And, despite crazy windy cold weather, the day was beautiful at the Emerald Grande overlooking the Harbor Walk and Jetties on Destin’s beautiful Emerald Coast!

So here is just a quick sneak peek of their wedding day.  Starting with Tara’s dress… I looooove love love this dress!  She calls it that fluffy-ness “cupcakes”, I call it whipped cream.  Whatever it is – I love how the top so perfectly contrasts & compliments the bottom (whipped cream) half!

And seriously – if you knew how brutal that wind & cold was in this alley way… you’d totally tell Tara that she was a trooper for this shot!  It was actually down in Harbor Walk, which sits just below the Emerald Grande overlooking the Harbor (hence… the conveniently named “Harbor Walk!”).   In fact, even with the wind, the weather was still so beautiful, the Harbor Walk below the Emerald Grande was absolutely packed with some sort of festival going on!  Which is actually part of the charm of the Emerald Grande, everything is at your fingertips & there is always something going on!

The ceremony took place on the balcony/back deck of the Emerald Grande, also overlooking the Harbor & Jetties of Destin.  The wind was even crazier on the deck during the ceremony than it was down in Harbor Walk, but the view of the Gulf was amazing!

One of the things I love most about weddings at the Emerald Grande is the absolutely beautiful ballroom.  We’ve had the pleasure of shooting several weddings here, and it’s always stunning.  Jackie & Brandy over at the Emerald Grande do a fabulous job of making sure everything goes off without a hitch!

A huge congratulations to Tara & Brandon   You guys are so awesome!

And of course the video

Tara & Brandon – Married! from Bella Vita Photography on Vimeo.

And of course, if you haven’t visited the Emerald Grande in Harbor Walk Village here in Destin, you really should!  Commander’s Palace has fabulous dining, the Emerald Grande has an amazing spa, and there are so many things surrounding the Grande that you could stay in the immediate area, never leave, and be a-ok!  The Camellia Grille is one of my favorite restaurants near the Emerald Grande.

In the meanwhile, check out the Emerald Grande for a weekend stay, or even your wedding & reception!

Emerald Grande
10 Harbor Blvd
Destin, FL 32541-7374
(850) 337-8100

]]> http://bellavitaphotos.com/blog/2009/11/emerald-grande-wedding-photographer/feed/ 3 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.

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!

No, thats not HERE, I googled to find this image, but it was pretty darn close!

Well, after a pretty gruesome lightning storm this past Saturday, I’m proud to announce I’m back & furiously playing catch up! I have tons of files I’ve been lugging around town begging friends, family, and anyone who will let me borrow their computer for a few hours to try to upload photos (all without a lot of success I might add). Luckily the chickens survived, and the stove managed to get repaired. I can’t say Cox Communications has really been much help, but ah well – I can’t have it all right?  So I’m back to editing sessions – newborn, maternity, weddings, and children galore, and catching up on all my pictures is a pretty daunting task!

So – let the upload games begin!!!!!!!!!

If you’ve been anxiously awaiting pictures – here they come!

Well, it’s nothing new, but I did want to blog about this wonderful organization called Celebrating Adoption.  Recently, I’ve been able to do quite a few childrens portrait sessions for Celebrating Adoption as an active member/photographer.  I have to say, I have absolutely loved doing every single session.  I love children and I hope to one day adopt (just gotta work on the whole Dave Ramsey plan & convincing my husband!), so it’s easy, but in addition, it’s not every day you get to witness such giving, caring, and loving.  Its truly a love that extends beyond all boundaries.  I absolutely love listening to their stories of their adoptions, and it is really really a blessing to be able to meet people with such huge hearts, and witness first hand them truly changing another persons life.  I am humbled more and more with every session I do… so much that it nearly brings me to tears.  Every story is so different, so intriguing, and I thank God every day that there are families who have so much love to give to these children who so desperately need it.  I can only hope that more people consider adoption to give a child a home and more importantly – a family.

Please pass the word along to anyone you know who might be interested – there are plenty of children in our area being adopted every day and a family portrait session, or a session of just the child, is an excellent way to celebrate the adoption & welcome them to the family!

So without further ado, here is “Handsome” himself!

Now who can resist this smile:

Here are those baby bunz:

And with just a tad more decency, and a tad less crack:

And I have to say – we should consider ourselves lucky to live on some of the most beautiful white beaches in the world right here in Destin, FL.  Nowhere else can you get such amazing beach portraits!

Ok, thats all for now, keep an eye out for this little looker!

Of course, we will offer the usual – bridal, engagement & wedding packages: photography packages can be tailored to include hair & makeup for the bride or the whole bridal party.  Get deluxe salon service in their spa or on location for your wedding!  Either way, Bella Vita Photography (yes, MOI!) will be along to document it every step of the way!

But, aside from those obvious wedding & bridal packages, we’ve got some other really cool stuff we’ll be doing.  Marty from Bella Day Spa & his awesome staff were able to help come up with some awesome ideas.

First and foremost: Maternity & “New Mom” packages.  At the end of a long (and usually HOT) pregnancy, come and indulge in a much deserved full day or half day spa treatment, the perfect way to pamper before in-studio Maternity 0r New Mom & Baby portraits!  I’m really excited – I know I spent many a countless hours getting pedicures & only WISH I’d have thought to splurge on a pampering spa package to prepare for my maternity pictures. Everyone talks about that “pregnancy glow” but this would put some REAL glow on any pregnant mamma & have her looking & feeling her best for once in a lifetime pictures.  These are some of my FAVORITE to do aside from newborn shots, so these are what I’m MOST excited about!

So – if you know a mom who is about to have a baby or just had a baby – I can guarantee you she deserves a day of pampering & its just a perfect perfect way to combine a relaxing day with some great pictures.  And because Bella Day Spa is letting me set up shop right there it doesn’t get any more convenient.  Of course, both locations are on or near the water, so were just two steps away from sunset beach pictures overlooking the water!

Finally, we’ll also be offering similar all-inclusive packages for prom, senior portraits, and even some sexy “Support The Troops” packages.  And of course, those super special holidays like Mothers Day we’ll offer some packages that are really awesome.  Some folks were comparing them to glamour shots, but these blow glamour shots out of the water!

So – thats my most recent big news!  I’m pretty excited & hopefully we’ll have the word really spreading around soon!