Mayfly Photography

Mr. & Ms. Ward

2009-06-10T10:49:00.010-04:00

Stephanie & Chad wanted an engagement shoot that really captured their personalities. We gave ourselves plenty of time that day and drove around looking for interesting street art. The result was exactly what I had envisioned for them--edgy and bold with a whole lotta sweetness. Just like them.
After a quick wardrobe change, we headed to a park on Indian Creek and then the beach!

Bouquet in one hand, camera in the other!

2009-06-09T22:57:00.023-04:00

Stephanie and Chad were married at the charming Rusty Pelican waterfront restaurant in Key Biscayne Florida. Although I have photographed in this location many times, this wedding was near and dear to my heart.

Five years ago, I was married and so were five other ladies in my life. This year, this is the third friend's wedding I shoot and there are three more to come. What made Stephanie and Chad's wedding a bit different for me was that I was also a bridesmaid. Yup, the first time I've worked in a fancy dress and heels. Yikes! I was extremely lucky that my second shooter that day was my incredibly talented husband, George and we were also accompanied by our good friend and new to the biz wedding photographer Nestor Sanchez. I was able to relax and enjoy watching one of my best friends exchange vows with the love of her life.

Their ceremony took place in the late afternoon just outside the restaurant overlooking the bay and Miami's spectacular skyline.
The upstairs Pelican Room was decorated with native tropical flowers, candles, and white linens. Check out their Day of the Dead cake topper!
Their guests enjoyed cocktails, yummy food, and dancing with panoramic views of downtown Miami. Music was provided by the bride's cousin Javier Cadavid from Project X Media. It was a family affair!
The couple had their wedding guests sign the matt around one of the photos we shot during their engagement shoot. I'll post more from the shoot in my next blog entry!

The lovely Sheppard Estate

2009-05-19T21:20:00.018-04:00

I've been traveling since mid April and now have an enormous amount of photos to sift through from my trip out West. I will share them as soon as I get myself organized and pick out the best of the thousand photos I took of my son, Finn. Finn with waterfall, Finn with mountain, Finn in snow, Finn with big rock,...

Just before we left, we photographed Kristy and Jared's wedding in Fort Lauderdale. I never wrote a blog entry about it being that we left just a few days afterwards. It was really beautiful and I want to share a few of the images from their day with you.
Some of the ceremony at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.
Their party took place at the Sheppard Estate. Tucked away amongst palm trees, the historic home built in 1926 was the perfect venue for this couple and their guests as they danced (and danced, and danced) under white twinkly lights. Kristy named her tables after champagne bottles and gifted each guest a split with their place setting. I can honestly say that I have never seen that before. What a unique idea! The centerpieces were white cala lillies with tiny lights inside each one. As the sun was setting the tables all seemed to glow.

We had so much fun with the bridal party!

I actually met Kristy through one of her bridesmaids--Abby. Here she is with her stunning green eyes made even more spectacular by the pale green necklaces all the bridesmaids wore. Kristy wore her own little touch of green too.
Some of the newlyweds, of course.
Cute kids and the father-daughter dance. That gets me every time!
Congrats Mr. & Mrs. Lemole!

River Wedding

2009-04-03T23:40:00.013-04:00

Melissa and Bryan were married at The River House in Fort Lauderdale. The ceremony which was supposed to be held under a gazebo by the river, was moved at the last minute to the back of the restaurant. What is it that they say? "When life throws you lemons you make lemonade?" The city of Fort Lauderdale had accidentally double-booked the gazebo and Melissa was left with no ceremony site. The old world charm of the restaurant under a blue sky and tall oaks was perfectly romantic. Her extremely hard working sister and maid of honor worked some magic and the result was quite lovely....(take note future maids of honor).

Their tables were named after cities and had simple centerpieces and candy boxes for each guest.
Some of the couple hamming it up for the camera!

The happy couple and guests danced all night under a moonlit sky. Another beautiful South Florida night. Thanks to Steve and Diane for introducing us to Melissa and Bryan.

Gators in The Florida Keys

2009-03-19T22:13:00.014-04:00

Amy and Tyler celebrated they nuptials at the Key Largo Bay Resort Marriott with a blue sky and fantastic sunset as their backdrop. Seriously, this was one of the prettiest days we've had this year. Check out the heavens above...

