Bella Vita Photography » Engagements http://bellavitaphotos.com/blog Wedding & Portrait Photographer Tue, 03 Aug 2010 16:42:45 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 Eden Gardens & Seaside Engagement Photography | Jaclyn & Adam – Engaged! http://bellavitaphotos.com/blog/2010/01/eden-gardens-seaside-engagement/ http://bellavitaphotos.com/blog/2010/01/eden-gardens-seaside-engagement/#comments Tue, 26 Jan 2010 20:12:34 +0000 admin http://bellavitaphotos.com/blog/?p=926 I was extremely excited to take Jaclyn & Adam to one of my favorite places on earth – Eden Gardens State Park! It has a certain charm to it that you just can’t duplicate, with it’s old house, lovely trees, and all the hidden nooks & crannies.  Plus – it looks out on to the water which is fantastic.  We’d actually had to reschedule by just a day – but it worked out to our advantage – the weather was cold on our originally planned date (little did we know it was only going to get MUCH colder) but it was surprisingly fair (and almost WARM) the next day when we actually went out to shoot!  I love it when that happens :)  (Not rescheduling, but weather cooperating!)

We started out at Eden Gardens, though – and then hopped over to Seaside, which is conveniently just over Hwy 98 & down 30A a bit.  It was a little crowded, but that’s not really that unusual these days!  It’s just a big contrast to the slow quiet pace of Eden Gardens!  But no worries, Jaclyn & Adam are from Atlanta, so I’m sure it was nothing in comparison to the hustle & bustle of a big city like Atlanta!

Anyways, here’s an awesome little sneak peek.  And I’m obviously infatuated with purple lately cause I was totally loving Jaclyn’s sweater!!!

I absolutely cannot wait for them to have their destination wedding, so far from all the details it sounds like it is going to be amazing & I can already tell they are such a fun couple!  I am getting pretty anxious for this wedding season to finally kick off so I can see it!   And although they’re not getting married at Eden or Seaside, they are getting married in what I would consider THE most amazing church on the Emerald Coast – St. Rita’s! Everyone around, Catholic or not, knows St. Rita’s – it is so beautiful!

Congratulations, Jaclyn & Adam!

]]> http://bellavitaphotos.com/blog/2010/01/eden-gardens-seaside-engagement/feed/ 1 Feature Spread in Gulf Coast Brides Magazine! http://bellavitaphotos.com/blog/2009/08/feature-spread-in-gulf-coast-brides-magazine_hilton_sandesting_gulf-coast-bride/ http://bellavitaphotos.com/blog/2009/08/feature-spread-in-gulf-coast-brides-magazine_hilton_sandesting_gulf-coast-bride/#comments Tue, 04 Aug 2009 22:40:53 +0000 admin http://bellavitaphotos.com/blog/?p=680 Wow, I am sooooo stoked about this I just can barely contain myself!  One of my weddings, for a totally awesomely fabulous couples Kristi & Tyson is being featured in the upcoming issue of Gulf Coast Brides Magazine!

Their wedding took place in June in Destin (at Sandestin actually), and I cannot even tell you how thrilled I am & I will be so excited once I finally have the issue in my hands!  I’m going to have to try to get enough issues for them and all their family that came all this way from Texas.

Anyways, here is the little sneak peek of the spread!!!

So YAY for being published, YAY for Kristi & Tyson, and YAY for Gulf Coast Brides.  Now… as soon as it hits newsstands (it’s in something crazy like 31 states, so no excuses!), go run & pick up a copy because there are some awesome articles and obviously some awesome vendors highlighted ;)  Then – toast w/ a little virtual champagne with me!  Cheers!

