This past weekend, I headed down to Naples, Florida for Cheryl & Phil's wedding at the Port Royal Club - and how beautiful it was. With most guests hailing from Michigan and the UK, this was certainly a destination weekend of togetherness for the whole crew. That sort of intimacy is always amazing - watching and meeting these families that may see each other but a few times a year. And making each day count. From the Welcome Dinner to the rehearsal to their big day, Cheryl & Phil were the most gracious of hosts both to their guests and to us.  It was my first time meeting both of them, and wow - they have such energy and empathy for the people in their lives.  

And so the story goes...

Cheryl & her bridesmaids enjoyed a lunch of champagne & sushi. Her fortune...

Cheryl's grandmother had the most amazing collection of jewelry. As a way to remember her, all of the bridesmaids wore these unique pieces. Each piece was a little different - and had it's own place in her Grandma's life.

While I spent the morning at the spa with the girls, the uber-talented Kevin Von Qualen came along to help me shoot. He enjoyed an afternoon of sailing with Phil & his groomsmen. rough gig huh?! It looked like an amazing time - this might be the first time I have a shot of a groom doing a back float in the Gulf of Mexico just hours before his wedding!

I loved the simplicity of their dresses...they dropped to the ground so perfectly for a beach wedding.

The ceremony and reception were held at the Port Royal Club in Naples.  Each guest received a white parasol upon their arrival to the ceremony.

There is an authenticity about Cheryl & Phil's relationship that really showed.  And they are proud new parents as of January so it was especially sweet to see the baby included in most of the day...and in their vows!

Congratulatory hugs!

Just after the ceremony.

Their dinner was held on the beach of the Port Royal Club - with bamboo and orchid accents and a setting sun, I can't imagine a more peaceful spot.

Their arrival to the dinner...

Cheryl & Phil wanted their photos to be as photojournalistic as possible (which I love!)  - we did take them aside for just a few minutes as the sun was setting. They are so natural together...they danced and laughed and laughed some more.

After dinner, guests moved pool-side for toasts and dancing.  I loved the Miami-like feel of this set-up.

Their first dance...all three of them!

With half of their guests coming from the UK, their toasts were more like speeches and so heart-felt at that.  Phil's best men had created a slideshow with funny commentary. You can just see the togetherness of these two...

Earlier in the day, Cheryl's sister had mentioned she wouldn't give a toast because she wouldn't be able to fight back the tears. When she did in fact say some words, you could see just exactly how close these sisters are.  I thought it was very special that she got up there anyways.

The reception went well into the night and, at last, even the bridesmaids needed to take off their dancing shoes.

Congrats you two! Cheryl & Phil - I cannot tell you enough times over how inspiring you both are. You had such a wonderful vision for your day, with family at the center of it, and that to me, speaks so strongly of you.  

And a special thanks to Kevin Von Qualen for second shooting...what an amazing job he did!

Much love,

Katie

Well, it's official - wedding season has begun!  After all of the planning over the winter months, shooting engagement sessions, working on timelines and more - I feel like we are finally coming upon the "real deal"  - and we couldn't be happier!  Katie had an amazing wedding in Naples, Florida over the weekend while Matt and I held down the fort in Denver and photographed two beautiful weddings here in the city.  We are so excited for the coming season and hope to share in many incredible times with our clients and their families!  

Delivering nothing short of amazing, from the moment I met Brooke at a coffee shop over a year ago - I knew that she and David would be planning a spectacular celebration.  Brooke, an event planner whose Mom also has strong roots in the wedding industry, has an energy and enthusiasm that match her event planning abilities.  She is always smiling and always kind.  David is a hoot - he is funny and matches Brooke in energy and passion.  They really seriously are a perfect pair.   Thank you to both of you for letting Matt and I be a part of your wedding - we feel very lucky to have had the chance to photograph the depth of your wedding day. Cheers with a big glass of champagne (their fav) to both of you!

Brooke's mom helping her put on the final touches - the veil!  

Brooke was so stunning and we had a bit of time to play and do a few more formal shots in her kitchen of all places!

David fixing his custom made cuff links.

Did I mention that David is super funny and always goofing around...him with the boys -  

Right before the ceremony...

The wedding took place on the same day as the Kentucky Derby.  Being an avid equestrian, Brooke planned a few details of the wedding around the big race.  Each gues was given a Mint Julep upon entering the reception and their table placements cards were attached to Mint Julep silver cups.  

David gave a toast to the crowd and then turned to Brooke to toast her with quite possibly the sweetest, most heartfelt toast I've ever heard about how long he had waited to find the absolute most perfect girl - and Brooke was all of that and so much more.  

Brooke and her dad.  

Congrats Brooke & David!!

Jenna (and Matt!)

Wow. I just got back from Phil & Cheryl's beach-front wedding down in Naples, Florida, and that is all I can say...It was an AMAZING weekend to be a part of! I am still in the process of unpacking and have yet to go through the images, but I came across this photo of Cheryl just after the ceremony that is so telling of the simple grace she embodies - her overwhelming love for Phil, for her family, to rolling with whatever comes her way, open arms and an open heart...

Much love,

Katie

Photographing children can be a bit of an uncertainty...especially with the moving target of a one year old who has recently learned the art of independence! (On that note, I will say the "moving target" factor certainly makes groomsmen a whole lot easier to handle!) Despite what sometimes seems chaotic, I love the little details that pull these types of shoots together. This morning I headed out on a sunrise shoot with a family for whom we've now photographed a baby's first year - from maternity up until now.

And so, for the details - of what defines the curious boy at the ripe old age of one.

Now, walking!

mmmmm, sunrises.  

Enjoy this day!

Katie

Hope you are all having a great week!  It is yet again threatening thunderstorms this afternoon - so I figured it would be a great time to hide inside and blog Illana & Mike's wedding.  I've been wanting to share their wedding for a bit now.  Mike and Illana were married in Boulder, Colorado on April 26th.  The tented reception was at Illana's family home and it was so impressive the way the family came together to throw an absolutely unbelievable party.  This was such a great family celebration for both Mike and Illana - and it was so much fun to see how many of their friends traveled from all across the country.  Illana, a harvard grad working in policy, is not only smart - but has a smile and a giggle that just makes you feel happy when you see her.  Mike is quite possibly the softest hearted person on earth.   Our deepest congratulations to the two of you and your families!

One of my absolute favorite series from the day was all of the toasts.  Illana's sister made an incredible toast.

Ok - exciting stuff...I'm attempting to post my first slideshow on this blog and crossing my fingers that this works.  Here is a very small slideshow from the day.