Michelle and Jose met at church in 2019. When the pastor told everyone to turn around and say, "Hi" to the neighbor behind them, there was Jose who immediately cracked a joke when saying, "Hello" to Michelle. At the end of the service, they saw each other again outside in the parking lot. A few weeks go by and a good friend, Joe (the best man) and Michelle's friend decide to play matchmaker. Michelle and Jose met for coffee at Boston Coffee House and chatted till the shop closed, and then out into the parking lot. They exchanged numbers and two days later Jose called and they agreed to meet for dinner at Michelle's favorite seafood spot. After several times hanging out Michelle felt obligated to tell Jose that these were exactly that, "hangouts," NOT dates. 

Fast forward to December 2020 when mutual friends asked Michelle if she wanted to invite Jose to go see the Xmas lights with them. When Michelle called Jose he said he was interested in going, "Only if it could be our first date." Michelle happily said yes! On Michelle's birthday, at the Ginuwine Bistro, Jose asked Michelle to marry him. She said, "Yes!"

After the engagement they had their good friend take beautiful engagement photos outside a mansion, they were able to use these amazing photos on their wedding website. Later, once they booked me as a photographer, we went to Washington Oaks to do couples portraits before the wedding. These are always good to do with your wedding photographer, even if you've already had photos taken. One huge reason is that it gets you better acquainted with your photographer, who you are going to be spending a lot of time with on your wedding day. When you are going through the poses during the session, you will get a better sense of how your photographer directs, and what prompts they might use on your wedding day. This is great because on your wedding day you won't have as much time as you do on an engagement session, and already knowing what your photographer is directing you to do will save time and make the entire process go smoother. Plus you get sooo many more adorable photos together!

On their wedding day, Michelle chose to start our time at the first look and had her friend take the getting ready photos. This allowed more time for portraits. We did the first look at Stetson Campus and got special permission to take photos in front of the President's residence. Since the wedding was close to sunset and Michelle and Jose had a lot of family and friends that they wanted to take photos with, we did all the bridal party and couple's portraits before the wedding and then used the entire cocktail hour for portraits with family and friends. Their arrivals and exits were extra special since they came and left in vintage sports cars! Forget a limo, I'm loving these muscle cars!

When it came to the bouquet toss tradition, Michelle put a spin on it that I've never seen before. Instead of just throwing it to all the single ladies, she selected three single friends, brought them out to the dance floor and talked to each one of them, read a scripture, and then handed them each a bouquet that had a special charm on it. It was very personal and encouraging, and a great reminder that she will still be there for her single friends even though she is now taking on the title of wife. 

A huge shout out to all the amazing vendors we got to work with on Michelle and Jose's wedding day! Enjoy some of our favorite photos.

VENDORS:

Second photographer: Jenn Ross

Planner: Joe Hearn & Samantha Nemecek

Venue: The Center at Deltona

Hair: Iristza Sat

Makeup: Nicole Kaleel

Wedding Dress: District Bridal

Cake: Fancy Cake Studios by Leysa Candelaria