{Sarah + Daron} Pierre's Restaurant | Destination Wedding | Islamorada, Florida 2013

As I began creating this blog post, 'Kokomo' by the Beach Boys started playing from a Spotify summer playlist. Total coincidence.

"Off the Florida Keys...

that's where you want to go, 

to get away from it all. 

Bodies in the sand. 

Tropical drink melting in your hand. 

We'll be falling in love."

The Florida Keys...memories of this magical place came flooding back to me. I had never been to the Keys or even Florida, for that matter. One of my best friends of 20+ years decided for this to be the location of her destination wedding in late March. I would have been there to witness this momentous day...no matter what...but I was privileged enough to be invited to capture it too. Win win.

Many people ask me about shooting my friend's wedding. I've captured several of my closest friends big day....including Cora and Kal. I'm not gonna lie...it's difficult to be working and to also be a guest. And there is a certain pressure I feel shooting for my friends. But having said that, it's also incredibly rewarding and an amazing experience. I get to be behind the scenes and part of the entire story of the day (which would not be the case as a guest). I get to witness and capture every special moment throughout the day.

I cried behind my camera several times throughout the day. Sarah and Daron could not have been happier or more in love on their wedding day (as they should be...but it was just incredibly touching to see my girl Sarah so happy). My favorite Sarah quote of the day was "I scored the husband lottery." That pretty much sums it all! Daron was so enamored with Sarah from the moment he saw her for their first look. Their love could be felt!

We were incredibly lucky to get to shoot on an exclusive property across the street from the wedding venue, since the venue owned the property as well. It is known for being a celebrity destination and the only other people on the beach were a photo team from Better Home & Gardens magazine. It was a photographer's paradise!!! I got a total of two hours to shoot just Sarah & Daron. PURE MAGIC!

We started shooting at their hotel, Casa Morada, for getting ready and their first look and then headed to the property, The Moorings Village for the rest of their portraits.