Hayley and Matt
I had been looking forward to Hayley and Matt's wedding for months! Hayley is a fellow wedding vendor, (Hayley Lauren Couture), but she is also my friend. I don't think there is a greater compliment than to have someone in this industry choose you for their own wedding. So, the pressure is definitely on when you are working for a vendor and a friend. :) I had so much fun and I think Olyn and I got some great images!
I don't think I have ever taken as many dress shots as I did for Hayley-- could there be a more important detail of her day?
Matt and Hayley have known each other since they were basically kids-- He gave her this guardian angel charm when she was only 13. She wore the charm as a bracelet on a ribbon. 
Flowers by Vince did an absolutely amazing job with all the arrangements. I love how everything felt so seasonal-- the fresh daffodils and tulips really added to the spring feeling.
I wouldn't exactly call Matt camera-shy... more like camera disgruntled. He absolutely hates having ANY photos taken, so it was a definite challenge. :) It became fun by the end as we harrassed one another-- me begging him to be in a shot, him threatening to do horrible things to my car. :)
I love this shot of Matt waiting for the ceremony to begin.
The light was absolutely beautiful as Hayley and her dad came down the aisle.
The ceremony was incredibly sweet and intimate with a lot of personal touches.
After the ceremony, Hayley and Matt walked back down the aisle and into some amazing light. I got some of my favorite images of the day as they walked away.
The formals went amazingly well, with this probably being the biggest smile I could get out of Matt.
Getting Hayley to smile was easy.
Probably my favorite shot of Hayley was one she said made her feel "goofy"... I think the end result is anything but it!
Hayley has such an attention to detail and such a sense of fun-- I loved her whimsical centerpieces. Each goldfish had a name and a story and the guests could adopt them at the end of the night.
The tent looked awesome, with pink rose chandaliers hanging from the ceiling. 
One of Matt's sweet moments as the prayer was said for dinner.
Another amazing creation by Myra Jean!
I love this shot, probably my favorite of the entire day-- and it was Olyn's. :)
One of the cutest farewells I have ever seen, Hayley and Matt were showered by confetti poppers as they ran out of the reception.
Vendors:
Ceremony and Reception Location: Morningside Baptist Church
Florist: Flowers by Vince www.FlowersbyVince.com
Cake: Myra Jean's Cakes www.myrajeanscakes.com
Dress: Hayley Lauren Couture www.hayleylaurencouture.com
Videography: Waterford Productions www.waterfordproductions.com
Coordinator: Magnolia Events
Tents, tables, etc: Balloons Unlimited www.balloonstallahassee.com
I don't think I have ever taken as many dress shots as I did for Hayley-- could there be a more important detail of her day?
Matt and Hayley have known each other since they were basically kids-- He gave her this guardian angel charm when she was only 13. She wore the charm as a bracelet on a ribbon. 
Flowers by Vince did an absolutely amazing job with all the arrangements. I love how everything felt so seasonal-- the fresh daffodils and tulips really added to the spring feeling.
I wouldn't exactly call Matt camera-shy... more like camera disgruntled. He absolutely hates having ANY photos taken, so it was a definite challenge. :) It became fun by the end as we harrassed one another-- me begging him to be in a shot, him threatening to do horrible things to my car. :)I love this shot of Matt waiting for the ceremony to begin.
The light was absolutely beautiful as Hayley and her dad came down the aisle.
The ceremony was incredibly sweet and intimate with a lot of personal touches.
After the ceremony, Hayley and Matt walked back down the aisle and into some amazing light. I got some of my favorite images of the day as they walked away.
The formals went amazingly well, with this probably being the biggest smile I could get out of Matt.
Getting Hayley to smile was easy.
Probably my favorite shot of Hayley was one she said made her feel "goofy"... I think the end result is anything but it!
Hayley has such an attention to detail and such a sense of fun-- I loved her whimsical centerpieces. Each goldfish had a name and a story and the guests could adopt them at the end of the night.
The tent looked awesome, with pink rose chandaliers hanging from the ceiling. 
One of Matt's sweet moments as the prayer was said for dinner.
Another amazing creation by Myra Jean!
