On May 15, 2009 Brian and Mandy were married on Fort Myers Beach.  This was my first “beach wedding” and I couldn’t have been more excited that they hired me as their photographer.  They booked me for their reception in August that is here in Illinois and when I found out their wedding was going to be on a beach I was chomping at the bit!  I dream of being a destination wedding photographer.  In my mind not many cooler jobs exist (besides of course the people on the travel channel who get paid to travel the world, experience new cultures and cuisine, all while going on amazing adventures).  They decided to have me travel to Florida and photograph their wedding as well!  I was stoked.  For weeks leading up to the wedding day I had dreams about what the wedding would be like…some good, some bad. Well, not really bad, but just a little weird I guess.  The worst one was that I forgot to pack my suitcases because I concentrated so hard on packing my gear.  I had to shoot the wedding in old grubby jeans and T-shirt that I had on for three days!!  (For the record I didn’t forget to pack.)  I think I could shoot weddings on the beach everyday.  I hate wearing shoes and dress clothes (unless a romantic date or a night on the town with my girlfriends is on the agenda) and for this wedding I got to shoot in bare feet while wearing shorts!  WOOOHOO!

My sister, Mindy, flew down with me and was my assistant.  She has helped with several weddings before, but she rocked it at this one.  Several of the shots I will post are from her.  She was very creative and got her exposures spot on.  If she didn’t have a business of her own I may be worried she would be competition!  I’ve tried to hire her with no luck.  I am hoping when her kids get in school I may be able to convince her!  Keep your fingers crossed for me.

I will be posting photos within the next few days from the ceremony and dinner as well as a bit more details about the actual wedding.  For now here are some of my favorite “formal” shots.

I can’t take credit for this shot…I saw it in the Pink Shell Resort’s wedding brochure and it made me smile so I tried to re-create it.

Still makes me smile!

Mindy got quite a few adorable shots of the Ring Bearer and Flower Girl.

This one was a ton of fun.  Cracks me up every time I look at it.  I am sure the beach goers were laughing too!

Here is an example of how creative Mindy was.  I saw her in the roped off vegitation and looked at her like she was crazy.  I was pretty sure the wedding planner was going to come bust us.  Classic case of shoot first and ask permission later!

Maybe my favorite one of the whole day.  Thanks Mandy & Brian for fabulous time and for allowing me to be part of your wedding day!