The Glam Squad ~ For Everything Beauty
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The beautiful flower arrangement above is from Love in Bloom Florist who delivers a cleverly designed bouquet weekly that cheerfully greets clients at the door.
Stay Fit is not your regular "gym" with rows of treadmills and stair climbers with multiple machines for working every part of the body but rather a quaint, friendly studio specializing in a diverse variety of classes and private training with optimized equipment.
I was skeptical at first, since I'm on the introverted side and generally feel excruciatingly uncomfortable and self conscious exercising in "crowds". Well, all it took was attending one strength class with Raquel, the new owner of Stay Fit, and I knew I had found my fitness "home". Not only was the entire staff genuinely helpful, friendly and non judgemental but so were the people who worked out there.
That was over a year ago and I still feel the same way about this wonderful place and the amazing people there so even though my specialty remains in the realm destination wedding photography, you can imagine how excited I was and jumped at the opportunity when Raquel contacted me to cover their Grand Re-Opening!!!
It was a fun and inspiring day!
Raquel organized a full day of 30 minute classes, FREE!!!, to existing members and potential clients alike with an unprecidented turnout resulting in classes filled to the brim with outgoing and adventerous people from all around the lower keys. Several troopers even attended EVERY class offered and those although short, are NOT easy, breeze through without sweating, classes.
It wouldn't be a party without a DJ and there isn't one more full of life, (or more beautiful for that matter) than celebrity DJ Shawna Lacy Wynd with Soundwave who got the crowd started early and didn't quit til it was all over.
Shawna really does bring the party and is responsible for the new black lighting added for cycling classes not just during this event but year round now. Seriously, how fun is that?!!!
Did you know everyone looks tan under a black light? If you haven't tried it yet, get your butt down there! You'll have a blast!
Nobody has asked me (yeah, because you know I am the authority.. haha) but I think all of the classes should use the black light!
Yoga, strength, TRX, Zumba, Stretch AND 80's Aerobics! What do you think?
Now, who can host an open house without food?
Not Stay Fit Studio!
Great Events Catering was on hand with healthy and delectable treats, keeping the table (and patrons) full and energized all day!
Certainly, no event is complete without cake and Key West cakes did not disappoint with their beautiful and scrumptious creation! If you haven't tasted one of their cakes, you are truly missing out.
Raquel rallied local businesses and after each class held a drawing for cool prizes from awesome companies like Sebago Watersports, La Petit Paris, The Bistro, The Cafe and Love In Bloom Florist. She has the pictures of the winners but out of respect and because I know I wouldn't really want a photo of me immediately after working out posted anywhere on line, so I am not going to post those pictures here.
If you have not taken the chance to check out Stay Fit Studio, I encourage you to do so. It just might change your life.
While you are there you can pick up some really cool work out gear too.
Thanks for reading! If you've worked out here, please comment below on what is/was your favorite aspect of it and if you haven't, well I would still LOVE to hear from you! :)
Vendors for this event include:
Venue/Host: Stay Fit Studio
Photography: Me :) Mary Veal Photography
Catering: Great Events Catering
DJ Services: Soundwave Productions ~ DJ Shawna Lacy Wynd
Cake: Key West Cakes
Flowers: Love in Bloom Florist
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By following these 6 tips you will ensure it will be a “Picture perfect” day:
1. Communicate with your photographer. Let your photographer know the style and type of shots you desire and, if possible, give them a “Shot list” of your must have shots. Also, make them aware of anything special you’ve incorporated and don’t want missed. It is usually a good idea to meet with them before your wedding day (even if by phone or Skype) so you can establish a relationship. Yes, a photographer is hired help but they are also the person you’ll spend the most time with on your most special of occasions so make sure you like them and your day will be even more fun. 
2. Hire a photographer who specializes in Destination Weddings, especially tropical destinations. These people are experienced in traveling with all of their equipment; they thrive on the new and different, can adapt quickly and are naturally resourceful. Yes, it’s usually a little more expensive to fly one in and pay their hotel but in the long run, you’ll be glad you didn’t rely on just anyone to capture your most precious of memories. Remembering the day, its mood, details and expressions of loved ones are all done through your wedding pictures which will serve as the only lasting testament to how grand your day was. You've put so much into your wedding day, please do yourself a favor and don't "skimp" on your memories of it.
