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Things in life happen --that make you think (well, at least they make me think) --how did I get here? Where am I going? I think about those questions a lot because I manage a business and for the past 4 years was the President of a 40,000+ member organization. These responsibilities require a level of vision and planning that force me to stretch my mind, my belief and my vision. I do not have the luxury of being negative. Through hard work, dedication and focus (and a few lucky breaks), I am proud to say I have achieved a level of success in each endeavor.
I was recently interviewed for an article about my life (which in itself makes me laugh) that asked me about how I got here...whereever here is? Mostly, I say, I had the vision. I saw what could be and plodded along until the vision was realized. But truthfully --there is one quote that rings true time and time again...
"You become the average of the five people you associate with the most." -- Jim Rohn
I did not create a luxury wedding business one day. It took 8 years, learning, seeking and great, great people around me. People who pushed me, believed in the possibilities.
The same is true for the massive changes in the sorority I managed. I surrounded myself with great business people who said YES! They believed in the vision.
Finally, I have great friends --I mean, really, really great girlfriends. And I hardly think I need to mention Louis --he is my rock.
So next time you are wondering...where to? Think of whom you are going with --those people make all the difference in the world!
To all the great people who travel with me --THANK YOU!
Where do I begin? I had three relaxing, luxurious days in the Bahamas with my husband, perfect weather, great views, delicious food, ample downtime and the cherry on top --photographing the wedding of Katie & Rodney. People often ask me when I show up at a destination wedding...how did I get there? I think what they really mean is...why on earth would anyone choose to pay travel expenses for a photographer to photograph their destination wedding. I laugh because it is something I can't explain...you've got to be part of the relationship. My brides hire me because there is a connection and connection and understanding is what produces incredible images. For my brides, photography is a key element in their day and if they are going to spend money bringing their friends and family together for a wedding celebration in a special location, then sometimes to them, it is worth making sure the memories are captured just as they want them. For others, they will fly a cake in...because that is the most important element of their day. You see?
Anyway, before I get to the wedding, I had the pleasure of meeting Marva Munroe, the wedding coordinator for Pelican Bay Hotel. She greeted me with open arms and I watched as she took care of every detail for Katie and Rodney. She is something special and Kate kept going on about how wonderful Marva was through all the planning. When you are planning a destination wedding, you cannot beat having a top notch coordinator in your corner like Marva. See you at Engage08! Marva!
Though I wasn't able to stay at Pelican Bay, I sure feel like I missed out. The resort is charming with a very European flair. The staff is super nice --so accommodating and the food was great. I will most definitely be back.
On to Katie and Rodney...they are a special couple...making Louis and I feel like we were guests at their celebration. I am always so touched when a bride seats me with her guests or goes out of her way to make sure I am comfortable. The day is not about me...and I am always worried about my bride. Katie and Rodney kept asking if we had enough to eat...telling me to put down the camera and dance (which I did once or twice --the dj was just too good not to).
Katie's bridesmaids were the same way --incredibly nice and friendly. I had such a great time hanging out with them. It was awesome to share in the whole day. Rodney and Katie...here's to you...
Can't pass up a wall with great light!
My girls --- I love every one of you!!!!!
This is the money shot. Katie and Rodney were signing the Grand Bahama registry during the ceremony --legalizing their marriage. She happened to look up at me and was just beaming. She is so beautfiul!
The reception was held on the bay, poolside. Were were surrounded by blue skies and water.
The toasts were full of laughter and tears...
Sweet Olivia had had enough. She was one of the most well-behaved flower girls I have ever seen.
A nice touch by Pelican Bay. Thanks for a great weekend and I hope you guys are enjoying the rest of your Caribbean honeymoon.
DVB
Now, I wrote this whole long post and it never saved because of spotty internet here in the Bahamas. I am sitting next to the sliding glass door on the floor just to get two bars. The balcony makes it worse. Hmmmm...
