Guys. There is so much to say here!!! This was my first wedding of 2016, and it was so awesome being a part of it. I am so pumped for the rest of my year if it’s anything like this wedding. First let me just acknowledge these two amazing people before I jump into showing you their wedding images. Kayla and David. Freaking Kayla and David, you all!! In this business we talk a lot about finding people who are your ideal clients. It goes beyond budget, beyond wedding themes, beyond locations or colors, blah blah blah. Yeah that all matters, but it’s also about finding the personalities that make your job worth doing and worth doing well. That sums up these two sweet people. They also hold a special place in my heart because about a year and a half after I moved to Miami I was doing all I could to re-launch myself in South Florida. I was back from maternity leave, I was pushing myself to the limits of my sanity, fearing that I may end up just throwing in the towel because I never dreamed starting over would be so tough. And then I leerily jumped in to a bridal show. And in walk Kayla and David. I chatted with them, but clearly remember David saying he really really liked my work, and coming from a groom, that’s like a very esteemed compliment! I mean, if we’re just being honest, how many times do you find a groom so involved in wedding choices? Like next to never. (Am I right though?) Not very long after the show Kayla called me. We chatted, we hit it off, and a contract was signed. But then I waited. LOL. They had what some might consider a long engagement (close to 2 years) and I kept pushing through and chugging along in my business, and she kept planning away, and before we knew it, March 2016 had arrived!

Prior to the wedding, I was able to talk them into doing an engagement session which I loved shooting and we had a great time, so I was pretty sure the wedding was going to be just as much fun. I was not wrong! So many smiles and laughs were had here. And I’m not going to lie, I tend to get choked up at weddings. Even after nearly 8 years, marriage vows can get to me. But this wedding had something that tugged at my heart strings even more. Kayla’s father, whom she was oh so close to, passed away a couple years ago and when Kayla had to admit the fact that he was not going to be present to walk her down the aisle, he made sure to leave something special for her on the day she finally said I Do. Her mother put together a slideshow full of beautiful photos of Kayla growing up with him by her side. And at the very end of the slideshow, his voice came over the room to share a message he left just for her to hear on this day. Tears, guys. Ugly tears are flowing behind my camera and I only prayed my lens was focusing because I wanted to capture her expression when she heard this sweet message for the very first time. I hope Kayla doesn’t mind, but I shared a few of those images below. To me they are absolutely the sweetest images, because she has her new husband, the main man in her life now,holding her hand on one side, and her beautiful mother supporting her on her other side. This is what Family IS!!! I just. I can’t explain to you how honored I was to be able to capture not only this moment but this whole day. Truly, truly, it was such an honor. Please scroll through these highlights of images but not before I share with you all the other vendors that had a part in making this day so special for Kayla and David.

Wedding Planner : Alexa Kritis of  Long Aisle Events

Hair and Makeup : Amanda McCall 

Venue : Galuppi’s Restaurant and Bar

DJ/Entertainment/Reception Decor/Videography : Complete Media

Floral Design : Blossom Street

Courtney Jones Photography offers Pompano Beach Wedding Photography and serves all of South Florida and internationally as well. For more information on booking Courtney Jones for your wedding, use the contact form today!