3. Utilize professional Hair and Make Up Artists. Plan your hair and wardrobe around the location and its seasons. Most beaches are hot and windy so plan for your hair to be up or half up. Today’s styles of romantic braids are ideal to keep you looking fresh all day long. Airbrush make up application can cover any skin blemishes and keep you looking flawless throughout the day as welll but you can't do it by yourself. It isn't cheap either but think about how much you have put into everything else, emotionally and monitarily. You will be doing yourself a huge favor by not having to stress about how you will look.
4. Your wedding gown should certainly express your style but keep in mind beaches are sandy and usually hot with high humidity. Lace, Chiffon and light weight fabrics are your best choice along with shorter trains. The lightweight fabrics will flow beautifully, thus, contributing to dramatic imagery and you’ll stay fresher for a lot longer.
5. Plan for an additional day of photography. A day or two after the ceremony have a photo session scheduled so you can utilize the destination’s unique scenery. More often than not, the resulting images are the fine art photos that end up displayed as canvas groupings and large displays in your home. Besides, it gives you a chance to wear that stunning gown again!
6. Consider the time of day. Usually mornings offer fewer crowds and will lend to vividly colored images. Midday (noon) weddings inherently bring harsh lighting so plan for formals either early or later in the afternoon. Sunset beach weddings are always romantic but offer challenges as well. The light fades quickly and if your ceremony is scheduled for sunset there won’t be enough light for formal pictures afterwards so plan for them early. No matter what time of day you choose, don’t forget to have someone bring some water for you.
7. Last, but certainly not least, hire a wedding planner. This deserves an entire post in itself but the short of it is this; You have spent countless hours planning the grandest soiree you will likely ever host, why not have a professional who will advise you as well as keep your timeline and vendors on track for the day? Without the help of a planner, your timeline and the responsibility of it will likely fall on your photographer who already has their hands full making sure they capture all of the important moments and details of the day.
Yes, I believe this topic will be my next "Advice" post.... Why do I need a wedding planner? Stay tuned for the complete run down!
I hope this helps you plan your dream beach wedding! Have any advice to add or questions? Please comment below. I would love to hear it!
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I have been sharing several sneak peaks this year directly on Facebook but it has come to my attention that many visitors to this site don't get the chance to see that page so a good deal of my newest work goes unseen. Soooo, from now on I will be sharing the sneak peaks here and linking to Facebook so everyone gets some eye candy. Want to see some of the ones just mentioned? Go here: www.facebook.com/maryvealphotography and be sure to "like" it too!
Without further ado this is Jenna and Scott's sneak peak! This lovely couple planned their wedding on the gorgeous private island Palm Island in Marathon, FL. They woke to beautiful blue skies and balmy breezes. Earlier in the week we were worried the hurricane would be a direct hit and pummel us with rain and high winds but all of us here in The Florida Keys got lucky when it fizzled out over Cuba on Tuesday afternoon.
When Scott first contacted me, this is what he said: "We plan to get married on the beach of our friends private island with our immediate family and small circle of friends who can afford to make it down from the northeast. We envision simple elegance and plan to make shoes optional! We are looking for a photographer who can find the spirit of the day, capture the elegance of the moment, and have some fun with us! Especially getting the children involved." Well, Scott, I hope these images do just that...you be the judge. :)
When I arrived all of the girls were in the small cottage getting ready. Chris and Frank from Medusa's Mane had already arrived and begun working on the girls hair. Excitement was in the air but with this great group there was no tension to be found.
The kids are already friends and get along very well. They even planned a surprise together for Jenna and Scott....you'll see toward the end of this post.... Such sweet girls (and boy, you will see him soon)!
I got carried away with pictures and neglected to write anything. So, as you can see, after the girls were dresses we set out to take some pictures but got caught in a rain squall that left the little ones a tad in a panic because they were worried about Jenna. How sweet are these kids?! Jenna, however, proved to be Grace under fire. If she was anxious about the rain, nobody knew it. It didn't last long and we were able to take cover under a tiki hut on the island and remained dry. As soon as it was over we headed back to the cottage to hide Jenna since guests were beginning to arrive. I caught up with the boys who were just kicking back enjoying quality time together and playing video games. We got a few quick shots then it was time to head over to the ceremony site. Okay, now you are caught up.... Mica Gardner provided the perfect pre-ceremony music which got the guests in celebration mode right from the start.
