Wedding: Melissa + Brian

I knew through all my conversations with Melissa that she was a very special person. She has this integrity about her that is apparent in your first contact with her. Not only did she hold a special place with me as my 2008 wedding photography contest winner, I felt like her and I could easily become friends. I knew that Brian must be a great guy to be with someone like Melissa.

Its not hard to tell that these two are crazy for one another. They are one of the few couples I've ever photographed that I didn't have to tell to kiss one another during the romantic portrait session. We had so much fun at their event and I have literally been sitting here for hours trying to pick out the best shots to show you guys. I finally narrowed it down to my top 27 images. :-)

Melissa's dress was gorgeous! I loved her shoes too!

My assistant Joshua Ott got to hang with the guys while they were getting ready. Brian doesn't even look nervous!

I LOVE the detail here! You can actually see the glitter dust on Melissa's eyes and cheeks!

The final touches. I thought when taking this photo (and still do) that Melissa looked like an angel. She was such a beautiful bride!

I asked mom and daughter to take a picture together and was almost responsible for ruining their makeup before the ceremony. The moment they looked at each other they started getting teary eyed.

The ceremony was at the Rusty Pelican overlooking the city of Miami.

I love the emotion here between Melissa and Brian as they say their vows.

Melissa and Brian wanted a group shot of all their guests!

*secret* there's a bridesmaid under that dress. ha ha. One of Melissa's bridesmaids was trying to bustle Melissa's dress and made Brian hold the train. I just couldn't resist the photo op!

he he he... this photo needs no commentary!

Now I must give a shout out here to my awesome assistant, Joshua Ott! This cake shot looks awesome with the sky and city in the background!! One of my favorite images of the night!

Melissa's sister wanted a picture of her and her boyfriend in front of the skyline at night. Aren't they just the cutest couple?

I must say I didn't see the actual "child bunting" in this photo take place (AKA holding on to mom's leg and not letting go). This series was taken by my assistant Josh. *Note: No child was harmed in the making of these images.*

Let the dancing begin!

Even mom was getting down!

I absolutely LOVE this!

Now this is what you call a happy accident. I was testing the lighting right before we started shooting Melissa and Brian' nighttime romantic portraits and I captured this. I told you these two loved each other!!! You can see it all over their faces!!

Every girl should be able to lay her head in the lap of the man she loves while he plays with her hair! :-)

These two were troupers! There we were in the middle of the restaurant with everyone staring at them, and they didn't even seem to notice! Melissa said one of the tourist even asked if they could have their picture taken with her!

Gotta have a right shot!

I love the unseen tension in this. It's right before the groom takes the garter off his bride!

The guests kept taunting him to go higher. She was playing along... at first! ha!

I can personally tell you, that cake was delicious!! Lily from Edible Creations did a great job!

Now THIS is a cake shot! *Note, I originally told them to stick their tongue out, and instead they kissed! Its the first wedding I've ever had to get onto the couple for PDA! And I'm a PDA kinda girl! Well.... maybe I should rephrase that...*

A little birdie told me that a couple of party girls stole some of the waiters and made them dance. ;-)

Everyone partied so hard that these little guys were worn out! We found them sleeping like logs! All the strobes going off didn't even wake them!

And they lived happily ever after! What a wonderful wedding!

I must say, I had so much fun! I absolutely love my job! I can't believe how blessed I am to be able to share in the happiest moments in your lives! My clients rock!

I must give a hats off to Leah Igel from Leah Beth Events. She did a great job coordinating the day! I can't wait until she gets her website up. I'll definitely have to update you guys with her info! She gets an A+!

And lastly to Melissa & Brian: Thank you so much for the honor of choosing me to be your wedding photographer! You two really do have a special place in my heart, and I do hope that despite living across the country, you'll keep in touch! I am so glad I got to photograph your wedding!

OK, OK, I just couldn't show you only 27 images from a wedding this fabulous! SOOOOOO.... I put together a quick slideshow for your viewing pleasure. :) Enjoy!

***Click here to go to the slideshow.***