I love this shot, probably my favorite of the entire day-- and it was Olyn's. :)
One of the cutest farewells I have ever seen, Hayley and Matt were showered by confetti poppers as they ran out of the reception.
Vendors:
Ceremony and Reception Location: Morningside Baptist Church
Florist: Flowers by Vince www.FlowersbyVince.com
Cake: Myra Jean's Cakes www.myrajeanscakes.com
Dress: Hayley Lauren Couture www.hayleylaurencouture.com
Videography: Waterford Productions www.waterfordproductions.com
Coordinator: Magnolia Events
Tents, tables, etc: Balloons Unlimited www.balloonstallahassee.com
Labels: balloons unlimited, flowers by vince, hayley lauren couture, Myra Jean's, Tallahassee wedding
posted by Linda Long www.LongsPhotography.com at 9:31 AM
0 comments
I love really old churches with hardwood floors...
After all the church "formals", we ran over to Westcott with MK and Josh for some fun stuff...
The Cake Shop did a great job on their very yummy cake!
Their reception featured the best darned air band I have ever heard!
This had to be the funniest bouquet toss I have ever seen! There was a literal brawl over the flowers!
The Bride's room was pretty much a total frenzy. The dress arrived a bit later than the bride, so the girls kicked it into high gear to get her ready on time!
Yesterday was really the first wedding this season that felt like fall! I swear this is the first year I have lived in Tallahassee where the leaves have really changed.
Olyn shot this series of Jerry as he stood at the alter during the processional. I absolutely love how his expression changes to the bottom shot once he sees his stunning bride!
Melissa's processional was a bit unconventional- in an incredibly personal way. She had each of her three brothers walk her down the aisle. Each brother was given about 15 yards before passing her off to the next.
With the ceremony scheduled at sunset, we had to race to get the last of the light for portraits. Thankfully, we managed to fit everything in!
My absolute favorite shot of Melisa-- her eyes look amazing!
Her amazing bridesmaids pitched in again to bustle her dress... an eight point french bustle!
First dance.
Myra Jean's did an amazing job as always, but I absolutely loved the groom' s cake!
Steve kept the dance floor packed all night-- it was an absolute blast!
There are so many details that go into telling the story of the wedding-- its not just the cake or the flowers, but the small details of the way a hand is held that really completes the story.
I don't think Justin took his eyes off Rachel all day!
Rachel and Justin's ceremony was really personal and tailored to suit them. They took communion from the same goblet that Rachel's parents had used at their wedding.
Throughout the day, Rachel grinned from ear to ear!
I think this is my favorite portrait of Justin, but I think it was the least comfortable pose!
Just when Justin thought we weren't looking, he gave his new bride a kiss.
The whole theme really came together with the lemon and lime centerpieces.
Justin and Rachel had the sweetest first dance to Etta James' "At Last".
The father-daughter dance was so emotional! I don't think there was a dry eye in the house!
Another beautiful (and yummy!) creation by Myra Jeans!
Of all the portraits we did of Rachel and Justin, this is my absolute favorite. We ran outside for a few shots during the reception and this really stands out to me as loving, relaxed and natural.
A wedding this close to the 4th of July has to have fireworks!
Amber and Nick had a beautiful setting, near perfect light and a really moving ceremony. Normally, I don't blog a lot of the ceremony shots, but I really love these!
To tears...
While the youth choir sang, Amber and Nick bowed their heads together for a really intimate moment.
After we finished all the family and bridal party portraits, we took a few moments to do some of the more "formal" type portraits. This is about as formal as I get!
The light was just perfect out by the road, but we kept having to stop for cars to go by. I really think someday I am just going to get run over while trying to get a great shot!
The Retreat at Bradley's Pond is a great place for a reception. It has such southern charm with its large wrap-around porches! It is one of my favorite places to shoot as it always lends itself to a great party!
I think Amber was a bit excited to be married...
At the very end of the night we ran out to the porch for a few romantic shots. Its funny where you find the coolest light!
What better way to wish a couple well than to pelt them with birdseed? :) At least most of the guests were loving enough to unwrap it first!
Does it even need a description?
Suzanne's sentimental garter-- it is made from the lace of her mother's wedding gown.