The little girls were so nervous, they were worried they would mess up, and they wanted so badly for the day to be perfect. They did a great job!
Scott literally gasped when he saw his beautiful bride!!!
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Sand ceremonies are not just for the bride and groom. lncluding the children is the perfect way to symbolize the uniting of two families. The children feel very special for being a part of it and I am sure it helps them grasp the significance of getting married.
Congratulations you two!!! (Now Scott has photographic evidence he hugs big!)
How sweet is this? They are now sisters and nobody told them they had to hold hands on the recessional, they did that on their own.
Now, it was off for some family photos!
You can't go wrong with a private island that has a putting green! With its old growth and abundant Coconut Palm trees, Palm Island is one of the lushest, most beautiful pieces of property I have seen here in The Florida Keys and there are alot of incredibly beautiful places here.
They are so cute together!
After we finished family photos with the kids, rather once the kids were finished with us and tired of pictures, we set out for some dramatic landscape couples shots. These are kind of my thing, my style so to speak, if you have not noticed yet. Guess what? We got stuck in the rain again! Luckily this was a short storm like the one earlier and we were able to get some dramatic images too. Remember, rain on your wedding day is supposed to be good luck. They are now 2 times luckier.
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Reception time!!! Jill with Mile Marker Party Rentals set the stage for an elegant evening with acute attention to detail and a bubbly personality.
Mangrove Mike's did a wonderful job with their plated dinners too.
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Marathon Florist added flair with sophisticated flower arrangements using flowers, shells and water.
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Photo Bomb!
The beautiful bride and her sweet father. He came to check on her, braving the storm and it's intensity while we were waiting it out under the Tiki Hut.
Another sweet father daughter moment. How about this mother/son moment? I still adore the photo (towards the beginning of this post) of Scott with his mom too.
This is Jenna's brother and his beautiful family! Below, we see where Jenna gets her good looks from in this mother/daughter picture.
What a fantastic group of family and friends! They all made me feel like part of the celebration.
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Can you top great friends? Only by combining a great family!
This was our sunset. Not much of an idyllic one but incredibly interesting anyway. Luckily this deluge held off until later in the evening.
The kids put together a gymnastics routine as a wedding present for Scott and Jenna. They put in considerable time and effort choreographing moves together and had to conquer the fear of performing in front of everyone to execute it and they performed remarkably well!
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Sweet Savannah's created this impressive display of assorted baked delights topped with a beautiful starfish inspired cake.
Calla Lillys submerged in water, topped with a candle and lit from the bottom? Yes, please.
Clearly everyone had a blast dancing to Micah and Stephanie's sweet harmonies!
Someone please explain this?
There you have it! This sneak peak through the blog turned out to be the most images I have ever done a sneak peak with but I wanted to illustrate the entire day. What do you think? Is it too long, or too short?
PS- For those of you who attended their wedding and became a fan of mine on Facebook, please let me know by commenting below if I missed your picture on here and I will edit this post to include your image too.
Vendor List:
Photographer: Mary Veal ~ www.maryveal.com
Venue: Palm Island, Marathon, Florida (Private Island)
Hair and Make-up: Medusa's Mane ~ www.medusasmane.com
Party Rentals and Event Decor: Mile Marker Party Rentals ~ www.milemarkerpartyrentals.com
Florist: Marathon Florist ~ www.marathonflorist.com
Baker: Sweet Savannah's ~ www.sweetsavannahs.com
Music: Ceremony and Reception: Micah Gardner ~ www.micahgardner.com
Bridal Gown Designer: David Tutera ~ www.davidtutera.com
Menswear Designer: Island Importers ~www.islandimporter.com
]]>2012 has been a trying year for me personally as well. I lost 2 of my 3 babies (kitties) in a single month. One, hit by a car and the other due to 2 fast growing inoperable tumors. Lost is one way to put how I felt for a while. Sad and uninspired took over for some time as well. I'm stronger now and have rediscovered my zest for life, embracing the fleeting moments even more.
