A little Halloween'ish Bridal Session

Since Halloween is just around the corner, I thought it might be cool to post a couple of
   my favorite images from a bridal session I did in Bay County and Walton County,  awhile back. After starting the session at Eden Gardens State Park, we headed back to Panama City Beach where Lindsey and I had both previously discussed shooting in this particular area of dead wood trees that we thought would make for some really interesting and unique images... I think we accomplished our goal rather nicely!  I love brides like Lindsey, who think outside of the box!   /-)

 

LOVE this bridal portrait!

   Krystin and Austin were married at the Emerald Grande in Destin in June. While combing through the hundreds and hundreds of great images from their wedding day, this particular bridal portrait of Krystin really jumps out from the rest of the images, she is just gorgeous here!   This was taken in the foyer of the Emerald Grande just before their wedding took place overlooking our beautiful beaches.  With Krystin's style and grace, the feel of the wedding day, it's intimate touches, the venue and decor, this portrait reminds me of images from the old Hollywood era with women like Greta Garbo and Grace Kelly.  What do you think?

I thought this was interesting...

A wedding photographer venting about how sooooo many wedding blogs only publish the weddings that have all those special details, that everyone wishes they could afford but many cannot. 
    http://mountainsidebride.com

A new favorite...

This lovely shot was created during a beach session after Jared and Amanda exchanged vows
   on our beautiful beaches here at Panama City Beach.  Some people opt to have a large wedding with all the extra details... and others are happy to have just the love of their life there... and that is exactly what these two lovebirds did.   ;-)

  

Miss Marissa

A few years ago I photographed a dear friend's girlfriend... she is from Hawaii and I LOVED some of the images I made of her.. today while editing the never ending pile of wedding photos, I was working on an image and took a few minutes to

work with a new texture I have had for awhile, but haven't had the time to explore it's potential. Well... I created this image of my friend's old love. I think this image is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G..!

 

 

Wyndham Bay Point Gallery

Last year I photographed several weddings at Bay Point, which used to be owned by the Marriott, but has since been acquired by Wyndham.  Here is a link to the gallery of images they have posted.. hope to work with them more in the future.  :+)

             MORE photos if you click on Bay Point's website link here below!!

   http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.376944868993528.86627.262267550461261&type=3

Lovely Email From Bride.. :+)

       I do tend to receive emails that really lift my spirits and make me feel
like I am doing something wonderful.  Coming from a world of photojournalism
  photographing weddings can feel quite different on whether or now you
are making a difference in the world.  With an email like this from a
  recent wedding I photographed... I can't help but to have a HUGE smile
on my face and feel... that I am really doing something important.  

"Sonja!

A HUGE  'Thank You!'  from Travis & I for capturing our wedding ceremony!

We just LOVED having you as our photographer!!
You made it into such a fun event! Even Travis (who hates pictures) said how surprised he was at how enjoyable the photography was!! ;)
You have such a great sense of humour, personality and ability to keep things relaxed while still being totally professional.

Your enthusiasm, creativity, your patience and willingness to incorporating concepts we had imagined too, that meant alot! 
Like when we took the time to capture a few photographs of my Grandma's earrings & the family wedding shots I had on the bouquet. It will mean so much to our families. :)

Thanks for everything, even going back to the email correspondence & the interest you put into our wedding. From the start you were 100% supportive & we felt from the get go we had found the right woman for the job!
I was so touched by your kindness when you sent along the email link to the "Lovebirds" wedding cake toppers out of the blue!
And for advising on a birdcage veil (Etsy, etc).
It meant alot to have someone offer these gestures when far from home, family & friends at such a time in ones life.

Sonja, you really went above & beyond! <3

You rock & we will be leaving you a stellar review on Wedding Wire in the coming weeks! :)
Also, if we know of anyone needing a photographer, we'll be passing along your name. :)

   Kat and Trav "

FAVORITE PHOTO OF THE DAY!

LaQuita and Diangelo were married recently at the Hilton in San Destin. Unfortunately sometimes it will rain on someone's wedding day and people are forced to have their wedding indoors.. as was the case here. But luckily, the rain cleared up and as usual, some of the most amazing and beautiful sunsets take place on stormy days... check out this GREAT image we were able to get!

Nick and Holly's Music Slide Show!

 

What a couple!!  Nick and Holly (I nickname her my Etsy bride) had a unique approach to their wedding, all the way around. They were married at the Turtle Beach Inn in Port St. Joe, Florida where they rented out the entire building so the friends and family could stay right on site..  and they were even able to have a bonfire on the beach to help create making their party favors... S'MORES!!!  

FAVORITE PHOTO OF THE DAY!