Speaking of spectacular skies, Amy's parents surprised the couple with a fire works show during their cocktail hour. I spend that night at a relative's house out in Key Largo and upon our return that night, she told us about her evening with her glass of wine and the fireworks from her back porch. I just smiled and showed her these:
These die hard Florida Gator fans added subtle touches of their Alma mater to their wedding with silver cuff links and a blue and orange garter belt. Not so subtle touches came later at the party when the ENTIRE guest list rocked out to the UF fight song.
Shells framed the path down the aisle during the ceremony and adorned the tables at the party. Simple Cala lilies filled vases and each guest received a stack of chocolate chip cookies and measuring spoons with ingredients written on them: "a pinch of patience", "a heap of love", "a dash of kindness", and "a spoonful of laughter".
Amy and Tyler looked so happy and relaxed on their big day. Their friends and family were all so funny. Let's just say that these are the type of people that get married on an island and invite a guest who embroiders the name of the bride on the back of his Speedo bikini. I'll spare you those pictures and instead share these that are prettier.

Neo Vertika

2009-03-04T21:19:00.010-05:00

Michelle and Jeffrey were married in one of the most unique settings I've ever worked in. Located in the Miami River skyline, Neo Vertika is a vision of smooth concrete, glass and steel and has been called an urban masterpiece. The building's motto is "Dare to Dream Out Loud". Originally from South Florida, the couple now lives in Alabama and planned their entire wedding from long distance. Everything came together so beautifully--even the weather! The Miami night skyline looked spectacular and the full moon just put everything over the top.

Fisheating Creek

2009-02-24T21:20:00.007-05:00

It's been a while since I've posted any new pictures of my son Finn so I thought I'd share some images from a recent camping trip. Fisheating Creek is a beautiful private campground just west of Okeechobee Lake. We scored a fantastic spot by the Creek itself and spent Valentine's weekend with owls, alligators, raccoons, wood-peckers, and yes, even a rumbling pack of armadillos. Here was the view from behind our tents:

The foggy creek first thing in the morning. You know, when the only people that are up are the ones with bright-eyed 7 month olds.

A starry sky through Cypress trees...

My son who I discovered is very much a typical little boy. He loves being dirty.

Remember my friend Stacy who was so patiently awaiting that baby girl of hers? Well, Andelin Kingsley Foxhoven is now a three month old blond-haired blue-eyed future heart breaker. She was there too.

Asia meets old Florida meets Bohemia

2009-02-19T13:03:00.009-05:00

Rachel Franklin and John McKenzie were married at the lovely home of Rachel's parents on Key Biscayne. When Rachel first hired us over a year ago, we met at this house and I just couldn't wait for the day when I'd be let loose with my camera! Rachel's mom is an artist and works beautifully with tile mosaics. Almost every room in the house has views of gardens of green and fuchsia against blue tiles. When the big day finally arrived, the gardens and the house were decorated in a way that left every one awestruck. Trees were draped with orange and fuchsia paper lanterns, orange and red orchids adorned tables and bouquets, candlelit lanterns hung from trees, and perfect little orange kumquats filled bowls and accented the cake. Asia meets old Florida meets Bohemia. What a unique and perfect place to celebrate a marriage. Here are some images of the wedding details and bridal shoot we did at the Cape Florida Lighthouse just before the nuptials.

2009-01-18T20:54:00.007-05:00

Ok, so keeping up with a semi-regular journal and a 6 month old has proven to be more difficult than I thought. Last you heard, my good friends Tracy and Stacey were still pregnant and now they're both enjoying their healthy and beautiful baby girls (born just 2 days of each other). I'll post pictures of the little ones soon.

The holidays were--well, the holidays. Family, food, lots of presents for the new addition to our family, and very little time to stop and take in the end of another year and all the things we have to be thankful for. I truly love what I do and feel so grateful for the camera in my hand and the ability to document all these fleeting moments in the lives of my growing family.

In the midst of the holiday madness, I was invited to photograph the weddings of Kristina and Marc Plasencia and Melissa and Richard Wilt.

Kristina and Marc were married on November 14th at Plymouth Congregational Church and The Renaissance at the Gables. The ceremony was intimate and warm despite the grandness of the historic coral rock building it was held in. What a spectacular facade under the moonlight that night! My friend Tony Schreiber who was assisting me as my second photographer captured it beautifully. Their reception had no shortage of photo opts with some of the best and wildest dance moves I've seen!

Melissa and Richard celebrated their big day on December 13th at the Pelican Grand Beach Resort. I've seen a lot of beautiful wedding venues in the last few years but this is one of just a few that I would have loved to have celebrated my own wedding.

They exchanged vows on the rooftop of a lovely Key West style building with the ocean and some of the most dramatic clouds I've ever seen as their backdrop. The blustery weather prevented them from celebrating their nuptials on the sand but the rooftop wedding I think was just as beautiful. These childhood sweethearts had their friends and family fly out from all over the country to join them in Fort Lauderdale for a typically unpredictable outdoor South Florida wedding. What can we say? It's part of our charm! I can honestly say that George and I had a blast working with these folks.