This has also been the year I've taken control of my body. I've gained control of my eating habits, choosing fresh and clean eating over processed foods and dedicated substantial amounts of time to working out. I've found long distance bicycling as a sport as have begun learning kite boarding. Yes, the business has suffered from a sort of neglect but for the first time in my life I feel energetic, strong, more creative than ever and in control of me. Did I mention I've lost 65 pounds? That helps too. :) I believe I'm fully ready to take on 2013 with renewed vigor and focus...ready and willing for everything life throws at me.
Keep an eye out for the new brand "look" coming in next year! :)
Thanks for following me! I'm seriously going to try to step up my social media efforts and emerge from my shell. The above paragraphs share very personal information that I wouldn't otherwise have shared publicly last year so it is a tremendous step forward!
How has 2012 changed you and what big plans do you have in store for 2013?
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Christi contacted me back in December when she first began planning her destination wedding to Key West. We e-mailed back and forth for months and quickly became friends. Through her e-mails it was immediately obvious the “glimmer” she had when she spoke of her soon to be husband. She is just an amazing person, whom I’ve come to admire greatly. Christi is beautiful, sweet, thoughtful, generous, organized, independent, strong, AND talented to top it off. I truly can’t say enough positive things about my new friend. Did I mention that both Christi and Jason are former Marines too? (More awesomeness about them) I’m always honored when a couple puts their trust and faith in me by hiring me to photograph their wedding but its an extra special feeling when a talented photographer in her own right decides she must use me for her big day. Check out her website www.crownofbeautyphotography.com She’s relatively new to the field but I’m positive it won’t take long before she is busier than she ever imagined she would be.
Well, that’s enough of me gushing. Christi and Jason have graciously agreed to share their love story, so, in Christi’s words this is how they met and fell in love:
“We met... hmmm well We met in June my best friend thought we would make a cute couple.. I was purposely not looking for anything serious just a person to date maybe. I was NOT wanting a boyfriend at all. Anyway.. I told my friend Kayla this and she said well let me give Jason your number he is cool and he isn’t looking for anything too serious either just someone to hang out with. So I said sounds great! We started texting and the first night he texted me he stayed home because he had a migraine so he was talking to me a lot because he was home alone. (He always jokes about when he has a headache of how thankful he is he had a headache that night, haha) and we made plans to have dinner and realized we had a lot in common. My friend Kayla told me he wasn't very touchy feely but he must have changed a lot with me because our first kiss was smack in the middle of the dance floor at a local bar we were at. I was like you just kissed me in PUBLIC!! haha I could tell by his smile that night he was already in love with me and I was falling for him too. I used to joke with him and say, MAN I wasn’t supposed to like someone this much, I wanted to be single! Funny how love finds you when you least expect it. Weofficially became boyfriend and girlfriend (old school I know) on July 4th, so July 4th is always a good memory for us. He proposed on Christmas Eve and we were married in May. It has been a great relationship and he is an amazing guy :) I thank God that we both didn't want anything serious and found each other :) “
AND now, this is how their beautiful, beach wedding at the Key West Harbor Yacht Club was!
I met Christi in her suite at the Key West Harbor Yacht Club early on the morning of her wedding. She was still getting her hair and makeup done by the fabulous Marie Pierre and the feeling in the room was lighthearted.
She was relaxed and surrounded by her nearest and dearest and everyone welcomed me as if I was a treasured guest. The warmth and sincerity exhibited by their entire group was overwhelming. Did I mention Christi is thoughtful? ;) She surprised me with a large box filled with personalized presents! I thought it was my birthday and had to hold back some tears. (This box was cumbersome and had to be transported, not checked, on an airplane AND a cruise ship to get to Key West so I REALLY felt special!) She also surprised her future Mother-in-law with a custom embroidered hankerchief.
Jason was relaxing with his guys in another suite and was just as calm and lighthearted as Christi. (I’m telling you, they really do “go” together like two puzzle pieces)
When it was time for the ceremony, and once we made sure Jason wasn’t going to see Christi, we headed to the club house to line up for the processional.
It was now time to get these two married!!!
Christi had her beautiful bridesmaids precede her while Jason and his groomsmen waited anxiously at the altar. She was escorted by her lovely mom, Cindy. It was also Cindy’s birthday so they all had double reasons to celebrate!
