Wedding, Family, & Engagement Photography Blog

Arielle’s Elevate Love Branding Session

02.22.22

I recently visited Florida to photograph a wedding. While there, Arielle (a Florida resident) reached out to inquire about photographing a branding session for her while I was in town. She had started a podcast and was in need of photos to incorporate into her site and social media. I absolutely adore shooting branding sessions. But I was even more excited because I’ve worked with Arielle a few years ago and had blast, so I knew this one would be just as fun!

What is a Branding Session?

Your brand is the image your audience has of your business. So a branding session just helps portray the image that you want the public seeing.

There are many reasons to do a branding session:

It is a way to promote your product or service.
These sessions help others understand what you do or what you’re selling.
Want to find the right people who might or will love what you do or sell? Who want or need what it is that you’re offering? Well, branding sessions are a way to attract your ideal audience.
They are a way to make your business stand out from other businesses.
It’s a way to empower you as a business owner.
Represent who you are both professionally and personally.
Make your ideal clients fall in love with your authentic self and brand.

I know for myself, branding sessions are a way for my clients to connect with me. Without a connection, I cannot successfully photograph a person, family, couple, or furbaby. And they cannot feel 100% themselves and be comfortable throughout our time together. So I stay true to myself and post photos that represent who I am and what I do, and hope that they love me and my art!

Elevate Love

Now that we have discussed branding sessions, let’s get to Arielle!

Arielle is a confident, take-action, energetic, yet calm type of gal. She’s quick to connect with people and is truly empathetic. In short, she’s easy to love!

So it only makes sense that she would have a podcast about love.

As the description for her podcast says:

“Let’s dive into love! It’s time to take the wheel and start loving more, because loving more allows you to live more. Relationships … we all need them and want to have them; it’s what connects us in this world! Your host Arielle Leavitt features interviews with couples, singles, experts and talk about her own dating life. Together we will explore the ups and downs that all relationships have and how they are handled in a loving manner.”

So for her branding session, we wanted to represent Arielle and who she is. She is laid-back, welcoming, outgoing, relate-able, down-to-earth, chic, fun, playful, and just easy to talk to. By showing these traits in her photos, people see who she is, can relate to her, and makes it easier for her participants to open up and share their stories with her.

Plus, let’s be honest, it also makes you want to listen to her podcast! Who wants to listen to a boring, unrelate-able, and rude person? Not me!

Arielle in the comfort of her own home in her Elevate Love branding session.

So go ahead and head over the Arielle’s Elevate Love podcast – you don’t want to miss out!!!

And if you’re looking to do a branding session and want a consultation on how we can attract your ideal audience and best represent you and your brand, contact me! I’d love to help you!

Monique and Jay’s Riverside Hotel Wedding

02.15.22

This gorgeous Riverside hotel wedding in Florida was well worth the wait, after Covid-19 forced them to postpone their wedding three times. But the day finally came and was absolutely perfect!

Introduction

Once upon a time, I lived in South Florida. Having six furbabies meant I was often found at the vet’s office. This is where I met the beautiful Monique. She always greeted me at the front desk and helped take my rambunctious furbabies straight to the examination room.

After about year of casual conversation, it was brought up that Monique was a bride-to-be! And had yet to book a photographer. We exchanged information and social media handles, and that was that! This bride-to-be became a Sweet Memories bride and I couldn’t be more ecstatic!

Monique and Jay’s Love Story

This couple met online. After a few late night dates due to Monique’s job and long hours, the relationship bloomed.

One Christmas night, in downtown Delray Beach, Jay proposed. He knew this was Monique’s favorite holiday and a special time to finally pop the question. Without hesitation, she said “yes!” and they started planning their Riverside Hotel wedding.

Riverside Hotel Wedding

Inspired by Old Florida charm, the Riverside hotel is historical and stunning. It’s located in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale and only miles from the beach, with the most breathtaking city and river views.

You can see why Monique and Jay instantly fell in love with this venue. From its architecture and unique rooms to its views and location, it was the perfect spot for them to be married.

However, Covid-19 stepped in and ruined all of their wedding plans. This resulted in the two having to reschedule their wedding not once, not twice, but three times!

By the third time, they decided to proceed regardless of the Covid-19 status. And it was magical! Monique and Jay finally got to say their wedding vows and celebrate with their closest family and friends.

