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Archive: May 2012 | View all recent posts

Walter and Patricia: A Bonnet House Museum and Gardens Wedding

May 28, 2012 - Weddings

Walter and Patricia traveled all the way from Canada to have their wedding in the balmy tropic gardens of The Bonnet House Museum in Fort Lauderdale, and I can truly see why!

It is simply one of my very favorite new places to photograph! Filled with vibrant yellow walls, sculpture, murals, and expansive tropic gardens and waters, it is very nearly idea overload for making beautiful imagery.

I'm most grateful that they gave me some time with them to travel a few of the lovely nooks and crannies for their portraits. And of course that they truly did something that was simply one of the most clever and fun-loving things I've ever seen at a wedding! They had an ice cream truck pull up right as they exited the wedding ceremony and all of the guests were welcome to line up for a sweet cool treat under the shade of the mid-day palm trees. Brilliant!

Patricia's Favorite Moment of the Day:

"Hearing Walter recite his vows! He had warned me that he was not good with words and that he was not sure how well he would do, but when the time came, I was moved beyond belief to hear the man I love most in the entire world declare his love and dedication to me in such a personal and lovely way. It was the best start to the rest of our lives together."

I hope that you love these images each and every time you share them throughout the years!

Cheers,

Krystal

Their First Meeting! Walter and Patricia wanted to meet without really meeting to say a few words to each other and share a prayer before the ceremony. It was such a wonderful moment for them and a wonderful compromise to the "not seeing each other before the ceremony" tradition.

What Patricia said about it:

"I also really loved our "first look." I didn't see Walter because we had decided to wait until the ceremony to see each other that day, but to hear his voice and to hold his hand around the corner was a very special moment when all the stress and details of prepping for the wedding melted away and I was reminded that I am truly the luckiest girl in the world."

Walter watching Patricia make her way down the aisle alongside her parents...

Love this angle from my second shooter (the dapper) David Coleman!

Tiger Blood AND Adonis DNA Walter!

Walter's Favorite Photo of the Day:

He loves the "candid" natural feel of the portrait.

Patricia's favorite photo of the day:

"I feel it captures exactly how we were feeling that day (really, really happy with a sense of relief). Walter also looks really hot!"

Surprise! Yes, there was an impromptu Weird Al, "Amish in Paradise" performance.

Walter and Patricia's advice to couple's planning their wedding day:

"Our biggest advice would be to figure out what is important to you, and focus on making that happen. You may not be able to do or get every little thing you want for your big day, but if the 3, 4, or 5 main things are there you won't be disappointed!. For us it was really important to say our own vows, for our guests to have a good time and for us to get good photos. We were NOT disappointed.

Also, get as much sleep a possible! Adrenaline got me through most of the day, but I do remember at one point during the reception thinking, "I am so tired!" It's easier to have fun when you aren't exhausted."

Their tips on how to get great photos on your wedding day:

"Our favorite photos were definitely the ones we felt captured our emotion on the day. The laughing, the eyeing each other, even the tears... seeing them in the photos brings us right back to how we felt on our wedding day. So our 'tip' would really just be to be yourself and don't worry about the camera too much. A few posted shots are good (and necessary for grandma) for sure, but the ones we will treasure most are the ones where our love and friendship shines through.

Also it helps to look through photos online and get a sense of the aesthetic you like. Krystal was so phenomenal at getting the same type of photos that we had shown her. I'm glad we took the time to send her some samples (not that she needs ideas, she is ridiculously imaginative and talented) but it might help the photographer understand what you like."

Wedding Venue: The Bonnet House Museum and Gardens

Florals: Panache Style

Hair and Makeup: Amanda Lynn & Co. Hair and Makeup Artistry

Wedding Reception Venue and Catering: Michele's Fine Dining

Officiate: Patrick Moody