I am in the Bahamas to photograph the wedding of Katie and Rodney. The wedding is at Pelican Bay Resort and I was going to stay there until I went to check in and they had no reservation. Good thing I had my confirmation paper with me - whew! So long story short --Louis and I ended up being walked to the Westin across the street as Pelican Bay was oversold. (Yes, I know, how horrible).
So, at the front desk of the Westin, I put on my sweetest Southern smile (well-rehearsed as I am a midwesterner living in the South) and proceed to ask for an ocean view, marina view, high floor --anything. Louis is with me --we don't get away much without the kids so I figure it is worth a try. She politely tells me they are sold out, too with only 8 rooms left --all lower level, parking lot view (or island view if you are in marketing). I figured as much because we are being walked (hotel term for paying a super low rate). It was worth a try -right.
Well a big fat THANK YOU to Sonja at the Westin - Grand Bahama. I put the key in the door, just happy to be at a place I love (I love WESTINs) as I am a creature of habit. We have an amazing ocean view room with a balcony.
You just never know where a smile is going to get you:)
On to Matt and Megan. They had one of my favorite kind of weddings....only close family--all 12 of them! It was short, sweet and wonderfully intimate. Megan told me she hates to be the center of attention --but that didn't stop her from being a gorgeous bride and letting me do my thing with the camera.
That is right...7am flight to the Bahamas, 3 hours of sleep, 12 hours later....no worries, though.
After a room snafu all is good from our balcony at the Westin. (I LOVE THE WESTIN!)
Have a great Thursday evening...I am going to relax.
Wishing you well....
DVB
First --a quick note to let you know that I'll be shooting a destination wedding in the Bahamas this week. It'll be a bit hard to get a hold of me, but leave a message and I'll get back to you Monday when I return.
Onto the good stuff...Jennifer and John have been married almost 2 weeks and I have been desperately trying to get their wedding blogged. It is incredibly difficult to choose the images because the event was spectacular. They held it at Telfair Academy and Telfair Square. Where to begin....
Let's start with the event coordinators, Ellen Woodard (one my wonderful past brides) and her team from Juice Studios. They spent month managing every last detail of the event from travel to itineraries to what flowers go where. Of course, I was thoroughly impressed! Ellen in on the far right. (Her hubby Matt is a doll!)
One the wedding ceremony was over, the rest of the evening was orchestrated like a fairy tale. I wish you could have actually seen Jennifer's face --she was radiant with joy. Being around her made you feel so, so happy . It was such a wonderful experience.
Jennifer and John ate their first dinner as a family in the tent alone while the guests enjoyed the cocktail hour to the sweet sounds of Trae Gurley. Once it was time to move to the tent in Telfair Square, the Savannah Children's Choir sang an evening prayer and then led everyone over to the tent. There was something so innocent and heartwarming about the children's performance. Jennifer and John are huge children's choir supporters so the kids really sang their hearts out for them.
Dinner was delicious and decadent, from duck to shrimp to the most incredible crab curry...to die for and courtesy of the amazing John Nichols Catering.
The man himself, John Nichols...
There were 3 dessert stations but none could outdo a Minette Rushing Custom Cake...which of course was gone, completely gone, in 5 minutes flat.
John and Jennifer entered the tent and had the first dance together sung by the incredible Roger Moss. Roger is one of the nicest guys ever and his voice will make you melt --I really, truly mean melt.
Let's back up a minute and grab a look at the tents form Juice Studios and the amazing floral design work of my friend, John Davis.
Some lounging areas on the lawn...
After a few toasts, the cake was cut and the party got kicking to the sounds of The Maxx, all the way from Atlanta.
The floor was packed the entire night. Everyone was was so elated and joyful --the dancing never stopped.
I could on for days about the celebration but to truly get it --I think you just had to be there. It was crazy fun, over-the-top happy and there was love everywhere. Especially between Jennifer and John....
My job is incredible and I am so lucky to work with incredible vendors and fabulous couples.
Have a great weekend --4 more weddings are in the queue.