The Riverside Hotel in downtown Fort Lauderdale.

Monique getting ready before her Riverside Hotel wedding.

The bride had a custom robe for her big Riverside Hotel wedding.

The bride getting ready inside the Riverside Hotel.

The bride squad hard at work, steaming the dress and veil.

Riverside Hotel Wedding | Destination Photographer

The girls getting ready before the Riverside Hotel wedding.

The maid of honor putting on her dress with the help of her friend.

It's time for the bride to get dressed for her Riverside Hotel wedding.

The special moment of putting on her dress with her maid of honor.

Putting on her rose and gold wedding heels.

Meanwhile, the groom begins putting on his attire and all his little wedding details:

The groom getting ready for the Riverside hotel wedding.

First Looks

Jay and Monique chose to do first looks prior to their ceremony. Their reason for this was to knock out most of their family pictures prior to the ceremony, before we lost too much light. But it also helped because they really wanted to be a part of the cocktail hour with their family and friends.

Despite the Florida heat being relentless (even with it being October), their first looks were sweet and intimate.

We made sure to stay under the palm trees’ shade and enjoy the wind coming off of the river.

On the way to see Jay for the first time.

Bridal portraits during the Riverside Hotel wedding.

Jay looking quite handsome in his blue suit.

Monique and Jay during their first look | Riverside Hotel wedding.

Bride and groom portraits at the Riverside Hotel wedding.

The bride and groom wanted a mix of fun and playful photos and romantic and soulful photos

Family and Formal Portraits

Formal pictures at this Riverside Hotel Wedding.

Post-first looks and family pictures, the gang ran back inside. Water and A/C were necessary before heading out for the ceremony.

The wedding party and family cooling off after being out in the Florida heat.

The Long-Awaited “I Do’s”

Monique and Jay chose to have their ceremony in the round. Because the circle symbolizes eternity and oneness, it was a great option for their wedding day. They wanted their guests to feel close to one another, and to them as they said their vows.

Guests arriving at the Riverside Hotel wedding.

The wedding party walking down the aisle.

The couple in the middle of the circle, listening to the officiant speak of their love.

Jay reading his wedding vows to his bride.

Exchanging sweet wedding vows during their Riverside Hotel wedding.

Monique's moms videoing the whole wedding ceremony on their phone.

Their first kiss as husband and wife!

The bride and groom's first kiss as husband and wife.

After their first kiss, the Star Wars theme song popped on for the recessional. Such a fun and perfect little detail for this Star Wars-loving couple!

They chose to have bubbles to be incorporated as they walked down the aisle for the first time as husband and wife.

A group shot with all of their family and friends who made it to their wedding, despite Covid-19

Bubbles are always a good idea and fun to incorporate in a wedding, whether it’s for a ceremony recessional, couples’ portraits, and/or a grand send-off!

Bubbles are always a good idea for a wedding day!

Play Time!

Cocktail hour and the reception is always a great opportunity grab additional portraits of the couple, candid shots of the guests, and detail photos of all the personal touches the bride and groom incorporated in their big day.

Bridal shoes are rarely comfortable. So what did Monique do as soon as she joined cocktail hour? Well, change into comfortable (but still glamorous) shoes, of course!!!

Now that her feet were free, she was ready to dance on the rooftop of the Riverside hotel.

Riverside hotel wedding details and decor.

The Big Room reveal:

The happy couple were beyond thrilled with how their room turned out. Monique couldn’t stop raving about how they created the ballroom of her dreams!

With the Sailor Moon theme song playing, they are announced as husband and wife.

Announced as husband and wife into the reception room.

And they went straight into their first dance, surrounded by pink fog:

Reception:

Cake-Cutting

How beautiful is this cake? The baker and cake artist at the Riverside Hotel did such a gorgeous job bringing Monique’s vision to life!

Cake-cutting at the Riverside Hotel wedding.

