A sweet little sunset e-session

Written by Sheila on May 31st, 2012

Kendall and Bryan will be married in May of next year. These photo’s were taken just a few minutes before sunset on Lido Beach; The north area, just off of St. Armands Circle.

 

Emerson Point, Palmetto E-Session

Written by Sheila on March 18th, 2012

Adorable in every way; Elise and Jack will be getting married at the Crosley Estate later this year in December. Can’t wait!

 

Ca’ d’zan Mansion and the Belvedere Tower

Written by Sheila on March 17th, 2012

At this point you may be wondering why I have all these photo’s of this couple on the grounds of the Ringling and there is nothing else happening.  Well that is because this particular couple decided to have a very private wedding, just 4 people and take all their photo’s before their ceremony around the grounds of the lovely Ringling Grounds. There was NO wedding party, no guests, no flower girl  and no DJ.  Just the lucky bride and the very lucky groom.  As you will See just after sunset the couple will climb to the 4th level of the Belvedere tower for a quick ceremony and then a private dinner. The evening was just gorgeous in every way. Enjoy!

Here is the moment the wonderful couple has been waiting for. After traipsing around the entire grounds of the Ringling Museum.  And if any of you have ever been to the Ringling grounds, it is large and sprawling and simply stunning.  They are shown here climbing to the very top of the Belvedere Tower at the Ca d’zan.  Once at the top of the tower, you will see, the couple will immediately have their intimate ceremony by sunset and a spectacular, perfect dinner for four provided by Treviso.  The setting, the service, the view: spectacular.

 

Ringling Museum Wedding, Sarasota

Written by Sheila on February 18th, 2012

Jarrett and Jessica married on the grounds of the Ringling Museum of Art here in Sarasota. They timed their wedding perfectly so as to get ready on the beach, have their “first glance” and then head on over in a limo bus to walk around the grounds of the Ringling to capture some of these amazing shots before their sunset Ca d’zan wedding.

The bride and her bridal party occupied a suite at the lido beach resort for their getting ready preparation and photography. Once the bridal party was ready, we headed out to the beach for a first glance with the groom as you will see in a few photo’s ahead of this one.

Leaving the beach with the wedding party to head to the Ringling grounds

A charming photo, if ever I saw one. The couple decided to see each before the ceremony. All the photo’s were taken around the Ringling Grounds beforehand. Plenty of beautiful sunlight and they got their sunset ceremony. The grounds at the Ringling are kept immaculate and roses are in bloom. We got so luck with some of these shots. When you have a leisure few hours to do all the photographs in advance, everyone is more relaxed and when the ceremony is over, you can go right into the party with all formal photo’s have been taken in advance.

I treasure this photo above, it’s got a lot of appeal for me. The texture is grain and vintage and oh so romantic. This was a photograph taken by my assistant Matthew. While I was taking a front approach through the window (see the next photograph) he was capturing side angles, and boy did he ever with this shot. The bride was very happy with this moment and how it was captured.

Another treasure photo! This one was just  a moment, while the couple thought I was replacing my batteries, I “caught” the groom Jarrett playing with the brides hair. This was completely upstaged in any way. I think it sexy;)

I really cherish shots that come right out of the camera and look like the one above. I find this non-posed photograph absolutely romantic.

These last two photographs also come right out of the camera with no editing or photoshop at all. The night and sunset was very rich and the feel romantic. And I had the pleasure of taking the couple to the very top of the Ca d’zan Tower, 5 stories up. The official name for this drop dead goregous location is called the  Belvedere Tower.  The tower is now open and can accommodate very small parties (no more than 7 at a time).

Here it is lit up the best I have seen it: The Ringling private house on the bay: Ca Da’ Zan. A party that can’t be beat.

 

Sarasota Garden Club Wedding

Written by Sheila on January 15th, 2012

We have our very own Secret Garden here in Sarasota; just like the book. Unknown to many people who even live here in Sarasota. It is perfect for a small or medium sized wedding – and very affordable. Ashley and Clayton married in the gardens late November.

The Garden Club, nestled in the north corner of downtown, near the Hyatt hotel has everything a photographer dreams for.. well I do anyway. Lush grass, heavy full trees, ponds, rustic benches, unkempt stepping stones and fresh flowers galore. The combination of the sun and the blushing bride Ashley had all my attention – I was inspired by the combination! Check it out.

Back inside for the girls, a little freshening up and getting ready for that walk down the isle.  Lets see what’s happening in the hall where the reception is taking place later and a quick hello to the guys on the other side of the building. I am in love the the vintage hand mirror and the brassy tea pots for flower pots on the center tables. Here are some more details:

I departed the Sarasota Garden Club that night and the party was just peaking – Such a tight knit crowd of friends on the dance floor singing and dancing, I dare not interrupt. I just let myself out and captured this closing shot on my way home. Thanks to Ashley and her dad for finding me and for that contagious smile you’ve got Ashley! Congrats.