The ceremony was extremely touching. (I can’t cry and take photos so I had to work hard at keeping it together)
After the ceremony we got a few quick formal shots and a couple “art” type shots then headed directly into the reception.
The resturant Jacks at the Key West Harbor Yacht Club catered lunch for everyone with a full menu of choices.
Brian Roberts with Semi Tropical Music sang and played guitar both before the ceremony and during the reception. He helped to set a fun, relaxed tone for the event and before long had the girls shakin it to some island tunes.
Christi and Jason had their first dance as husband and wife on the scenic verandah looking out at the boats in the harbor.
Afterwards, they cut their starfish theme cake and fed each other with playful whimsy.
Before we knew it the day was done and it was past time to get everyone back to the cruise ship so we loaded up on the Old Town Trolley and headed over to Smathers Beach for a super quick 5 minute beach shoot.
Then we managed to talk the driver into stopping momentarily for this “post card” shot.
Our last stop of course was at the Westin for an ultra fast shot in front of the cruise ship before I waved all of my new friends bon voyage.
All in all it was an absolutely perfect day!!!
Congratulations Christi and Jason!! I hope you have a very long and happy life together!!!
Vendor List;
Photography: Mary Veal Photography www.marysveal.com
Venue: Key West Harbor Yacht Club http://floridamarinaclubs.com/ourlocations/key-west/
Hair and Makeup: Studio Marie Pierre www.studiomariepierre.com
Music: Brian Roberts www.brianrobertsmusic.com
Cake: Cakes by Karol www.cakesbykarol.com
Officiant: Steve Torrence www.keywestofficiant.com
Catering: Jack's at Key West Harbor Yacht Club http://floridamarinaclubs.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/jacks-menu.pdf
Cinematography: Cine Verde http://www.cineaverde.com/
Flowers: Boquets custom made by her bride's maid Deb Valis
Bride's gown: Custom made
Bride's maids gowns: Victoria Secret
Groom and Groomsmen's suits: Perry Ellis
Chris Hagen and Amandalyn Jones of Chicago!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They are having their destination wedding in Charleston, South Carolina. 
This was Chris’s, yes, Chris’s, submission: (It's been edited down a little bit because Chris really put his heart out there and after speaking with him he felt like if I published the entire submission he'd be left feeling as if he was standing naked in Times Square. Well, I certainly don't want to punish someone for being honest and putting it all on the line or discourage others from doing it too so this is the official public version.)
Date: November 16, 2013
Now wasn’t that one of the sweetest things you've ever read? My goodness guys, I can’t tell you how happy and excited I am for the two of you! Congratulations on both your engagement and winning the contest!! I’m honored to be your wedding photographer and look forward to telling your wedding story with visual artistry! :) Now go book that live band!
Can't visualize it? Its ok, here's some pretty pictures Amandalyn has pinned over on Pinterest.com. I'm not showing you any of the pictures of gowns she has up because I don't want to ruin the surprise. You'll see it next November! 
The first 3 photos are by Mario Testino via Vogue. I couldn't find a photo credit for the hair piece but you can find it on Etsy in a shop owned by Amanda Judge called Untamed Petals. The first drink photo had no photo credit and the last one, the drink shot, is by Charles Walton IV. Although I'd love to claim these beautiful images as my own work, they are not and I'm a stickler for giving credit where credit is due. :D
Comments, ideas, suggestions?????? Don't be shy, congratulate this obviously oh so in love couple!
PS- There were 92 likes on the blog post that held the contest information. One of you is the reason Chris heard about the contest and that means one of you won the contest within the contest! So, if it was you, please step forward! (We'll verify you're his friend or a friend of a friend and then the prize is yours!
PPS- Thank you to everyone who "liked" and or "shared" the information on the contest! Stay tuned, I've got more in the works!!! :D
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It’s contest time!!! Want to have your wedding photographed by Mary Veal Photography? Here's one better...
How about it but now its virtually free? Alrighty then, here’s your chance!
I’m looking for a unique, romantic, vintage, chic, charming, glamorous, crazy or outrageous destination wedding to give away my services at. Any and all couples planning a destination wedding (anywhere in the world) are encouraged to enter. The more details you have planned, the better, but there is no preset theme that I’m looking for, just show me your originality and how you plan to incorporate it into your big day.