]]> http://bellavitaphotos.com/blog/2009/08/feature-spread-in-gulf-coast-brides-magazine_hilton_sandesting_gulf-coast-bride/feed/ 10 Rosemary Beach Photographer | Kristin & Chris – Engaged!!! http://bellavitaphotos.com/blog/2009/06/rosemary-beach-engagement-portraits/ http://bellavitaphotos.com/blog/2009/06/rosemary-beach-engagement-portraits/#comments Wed, 17 Jun 2009 04:06:16 +0000 admin http://bellavitaphotos.com/blog/?p=590 So this will be the first of many blogs that are coming since I’ve had some crazy busy last couple of weeks! I’ve been hunkering down & editing & one thing I love about being busy is that it’s easy to forget all the funny & cool moments from a shoot. And then – voila – you get to editing and it’s like reliving the whole shoot!

These two (nuts!) are such fun and I cannot wait for the wedding! They’re kind of the definition of opposites attract – Kristin is well organized, everything is planned out, and Chris is Mr. Fly-by-the-seat-of-his-pants. Kristin is (like me) a worrier – all the details have to be thought out with a plan A, B, C & D… Chris – he’s laid back and knows that it will all just work out (like my husband). It’s a great combination, and they are such such fun to be around. They compliment each other so well & it’s so sweet to see a big tough guy just totally smitten & in love.

I had a great time taking them out to beautiful Rosemary Beach, which always makes me hungry because it’s filled with… well… Rosemary!  It is as beautiful as it smells, and sits right along 30-A past Destin, past Seaside, past Alys Beach.  In fact, it’s at the very end of Hwy 30-A just before Panama City Beach & Carillon Beach.  It’s beautiful, very relaxed, and has this awesome Mediterranean beach feel all while being a little bit artsy.

Ok, I’m yapping as usual – so on with the sneak preview huh!?

By the way, when posting this photo, I feel obligated to let everyone know that they both have mad hoola-hoop skills.  Something I do NOT have! lol.  And by the way, if you’re ever out at Rosemary Beach or even just touring 30-A, you have to stop by this little toy store, there’s also an awesome little kids clothing shop which I’m totally addicted to – and the Cowgirl Cafe with the most amazing white chicken chili!

And no kidding – are these not the most awesome icy blue eyes?

And this is hilarious, here is Chris… being Chris lol:

(I have a feeling that’s exactly what made Kristin fall in love though ;) )

And of course… the video!

Kristin & Chris from Bella Vita Photography on Vimeo.

]]> http://bellavitaphotos.com/blog/2009/06/rosemary-beach-engagement-portraits/feed/ 1 Village of Baytowne Wharf Engagement Photography | Markie & Aaron http://bellavitaphotos.com/blog/2008/08/village-of-baytowne-sandestin-engagement/ http://bellavitaphotos.com/blog/2008/08/village-of-baytowne-sandestin-engagement/#comments Sun, 17 Aug 2008 09:27:45 +0000 admin http://bellavitaphotos.wordpress.com/?p=152 Well, this is one of many that will be coming through the flood gates!  I’ve been lucky to be busy – but it’s also my downfall at the moment!  I no sooner edit a batch, and I have 2 new photoshoots!  lol.

Anyways – Markie & Aaron were in town on a speedy weekend, planning their destination wedding that will be taking place in Destin & Grayton Beach this summer, and seeing the town (ok, probably less seeing and more planning from the sounds of it).  We got caught in the rain the first day, so this is actually “take two”!   Because they’re from out of town, and had to leave early It was morning time, which in Florida weather translates into “hotter than Haites”, but I thought we fared pretty well considering!  We went out to Village of Baytowne Wharf, one of my many favorite shooting locations because of all of its fabulous “nooks & crannies”.  It’s just across Hwy 98 from the Sandestin Hilton Beach Golf Resort & Spa.  It’s got fabulous shopping, dining, and just plain fun around every corner.  With a French Quarter feel, every 5 steps you take you’ve got a gorgeous new scenery to work with.

So, here’s just a little sneak peek, before I wrap up editing & then it’s not a sneak peek anymore ;)   I had a really hard time picking my favorites, but here goes.  And yeah… the watermarks are a new thing, but I’ll make a prettier one in the future I promise ;)

Of course, it’s not complete without showing the rock :)

More later!  LOTS more!  In the meanwhile, check out Village of Baytowne Wharf. They also are home to the Solaris, which hosts weddings & receptions.  We’ve always loved their ceremonies, service & food!