Tracy and Stacey

2008-11-24T23:03:00.006-05:00

Two of my good friends and fellow Miami Maternity Center moms, Tracy and Stacey, are expecting baby girls (their firsts) and I couldn't be more thrilled! Stacey is a few days passed her due date but she's being a trooper about it. She was really laid back and relaxed during her photo shoot last week as I told her about my own son being born a WEEK passed my due date. Yikes! Here she is looking like Buddha on a mountain.

Tracy's due date is tomorrow and quite frankly, I'm probably more nervous than she is. One of my closest and dearest friends, she was in the room with me while I labored with my son Finn. Now it's my turn to be there for her and give her all the serenity and strength she gave me on my big day. I can't wait to meet what I hope will some day be my daughter-in-law since we've already arranged the marriage between our children. Here's Tracy in the glow of her magical backyard with her peacocks looking like something out of a fairytale.

Stay tuned for baby pictures of Belen Sanchez and Andelin Kingsley Foxhoven!

They Say Rain is Good Luck

2008-11-15T15:29:00.008-05:00

I often think that the first test of marriage is the actual wedding itself. No matter how well planned and how good the intentions are, no wedding goes off without a hitch. Shelly and Luis planned and coordinated this beautiful wedding at the Village of Wellington Community Center and transformed the hall there into something otherwordly. It was a sublime event that surprised me because I had never shot there before. I particularly enjoyed the dock/gazeebo where they were married, the colors Shelly chose for the reception, and all of the gorgeous kids that were running around that night.

Luis is also a firefighter and works with my husband at Firehouse 2. He is a sweet guy and as I said before he has passed the first test of marriage by helping so much with the flowers, the cake, and yes the discovery of their wedding photographer. They are truly a delightful couple.

George and I wish Luis and Shelly all the best.

Fall Photos

2008-11-04T20:39:00.004-05:00

Things are starting to get busy again, but I was able to find some time last week to take some photos of Finnegan at our neighborhood pumpkin patch and then a few days later at George's firehouse in his first halloween costume--yes he was a fire hydrant. Don't ask me how we came up with the idea, but I want to thank my mom for all of the hard work she put into designing and making it for my little man.

Nassau Nuptials

2008-10-22T22:09:00.008-04:00

So my life is really rough...pack my gear, a bathing suit, and flip flops, fly to the Bahamas on a Friday, shoot a beautiful wedding and fly back home on Sunday. I know, whoa is me. Yes, this job does have it's perks! I guess that's why I have a tough time finding a sympathetic ear when I tell people how hard I work.

Besides hanging out with some really wonderful people, I got to wake up to the sound of seagulls and steal drums in the distance. Even though I've shot many beach weddings, I never get tired of sunsets and the ocean as my back drop. For their intimate wedding, Janette and Demetrius reaped the benefits of the first Caribbean cool front of the year so the weather was awesome and the vibe was typical 'Island'.

I love that destination weddings allow me to get to know the bride, groom and their families a little better than I would if it were a single day event. At first glance, I'm very pleased with the photos. Here are just a few.

I'm Back

2008-10-14T16:42:00.020-04:00

After a two month hiatus working on my greatest project, I'm back with a new baby (my first) and a new website.

First, my baby: For those of you who didn't know, Finnegan Patrick May was born on July 18, 2008. He is a beautiful, big boy and according to my husband and our parents is the best looking baby ever (but I think they're just a bit partial). As for me, I can't say I've stopped shooting during the last few months only that I've turned my lens on my new favorite subject, baby Finn. He's also helped us break in a new camera and a few new lenses. Here are a few snaps for you to enjoy.

As for my website, all I can say is that I think it is more user friendly and over all I'm very happy with how it displays my work. With that said, it is still a work in progress and will be changing some more over the next few weeks and months. If you guys have any comments or criticisms please let me know.

Last Friday, I shot my first wedding AF (After Finn) and it was by all accounts a successful, beautiful day. Veronica and Chris celebrated their wedding at St. Hugh Catholic Church and had their reception at the Cocoplum Womens' Club. I've known Veronica since highschool and I was very happy to see so many familiar faces in the crowd. Veronica has always been a gentle soul and I was happy to see how her demeanor affected the whole wedding. It became very evident in the room while she was getting ready--normally a very hectic and nervous time was instead very emotional and warm. We should all be so lucky to have such wonderful friends surrounding us. As for Chris, I've only met him once before their big day, but he's got a smile that would make any photographer very happy. Here are a few photos from their day.

New blog. New site. New photos. New baby. Enjoy.

Jamie

Mayfly Photography