Jennifer & Ed

I spent Saturday here in Tallahassee for Jennifer and Ed's wedding and it was a riot from start to finish! At one point, Jennifer made me laugh so hard I actually had to walk away just to catch my breath! She and Ed are outrageously funny and people you are just really happy to know and I feel so honored they chose me for their wedding!After hunting around the church, I found this spot for the dress. I always tell people that light makes the image-- everything around the dress is less than ideal, but with the right light, nothing else matters!
I had a few minutes with the bride alone before the ceremony and again I found some beautiful light coming in the church windows-- the bride's reflection was an added bonus!I wanted a matching image of Ed, but I just couldn't do the reflection again, so I tried something a little different.I really love Good Shephard Catholic Church-- they are incredible when it comes to photography and allow me to stand behind a pew near the altar-- where I have an amazing view of the bride and groom.Not everyone was so into the ceremony-- the ringbearer was a little less than enthused.
Again, back at my window, we did a few portraits of the bride and groom before we headed outside.
I have shot at Good Shephard lots of times, but this was the first time I discovered this wall-- a new favorite location!

Once we got over to the Tallahassee Women's Club at Los Robles, we had a few extra minutes of portraits-- with the couple's awesome car!One of the biggest reasons I love the Women's Club is the light coming through all the windows. It really adds to the mood of the couple's first dance.Of course, they added their own drama as well.The incredible double chocolate creation by Katie's Cakes and Catering! Really... I know I say it a lot, but she ROCKS!And the less than nice cake cutting...This was definitely a first for me... the entire party launched into re-enactments of the movie Footloose when the song came on! www.LongsPhotography.com
Tallahassee and Thomasville's premier wedding and portrait photographers

Vendors:
Ceremony Location: Good Shepherd Catholic Church
Reception Location: Tallahassee Women's Club
Cake: Katie's Cakes and Catering
Catering: Magenta Catering
Florist: Bella Flora

Laura & Clint

Sometimes Spring dates are really popular, and this year May 3rd was definitely a popular date! When Laura and Clint first contacted us, two other couples were also inquiring about the date. Laura loved our work so much that she dropped everything to race over with her contract! She literally jumped up and down when we told her the date was hers. Its hard not to have a special place in your heart for someone who loves what you do so much!

Laura and Clint could not have chosen a better location. It is like a little plot of peacefulness in the middle of bustling downtown. Olyn really captured one of the unique architectural elements of the church... along with a few of the girlier details!
I swear Missy Gunnels is the Michaelango of flowers. I love each and every one of her arrangements. While Olyn isn't the biggest flower enthusiast, I love to ooh and ahh at what he had to work with!Laura and Clint had the perfect ceremony. The lights up at front of the church make for great photographs!And here are a few of my favorites from the formal portraits.
Laura and Clint were in quite a hurry to get to their reception. Once I saw how much fun everyone was having, I can understand why!
Olyn definitely has an advantage with his height... I thought this was the coolest shot looking down at the centerpieces!
The first dance was a little untraditional... no slow dances for these party animals!
I can spot one of Katie's cakes a mile away-- her style is so distinct-- simple, elegant and yummy on the inside!
A few moments after the cake feeding went awry...There was so much fun energy from all the guests at the reception, folks are probably still dancing!
At Laura's bridal portrait session, she realized that it wasn't so easy to move around in her gown, so she went out and bought a party dress for the reception!

www.LongsPhotography.com
Tallahassee and Thomasville's premier wedding and portrait photographers

Vendors:
Ceremony Location: Trinity Methodist Church
Reception: Los Robles Women's Club
Florist: Missy Gunnels Flowers
Cake: Katie's Cakes and Catering
DJ: Pro Disc Jockey
Catering: Magenta Catering

Lisa & Chip

I spent Saturday at Goodwood Museum here in Tallahassee for Lisa and Chip's wedding. Mother Nature threw us a bit of a curve ball with afternoon rainshowers, but it didn't damper any of the fun!

A little fun with the wedding rings and some of the climbing roses at Goodwood.
Lisa's bouquet was absolutely stunning and was EXACTLY what she wanted!
I loved Lisa's dress-- it was so unique and the details were absolutely stunning up close.I see a lot of bride's in flats, flip-flops and slippers for comfort. While I absolutely don't blame them, I adore a pair of sexy heels!
Lisa's laugh is absolutely contagious-- just hearing her laugh makes you smile. While a lot of brides would be stressed over the rain and a few hiccups in the planning, Lisa's smile never faded.
Lisa's daughter, Heather, was entrusted with Chip's ring, so it went on her thumb!A few pre-ceremony portraits of Lisa-- and more laughs.Because of the rain, the ceremony was moved from the lawn to the porch of the house, and it was incredibly sweet and funny! Lisa even promised not to get mad during hunting season.
After the ceremony, we had amazing light for the couple's portraits. There is a small window of time at Goodwood where the lighting is absolutely surreal.A little fun with the guys.I even managed to capture a few of Chip's smiles!I don't think these two heard the lyrics of their first dance over their laughter and the comments of their nearby bridal party!I adore all of Katie's Cakes, but this is hands down my favorite. It was so stunning and it was yummy to boot!A little fun with the rings and the drinks.