]]> http://bellavitaphotos.com/blog/2008/08/village-of-baytowne-sandestin-engagement/feed/ 0 Destin Engagement Photography | Jennifer & David http://bellavitaphotos.com/blog/2008/07/destin-engagement-session-on-the-beach/ http://bellavitaphotos.com/blog/2008/07/destin-engagement-session-on-the-beach/#comments Mon, 28 Jul 2008 05:01:46 +0000 admin http://bellavitaphotos.wordpress.com/?p=96 Well after at least 3 or 4 (or 5 or 6) reschedules due to weather & rain & lightening & you name it (the weather here on the Emerald Coast is pretty unpredictable, especially in Destin, especially in the summer) – we FINALLY got out to get this engagement shoot! I was so glad too, because we had a lot of fun. David was a little camera shy (or at least he claimed to be, but turned out to be a ham for the camera). All in all, I think we had a blast & it really has me looking forward to the wedding coming up! Time is flying so fast, I’m fully expecting to wake up tomorrow & realize it’s fall already!  We met out at Okaloosa Island between Fort Walton Beach and Destin) and spent some time out on the beach, getting some great portraits before they get married in Destin in just a few short months.  I’m pretty excited to be their wedding photographer!

What I love about this couple is David is clearly smitten with Jennifer, and the cutest part of all is he was like a school boy jumping for joy every time he got to kiss her!

And finally, the sunset we waited so patiently for.   Our Destin beach sunsets are amazing.  After weekend after weekend after weekend of rain, rain, and more rain, it really was worth the wait & quite a beautiful ending…

Obviously the white sandy beaches of Destin is amazing, but it’s the colors of the sky on Destin’s beaches that are really wonderful & worth seeing.  I encourage everyone doing a beach portrait or engagement session to hang out just a little while to see these beautiful sunsets!

]]> http://bellavitaphotos.com/blog/2008/07/destin-engagement-session-on-the-beach/feed/ 0 Destin Wedding & Portrait Photographer | To be continued… http://bellavitaphotos.com/blog/2008/02/destin-engagement-pictures/ http://bellavitaphotos.com/blog/2008/02/destin-engagement-pictures/#comments Sun, 24 Feb 2008 04:30:58 +0000 admin http://bellavitaphotos.wordpress.com/2008/02/23/to-be-continued/


I love the way these look with them dressed in black.  The french quarter look & feel of Village of Baytowne Wharf really helps since just about anything goes!

We’ll be doing Part II of the engagement pictures just as soon as the weather warms up! Then we’ll be headed to the beautiful beaches of Destin or Grayton Beach and try out some really awesome beach pictures. I have no doubt that they’ll take another great set of pictures!

Stay tuned for more!

]]> http://bellavitaphotos.com/blog/2008/02/destin-engagement-pictures/feed/ 0 Destin Wedding & Portrait Photographer | Beautiful Day http://bellavitaphotos.com/blog/2008/02/beautiful-day-in-destin-at-village-of-baytowne/ http://bellavitaphotos.com/blog/2008/02/beautiful-day-in-destin-at-village-of-baytowne/#comments Sun, 24 Feb 2008 04:26:26 +0000 admin http://bellavitaphotos.wordpress.com/2008/02/23/beautiful-day/

We were so lucky to have such great weather out at Village of Baytowne for our engagement session.  We ended up spending nearly 2 hours the weather was so great!  We hit up the main parts of Village of Baytowne Wharf and then skipped over near the boat ramps where the Solaris is parked (a great wedding & reception venue), and spent some time at the park enjoying the nice weather & shooting these engagements.

Wow… do you see how beautiful it is out there! I love the colors! Of course, Jonathan was all about this picture!