What you’ll Win {$5,800 value}:
All Day wedding coverage by 2 stellar photographers
Rehearsal coverage
One more session; either Engagement or Day After/Trash the Dress
Online gallery to share with family and friends
20x24 Giclee canvas gallery wrap {your choice of image}
DVD of images {high resolution & edited}
How to enter:
E-mail me at: [email protected] or contact me through my website or blog and include the following:
*Name and contact info for both the bride and groom
*Wedding Date, Location and Theme {inspiration}
*Back story of your relationship {how you met, fell in love and got engaged as well as any fun tidbits you'd like to include}.
*Wedding website and/or description of the special elements you are planning for your wedding. The more original the better!
*Picture of the couple together {does not have to be professional}
*In your own words; tell us why YOU should win
* “Like” Mary Veal Photography on Facebook www.facebook/maryvealphotography
Fine Print:
Destination wedding ~ ceremony and reception must take place more than 100 miles from the winner’s home OR (as not exclude my local audience), within the Florida Keys. Destination can be anywhere in the world. Mountaintop, beach, church, garden, field, barn, mansion, ruins…anywhere!
Winner agrees to pay airfare for 2 photographers from Miami and hotel of 4 to 5 nights (Photographers will share 1 room). Food and incidentals will be covered by the photographers. If the wedding is planned in Key West, no airfare or hotel is needed. If outside of Key West but within the Florida Keys, hotel will need to be provided.
No part of the prize can be redeemed for cash
Photographer (Mary Veal) must be available on your wedding date
Wedding must take place in 2012 or 2013
Submissions will be accepted from 6/13/12 until 07/01/12 at midnight.
Submissions will be narrowed down to the top 5 then you, the public, will decide who wins through voting on Facebook from 07/03/12 until 07/14/12. Winner will be notified on 07/16/12 by phone and e-mail before being made public on Facebook.
~Contest within a contest; refer the winning couple and you will win a portrait session for yourself. {$400.00 value} “Share” this link on your facebook page to get it started!
Ready? Set? GO!!!!
For this post, I’d like to single out a corporate event, an annual awards ceremony, for a new corporate client of mine; revol wireless. Yes, it IS all lower case. Check them out at: www.revol.com
Although my official specialty is wedding photography, Corporate assignments are always a welcome challenge. Really, if you think about it, photographing an award ceremony is alot like shooting a wedding. There are the "Stars" of the event, crucial moments, documenting the feel of the celebration and telling its story. The biggest difference is with weddings there are really only two "stars" whereas here, at revol wireless's annual company awards ceremony we have 15.
I’m always impressed with companies that truly value their employees and revol wireless is positively a class act!
Every year they fly the top 15 employees and their spouses to a resort destination for a few days of rest and relaxation and host a beautiful awards ceremony in celebration of each award recipient’s hard work and outstanding accomplishments. This company not only recognizes its top sales people, but the top performers within each job category too. Now that’s really valuing the entire team! It’s refreshing to see companies giving back to their employees rather than the corporate messes we see in the news all too often.
This year the ceremony was hosted at the Westin Resort in Key West, Florida. Beautiful warm, sunny weather was enjoyed by all for most of the week, however, on the day of the awards ceremony Key West experienced a torrential rainstorm lasting all day and into the evening. Initially, the event was to be held outside on the upper deck overlooking the pool in one direction and the harbor with Sunset Island in the other direction. Mother Nature with her wacky sense of humor had other plans. It’s a good thing Lisa and Scott from BTC were there to make sure the event wasn’t ruined! They had a well thought out backup plan, moved everything to a meeting room inside and arranged a set up that ensured a perfect flow for the dinner as well as the awards ceremony. Sorry, no pictures of either of them per their request. ;) I completely understand guys, I’m not the biggest fan of having my picture taken while I’m working either.
Delicious food, free flowing cocktails, engaging conversation, close camaraderie and honorable awards all combined to give this celebration its festive mood. Congratulations to all of the winners, your hard work really did pay off!
BTC and revol wireless, THANK YOU for choosing me as your event photographer! I hope to see you again at next year’s awards ceremony (wherever it may be)!