Part of the really chic centerpieces at the reception-- the vases had lights in them that really lit up the reception tables! 
Suzanne relaxing with the girls during their portrait session.
Josh taking a quick portrait break only minutes before the ceremony.
Bradley's has so many amazing photo locations-- I decided to share those that aren't as obvious as the lake and the porch!
I LOOOOVED this fence! The light was perfect and the live oak in the background really sets the mood!
Suzanne and Josh held nothing back with their perfect waltz! Those dance lessons really paid off!
Josh is a professional fighter and during the engagement session he gave me a quick lesson on how professional fighting works as a sport. I guess I didn't expect fighters to be so huggy-feely!
I did Suzanne's bridal portraits at Maclay Gardens last month-- we did a bit of a different take on the traditional Maclay bridals. Who says bride's shouldn't be sexy??
Vendors:
It's not often that a father-daughter dance ends in giggles instead of tears!
Although originally planned for outside, the ceremony inside the Shiloh Farm chapel had a really intimate feel.
Jennifer and Jim's happiness was really contagious, I don't think you can help but smile when you are around them!
This is just before Jennifer "broke" my camera! Thank God for backups!
Through the technical difficulties, they were so calm and laid back. I, on the other hand, was not!
Although the rain held off for our portraits, you can see the wind having some fun with Jennifer's veil.
The bridal party, including the groomswoman! Sorry to Reagan for constantly referring to the groom's attendants as "the guys"!
Jennifer and Jim had some dance lessons in preparation for their first dance. We took a break in the portraits for a quick demonstration.
And here they are putting those lessons to work in their first dance!
Jennifer is exactly how she looks-- she is one of the sweetest, happiest, most laid back brides I have ever met. I think she is the Miss Congeniality of my brides!
The band was the real highlight of the reception. They are hands down the BEST band I have ever heard at an event. They played a great variety of music and really kept the dance floor packed. They are the TOP of my recommendation list! Check them out at 
The party got a little rowdier as the night went on....
Her choice of bridal footwear!
Matt in his CEO pose:
Moments later, the ringbearers brought Carly's gift to Matt. His face was PRICELESS when he realized she had given him a Rolex!
Their ceremony was a mix of laughter and tears.
Finally! A church portrait that I love!! :) This scripture from Matthew is in the NFC sanctuary just above the farthest pews in the balcony. Not only does it include the groom's name, but the message is dead on. 
Matt and Carly hired the white stretch limo from Mike's Limos. Why get an awesome limo, if you don't include it in your photos?
Right before the couple went into their reception at the Double Tree, we ran across the street to the park and had a five minute photo shoot!
Carly's dance with her dad was so touching. She is the youngest of five children and not only did Carly cry, but so did her sisters!
This reception felt like a re-run of Soul Train! Its been awhile since I saw anyone do the lawnmower, the sprinkler or the running man!
I did Carly's bridal portraits a few weeks ago at Goodwood Plantation. I LOVE doing bridal portraits and Carly was an amazing model! It's so hard NOT to post them on the blog before the wedding-- its like I have such a great secret! (And I'm not too good with secrets!) But I kept them under wraps-- until now!
It seemed that Michael's fingers were suddenly a bit larger than before!
I don't think this smile left Mary Beth's face all day! 
They made my job easy! I did not have to even try to get them to smile or laugh-- they had their own fun!
And because I don't want to neglect the groom, Michael looked quite handsome as well!
The wedding was rather intimate, with many of the guests traveling over from the UK. It was really important to Mary Beth to have a photo of everyone. With a little guidance from the wonderful DJ, Steve Christian, and with me hanging out a second story window-- we made it happen!
They put a new spin on an old tradition and had a small cake to cut, but also had mini cakes for all of their guests.
Each cake was meticulously decorated with their monogram by the amazing Katie!
I really want to thank both Mary Beth and Michael as well as their families for making yesterday so wonderful! Days like yesterday are a photographer's dream!
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:
I had a rare weekday wedding for the vows of Michelle and Phil. The avid Steelers fans traveled down from Ohio to enjoy the emerald waters and white sand of the Gulf Coast.
