We're Moving Blogs

It has been an amazing first year here at Stephanie A Smith Photography. Our business continues to grow and expand while we continue to meet amazing people and capture their most important memories. With growth comes change, and I am excited to announce we have found a new blog to call home. Blogger has been great but we recently decided to move over to Wordpress so that you can see many more full sized images and be able to share your thoughts much easier than before.

So check out the new Stephanie A Smith blog at http://stephanieasmithblog.com

First blog on the new post.....Ashlee and Luke. And just because I can't post a blog without pictures here is one from Ashlee and Luke that you will see on the new blog.

Kim and Tom Favorites

These were some other favorite photos from Kim and Toms wedding that I didn't make the cut in the earlier blog about them.....So. I figured why not create a totally new post dedicated to my runner up favorite pictures. The last one is my favorite that my second shooter, Valeriya Ritter took. Huge thank you to Val for helping me out that day.

What I Love About Kim and Tom ~ St. Petersburg Wedding Photographer

There are alot of things that I loved about Kim and Tom. For starters, I loved the fact that when Kim was finished getting her hair done at the salon, she jumped in my car and we drove together over to the hotel. I loved the fact that Kim's nieces were the cutest little supermodels/ flower girls that could strike a pose at a moments notice. I loved Tom's reaction when he saw Kim walking down the aisle. I loved all the family and friends that gathered, danced, went in the photo booth, and let their guard down for pictures. And I loved being a part of their wedding. Here are some of my favorites from Kim and Tom's wedding.

Rose and Neal ~ Tampa Wedding Photographer

Rose and Neal were one of those couples who just wanted to have fun, create fond memories, and enjoy the beautiful beach during their wedding. Being from Great Britain its not everyday they get to experience beach weather with West Coast sunsets. Their Holiday started over in Disney where they spent the first few days around Orlando. The next stop was the beautiful Don CeSar hotel where they spent another week. It was here that they were married. Rose wore a gorgeous coral colored dress and Neal matched her perfectly with a light linen suit and pink boutonniere. I had two favorite memories from this wedding. The first was Rose calling her mom immediately following the ceremony. Rose's parents couldn't attend the wedding however Rose was in constant contact with her mom who helped with every detail of the wedding. The other favorite memory was Neal's ball and chain. Rose purchased this toy while in Disney and thought it would make for a great photo opt. I must say, this was my first ball and chain photo opportunity. Neal was a great sport who played along well for the pictures. I was crippled with laughter by the end of the shoot. All in all it was a beautiful ceremony with many fond memories and new experiences that I hope Rose and Neal will carry with them forever.

Anthony & Michelle's Rehearsal ~ Tampa Wedding Photographer

Anthony and Michelle invited me to their wedding a few months ago. It felt a little weird accepting the invitation as a guest.

I am the girl who works behind the scenes at a wedding, not attends them. Then an even greater issue arose, what do I get them?

Sure they were registered at various stores but I wanted to do something a little different. It worked out perfectly when

they told me their photographer wasn't going to be able to shoot the rehearsal. I stepped right in and joined them with

their day before the wedding celebrations. The rehearsal itself took place at The Don CeSar. The dinner followed at an

awesome local joint called Cafe Luna. Fun times were had by all both days. Here is a sideshow of my favorite pictures from their rehearsal.

Nicole and Keith ~ Beach Wedding Photographer

I booked Nicole and Keith a long time ago. I thought it different that they were getting married on a Monday, but figured, hey, it gives me more time off on the weekend so why not? It was only when my friends started asking me what my plans were for the Labor Day weekend that I realized I was shooting Nicole and Keith's wedding. And what a wonderful Labor Day weekend it was, as the family and friends had a chance to enjoy a few days off together and then wrap it up with a beautiful wedding. I loved working with Nicole and Keith. They're one of those couples that loves to be photographed. Infact, they left their brunch plates half full so we could step back outside to capture some more moments of the two of them.I had a blast with both of them, and definitely learned alot about Nicole, especially her obsession with the color pink. What a happy day it was and what a happy life I am wishing for the two of them. Here are some of my favorites from their wedding.

Joe and Shelby Engagement Shoot ~ Clearwater Wedding Photographer

I had so much fun with Joe and Shelby on their recent engagement session. The two are getting married on October 11th at the beautiful Sand Pearl Resort. At first, I didn't even think we were going to do an engagement session. However, with some last minute cancellations I was able to meet the two love birds at John's Pass. We had a blast covering all of the boardwalk area and squeezed in just enough time to shoot over to the beach for some sunset shots. Joe and Shelby are so meant for each other and for the beach. I kept joking with Shelby that she reminds me of a mermaid with her bleach blonde hair, big blue eyes, and obsession with the ocean. I think we could've been siren sisters in a past life :) These are my favorite images captured from our shoot. I definitely tried to encompass that 60's California beach vibe with my processing. I had so much fun with a bunch of new actions and textures. LOVE photoshop and can't wait to do more with their wedding :)

Stacey and Soren ~ Saw Grass Lake Park

What a great adventure I had with Stacey and Soren on Saturday, September 5th. They planned on marrying underneath these huge oak trees

in Saw Grass Lake Park. However, the torrential down pour limited us with our outdoor locations. So we sat in the car for a little bit to see if the

afternoon rain storm would subside. It didn't, in fact it only got stronger. But with their laid back personalities it didn't matter where they

got married. They chose this beautiful little gazebo surrounded by the lake. Nan, from Ceremonies by Nan performed the ceremony. And as Nan

pronounced them husband and wife the rain came down harder than I have ever heard before. Perhaps as if to say congratulations to the newlyweds.

