Here is their breathtaking Virtual Album. It’s 21 mins. long but it is gorgeous!
And the great thing is I have it in mp4 format as well, so I’m so excited to get that to Rochelle & Massimo for their iphones. I love modern technology! Enjoy and leave us a comment below. We love hearing reactions from our couple’s friends and family.
Recently one of our grooms, who is a PiKappaAlpha, mentioned that planning a wedding was a lot like pledging a fraternity. At first I thought he’d totally lost it . But being a southern girl who grew up with college and Greek Life always being in the same sentence, I gave it a second thought.
[Rush Week] - engagement. You make the announcement to family and friends. There are the dinners and parties to celebrate. The feeling that the whirlwind is just beginning. But you’re so elated you jump in with both feet.
[Pledgeship] - planning. This is the time when you’re learning everything you can about weddings. Like those pledges who carry their manual or pledge book with them, memorizing all that they can between classes, the bride carries her binder with her everywhere. She is determined to know everything she can about themes, color ideas, gowns, photographers and somehow fit it all in between work, friends, family and fiance.
But fortunately, hopefully like the fraternities and sororities she has a…..
[Big Sister or Big Brother] - the planner. The one who listens to all these ideas, sorts through and helps the bride narrow her choices down. The one who answers questions, helps carry the stressful load when she feels overwhelmed with information and decisions. The shoulder to cry on when she feels she can’t make another decision or will even make it to the big day.
Now what about that unspoken, nasty word that no one on campus wants to hear? It’s dreaded but a definite part.
[Hazing] - what the guy feels during all those months of prep. Let’s face it, us women are into registering, the showers and pre-wedding parties. As our groom pointed out, all of that reminded him of hazing or going through a rite of passage before he could get to THE DAY.
And finally after all the planning, anticipation, excitement and tears, it’s arrived…..
[Initiation] - wedding day. The bride, just like that pledge, has hoped and dreamed of this day. The day where all eyes are on them and everyone is admiring their months of hard work and planning. She takes a deep breath, hugs her Big Sister or Brother and walks down the aisle. For the bride it’s satisfaction that she made it through months of planning and for most grooms, he’s lost in her; forgetting all the ‘hazing’ he endured because of his love for her. And just like those pledges, they’re both now members of a special organization called marriage.
Recently Rochelle’s & Massimo’s wedding was featured on the wedding resource blog Elizabeth Anne Designs . They highlighted a lot of the unique elements from the wedding and like us, fell in love with Gia, an inspiration for all globetrotting dogs.
If you’re planning a wedding or know someone who is, definitely bookmark their blog for lots of great ideas on everything from colors to themes to top vendors.
This past Saturday we had the priviledge of photographing their wedding on Siesta Key, FL. It was an intimate gathering of guests from Kansas City & Des Moines. Originally the ceremony was set for 6pm but after checking several weather bureaus they moved it to 4pm. Which ironically we were out on the beach with Emy & Ryan around 545pm when the downpour hit! Everything turned out beautifully and I can’t wait to see what she has planned for their reception in DesMoines later this month!
Emy & Ryan flew into Sarasota on Tuesday from Kansas City for their wedding tomorrow on Siesta Key. So on Wednesday the four of us met at St. Armands Circle for a few hours of fun & shoe shopping! They are a great couple. We all laughed and sweated A LOT but no one complained. Oh and aren’t they a gorgeous couple!?!?
[gallery]Well I’m finally getting up some pictures from their May 28th wedding. I had such a hard time choosing, first I narrowed to 200, then 150 and now it’s down to my “FAV 100″. Well 104 to be exact but who’s counting; they’re all so stunning, full of emotion, beauty, happiness, love, etc. You’ll see what I mean. It’s a lot of pictures & I hope you’ll scroll through them all.