FAVORITE PHOTO OF THE DAY-- Lindsey and Daniel were married in January in Panama City, Florida and their reception was at the Panama City Country Club where we were able to create this great image overlooking the bay. I love the look and feel of this photo and the tree reminds me of a HUGE bonsai.. ;-)

  

FAVORITE PHOTO OF THE DAY!

 

FAVORITE PHOTO OF THE DAY-- Kristen and Jeremy were married on New Year's Eve in Santa Rosa Beach. As I was photographing some of the decorative details at their wedding, in particular some sprigs that were covered in glitter with tiny crystals on them... I saw Kristen in the distance and grabbed this rather unique image. I know it might be a little too "artsy" for some of you... but I love it!  ;-)

FAVORITE PHOTO OF THE DAY!

FAVORITE PHOTO OF THE DAY-- I like to call this one "Ladies in Waiting" Often times it's easy to capture a bride peeking out the window to see what is taking place outside... but Holly was joined by her mother, future mother-in-law and one of her brides maids during this photo, which I think that adds that extra dimension to the image. :+)

SUP'ing the Chain of Lakes near Ebro, Florida

My third time SUPing and THIS is what I was hoping for!!   These types of water ways and getting "out of my head" and Into the Moment of Life!.... without having to overly exert myself physically to the point of severe pain the next day.. lol      I've never been one for much physical exertion.   ;-)
   So... for my new friends who were there on the trip... this blog post is for you!!  And a BIG THANK YOU to Leslie Astin Kolovich of SUP Radio Show!

                                                See you on the water soon I hope!

Unloading....

Karen, exploring a rather ominous hollowed out tree

 

FAVORITE PHOTO OF THE DAY!

FAVORITE PHOTO OF THE DAY--  This picture was taken at Nick and Holly's wedding last fall in Port St. Joe.   Occasionally at beach weddings I will be attacked by humming birds, and so will anyone carrying flowers.  Normally I don't get a chance to capture the quick flying birds... but on this occasion it was overly interested in my flash and I was able to get a few shots.  I just think it's funny, even though it's not an artsy picture.

FAVORITE PHOTO OF THE DAY!

FAVORITE PHOTO OF THE DAY-- This is one of my all time most favorite photos that I took while backpacking through Nepal. I titled Doors of Perception years ago... and am reading the book for the first time now. /-)

FAVORITE PHOTO OF THE DAY!

FAVORITE PHOTO OF THE DAY-- This is a really cool image I took of my friend Omer for his high school senior session. He is a black belt in karate and he wanted some cool karate/action shots at the end of his session and we got this cool gem on the beach. Love it! I'm incorporating this into an advertising campaign that says "For high school portraits that kick butt!" Sonja Revells Photography ;-)

 

Today's FAVORITE PHOTO OF THE DAY

FAVORITE PHOTO OF THE DAY-- This sweet little girl wasn't keen on being photographed... in the beginning... but as is the case with most children... you just need to relate to them on their level and play and laugh and let them be themselves and not try to morph them into a statue that looks at the camera and smiles ( in my opinion) unfortunately many mother's seem to want those kinds of photos, but luckily not this mother, and I was able to grab this cute picture of her daughter.

 

FAVORITE PHOTOS OF THE DAY!

I was out of town for a few days so got a little behind on my favorite photos of the day posts... so here comes THREE of them with a little information to explain them.  :-)

   1st FAVORITE PHOTO OF THE DAY-- This was a whimsical photo taken during Jessica and Myles' engagement session in Watercolor Florida. We simulated a picnic and I thought it would be funny to have Jessica reading some wedding magazines... and typically the majority of men aren't too interested in the wedding planning process, so I thought it would be funny if Myles had a look of disinterest on his face while she was absorbed in the latest wedding trends.

 2nd FAVORITE PHOTO OF THE DAY-- Beth and Dan opted to marry in Vegas and avoid all the expense involved in a traditional wedding... however they were still interested in some cool photos of the two of them taken along our beautiful Gulf Coast... and I think they had the right idea!!

 

 3rd- FAVORITE PHOTO OF THE DAY-- This one has nothing to do with weddings.. but one of my favorite images I took a few years ago while in New Orleans. I was visiting there and wanted to photograph the cemeteries early in the morning with the heavy fog... but I missed my turn off the highway and lost my chance... so I went down by the river and saw this boat.. shortly after a man popped up and hopped on his dingy and came to shore.. like I said, this is one of my favorite images. :+)

 

FAVORITE PHOTO OF THE DAY!

