I’ve known Kim + Kyle for a few years now. They are also local wedding professionals based here in Gainesville (they own Heart Happy Films). What an honor when they asked me to shoot their 10-year vow renewal. It took place in late March and was my last event before Florida officially ordered residents to stay at home. With the world rapidly changing, unfortunately, vow renewal plans were following suit in the need to adapt. Over the course of a few weeks, Kim and I had a lot of hard conversations. Ultimately, it was decided that a smaller, more elopement styled vow renewal was the best for them. While it was far from what they originally planned, it was the most beautiful, moment-driven day.
Every moment of their renewal focused on reminiscing about their love story that began even years before they got married. Something that I loved was that they made space in the day to reflect on their relationship. Kim looked through a memory box from their dating years before slipping on her renewal dress. They each shared special moments with each child while getting ready, so that they could look back on THIS moment when the kids get married one day. For Kyle, he shared a sweet reveal with Eva after she got dressed. As I shot this moment, I couldn’t help but think of one day in the future when they might have a father/bride reveal when she’s getting married. While hair and makeup took place, the kiddos played with the original cake toppers as if they were dolls. So crazy to think that they are playing with pieces of decor that were from the day their family began! Every moment of this day was intentionally planned to celebrate the past, be grateful for the present, and look ahead towards the future.
Kim’s dress was a flowy pale blue dress from Wtoo by Watters – perfect for an elopement. It had a romantic flowy material and delicate off the shoulder sleeves. When Kim got married 10 years ago, she wore a stunning gown from Wtoo by Watters. She knew that when she began the search for a vow renewal dress she didn’t want to wear a white dress and she also knew she wanted to go with a similar style as her original gown. She found this beautiful dress on a re-sale site. The dress was her size and fit her perfectly. It was meant to be!
The florals for the day were designed by my favorite florist Jenna with Baug-haus. On my way to the beach, I met Jenna to pick up florals. She sent me on the road with florals, a diet coke, and my favorite snack (so very kind!). I love having vendor friends who are… friends. Jenna designed a bouquet that was BEAUTIFUL but also was a nod to Kim and Kyle’s wedding day story. When they wed 10 years ago, their wedding took place in mid-May. Jenna used bright summer blooms to pop with color. Those brightly colored poppies were the real MVP of this bouquet! Add in some – snapdragons, butterfly ranunculus, ranunculus, and hanging pink peppercorn and we had a jaw-dropping bouquet!! One thoughtful detail of Kim’s bouquet was the addition of little daisies Jenna added as filler flowers (Kim had daisies in her original wedding bouquet).
The beach was quiet and the sun was setting in the background as Kim + Kyle said their personal vows to each other. They reflected on the love they’ve shared for the past 10 years and what their marriage has brought them, as their kids played behind them in the sand. It was the perfect, most serene setting. What a moment to witness.
- I absolutely MELTED over the snuggles Kim and Eva had on the bed before getting into their dresses. Sweet quiet moments together, before they met up with the boys.
- The reveals with the kids were so cute! For Kyle, his moment was a bit more unplanned. Kyle was in the kitchen preparing things when Eva turns the corner, all dressed up in her princess dress. The actual reveal was supposed to happen later, but Evie walked out excitedly and surprised her dad. He got down to her level and just embraced her. I really love the shot where Tanner sees his mommy dressed up because you can peep Kim‘s reaction in the mirror.
- The vows were so emotional. At one point Kim was crying and Kyle was laughing because he KNEW she was going to cry. It is SO them. When they kissed at the end, they had a crowd of strangers cheering for them behind me.
- At one point, as the sun was going down during their portraits, Kim and Kyle sat on the sand to watch their kids play in the water. Kim has said that all her and Kyle had ever wanted from the beginning was a family together. Here they were, watching their next-generation play in front of them because of the vows they made.
Kim and Kyle, thank you so much for inviting us to document this renewal of your love! It was so special to be included in this moment of your life. Thank you for including me in such an intimate moment in your love story. Praying you both are blessed with many more years together!
Vendors who made this day extra special…Film Processing: The Find Lab | Florals: Baug-haus | Hair + Makeup: Femme Akoi | Video: Aqueous Films
add a comment
+ COMMENTS