This wedding couldn’t have come together so beautifully without some of the following people:
Nicole Kaney - a fantastic wedding coordinator http://www.nkproductions.net
Bjorn Labee & Elisa Puleo - event coordinators at the Westin Europa & Regina Hotel in Venice
Federico - Centrofiori florist
Bruno Lison - stylist at Carol's Beauty Salon
Giacomo Galletta - DJ
Wladi - Videographer
To Rochelle & Massimo, thank you for allowing us to be a part of your incredible event. Both of you have such kind, friendly hearts and it’s obvious you got them from your amazing parents! I don’t normally tear up at weddings but I have to admit there were times during the ceremony & reception I felt weepy. But there was so much laughter too and I hope these few images reflect all the joy, love, commitment and friendship you have with each other and your families. Enjoy!
I love how their invitation was in English & Italian.
The other love in Rochelle’s life is Gia.
How could you not love that little face!?!
Rochelle’s gorgeous handcrafted Venetian mask was stunning next to her bouquet.
Rochelle found a quiet moment between the stylist & makeup artist.
Rochelle’s equally beautiful sister & Maid of Honor, Camile.
Loved the groom’s custom tailored suit & Italian leather shoes.
Massimo & one of his Best Men, Christian.
Antonio, the other Best Man, helps Massimo make sure everything was perfect.
The very handsome groom.
And of course the very lovely & elegant bride.
Rochelle & Camile walk the old streets over to San Moise Church.
Rochelle & her father wait, lisenting to the organs play Ave Maria.
The emotions flowed as she and her dad shared a moment. The lace in her hand with the bouquet is the veil worn by Massimo’s mother. Oh, and who doesn’t love the Prada boutique in the background!?!?
Love how graceful she was getting into the gondola with her gown & Jimmy Choo’s.
Their parents were on the bridge above.
Hello Vanlentino!
The San Moise Church in the background.
The breathtaking Piazza San Marco and Basilica.
Cafe Florian, which is a historic cafe, 1720, has terrace seating with a band playing. When they spotted Rochelle & Massimo they began playing a love waltz just for them. So here’s to their unofficial first dance.
They were unaware of the tourists who stopped to take their picture and ask us who they were; curious if they were celebs in Italy.
I love, love, love this shot. Notice how unaware they are of the couples behind them. The one couple stopped to kiss while the other two women smile brightly. Guess every woman who sees a bride can’t help it. Somehow it reminds us of our wedding memories or the one to come.
Chasing the pigeons.
Massimo’s father with spectacular views of the Grand Canal & San Giorgio Maggiore.
Rochelle’s father, during a toast, spoken in English & Italian, surprised everyone by whistling the entire song of Ave Maria for the couple. A truly tender moment for everyone!
The guests dined with views of Chesa Di Santa Maria Della Salute.
For the official first dance, Rochelle & Massimo made a grand entrance but while they waited Rochelle couldn’t help peaking to see what was happening with the guests.
A sweet moment with Rochelle’s parents on the dance floor.
The first course from an incredible dinner. And yes, the groom planned the entire menu himself!
The grand wedding cake.
A sampling of the various desserts.
And of course the cake topper.
The dinner menu in English and Italian, of course.
It was 2am but Rochelle took a moment to hug and thank her Mom.
While Massimo enjoyed a glass of grappa with his Dad.
Here’s a peak into their beautiful beach wedding in Sarasota, FL. They were married at sunset on a private beach near St. Armand’s Circle & it was a perfect day. The heat and humidity took a break for the day & gave them a gorgeous sunset. Everyone really had a great time & we were thrilled they had asked us to photograph their wedding. We’re currently sitting in the Charlotte airport waiting for our next flight working on these BUT we wanted to get a couple up so everyone could see how beautiful they were! Have a great honeymoon you two & we’ll talk soon.
They’re wedding is in May so we got together and had so much fun! They are so energetic & up for anything!! We started out at a bowling alley & then headed to downtown Sarasota. And we have to say THANKS to Ofer Levy, owner of the boutique Phasion with Pashion. He and his staff were so cool to let us come in and get some playful shots inside. Enjoy!
And this is what happens when the client turns the camera on the pro:-0 
