Here's a photo to help you out! This little girl sure stole my heart! Only two months old and look at that hair! Photographing newborns & children are a big part of my community volunteer service and I love every minute of it.

This post is long overdue. A question frequently asked by couples planning to get married, whether from out of state or locally, is where are the unique places to get married in our community? I live in Melbourne Beach and most of my wedding photography takes place beachside. Of course, there are the usual suspects: the large hotels that run alongside Highway A1A. Many of them are very nice and I always enjoy photographing weddings at those locations. However, many couples like something a little more private, a little more elegant or just something different. We are fortunate to have not just one but three really beautiful locations nestled right in our neighborhood. Each has it's own unique features but all three offer the perfect choice for an elegant or small wedding. So, here they are, and of course, this post would only be half as interesting without pictures.

 

First is the Community Chapel Of Melbourne Beach. You'd have to see the inside of this Chapel, with it's amazing stained glass windows and honey colored wood throughout to fully appreciate it's intimacy, but the outside is beautiful as you can see.

Next is the Windemere Inn by the Sea, just a short drive (or walk if you're not in your wedding attire!!) from The Community Chapel. Some couples choose to get married here because of the beautiful gazebo (behind the Inn) overlooking the ocean. On those breezy, blue sky days (most of the time!), the photos are always amazing with such brilliant colors. AND the staff knows how to make you feel special! Beth, the innkeeper, is so warm and caring. Most people come back to this place multiple times to celebrate anniversaries, etc.

If you've viewed my blog previously, you'll see a number of wedding photos taken on the gazebo. Also, the garden behind the main building makes for incredible photos. Feels like a botanical garden! Oh, and there are orchids.

 

 

Port D'Hiver Bed & Breakfast is the new kid on the block, located on historic Ocean Avenue in Melbourne Beach. It is, as noted on their website, "...old Florida luxury at its finest". True statement! I've toured each of their rooms and all are so romantic and private. They have a great video on their website so be sure to check it out.

 

 

 

 

Much thanks to Lili at Inbloom Flower Shop for all of Heather's beautiful wedding arrangements. The bridal bouquet colors were amazing.

Last Saturday Heather & Sonny were married at the First United Methodist Church in Cocoa Beach. What a beautiful day! Blue skies and hot weather continues here in Florida, but that what Florida's all about, so everyone just enjoyed the day AND no one uttered a complaint about the heat. Heather & Sonny's wedding was picture perfect. The wedding party, bridesmaids and groomsmen, were so attentive to the bride and groom & obviously the best of friends. I also really appreciated how helpful they were to me as the photographer and treated me so kindly and like a friend, too! THANKS!

 

We stopped at the Church's garden for a few photos before moving on to the Radisson Suites Oceafront for the reception.

 

The evening breeze was more than kind to Heather's veil, sweeping it upward for some romantic shots.

 

Heather, I'm posting what I heard from all of your guests: "You're beautiful!"

 

The few minutes at the beach was great for a few private and dramatic photos. You two are are awesome together.

 

Click here see Heather & Sonny's wedding slideshow with music from their first dance. Click here for the YouTube version of the slideshow.