It wasn't long after that, that the sun burst through. I had such a blast with these two lovebirds and their family. Here is a sideshow of my favorite

images from their day.

Nelly and Mark ~ Tampa Palms Country Club

A big congratulations to Nelly and Mark Weldon. They married months earlier, however, on Saturday, August 29th, they gathered all their friends and family together to celebrate their union. The atmosphere was fun and light at the Tampa Palms Country Club. They had a steel drum serenading the guests during the cocktail hour followed by a full band at the reception. Whether you wanted to eat, drink, dance or gamble, there was something for everyone. I had a blast with Nelly and Mark, especially when catering coordinator, Jeannelle Rossano, told us we could take the golf cart around the Tampa Palms golf course for some sunset pictures. Here are some of my favorites from the nights adventures.

Dallas and Rob Engagement Session

As Dallas asked her boyfriend, Rob, if they could get up early to watch the sunrise, she had no idea that he would propose to her. And little did she know that as she was looking for seashells to decorate the sand castle, Rob would be giving her a shell filled with her future. As she took the clam shell and flipped it over to place it on the castle she realized the ring inside and Rob down on one knee.

I've known Dallas since she was little, so when my mom called me screaming that she was engaged I was overwhelmed with excitement. Down on vacation from Philadelphia, Rob, Dallas and the whole family were enjoying the sun, golfing, and beaches that Florida has to offer. I knew we also had to squeeze in an engagement session while they were still here. I met them in Clearwater and we went all over. I had such a blast with these two. They were so fun and willing to pose for a ton of pictures. Here are my favorite from the batch.

Jenny and Kenny Favorites

There were so many amazing images from this wedding I had a difficult time narrowing it down to two blogs worth of pictures. Sample album is in the works for this beautiful couple, but until then here are a few of my favorite pictures of Jenny and Kenny.

Jenny and Kenny ~ St. Pete Beach Wedding Photographer

They came to Florida to get away from their Northern world. They wanted a tropical island, destination style wedding. They had planned an outdoor ceremony surrounded by swaying palm trees and the sound of lapping water onto the sand. Unfortunately, the swaying palm trees were blowing a little too hard with the fast approaching storm. Ah yes, the joy of a tropical summer. Heat and sun all day followed by an afternoon shower. The indoor ceremony didn't bother Jen or Ken one bit as they never glanced out the window. For they only had eyes for each other. And as the new Mr. and Mrs. Adair took their first kiss and exited the room, the clouds opened and the sun broke through. The rest of the evening was marvelous, with stunning family and bridal party pictures. The sunset was on par as the couple walked hand in hand along the now subdued Gulf. Jenny and Kenny were such a beautiful couple who were amazing to work with. They deserved nothing but the best weather and deserve nothing but the best life together. Congratulations you two. Thanks for letting me be a part of your day!

Favorite Tabitha and Todd ~ Tampa Wedding Photographer

You may have seen these images in an earlier post on Tabitha and Todd but I don't think those tiny little collages did these photos justice. Here are my top three from Tabitha and Todd's wedding... And yes, the third one down we hung Tabitha's wedding gown over the balcony. I have been dying to do this with one of my brides. As soon as I met Tabitha I knew she would be up for it.

Tabitha and Todd ~ St. Petersburg Wedding Photographer

I loved Tabitha and her mom, Kim, from the moment I met them. The wedding was planned within weeks of the date. And as I sat down with them for the first time over a cup of coffee I realized that I would be seeing them sooner than later, as the wedding date was 17 days away.

Family, and closest of friends gathered outside the Don CeSar to witness Tabitha and Todd's wedding. It felt like a family reunion and wedding combined. Everyone stayed after the ceremony to pose for pictures and catch up with loved ones whom they hadn't seen in years. That is the beautiful thing about a wedding. It not only brings two lives together but in most cases, family members and long lost friends together. Finally the crowds dwindled and all that was left was Tabitha, Todd, and I. And boy did we have a blast. Tabitha brought her sass to the table and was willing to do anything in the pictures. And Todd, being the awesome sport he was, went along with all of the ideas. I really enjoyed this couple and their family. Tabitha and Todd, thank you so much for letting me into your lives, I really enjoyed being a part of your special day. Much Luck and Love in Your Future.