www.LongsPhotography.com
Tallahassee and Thomasville's premier wedding and portrait photographers

Vendors:
Ceremony and Reception Location: Goodwood Museum
Florist: Espositios
Cake: Katie's Cakes and Catering

Dani and Dan

Olyn had a blast at Dan and Dani's wedding this weekend. Everything from the setting of the ceremony, the reception music, food, and and the hospitality of all the guests made this an evening to remember. Dan and Danielle, as well as their friends and family, just have a way of making you feel like you have known them for years. I love moments like this. Even though they are in front of dozens of people, they might as well be the only two people in the world....
It was great watching the wide range of emotions shared by these two during their ceremony. At one moment, they would be on the verge of tears, and in the next, barely containing their laughter!The bridal party was a real blast as well. They were up for almost anything...
Including tossing Dan up over their heads!

After Olyn finished the formal portraits, he took Dan and Dani for a short walk. After the all the hurried preparations and the rush of the ceremony its great for them to have a few minutes alone! "Simple Elegance" best describes the reception. Everyone complimented the centerpieces. When word got out that guests could take the centerpieces home, it looked like a riot might break out as so many folks tried to get one!

We always try to experiment with something new each time we work. I think this shot of Dani and her bridesmaids dancing is cool!

www.LongsPhotography.com
Tallahassee and Thomasville's premier wedding and portrait photographers

Vendors:
Ceremony and Reception Location: The Retreat at Bradley's Pond
Catering: Klassic Katering
Florist: Missy Gunnels Flowers
Cake: Katie's Cakes and Catering
DJ: Space Age Sound
Rentals: In Tents Events

Vanessa and Matt

Olyn and I spent yesterday in Thomasville at Pebble Hill Plantation photographing Vanessa and Matt's wedding. Vanessa works as a catering manager at Andrews 228, so it was such an honor that a fellow vendor selected us for her wedding! Through our professional ties and through the wedding planning, I look at Vanessa as more of a friend than a client.

We had such an amazing time with Vanessa, Matt and their families yesterday. The weather was perfect, the location ideal, the food delicious, and the emotions intoxicating. All this combined resulted in images that were just too hard to narrow down! I know I say this a lot, but I just couldn't choose, so bear with me as I give you a novel of an entry!

Missy Gunnels outdid herself once again with the bouquets. Seriously, this woman never ceases to amaze me.
Vanessa's lace dress not only fit like a glove, but it really embraced her 1940's vintage feel.The ceremony site underneath the large oak provided shade from the setting sun.Vanessa and her dad are so close, I am surprised he was able to give her away!The entire ceremony ran high with emotion-- I think most of the bridal party and the guests pulled out their tissues. Vanessa and Matt are such troopers-- they were up for any ideas that I had. Starting with a simple stroll...To going down into the "dungeon".I learned a very important lesson on the power of candy corn and posing children...The sun set just as the reception got underway, adding the slightest fall chill to the air.Vanessa and Matt are one of those couples that just make sense together. Its hard to even imagine them apart!The cake cutting had a not-s0-neat ending...This has to be the funniest image of the entire day. As Vanessa tossed her bouquet, she THOUGHT she had a wardrobe malfunction!At the very end of the night, the newlyweds snuck off for a few final shots.

Vendors:

Ceremony and Reception Location: Pebble Hill Plantation www.pebblehill.com

Catering: Andrews 228 www.andrewsdowntown.com

Florist: Missy Gunnels www.missygunnels.com

Cake: Katie's Cakes and Catering www.katiescakesandcatering.com

DJ: Nate, GT Entertainment www.gregtish.com

www.LongsPhotography.com

Tallahassee and Thomasville's premier wedding & portrait photographers

Ashley & Kane

Ashley and Kane had the kind of wedding that people talk about for months. It wasn't the flowers (which were pretty), it wasn't the dress (which was stunning) and it wasn't the food (which was SO yummy). It was the feeling of family and friendship. I don't think any other group of wedding guests has ever been so welcoming and friendly.

Ashley used pears, apples and limes as a green accent in her centerpieces.
The private residence at Schlitz pond was the ideal setting for their intimate wedding.
Ashley was so excited to be getting married! I think this smile stayed on her face all day! Held in front of an outdoor fireplace, the ceremony was personal and endearing.Ashley and Kane are a photographer's dream couple! They not only gave me lots of time for portraits, but they were incredibly laid-back and trusting in my vision. The results speak for themselves... Katie's Cakes and Catering did an amazing job with the food and the cakes. The bride's cake was so cute and honestly one of the best tasting cakes I have had in ages!
The back of the residence had an open barn where the dancing portion of the reception was held. The evening took on a feeling of September as the air cooled off and you could still hear all the frogs by the pond.