Wedding Vendors

Wedding Coordinator: Loma with Riverside Hotel ♥ Hair and Makeup: Get Glammed Up Beauty Bar ♥ Wedding Venue: Riverside Hotel ♥ Officiant: Kimberly Abbott ♥ Wedding Photographer: (who else would it be?!) Sweet Memories Photography ♥ Caterer: Riverside Hotel ♥ Wedding Cake: Sabrina with Riverside Hotel ♥ Wedding DJ: Vision DJs ♥ Lighting Company: Vision DJs ♥ Florals: Art of Flowers

Texas Old Town Wedding: Sandra and Tina

02.08.22

Sandra and Tina’s Texas Old Town wedding was exactly what they pictured for their best day ever: rustic, intimate, loving, and personal.

The Proposal

Remember Sandra and Tina’s love story shared in their engagement session post? If not, click here to refresh your memory!

In that post, you read about how they met but you didn’t get a chance to hear about the proposal:

Sandra came home after a long day of work. At the front door, she found roses. As she entered the home, she found roses and rose petals strewn all over the floor. Following the roses, she was led to the bedroom where Tina was kneeling on the ground, ring in hand.

After sharing a few loving words, Sandra said “yes!”

Twenty-five years of knowing each other, always having such a strong connection, and ready to share their lives together forever, they were finally engaged!

Getting Ready

The time has finally come! The ladies got ready separately, Sandra in the bridal suite with all the ladies, and the ringbearer. Chaotic and sweet, the room was filled with nothing but love and excitement!

Texas Old Town Wedding and their bridal suite.

Lux Beauty working her magic at this Texas Old Town wedding

Sandra’s sister helped her get into her gorgeous Justin Alexander gown and shared a few moments, just the two of them, amidst the craziness.

Getting into her gown at this Texas Old Town wedding.

Meanwhile, in the other suite, Tina was quick to be dressed and ready. She was so excited and nervous. Luckily, she had her daughter and best friend in the room with her, where they shared lots of jokes, laughter, and good times!

Texas Old Town Wedding | Austin Photographer

First Look

First looks are great for a few reasons. One being that it can help with the wedding timeline and making sure all family and couple photos can be taken during the best time of day.

But more importantly, it helps alleviate some of the nervousness of seeing each other for the first time in front of all of their family and friends. This was definitely the case for Tina and Sandra.

The two of them shared this special moment, just minutes before walking down the aisle. And to say that they took each other’s breaths away is an understatement …

Sandra and Tina took each other's breaths away.

Pure love at this Texas Old Town wedding.

Heading off to say "i do" at Redbud at Texas Old Town.

They Do at Their Texas Old Town Wedding

It was a hot summer day. One of the hottest we’ve had in a while. The outdoor Redbud ceremony area was where they originally planned their ceremony. But, between the two ladies not wanting to be miserably sweaty, and in consideration of a few of their elderly guests, they chose to move it indoors.

The entire wedding party walks down the aisle.

Tina's reaction to seeing Sandra walk down the aisle was so sweet. She couldn't resist the tears.

Post-Ceremony Family Photos

Pure Love at its Finest

Texas Old Town Wedding Reception

With the rustic setting of Redbud and royal blue, light grey, and ivory decor, Sandra and Tina’s wedding was picture-perfect.

They really embraced the Texas outdoor life, bringing nature and the welcoming, country feel to their reception.

Decorations at this Texas Old Town wedding.

More decorations and details from this Texas Old Town wedding.

First Dance

Cheers to the Happy Couple

The love between these two is undeniable!

Let There Be Cake

These two love kids so much that they incorporated them into the cake-cutting tradition.

Party On!

Hinze’s BBQ catered the event, and they were absolutely delicious! They are located in Sealy, Texas and Sandra grew up eating their food. There was no question who they wanted to be a part of their wedding day! And they definitely didn’t disappoint!

Time to eat! Hinze's BBQ catered the event.

A sweet personalized gift was handed to the newlyweds:

The couple received a personal gift during their reception.

It’s the Little Moments

As the temperatures outside started to cool, it was time to let the couple share a few more intimate moments and capture more special photos of just them two.

On a wedding day, it’s easy to get wrapped up in the day, events, and guests. But it’s so important to remember that it’s about you and making sure you enjoy the little moments and some personal time together as well!

And now that it was no longer blistering hot, Sandra and Tina were comfortable and had such a good time being together outside.

I love how goofy they were together. Our entire session together was nothing but kisses (between the two of them!!), jokes, and laughter … a great variety of romantic and soulful and fun and flirty photos!

There was nothing but love between Sandra and Tina.