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Allison and Eric Irwin were married in an intimate ceremony on Smather's Beach in Key West on 4-11-12. A beautiful Wednesday, idyllic of the perfect weather we experience here in April. Blue skies, nice breezes, warm, clear water...it’s what the locals call "Chamber of Commerce" weather because THIS is the weather that everyone dreams of when they think of vacation in paradise. It couldn't have happened for a nicer couple either. These two are both absolute sweethearts!
After their ceremony we headed over to the Casa Marina Resort for a few photos in the warm sunset light before they shared an intimate dinner with their immediate family out on the pier there. They are planning a big reception for all of their friends and family when they return home to Kansas.
Initially, when I began putting this post together, I thought I might start by telling you my interpretation of their day, but, instead, I'm going to let the pictures tell you my side (since that's really my job, right?) and let Allison share their sweet love story in her own words. :)
"Eric was in the same class as my oldest brother, a few year older than me, and the first time we can remember meeting was when they were motocross racing together...years and years ago. We are from a very small town where everyone knows everyone else so, we had known each other for quite a while. We had been seeing each other off and on for the last few years but we both knew way back then that we loved each other. We started talking again and hung out June 4th of last year and have been pretty much inseparable since then. Eric is such an amazing man; it was easy to fall in love with him! We started talking about getting married and while on our way to a concert on August 19th we stopped at the mall and picked out our rings! Eric formally proposed to me on September 5th! We've been together (this time) for 10 months and were engaged for 7 months. We are so very happy and excited to be spending the rest of our lives together and can't wait to see what the rest of our years will bring."
Well, Allison and Eric, you guys are adorable together and its obvious to anyone around you that you two truly love and adore each other. I wish you a long and happy life together! Thank you for letting me share in your special day, it was truly an honor and a pleasure!
Allison and Eric knew they wanted a destination wedding but weren't initially sure where they wanted to have it. They talked about a few different locales but after speaking with some friends who live in Key Largo, doing some research and looking at photos from weddings here, they decided to have their wedding in Key West.
So, what do you think? Want to see more photos from their wedding? I've uploaded about a hundred of my favorites to the client gallery and Allison has graciously allowed me to keep it open so everyone can see! Click the link, then click on their gallery; http://www.marysveal.com/featured.html Oh, and don't be shy...leave a comment. I LOVE feedback!!!
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Hello and welcome to my new blog! This is my first official post and I'm soooo excited to be able to share with you the wonderful experiences I've captured on film. Ok, so I use digital film, but still its captured images, with all of their beauty, emotions and experiences frozen in time and stored on a file nonetheless. Oh, yeah, *warning*...I ramble... :) So, let me brief you on where I am today, 3/15/12...
Although I've been shooting for the past 10 years, this is only my second official year as a full fledged Professional Destination Wedding Photographer. This past year, I had the honor and pleasure of capturing 47 weddings here in the Florida Keys and throughout south Florida. In light of my recent sucesses I've joined the Professional Photographers of America, (PPA) and aquired equiptment and liability insurance, all making this business venture/love affair I've embarked upon even more legitimate. Now, because I've been so lucky to have had so many wonderful and generous couples as clients, Wedding Wire has awarded Mary Veal Photography with its Bride's Choice Award for 2012! Let me see if I can attach the "badge"... I'm pretty proud of it if you can't already tell. *blushing*
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This year, my professional goals include networking better and getting published. I need to get aquainted with other vendors so when brides ask me for recommendations I'll be able to point them in the right direction. I also want my clients to get some recognition for all of their hard work in planning the perfect celebration, so, I'm going to personally submit my 2012 couples to all of the publications I can! Its on record so I better get the ball rolling!
Now, its time to quit rambling and post this to see what its like! You can't have a photography blog without posting pictures either so, here is a picture that is one of my favorites from a recent wedding. This is Hope and Matthew Haverty who were married in a small ceremony on Smathers Beach in Key West on 2-3-12. I particularly like this because they both were so very serious and nervous but eventually warmed up enough to be playful with one another and I hope this captures the essence of their love....
passionate, intense and playful.
There is no way I can end this with just one picture. Here are some more from their wedding. Enjoy!
