For my final wedding of 2009, I joined Sabrina and Stuart for their wedding ceremony and reception at the Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales near Orlando Florida. Their reception was at Arabellas Restaurant. It took me a while to get this blog post up since I was visiting family for most of December, so I thank everyone for their patience. Even as I write this, Sabrina is in flight on a plane and is making her way to her new home overseas in Bristol, England. “Wh-wha-what?” you may be saying to yourself. “I have to read how this happened!” you maybe exclaimed… Well, let’s begin our story.
Stuart grew up in and around Bristol, England and went to the University of Bath where he studied Electronics and Communications. On the other side of the world, Sabrina grew up outside of Columbus, Ohio where she finished her graduate studies at The George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services. Her focus was Global Health Promotion. For those that ever doubted that opposites could attract and cause sparks to fly, these two are living proof of that.
They originally met online while they were both working in Washington, DC and after corresponding off and on for a month, they finally met for brunch at a little French bistro. Clearly, the date went well but they told me that it was their curiosity and intrigue about each other that kept the relationship going early on. They told me that one of their favorite hangouts in Washington, DC was a tea house called Teaism. They joked that they spent so much time there, that the people at the cash register always knew their order. They even sat in the same place each Sunday morning and would spend a couple of hours drinking tea, reading the paper, and talking.
Even though Stuart is a very technical software engineer and is a little more reserved than Sabrina, I think this open line of communication is what makes this couple so dynamic. Sabrina primarily works with leaders in business, government and non-profits sectors and she told me that she thought that their professional lives bring completely different perspectives into their relationship. She said “It just seems to work!” and I must concur. Their love for each other was quite evident as I photographed them during their wedding!
But, as with all relationships there are usually some hurdles to overcome along the way to get to that point. In their case, the hurdle was quite BIG and it’s name was The Pacific Ocean. :) As they were planning their wedding this past year, Stuart had moved back to the UK due to his job and to also make preparations for their arrival. I know first hand that having a long distance relationship like that can be tough and I definitely felt for Sabrina. On top of that, planning a wedding out of state (and from overseas) must have been very daunting at times. Lesser people would have crumbled but I’m so proud that they made it all work and that the wedding turned out so beautifully!
I know that NOW they are both excited about this new chapter in their lives. Sabrina had shared that she was nervous about the move overseas but was also eager to begin their marriage in a new country. She’s been stocking up on all of the American products that she can’t easily get in England. She also shared with me that it meant the world to her to be able to take her wedding photos with her on her new journey. Hopefully they will help her find some comfort when she’s feeling homesick. All the best to both of you and please stay in touch!
Ceremony: Bok Tower Gardens
Reception: Arabella’s Ristorante
Bakery: The Fresh Bakery Co.
Flowers: Katherine’s Florist
String Ensemble: The Adonai Trio/Quartet
What a great getting ready photo! One of the bridesmaids paints the other one’s toenails while she in turn adjusts the brides hair. Nowthat’s teamwork!
Some great teamwork here too!
Photographs of the Bok Tower at the gardens.
Stuart was looking quite dapper in his custom tailored suit.
The Adonai String Trio begins the wedding processional.
A great moment captured as mother and daughter walk down the aisle
This my friends is what’s known as the “happy bride dance.” I suggest that every newlywed experience it at least once.
The couple chose to spend 15 minutes by themselves. A time to reflect…. A time to breathe and take it all in…
I couldn’t decide on color vs black and white so you get to see both…
It was my first time photographing in an authentic orange orchard…
…so I thought I’d take advantage of it… This is freshly cut right off a a Florida Tree!
Nothing says Florida like wedding rings and oranges!
While I waited I took photographs of many of the guests. The woman in the green dress was aptly named “Bubbles.” Both ladies had a “vibrant zest for life” personalities. I told them to get together because I thought that they were some of the most exciting characters that I had ever met at a wedding. They really got a kick out of that and couldn’t stop laughing.
Stuart’s father and his wife Pauline share a moment together…
The family laughs while I photograph a few of the formals portraits.
Then the bridal party and I took a golf cart to rendevouz with the couple for some fun portraits.
The purple bridesmaid dresses were a perfect color when set against a green and gold backdrop.
The gold door on The Bok Tower made for an amazing background!
I was really bummed that we weren’t able to cross the moat so that I could pose them right in front of the door… or better yet we could have ascended to the top of the tower for a breathtaking view…
… but we still managed to do a little offroading. The couple shared with me that these were some of their favorite photos of the day.
This tree was our destination. Does anyone know what kind of tree this is? It reminds me of a weeping willow but I don’t think that that is it?
A traditional southern bridal portrait. You can’t get much more south than Florida right? :)
Table assignment cards hung from a tree during cocktail hour.
The reverend is a dear friend of the family. Everyone calls him “Rev.” I caught this hilarious shot of him just after his drinks arrived. He LOVES his martinis!
I love this simple photograph of Stuart’s hands as he enjoys his favorite cup of tea.
Stuart’s mom shares a laugh with him.
I absolutely love this shot!
Sabrina’s best friends share a heartfelt TOAST…
while Stuart’s best friends share a heartfelt ROAST!
Sabrina’s cousin surprised her by singing a song. She’s an amazing singer.
I love the simplicity of this shot… yet it says so much…
Cheers! To a beautiful life together!
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