Lake House Wedding | South Florida Wedding Photographer

This wedding day was one of the most special ones I shot last year. Wayne and I have known the bride’s family since before we began dating! Makayla’s parents have been mentors and dear friends of ours for many years.

One of the most beautiful things about this wedding was witnessing a prayer come into fruition. About a decade ago, Wayne and I were youth leaders helping Makayla’s mom with a youth group trip. I met teenage Makayla that weekend. We spent hours talking about relationships and waiting on the Lord for them to unfold. It was so special to see that conversation come full circle as Wayne and I photographed the relationship the Lord was weaving behind the scenes for these two.

I spent the morning of the wedding with the girls as they got ready. The getting-ready space was full of giggles, music, and great excitement at what was to come. Makayla’s mom and sisters took center stage to all of her getting ready moments as they are truly best friends. It was so sweet to witness the little moments together and the love they had for each other.

A lot of brides continue to carry out a wedding tradition “Something old, new, borrowed and blue.” For her something borrowed, Makayla wore pearl locket earrings she borrowed from her grandmother. Inside the locket earrings were photographs of her dear grandfather and great-grandmother. That was the most precious and favorite piece of her bridal ensemble. In my opinion, the next most important piece was her second pair of shoes… her flats for the dance floor! A piece of advice for all ladies: get a pretty pair of flats for dancing. You won’t regret it. That’s something I wish I would have thought to bring on my wedding day.

Makayla and Brandon met each other in front of the venue for the most precious first look. They both were giddy with excitement to see each other. When Brandon turned around to see his girl, he immediately pulled her tightly into his arms and then pulled back to take in her beauty. He very audibly said, “You. look. SO. beautiful.” This is one of the reasons I recommend a first look moment to my couples. First looks provide the opportunity for you to have an intimate moment together where you can hold each other tightly and communicate your feelings and thoughts as they unfold.

This wedding day ended with back-to-back line dances, just the way their story started! These two met in the middle of a dance floor as he approached her and taught her all of the moves. The night came to a close with Makayla & Brandon teaching their guests their favorite line dances. Full circle moment. Such a full and beautiful day.