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Couples

Beach Couples Engagement

Engagement Session at Boneyard Beach Talbot Island | Jacksonville Engagement Photographer

Sheriann said “Yes!!” to Will!! And I said “Yesssssss!!! Woohoo!!!!!” when they asked to do their engagement photos at Big Talbot Island State Park’s Boneyard Beach. My first time here, and I would not of had it any other way! These two are so much fun and have the most incredibly funny stories to share. When I asked how they met, they responded with “which time?!” The first time, they both were working at TGIFridays restaurant and the second time..well you have to ask them. Because it’s the BEST story and honestly, they are better storytellers than me. Call it fate or call it Jesus (mmhmmm), these two were destined to be together!

The photos I share here are my first time at Boneyard Beach, and I have been back a BILLION times since. Why not just go to our beloved Ponte Vedra Beach or Jax Beach? I’m glad you asked, and who better to set up this visual than our very own Florida Department of Environmental Protection:

“No skyscrapers are in sight, because the beach tucked into Big Talbot Island State Park is within the bounds of the federally protected area of the Timucuan Ecological and Historical Preserve. Sculpted by nature, this shoreline boasts 30-foot bluffs and a striking beach peppered with massive driftwood trees that recall images of an elephant graveyard. Appreciate firsthand the power of Mother Nature and discover the benefits of wild coastal ecosystems and their role in storm mitigation and resiliency for the city. Perhaps most importantly, climb a driftwood giant and feel like a kid again.”

Boneyard Beach, I am obsessed with you. Get used to my face or take out a restraining order because I’m gonna keep coming back. Sheriann + Will, I cannot wait to be a part of your very special day!! Venue 841 is going to be overflowing with LOVE and tons and tons of laughter. xoxo

Want to see Boneyard Beach stirred up Family Style? Check out the Zambo Family with their sweet little babe.

Couples Engagement Portrait

marissa + mantas | st. johns, fl

you are the best thing, that’s ever been mine.

Taylor Swift. “Mine”

Alpine Groves Park: I met up with Marissa and Mantas for their engagement pictures! The park was beautiful as usual, and this evening we had an added bonus of background music coming from people partying in their boats out on the river AND from their cars in the parking lot. LOL It was not the typical ambience of the park, but it sure made for a fun time!

One of my favorite moments that evening was when I told Mantas he was doing a great job and he replied “thanks, because I’m trying real hard”. : ) I loved the honesty and the sweet reminder of a fiancé getting out of their comfort zone for their bride-to-be.

Their love story started out as high school sweethearts and it continues on with Marissa and Mantas getting married next year in their hometown, Chicago!! Thank you for allowing me to capture part of your story through my lens. Marissa, you will be a GORGEOUS bride! Mantas, you got this! No “trying real hard” for you when it comes to picture time, you are a seasoned male model now!

…..and they lived happily ever after. xoxo

Couples

maria + kyle | jacksonville beach, fl

“if the sun refused to SHINE, i would still be loving you. when mountains crumble to the sea, there will still be YOU & ME.” -Led Zeppelin

Excuse me while I take a moment to GUSH about this sweet couple. Maria has one of those personalities that just beams through her smile and welcoming demeanor. Her soul is as beautiful as her outward appearance. And the lucky guy? Kyle, kind-hearted and easy to talk to – they are one of the reasons why we have #couplesgoals.

My favorite part about being behind the lens of these two was getting to see the way Kyle looks at Maria. It was a windy morning that day – We probably spent half the time waiting for the gusts of wind to die down. As Maria had to fight her hair from attacking her face, Kyle was able to just enjoy the moment holding his wife and staring at the woman he loves. Love so good you can see it – the world doesn’t look so bad from this view.

Keep SHINING Maria and Kyle, the world needs your light.

P.S. Want to meet a cool cat? Maria and Kyle helped out the Jacksonville Humane Society during our last hurricane by “babysitting” a cat from the shelter. And as most stories go, they fell in love and adopted this HILARIOUS tuxedo cat they call Cannoli. You can find him on Instagram right meow, probably chilling or talking about something funny.