The couple wore boots ... a fun detail and must-have for any Texas wedding!

Golden hour always makes for gorgeous photos!

And the two are on their way to happily ever after ...

Congratulations, Sandra and Tina! And thank you so much for trusting me to capture your sweet love and best day ever!!! Cheers to all of your upcoming adventures through life together! ♥

Wedding Vendors

Bridal Boutique: Melange Bridal ♥ Wedding Dress Designer: Justin Alexander ♥ Hair and Makeup: Lux Beauty and Bridal ♥ Wedding Venue: Texas Old Town ♥ Wedding Photographer: (that’s me!) Sweet Memories Photography ♥ Caterer: Hinze’s Barbeque ♥ Wedding Cake: Cake Llama ♥ Florals: Texas Blooms ♥ DJ: DJ Case Music and Photobooth

Ellis and Ryan’s Dripping Springs Wedding

01.31.22

Despite one little hiccup requiring a last minute reschedule, this Dripping Springs wedding was perfect! With gorgeous weather, unique venues, and surrounded by their closest family and friends, Ellis and Ryan were married!

Ellis and Ryan

This easygoing, outdoorsy, lighthearted, and loving couple have known each other for quite some time. Ryan swam with Ellis’ brother at the University of Texas (UT). When Ellis transferred to UT her junior year, the two would often bump into each other around campus. By the end of the first semester, Ryan finally asked her out on a few dates. It was an instant connection.

The Proposal

Ryan took Ellis hiking at the Barton Creek Greenbelt. After hiking all the way to the top, they found themselves perfectly secluded. That’s when Ryan seized the opportunity and popped the question. Ellis said “yes!”

The Big Day!

The week of the wedding finally arrived… only to have to reschedule. A key player in the wedding tested positive for Covid-19 (we’re living in dark days, friends. All of the people and weddings this pandemic has affected …).

But when the new date came around, we were GREAT! Honestly, the last minute reschedule worked out in our favor. Their original wedding date was the hottest day of the year and would have been a scorcher. The new date? Well, absolutely amazing!

And with the professional and talented Mockingbird Lane Events, the day went on without a hitch! All started at Star Hill Ranch for the couple to say their wedding vows in an intimate wedding ceremony:

This Dripping Springs wedding started at the beautiful and unique Star Hill Ranch.

Getting ready are some of my favorite types of pictures to photographer.

The beautiful bride getting ready to say "I do" at her Dripping Springs wedding.

Like mother, like daughter. Getting ready at Star Hill Ranch on this beautiful Dripping Springs wedding day!

Bridal portraits | Dripping Springs wedding

The cute micro chapel at Star Hill Ranch.

Right before the indoor ceremony | Dripping Springs wedding

How cute is the micro chapel at Star Hill Ranch? Dripping Springs Wedding.

The last few moments before he officially becomes a husband!

The cutest flower girl and ring bearer | Dripping Springs wedding

On her way to become a wife at this Dripping Springs wedding.

Proud papa walking the bride down the aisle.

The couple didn't do a first look so Ryan's reaction when Ellis walked down the aisle was raw and real.

Dripping Springs Wedding | Austin Photographer

Saying their wedding vows and exchanging rings.

They are now pronounced husband and wife | Dripping Springs wedding

Ellis and Ryan's first kiss as husband and wife.

The married couple rang the bell at the Star Hill Ranch chapel and exited as husband and wife | Dripping Springs wedding

Formal family pictures | Dripping Springs Wedding

There are so many great spots to take photos at Star Hill Ranch!

What a beautiful Dripping Springs wedding!

Fun Fact: For all you Walking Dead fans, did you know that they filmed some of their episodes here at Star Hill Ranch?

So, they’ve said “I do” and taken their photos. Now, Ellis and Ryan are off on their trolley for a quick snack. The second portion of their day is to join their family and friends for a big party at Nine Banded Whiskey Distillery!

The trolley is such a cute and unique way to transport your wedding party and guests!

Wedding Reception

Their wedding ceremony may have been intimate, but the party is just getting started, with 10 times the amount of people!

Who wouldn't want the Cold Cookie company at their Dripping Springs wedding?

The trolley also makes for a good photo opp!

Ready to join their wedding reception | Dripping Springs Wedding

I like to mix in some more formal photos of the wedding guests.

