Congratulations Doug and Katherine

There is just something about the simplicity of weddings like Doug and Katherine's that I love. Everyone was so laid-back and having a great time - it was a beautiful day.

Another reason I loved this wedding was the venue: the Florida Carriage Museum. Back in 2009 I photographed Travis and Cori's wedding at the same location. It turns out that Katherine is a friend of Cori's, and when she saw the pictures from that wedding, she said she knew she wanted me to shoot her wedding as well. Wow - what a compliment! But I think this is one of my favorite wedding venues ever.. it is just gorgeous. Open fields, flowers, horses.. it just doesn't get any better. Until you throw in a beautiful couple as well :)

I love how happy Katherine looks in this shot that my second shooter, Kaylee, grabbed.

After the ceremony Doug and Katherine were taken around the property in a horse-drawn carriage. The coordinator for the FCMR offered to take us in a golf cart to chase them down so we could get some pictures. Let's just say that flying across a field in a golf cart while 8 months pregnant and trying to take pictures at the same time is no easy feat! But it was well worth it!

After the reception, Katherine wanted to get some pictures IN A LAKE. Umm, can we say, amazing? I love my couples! :)

And here's the slideshow...

Thank you so much you two!

What Good Friday Means To Me

For the past year, I have been participating in a Bible study through an international organization called Bible Study Fellowship. Each year they focus on a particular book or group of books of the Bible, and this year we have been studying the book of Isaiah. I have learned a lot over the course of the year, but one thing has stood out more than any other, and it seems appropriate to share it on this Good Friday.

In Isaiah 6, the prophet Isaiah has a vision of heaven. He sees the Lord sitting on His throne, with angels all around - it is a clear look into the holiness and awesomeness of the God he served. The notes I was given on the passage point out that as a result of this vision, Isaiah was never the same. The road ahead of him was not an easy one, but this vision enabled him to continue on - after all, he had seen the Lord.

So the question that has to be asked is: "when have I seen the Lord in such a way that it carries me through?"

Instantly, I can see it in my head. The date was December 13, 2001. I was in the car on my way home from Jacksonville International Airport, and a beautiful sunset was spreading across the sky. In that moment, I saw the Lord. Not in physical form, but with every fiber of my being I knew He was there. What made that so important in that moment is that I was leaving the airport just hours after my dad's body had been discovered after his little plane had crashed while attempting to land at the airport.

In that moment, my faith was redefined.

No longer was it the faith of a child that has been raised in the church, hearing stories of how Jesus loved me.

Instead, that faith became a rock. Because what I say I believe has to be true. If it isn't, then I don't get to see my dad again.

Which brings me back to today. Good Friday. The day when Christians remember the crucifixion of Jesus. It was on this day that the perfect Son of God gave up His life for us.

So that we could have hope.

Thank you, Jesus.

Adam and Valdora are Engaged!

From the moment I first met Valdora, I couldn't wait to work with her. And when I met up with er and Adam for their engagement photos, I was not disappointed! Aside from being a gorgeous couple, I loved the thought that she had put into the session. It was her idea to start off at Da Kine Diegos, a local burrito restaurant. And for the beach photos, they even brought their beach cruisers. I was in heaven :) And I know that their wedding, which is coming up in a few months, is going to be incredible!

LOVE this one! :)

Riding the bikes on the beach proved to be a much harder task than we'd planned on. It was high tide, so there wasn't really any hard sand to ride on.. they gave it a valiant effort, though!

I love the simplicity of this one.

Ok, this is my favorite from the day! I love the light, the grass, the way her hair is blowing, the way they are looking at each other.. (insert happy sigh)...

This is a close second for my favorite shot from the day!

Does Valdora look like a model or what?!

We decided to try riding the bikes on the sidewalk, which was a little easier...

Well, almost :)

Thank you so much you two! I can't wait for June! :)

Charles and Logan: Photo Booth!

To say that I was really excited when Logan asked me about the possibility of setting up a photo booth at hers and Charles's wedding reception would be a huge understatement. It was actually something that I had thought about several times, but just had never had the opportunity to pursue. So when she mentioned that she wanted to do it, I jumped at the chance! I think the booth was a huge hit - every time I looked over, there were at least as many people at the booth as there was on the dance floor. I had another photographer, Rachel, taking most of the shots - though it was impossible for me to resist jumping in and taking some of my own. But it went perfectly - the guests really got into it, and seemed to enjoy playing with the props that we had available. If you are interested in having me do one at your event, shoot me an email at caroline@carolinenicolephotography.com for more info and pricing.

This next one was definitely my favorite. Hysterical!

Logan's grandparents joined the fun :)

Even their parents got in on the action! Here's Logan's mom and dad...

followed by Charles's.