Breathless Imagery

We did it! Lee and I finally got married :)))))  On May 31, 2019, at Treaty Oak (Jessie Ball Dupont Park) in Jacksonville, FL.

First off, let me start by giving credit - No, I didn't photograph our wedding my amazing Friendor (friend and vendor) Michelle, at Divine Goddess Photography did. I have loved working with her over the last two years and she did a fantastic job for us!

We did, however, capture our own video... That will be coming soon :)

Erin at Artistry by Erin - she's a damn magician! She did both my makeup and hair, and Jordyn's (my new daughter) makeup too. By the way, Jordyn is totally addicted now. 

Jacksonville Flower Market designed my bouquet and our flower crowns to my specification. I couldn't have dreamed of better! The flowers came out so beautifully!

I bought my dress at David's Bridal, and colored it on my own with the help of Joann's Fabrics crafts. My shoes were purchased on Amazon, and glittered by yours truly. The belt was crafted by me as well. Most of my bridal jewelry was purchased on Wish, as were the feathers. The other decor was from the Dollar Tree (save that money!).

My rings were designed and purchased from Diamonds Direct (formerly Global Diamonds) and Lee's ring was purchased from Amazon (have you seen how massive that thing is?!?).

My best friend since middle school, Ariel, officiated our wedding. My other best friend, Lauren, stepped in as our coordinator - Thank you both soooooo much again! Love you!

Finally, Caron with Caron's Cakes created our wedding cupcakes and cutting cake. They were scrumptious and so pretty. Thank you!

Now, on to the good stuff. Fair warning- It's going to get sappy...

The story of us:

Lee and I met at Home Depot in January of 2014. I was going through a divorce and needed a second job and he was a mechanic in the Tool Rental department. He was super attractive, but I wasn't in the "dating" game. It was rough, but I wanted to have fun and focus on myself for the first time in my life. 

He says my smile caught his eye from across the store and it was decided for him then. I needed more time than that for sure. We started as friends for a few months. Late-night talks, enthusiastically realizing my dreams and who I was. Lee did so much for me before I even knew I needed it. 

Mid March brought on our "one day at a time" phase. I still didn't want a relationship, but I couldn't deny my feelings for him. Meanwhile, here I had already met his stepdad, Bill, another HD associate with an opening conversation about tequila. Then Lee snuck his mom, Barb, through my checkout line. And Jordyn, his daughter. And his friend Tony... He loved to ambush me :) 

By the end of May, it was inevitable. I conceded that I felt more than I could admit and neither of us wanted to date other people anymore. On May 31, 2014, Lee asked me to be his girlfriend at the beach. That was 5 years ago. By August, we moved in together.

October 18, 2017, Lee took me to a horse ranch to celebrate my 30th birthday and quitting my full-time job to be a full-time photographer. It was there that he proposed to me. Sunset on the back patio of the dining hall, surrounded by horses, he announced his love for me and asked me to share his forever. My answer was "Absolutely!!!". 

We spent the last two years growing, planning, and loving one another. On our year anniversary, we shared our own vows, with the cheers and support of the most important family and friends in our lives. It could not have been more perfect! 

Bill and Barb (mom and dad), thank you for everything you've done to make this day happen. Thank you for your support and for welcoming me into your amazing family. 

Jordyn, thank you for never making me feel like "stepmom". You are an amazing person, and I look forward to watching who you become!

Lee, thank you for loving me as only you can. Without you and your support, I wouldn't be who I am today. You believe in me. You are the best thing to happen to me! I  promise to spend the rest of my life loving you more.      

To everyone who made this day happen. We love you! And to everyone reads this and supports Lee and I, and our business - thank you too! 

Hugs!

Vanessa