Chelsea + Chris
Chelsea and Chris got married on a perfect Florida "winter" day. Meaning it was in the 70's and sunny haha! While I personally would have loved cooler temps, we couldn't have asked for anything more - the day was pure perfection. It would be pretty hard to go wrong at the beautifully romantic, historic Powel Crosley Estate in Sarasota. The Crosley is truly one of the best wedding venues in southwest Florida. I say this every time I blog a wedding from this amazing venue, but I can't help myself. It's just one of my all time favorites. The photo possibilities are endless, and it's a great place to either keep wedding decor to a minimum and rely on the gorgeous vintage architecture, or to go all out and create a dreamy fairytale wedding. This couple chose an elegant winter color scheme of wine or burgundy with greenery and white roses.
But more than the venue, decor, or the weather, it was the couple who made this wedding so special. The bride, Chelsea, is one of the most caring, genuine, beautiful people I've ever met. And her new husband, Chris, isn't so bad himself. ;) As the lead photographer, I spent the first part of the day with Chelsea and her bridesmaids (who wore stunning wine colored dresses), and my heart was so full watching her excitement grow leading up to the ceremony. With tears in her eyes, she told me what an incredible man Chris is and how lucky she is to have him as a life partner. Chelsea and Chris didn't do a First Look, but they did a First Touch in one of the downstairs rooms at the Powel Crosley. It was the perfect intimate setting for them to grasp one another's hands around the corner of the old wooden doorway as their pastor prayed with them. Chris still hadn't seen Chelsea in her wedding dress when she came down the outside stairs to greet her father who was waiting at the bottom to walk her down the aisle. His face was full of pure love as he watched her make her way to him.
Cocktail hour, which was also our portrait time, was met with the most gorgeous golden hour light. We did photos by the large Banyan tree, and then as we made our way around the front of the mansion, the glowing sunlight engulfed the couple in rich tones of gold and hazy, dreamy goodness. Chelsea's long veil looked ethereal as she and Chris kissed in the glow of the sun. We eventually made it to the water for more photos, and then up to the balcony and the circular wooden ship room, where the bride sat in the window of the tower for some creative portraits. The reception was full of touching speeches, wild dancing, and one of the best bouquet tosses I've seen in a while (check out the fight for the bouquet and the victory photo below). I'm so incredibly fortunate to get to share these incredible moments with my couples and their families. I'm grateful to be trusted with these most precious of memories!
Venue: Powel Crosley Estate / Planner: Laura Snow - Sarasota Wedding Gallery / Catering: Milan Catering / Florals: Flowers by Fudgie / Hair & Makeup: Brides by Kelly Anne + Co / DJ: Gainigertainment / Video: Hatfield Productions / Photo: Tara Tomlinson Photography / Second Photographer: Michael Bartley
