So, fate definitely had a hand in me photographing Brooke and Josh’s New Smyrna Beach wedding. These two are actually an hour and a half away from me, so I hadn’t shown up on their radar. Guess who recommended me to them? The person they bought their wedding rings from! I’ve known Iris for years and she’s always shown so much love for my work. When they were looking at diamond sets she’s all like, “So, do you have a wedding photographer yet? No? Do I have the gal for you!” And she immediately proceeded to make them follow me on Instagram! I immediately connected with Brooke and Josh, and I had so much fun being their wedding photographer! Thank you SO much Iris at House of Gold and Diamonds. Go see her if you need ANY type of jewelry 🙂

It’s always fun to find out how my clients met. These two met in a bar, where Josh walked up to Brooke and announced, “You’re gonna be my next girlfriend.” Seriously! Hey, pick up lines matter people! HA!

They booked their wedding at Events At The Grand Ol’ Barn. It was my first time shooting a wedding there and it was absolutely beautiful! I Love when I discover amazing new locations like this.

One of the things that made this New Smyrna Beach wedding extra fun was that it was full of surprises! (For the bride and groom–I actually had a heads up!)

Surprise No. 1: Brooke and Josh’s first song was by an artist named Justin Lee and Brooke really wanted Justin there to sing live. But when she contacted him he said he was already booked. Little did she know that the booking had been made by her mom (Laura) as a special surprise for their reception! Laura called to let me know and I was all about it! I suggested that the DJ starts playing the song and then the song starts messing up. Hmm, what could be wrong? And then Justin walks in like, “I think I can help you out with that.” It turned out amazing! Brooke and Josh were caught completely off guard and Justin totally killed it!

Surprise No 2: When we were shooting the couples portraits, Josh presented Brooke with a bonus diamond wedding band he had purchased from Iris as a special surprise wedding gift. It was such a sweet moment! I guess Brooke is a bit of a detective and it’s super hard to surprise her, so Josh was pretty proud of himself for pulling it off!

The reception was the bomb. Everyone was partying so had that they decided to extend it an extra hour. I don’t think the dance floor stopped. DJ Madd Vybez killed it.

It was such a blast photographing this surprise-filled New Smyrna Beach wedding! Thanks, Iris, for putting us in touch with each other! And thank you, Brooke and Josh, for choosing me to be your Florida wedding photographer! I’m so happy for you both and I’m SO glad you’re stuck with me for LIFE!