]]> http://bellavitaphotos.com/blog/2008/02/beautiful-day-in-destin-at-village-of-baytowne/feed/ 0 Destin Wedding & Portrait Photographer | More at the Village http://bellavitaphotos.com/blog/2008/02/village-of-baytowne-wharf-engagement-session/ http://bellavitaphotos.com/blog/2008/02/village-of-baytowne-wharf-engagement-session/#comments Sun, 24 Feb 2008 04:25:24 +0000 admin http://bellavitaphotos.wordpress.com/2008/02/23/more-at-the-village/ As I mentioned before in my previous post, we had a great time out at Village of Baytowne Wharf with Ashley & Jonathan’s Engagement Pictures!  The Village of Baytowne was pretty empty that day, since this isn’t the busiest time of year, and all the tourists were gone for the winter.  Just across from the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, it’s a great location with a French Quarter feel!

I love the background of this picture. You can really tell they were having a good time – before you know it the wedding will be here!

After hitting the main area of Village of Baytowne, which is full of shops & restaraunts, we headed over to another area.  Few people realize that Village of Baytowne has more than shopping, dining, and accomodations.  They also have some great wedding & reception venues, and in general the place is a great location to visit!  It’s also home of the Solaris, where we’ve photographed several weddings & receptions!  In fact, it would also be an awesome & convenient place to honeymoon in Sandestin/Destin!  You’re conveniently located between Destin & all the awesome beaches of Grayton beach, Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach, and Seaside!

I LOVE this picture!

]]> http://bellavitaphotos.com/blog/2008/02/village-of-baytowne-wharf-engagement-session/feed/ 0 Destin Wedding & Portrait Photographer | Ashley & Jonathan Engagement Session http://bellavitaphotos.com/blog/2008/02/ashley-jonathan/ http://bellavitaphotos.com/blog/2008/02/ashley-jonathan/#comments Sun, 24 Feb 2008 04:24:20 +0000 admin http://bellavitaphotos.wordpress.com/2008/02/23/ashley-jonathan/ When Ashley & Jonathan announced they were getting married in Destin, I was ecstatic! I was even more excited when they told me they’d be happy to have me do their engagement pictures and they were open to any place along the Emerald Coast. They weren’t real sure they wanted them on the beach, so I decided to take them down to Village of Baytowne Wharf in Destin, Florida right across from the Hilton Sandestin Beach & Golf Resort. In fact, they’re technically also part of Sandestin & part of the Hilton Sandestin property. However, rather than being on the beach, it’s just north of the Beach, but with all the same Sandestin Hilton Charm! If you’re looking for a great place to get married, have a reception, or just go have some fun, great food & do a little shopping, Village of Baytown Wharf & Sandestin Hilton are a great spot! Village of Baytowne even has regular events for children & families! Luckily this time of year it wasn’t too crowded though, and it made for great engagement pictures!

Here’s just a tiny sneak peek!

]]> http://bellavitaphotos.com/blog/2008/02/ashley-jonathan/feed/ 0 Destin Wedding & Portrait Photographer | News Update! http://bellavitaphotos.com/blog/2008/02/destin-wedding-portrait-photographer-news/ http://bellavitaphotos.com/blog/2008/02/destin-wedding-portrait-photographer-news/#comments Sun, 24 Feb 2008 04:02:32 +0000 admin http://bellavitaphotos.wordpress.com/2008/02/23/flickr/ News flash! Bridal Show at the Mall! Sunday, February 24th – Belks?  Brides from all over the Emerald Coast come on out & check us out at the Santa Rosa Mall in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.  It’s a great way to get fresh ideas when planning your wedding especially if you’re planning a wedding right here along the Emerald Coast.

Santa Rosa Mall
300 Mary Esther Blvd., Suite 112
Mary Esther, FL 32569
850-244-2172

http://www.santarosamall.com

Whether you’re planning a wedding & live here locally, you’re in town on vacation visiting our beautiful white sandy beaches, or you’re planning a destination wedding somewhere else, come on out – we’ll be there with wedding albums, a wonderful array of wedding pictures to look over, and we’ll be discussing all of our wedding photography packages.  There will be a lot of other vendors as well, including a wonderful local bridal shop, Amore Bridal of Destin, FL., and DJ’s, cake designers, etc.

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