Kristin & Chris are an absolutely adorable couple though, and it’s easy to see exactly why they are such a great match when they’re together.  Initially it seems like a classic case of opposites attract – Kristin is this totally girly, fashionable, organized and classy girl – and Chris is totally a man’s man, laid back & easy going, taking it one day at a time.  Kristin works an office job, Chris spends his days out on a boat getting dirty & catching fish.  But yet… they fit together so perfectly – like two little puzzle pieces.  They are so much fun to be around and I really really loved being a part of their big day.

They decided to get married at the Four Points Sheraton down on Okaloosa Island – just a hop & a skip from Destin’s Fishing Village where Chris works.  The Four Points Sheraton is like the little hidden gem of the Emerald Coast – it’s on the Island so it’s out of the way of most of the hustle & bustle of Destin, but still close enough to the heart of Fort Walton Beach.  It sits on the main road, but what you don’t see is that behind it is this gorgeous little garden area that leads down to the most beautiful white beaches and gorgeous emerald water.  You really get the best of both worlds with their green grass areas & gardens AND the beaches!  We tried to utilize every bit of it, too!

Also – there were so many little details of Kristin’s wedding – I couldn’t possibly post them all in this blog but I’ll highlight some of my favorites, including her absolutely awesome deep purple shoes!  I absolutely love the colored shoe trend, and the purple has by far been one of my favorites!  Very unique, very awesome and so very Kristin!  Purple shoes + Kristin + Chris = one very happy photographer and make for one awesomely cool wedding

These flowers were so gorgeous. The colors go together so well, and are my favorite color combination for this fall!

Now, here’s where I have to brag on Chris a little bit.  I love this man.  I really do!  This man, are you ready for this ladies… made all the men’s boutonnieres himself!  HOLY CRAP!  Now, how many men do you know that can or will do this?!  That is some serious L-O-V-E!  I gotta give him some props – it is well deserved.  He not only made them, but made AWESOME ones, and did a helluva job!  Now, I will have to say – this far exceeded my expectations, and I do not think it is in any way reasonable to expect most men to be able to do this.  Which makes Chris that much more awesome   Yay for Chris!  I love that he totally got the colors down pat (yes, he coordinated that himself), and that they represent him so amazingly being that he is a fisherman.  (By the way – the purple is also partly a way of incorporating their love for LSU, that’s right – he’s a good ole’ southern boy!).  A *crafty*, thoughtful, manly man.Ok… that’s taking it a bit too far… I’ll stop now   You’re welcome, Chris!  Oh, and can I just also throw in here that Kristin got TWO rings on her wedding day?  How freaking awesome is THAT?!  (Hubby – are you reading this?!)

And in case you didn’t get a chance to see what absolutely AMAZING blue eyes Kristin has from their engagement pictures… check it out here.  We had some awesome weather, and something about being on the beach really makes her eyes pop:

And this is the best… at the last few moments of sunset, when everyone is waiting & it’s finally just them… and they relax & fall into their own little world for a few moments…

So if you’re considering visiting the area, or checking out wedding venues, don’t let this one slip past!

Four Points by Sheraton – Destin/Fort Walton Beach (located on Okaloosa Island)
Highway 98 East
1325 Miracle Strip Parkway, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
(850) 243-8116

And here to finish it off is the video…

Kristin + Chris – Married! Four Points by Sheraton from Bella Vita Photography on Vimeo.

So let’s get on with the story, shall we?!

Justine & Mark had their Destination Wedding at Waterscapes – I’ve passed by it a million times but I had no idea they had such a big property back there… it made for beautiful pictures!

And my favorite flowers in the whole world… orchids!

Haha, I sure hope these were Mark’s boots and not just some buddy’s!  Either way they were super cool!!!

This shows the gorgeous color of the bridesmaids dresses, next to her flowers which were of major importance to Justine… and it just so happens that this is Justine’s little sister, who might I add was also the life of the party! HAHAHA

And that first look… nothing else compares…

That night, as the sun set, the sky was absolutely amazing.   This shot is actually AFTER sunset… showing the deep blues of the sky and also the awesome cake:

And I love this… here is Sam – he was the minister but he’s also a DJ!

A huge thank you & Congratulations to Justine & Mark – you guys were so awesome & your friends & family were a blast!  It was a great relaxing laid back wedding!  We even broke out onto the dance floor for just a few minutes before tackling the little obstacle course on the lower pool (which we jumped into as well).  Rumor has it everyone else dove into the pool after we left!  We’re so bummed we missed it!  We tried getting folks to jump in before we left, but no luck!! Ah well!!!

Congrats, and heres the slideshow!

Justine + Mark – Married! from Bella Vita Photography on Vimeo.

By the way, if you are looking for an awesome beach resort, or location for a beach wedding & reception, Waterscapes is one of our little known secret gems on the coast here in Destin.  It’s actually on Okaloosa Island, between Fort Walton Beach & Destin, and you would never ever realize from the street that Waterscapes has SO MUCH back there!  The property is absolutely beautiful, the beaches are gorgeous, and the pools are fun for anyone with a family, or coming on their own for a relaxing weekend!

Check them out:

Waterscape by Resort Quest