Ashley and Kane gave their guests drink coozies to remember the occasion and the hard to forget date-- 09.08.07.

I think every single guest hit the dancefloor for at least one dance! This is one wedding where I never saw the dancefloor empty!

Tom and the Cats did an AMAZING job entertaining the guests! Tom himself even worked the dancefloor- Vendors:

Location: Private Residence at Schlitz Pond, Havana

Florist: Bella Flora

Cake: Katie's Cakes and Catering www.katiescakesandcatering.com/

Catering: Katie's Cakes and Catering

Band: Tom and the Cats http://www.tomandthecats.net/

Dress: David's Bridal

Transportation: Mike's Limos www.mikeslimos.com

Coordinator: Mary Ritter

http://www.longsphotography.com/

Tallahassee & Thomasville's premier wedding and portrait photographers

Serena and Tim

I really don't cry at weddings... whether it is because I have done so many or because I am concentrating so much on my work... I don't know why, I just don't cry. Yesterday, while photographing Serena and Tim's wedding, I teared up not once, but TWICE! They had an incredibly moving ceremony and then Tim's dad gave an incredibly moving toast to the newlyweds.

Serena's beautiful champagne colored gown:

Although it had rained all morning, the skies cleared and there was a beautiful sunset for their outdoor ceremony.

During the ceremony, it really struck me how Serena and Tim entertwined their hands. Throughout the ceremony, they both looked so serene and at peace. I see so many couples who are completely stressed out, it was really nice to see Serena and Tim enjoy their ceremony.
Everyone kept hugging Serena and yanking on her veil, so she kept telling everyone to put their arms, "under my veil, UNDER my veil!" So... I decided to take her literally... Missy Gunnels did an absolutely amazing job with all of the flowers! From the chuppa to the bouquets and centerpieces, everything was so gorgeous!At the reception, Serena and Tim not only shared a first dance, but they each danced with Gabi and Averie as a new family. Towards the end of the night, Serena commented on how much she was enjoying her wedding. I think it shows through all of the dancing and party photos!Teaking a break from tradition, instead of tossing the bouquet and garter, Serena's idea of a teddy bear toss was a huge hit with all the kids! Vendors:
Ceremony and Reception: Golden Eagle Country Club www.goldeneaglecc.org
Florist: Missy Gunnels www.MissyGunnelsFlowers.com
Cake: Katie's Cakes http://www.katiescakesandcatering.com/
DJ: Greg Tish www.gtentertainment.com
Limo: Classic Limos http://www.classic-limos.com/

www.LongsPhotography.com

Materinity Leave... well kind of...

I would like to thank everyone for their warm wishes and for their patience as Thatcher and I recover and get into a routine. We are all doing well and really enjoying life right now.

I have been on "maternity leave" for the last month, but what that really means is that I have been furiously editing images and designing albums whenever I can get Thatcher down for a nap! So, with the chaotic pace of new motherhood, I have not had a chance to share our latest work, so bear with me as we fast-forward through a month of weddings!

The day before Thatcher was born, I photographed Sabrina and Karl's wedding at Goodwood Plantation. The elegant affair had a flair of the old south, with the old plantation house as a backdrop.









Vendors:
Ceremony and Reception Location: Goodwood Plantation
Catering: Manna
Flowers: Blossoms

Olyn covered the May 13th wedding of Heather and Clint at Woodbrook. With the beautiful spring weather, the couple exchanged vows by the lake and celebrated underneath the stars.

Vendors:
Ceremony and Reception Location: Woodbrook

Olyn and our assistant traveled to Chipley to photograph the wedding of Chelsea and Dallas. The couple had a candlelight service followed by an intimate reception at the Groom's family home.
And a few of Chelsea's bridal portraits I did before the wedding:

Vendors:
Cake: Katie's Cakes

I returned from my brief leave to photograph the wedding of Sarah and Adrian at St. Peter's Anglican Church. The bride's elegance and the couple's emotion combined for one of the most moving weddings I have seen.

Vendors:
Ceremony Location: St. Peters Anglican Church
Reception Location: Ramada Inn
Florist: Missy Gunnels
DJ: Randy Kepple
Cake: Publix

And lastly, a few shots in the new studio of the new family!

www.longsphotography.com

Kim and Ryan

Kim and Ryan were married yesterday at the FSU University Center Club in Tallahassee. Even the wind and rain did not seem to damper this celebration one bit!

Here are a few from yesterday:










Vendors:
Ceremony and Reception: University Center Club www.UniversityCenterClub.com
Florist: Blossoms www.blossomsflowers.com
Cake: Katie's Cakes www.KatiesCakesandCatering.com

www.LongsPhotography.com