Timeless & Classic Black Tie Bella Collina Wedding

Christina & Michael – 08/31/2019

Wind, wind, click, flash…

Christina walked down the stairs, excitement in her eyes, butterflies in her stomach and nothing but love and joy in her heart. At the bottom of the stair case of the home her and her bridesmaids were getting ready in stood her beautiful Grandmother. I heard a familiar sound, the winding and clicks of one of those little disposable cameras (you know the kind). Her grandmother couldn’t wait to snap photos of her beautiful granddaughter. In the wedding industry we have like to call those overly eager photo taking family members “uncle Toms” (I’m sure, you all know one of those also lol). But this situation was different. Christina had already informed me of how precious and special her sweet grandmother was to her. So I stood back. I knew my place and I knew I could get the photos I needed without getting in the way of her sweet grandmother and her camera. Could I take “better” photos then her, sure! Would they be better quality, oh heck yes. But would they be more precious than the ones taken on that little $10.00 wind up camera, never. That moment, was about so much more. I even got to use that fancy contraption of a camera during family portraits! Grandma wanted a photo of the two of them on her camera, so you better believe I put my skills to work 😉

“He Speaks with His Eyes”

While getting ready, the videographer panned over to Christina and completely unexpectedly asked her what she was most excited about when seeing Michael. Talk about putting the pressure on. I don’t know if it’s a required lawyer skill or what but my jaw hit the floor when I heard how effortlessly and eloquently Christina responded. I don’t remember it word for word, but in the most gracious and loving way she shared her excitement. She was most anxious and excited to look into Michael’s eyes when she saw him (insert like 100 heart eye and crying emojis). She said, “He is a man of very few words, but he speaks to me through his eyes.” I don’t know a more beautiful way to express a perfect unity of people than when they can share their love by way of looking into one another’s eyes.

Nothing Short of Fabulous.

The ceremony in the chapel was beautiful. I always love watching catholic ceremonies. There is so much value and enrichment added to the wedding ceremony. After family formals the bride and groom hopped into a gorgeous 1957 Rolls Royce. Once we arrived back at Bella Collina we swept the bride and groom away for some portraits, then rounded up the wedding party for their time in the spotlight! Every moment of the day was effortlessly perfect. You would have never known that days prior we were nervously anticipating a category 5 hurricane. The classic black and white decor was stunning. The ballroom was so perfectly decorated and put together by Caitlin and her team from Plan It Events! The amazing band and DJ from Cnergy Music kept the party upbeat, fun and assured that everyone was was dancing to the beat (even the ones at the tables couldn’t help but sing along or dance from their chairs.) There were hand rolled cigars provided by Old Fashioned Cigars there was a photo booth, dessert station and an espresso station. Nothing was lacking. Every detail was perfection. I know these all seem like “things” and may not seem that important, but to Christina and Michael they were. They wanted more than anything for their wedding day to not just be about them but about loving and making memories with their closest friends and family.

Christina and Michael, you truly do complete one another. You embrace family and your love for one another with such grace. To say it was such an honor to be a part of your wedding day is an understatement. Thank you for sharing your love story with me. Thank you for allowing me to not only serve you but to get to witness such a genuine love. I wish you all the best.

Big Hugs, Brandy