FAVORITE PHOTO OF THE DAY--- I originally starting doing this on my business facebook page: Sonja Revells Photography , where my intention was to have one favorite photo from each wedding.. but I think that is going to be impossible simply because there are always soooo many great photos and they all have a story behind them, but I will continue on with one, FAVORITE PHOTO OF THE DAY for now, to keep things simple and just add future favorite photos even if they are from the same wedding-

    This was taken at Nick and Holly's wedding this past fall at the Turtle Beach Inn in Cape San Blas.  Occasionally instead of the traditional sand ceremony, people will do what we call a seashell throw at the end of the ceremony and each guest (who was provided with a seashell when arriving) heads down to the shore line and throws it back into the water. I LOVE people who think outside the box and what a cool photo!!

Great Site for Unique Wedding Bands and Jewelry!

 I stumbled across this site today... and LOVE it!!
Great wedding bands and engagement rings and just neat jewelry.
   Turtle Love Company

Modern Bridal Expo- February 19th

  If you will be in the Gulf Coast area and are planning your wedding here, please stop by the Modern Bridal Expo at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort on February 19th to see some of my latest work and products I offer in my wedding photography packages.  I look forward to seeing you there!!
Here is a link to the expo itself.  http://www.floridamodernbride.com/blog/2012/01/25/sonja-revells-photography/

Yay!!!

  I'm so happy to receive The Knot Best of Weddings 2012 Pick!  

Veil Fine Art Series

   It's not often that I have a bride that has a long veil for her beach wedding, so when I learned that Laura was going to have a long veil I was excited and wanted to play around a bit after the ceremony to see what kind of unique photos she and I could create.  At first Laura was a bit shy and maybe thought I was weird for telling her to basically wrap herself up in her veil and slowly turn around and move with it and out stretch her arms... but after a few twirls I think she got into it and I'm glad she did because I think these images are AMAZING!  Can you imagine one... or two... of them as a canvas piece?  I can! 

2011 FAVORITES

This little cutie had her eye on the wedding cake, and I had my eye on her.

 Reflecting back on 2011 and the many wonderful people I have met and the 30 weddings I have photographed, I felt like sharing some of my personal favorite images from each wedding.
 Often times a photographer's favorite will differ from a clients, so I'll offer a little insight as to why each of these images are special for me...  I've also decided to show wedding and trash the dress or day after sessions, and not bridals, engagements, and boudoir and commercial sessions simply because there are soooo many images overall.  :-)

For over a year I have wanted to get a shot with a bride and groom on a jet ski. Chris and Lori Gordon decided to spend their honeymoon here in Panama City Beach and were interested in some fun photos on the beach in their wedding attire... towards the end of their "dry" more formal photography session, Chris and his bride jumped on a jet ski and had a blast riding around St. Andrews State Park 

   Melanie is not quite the high heel wearing type of gal, so on her wedding day she sported a pair of her favorite converse high tops and danced the night away comfortably at The Boatyard,  in Panama City Beach.

Alyssa and Chris's wedding at the Brokaw-McDougall House in Tallahassee, Florida was a beautiful setting for a vintage inspired and fun wedding.  As Alyssa and her bridesmaids laughed it up Alyssa's father enjoyed a few minutes alone after most of the festivities had finished.

 Michelle and Christopher were married in Camilla, Georgia. With the majority of my weddings taking place at the beach, I was determined to capture an image with the two of them on a country dirt road... shortly after their ceremony, I got it.  :-)


What I like about this image is that it is not your average wedding cake photo. Heather and Chad's cake was kept in the wine cellar at The Owl Cafe, in Apalachicola Florida, which was a good idea since they umm... didn't cut the cake until almost midnight. ;-)

 I love this beautiful bridal portrait that was taken moments
 before Melanie and Jonathan were to wed
at The First Presbyterian Church, in Panama City, Florida.






    Aaron and Amanda were married at the Vue on 30a, in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. I couldn't help but be emotionally moved by the love this officer has for his lovely lady, which is apparent as they exchanged vows.




















  Brittany and Jonathan were married at Carillon Beach, in Panama City Beach, Florida.  With a variety of so many wonderful settings at this unique location, I was able to capture this romantic moment "before" Brittany and Jonathan walked down the aisle, or rather... walked down the beach to profess their love for each other and commit the rest of their lives to one another.

Jessica and Myles were married 

at Vue on 30a, in Santa Rosa Beach. 

 I absolutely love this image of Jessica

before the ceremony and this simply 

classic black and white image of her with 

Myles shortly after the ceremony.

 
  These two little ballerina flower girls from Amanda
and Kurt's wedding were quite interested in their flower
pails before leaving to Eglin Beach Park Okaloosa Island.

  MORE PHOTOS TO COME!