GO SEE PART 1: Their wedding in Tampa.

I knew three things: This wedding was going to be fun! We were in for a treat–the authentic Cuban dishes.  It was going to be done big and done well.

I was completely right.

Candi’s dad spent the year leading up the wedding building a gazebo for the wedding. It was magnificent. His home was one of the most beautiful wedding sites we’ve had the pleasure of photographing. He totally transformed his home into a banquet hall. And the family who pitched in should receive credit as well for their incredible work.

As you scroll, pay attention to the Cuban Limo, the bride who NEVER stops smiling, ever, halved oranges, the fabulous DIY-ness, and the incredible fun that was had.

About the oranges: You may remember their Jekyll Island engagement session from 2010. In the photos you’ll see quite a few halved oranges. There is an old Spanish saying regarding soul mates being “two halves of the same orange” – something so true of them. It was a key feature of their decorating. I’m even pretty proud of myself for the rings photo on the oranges.

Now on to the images!

GO SEE PART 2: Their day after session in Ybor City.

And to finish it off, here’s a photo of me, Candi, and her brother Scott. Man I love those people.

I did my first family portrait that involved a computer and the family 4000 miles away.

The wedding planner and officiant, Carla, of St Simons Elopements, also helped out with some finishing touches to Carly’s hair by adding some beautiful flowers from The Flower Basket.

And then out to the beach to get married!

The spot where Carly and Gyver chose to get married at Driftwood Beach was almost like a natural cathedral.

After photos on the beach, we headed to the historic district toward the majestic oak trees.

These are also on Facebook! 

The Wedding Professionals:

• Photography: Me!
• Coordinator/Officiant: St Simons Elopements
• Florist: The Flower Basket
• Lodging: Villas by the Sea
• Location: Jekyll Island

The wedding professionals:

• Photos: Us!
• Venue: Beachview Club Hotel
• Tent: Beachview Tent Rentals
• Caterer: Halyards
• Coordinator: St. Simons Elopements

Congrats to The Darkroom, another local studio, who we tied with in the portrait category.

Go pick up your copy around town to see the rest of the best!

Two things that caught my attention and my awe were her choice of a raw silk dress and his cotton bloom boutonniere. Because of the blooming season for cotton, Ryan had to pick the cotton months ago. Planning ahead really paid off. And when Megan’s dress was everything she wanted except for the single shoulder strap, she had one custom-made for it.

We love details like this. Look for more of their photos soon or at http://www.chrismoncusphoto.com/galleries/.

Anyway, more on the wedding itself!

After a sweet ceremony, the couple took a ride in a shrimp boat to the reception at Skipper’s Fish Camp. As we arrived (I rode with them) we could see the guests waving and clapping and the band, Second Chances, already rocking. After a bit of dancing we took a few minutes for sunset photos and finished up a super-fun night that included Maggie, her dad, and her brother all on stage singing with the band.

I could shoot a wedding like this every weekend!

See them all at http://pictage.com/1026922

Thanks to Eliot Van Otteren for assisting me.

One outstanding image that he shot at my request involved a pretty good hike up a block to the main road, down couple blocks to Highway 17, and then a pretty good walk to a bridge. Just to get one shot. But it’s a great one!

He made similar hikes several other times from different locations, and this one again at night. I have the best assistants and second shooters. Thanks, Eliot, for helping me give Maggie and Gray amazing wedding photos!

Wanna see the rest? Sign up to see them all.

See them all at http://www.chrismoncusphoto.com/galleries/

Their first look was so sweet. Don’t you just love the playfulness and sweetness of this moment?

And then out comes the inner supermodel. :)

Isn’t this car so rad?!

I couldn’t choose which I liked more for the ring shot… so I used both!

After a wonderful evening with their friends and family, we finished the day at the St. Simons Island pier village area with some fun sunset photos.

Below are some of our favorites but you can see them all in their photo gallery.

Vendors:

• Ceremony, Reception, Catering: Epworth by the Sea

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P.S.: If you’re interested, you can see their engagement sessions. Session 1 (cut short because of rain) & Session 2 (to finish what we didn’t get from session 1)

Inside Lovely Lane Chapel at Epworth by the Sea.

Neptune Park, St. Simons Island

We began our time with Shannon at her parents’ house in Brunswick to capture the moments with her family and friends. The ceremony was at St. WIlliams Catholic Church on St. Simons followed by a trolley ride for the wedding party and a 1930′s classic Cadillac car ride for the newlyweds. The reception was at the AW Jones Heritage Center at the Lighthouse.

See all of their photos on our site at http://pictage.com/956171.

Vendor Shout Outs:

• Flowers: The Vine
• Band: Spike at the Beach
• Catering, venue: Jekyll Island Club Hotel

Their wedding day began at Epworth by the Sea. It’s always great to photograph there. They were married in Lovely Lane Chapel – always a favorite place to photograph. Afterward we joined them for a fun reception at Sea Palms. The jazz band they had play was incredible.

Love these photos? We’d be your perfect St. Simons Island wedding photographer.

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Vendors Shout Outs:

• Wedding Venue – Epworth by the Sea
• Reception Venue/Catering/Cake – Sea Palms