Live bands always know how to get the party started!

In addition to Torchy’s providing dinner, Ellis and Ryan surprised their guests with treats throughout the night. Whataburger and the yummy Cold Cookie Company handed out delicious snacks to help refuel and keep the party going!

Late night snacks, flip flops, and a good band are the perfect recipe for the best wedding day!

And what’s a wedding without a wedding cake? I love the simplistic design of this elegant Hayley’s Cakes and Cookies cake, accompanied by the sweetest details: the original cake knife used by the Ellis’ grandparents on their wedding day and passed down throughout the family.

This wedding cake from Hayley Cakes was simple and delicious!

I absolutely love the iconic armadillo, Nine Banded Distillery‘s logo and brand, as the cake backdrop.

“A nod to the nine-banded armadillo, the name also pays tribute to the old Armadillo World Headquarters, where Texans of all stripes banded together in the ‘70s in the name of great music and good times. They’re proud to make whiskeys that continue the tradition of bringing folks together, here in Austin and beyond.”

Always give a kiss after cutting the cake.

All Good Things Must Come to an End

Although this may be true, the reception wasn’t about to end without a bang! Or more like without a lot of sparklers! And then a fun trolley ride back to their hotel.

Sparkler exits are always a fun way to leave your wedding!

The Wedding Team

Bridal Boutique: Fiancee Bridal Boutique ♥ Wedding Coordinator: Mockingbird Lane Events ♥ Hair and Makeup: Think Brink Beauty ♥ Wedding Ceremony Venue: Star Hill Ranch ♥ Wedding Reception Venue: Nine Banded Whiskey Distillery ♥ Wedding Photographer: (yours truly) Sweet Memories Photography ♥ Caterer: Torchy’s ♥ Late Night Caterer: Whataburger ♥ Specialty Food Truck: Cold Cookie Company ♥ Wedding Cake: Hayley’s Cakes ♥ Wedding Band: The Little Wedding Band ♥ Service Staff: Austin Occasions ♥ Lighting: ILIOS Productions ♥ Rentals: Marquee Event Rentals and The Fancy Flush ♥ Transportation: Carey of Austin

A Vintage Villas Elopement: Andrea and Jose

11.09.21

Romance bloomed for Andrea and Jose who met at their Miami job in 2019. And what better way to start their new life in Austin than by celebrating their love in an intimate ceremony at Vintage Villas?

Andrea and Jose

After meeting at their FBI job in Miami, these two quickly became friends. One thing lead to another, and they fell in love.

**Also, can I interrupt this story to point out that they moved from south Florida to Austin around the same time as I did and we just happened to find each other? If that’s not fate …

Okay, back to their love story … ***

Jose proposed at the Tower of Americas in San Antonio. “It was a huge surprise. We had a lovely dinner at Chart House. With my birthday only days away, he had me open a series of gifts enclosed in birthday wrapping paper. When I got to the ring box, he stood up and recited a heartfelt message. Then, he got to one knee, and asked me to marry him. It was beautiful!”

Vintage Villas

Andrea and Jose’s lives have lead them to Austin, Texas. And with this new start, they are ready to say “I do,” at the stunning Vintage Villas.

Located in Austin, Vintage Villas is “a full-service wedding venue offering outdoor ceremonies and indoor reception space with expansive views of Lake Travis, in-house catering, and a 44-room hotel.”

With their elopement being intimate, they opted to say their vows at the Arbor, with their lunch served in the Travis room. Both accompanied by the amazing views of Lake Travis.

The beautiful Vintage Villas in Austin, TX.

The groom and bride's mother walking down the aisle to the Arbor at Vintage Villas.

The flower girl and ring bearer walking down the aisle.

Jose getting a look at his bride for the first time on their wedding day.

Their Vintage Villas outdoor wedding ceremony.

Ready to take the next step in their relationship by saying, I do.

The vows brought tears to Andrea's eyes.

The views of Lake Travis from the Arbor at Vintage Villas.

Andrea had vows that she read to her step-children.

In addition to the vows they had for one another, Andrea had a special vow to always love and protect Jose’s (and now her) children. Her sweet vows had all of us tearing up, and brought such sweet smiles to the kids’ faces. They couldn’t be more excited that their dad is marrying Andrea and that she’s a part of their family now!