February 10, 2016

K & P, Lori Wilson Park, Cocoa Beach, FL

February 10, 2016

Joy....absolute pure joy. These are the only words I can use to describe Kathryn & Paul's Cocoa Beach elopement ceremony. From Kathryn's first email on the morning of their marriage telling me today was already a great day to Paul's unstoppable smile before, during, and after the vows, I could tell these two had found their forever in each other and couldn't wait to get on with it.

The rain moved out minutes before Kathryn & Paul's elopement ceremony at Lori Wilson Park in Cocoa Beach.

carmela blackwell photography lori wilson park

Love this handmade bouquet incorporating all their friends and family from back home in New York!

carmela blackwell photogrtaphy lori wilson park

Mom and Grandma as their witnesses. Beautiful ladies.

When I asked about how the proposal happened I got this wonderfully eloquent answer :                                    Paul: It’s interesting -- the tim… — When I asked about how the proposal happened I got this wonderfully eloquent answer :
Paul: It’s interesting -- the time was just right. It wasn’t something planned around a grand vacation or set up with a surprise band playing or written with a plane in the sky. It was something that felt right, and it was time. No one agrees exactly when ‘the time’ is. But when you feel it, you can’t pretend it’s not there. We were on the couch, enjoying each other’s company, and I told her that I loved her. And somewhere in next several sentences, I (almost automatically) said “Let’s get married. Do you want to be married? Will you marry me?” It was really almost conversational, but there were tears of joy and lots of happy hugging and “I love you”s.

Those smiles......did I mention joy earlier?

Kathryn & Paul- Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your incredible day. Wishing you so very much joy & happiness on your walk through life together. All the best- CBlackwell

February 3, 2016

Carmela Blackwell

Couples, wedding

R & F Tampa, FL

February 3, 2016

Carmela Blackwell

Couples, wedding

I first met Rosaleen five months ago via a phone call from Kansas where she and her fiancee are attending school. She and Frank were planning a long distance wedding here in Tampa at the incredibly stately St. Paul Catholic Church followed by a red and gold holiday inspired reception at the gracious Spartan Manor in New Port Richey.

Rosaleen and Frank met at the University of Kansas and knew within a short few months they belonged together. And so began the wedding planning in Tampa. They managed to juggle going to school and planning a flawless,family centered event full of laughter, good wishes, and killer dance moves. It was such a joy to be chosen to document the day!

St. Paul Catholic Church in Tampa. Simply stunning!

Rosaleen entering the sanctuary at St. Paul catholic Church.

This image is one of my favorites that I've ever captured. Love that I caught them in a quiet moment waiting to sign their marriage certificate. You can see their friends and family in the reflection trying to figure out where they are.

Rosaleen built a window of an hour into the day's timeline for couple formal portraits at the University of Tampa. Such a great, great idea!

So much joy and happiness. Another one of my favorites!

The University of Tampa side of the Hillsborough River...gorgeous sunset colors!

Spartan Manor in New Port Richey was still adorned with twinkling lights and Christmas colors for the newlyweds reception.

The hats and props from the photo booth provided by Josh & Christy Brown of www.mlprodjs.com were a huge success!

Killer dance moves powered by the music of Josh and Christy Brown from www.mlprodjs.com

Dear Mr. & Mrs. Cabano- Thank you so much for the faith you placed in me to capture such an important ocassion! Wishing you so much joy & happiness on your beautiful walk through life together. God bless!With Regards- C Blackwell — Dear Mr. & Mrs. Cabano- Thank you so much for the faith you placed in me to capture such an important ocassion! Wishing you so much joy & happiness on your beautiful walk through life together. God bless!
With Regards- C Blackwell

November 28, 2015

Carmela Blackwell

engagement, Couples, Florida Southern College, Lakeland, wedding

D & J Florida Southern College Landing, Lakeland, FL

November 28, 2015

Carmela Blackwell

engagement, Couples, Florida Southern College, Lakeland, wedding

After several months of emailing back and forth, I finally had the pleasure of meeting Desiree & Jon on a gorgeous Saturday afternoon at the Florida Southern College Landing here in Lakeland. Desiree had requested old books, an old blanket, and a family photo of everybody (including the family pets) in matching Christmas sweaters for their engagement session. Yes, yes, and even more yes to all of the above. So loved trying to make their requests a reality!

It turns out, this is one of Jon's favorite Harry Potter books...we almost lost him to the book there for a few minutes. :)

This was entirely Desiree's idea and it turned out beautifully!

And then at the very end, this total bit of awesomeness happened....

Desiree & Jon- I cannot wait to be a part of your celebration in June! Thank you so much for choosing me to capture the memories of your special day! As a thank you, if we can get 18 comments on this blog post (there's that number 8 for you!), I will add an extra hour of photography on to your wedding day.

With Regards- CBlackwell

November 13, 2015

Carmela Blackwell

wedding, Couples

C & J Lakeland, FL

November 13, 2015

Carmela Blackwell

wedding, Couples

These two....where do I start? Have you ever heard that phrase "those two wild and crazy kids?" That explains Carrie & Jordan in all their wonderful, happy, include-everybody, always making somebody smile way, pretty much exactly. Their wedding was built with the love of family and friends. Everything from the big potluck dinner to a special dance for one of their ring bearers at the reception was designed to highlight community and togetherness. Even the list of photos Carrie wanted to capture was a testament to those around the couple and how much they were loved. Thank you allowing me to be apart of your beautiful, music and laughter filled day!

Let's start this off right here with Carrie & Jordan's first look...one of my favorite times of the whole day. Carrie, you looked so amazing walking towards Jordan that he couldn't take his eyes off you....love.

Family & Bridal party formals next...no shoes...adored it!

One of my favorites from the day. A moment of prayer before the ceremony with the pastor.

Incorporating both sets of parents in the giving away of the bride....

Yes, yes that is Jordan trying to sneak an extra kiss.

Carrie and her bridesmaids and friends spent many hours designing little special touches for the wedding. Loved all the sweet signs.

Carrie & Jordan- may your road be filled with all the family and laughter that the two of you hold so dear. Wishing you much joy & happiness on your walk through life together-

CBlackwell

September 10, 2015

Carmela Blackwell

Couples, engagement, Lakeland

C & J Lake Mirror Promenade Lakeland, FL

September 10, 2015

Carmela Blackwell

Couples, engagement, Lakeland

I met Carrie & Jordan in between rainstorms at Lake Mirror Promenade this past Saturday. These two made me laugh before I even fired off the first shot. They made me laugh in that comfortable, known-somebody-for-a-long-time kind of way. It was just about enough laughter to chase away the rainy day.

In one of Carrie's first messages to me, she said she was happiest in her Jordan's arms. That soon proved true. She was never very far from those arms and the happy smile was never very far from her face during our time together.

Love Carrie's smile...one of my favorite photos from the set.

And right after all the rain that ended our session, came the rainbow.  Carrie & Jordan- thank you for the pleasure of meeting you. I can't wait to photograph your wedding and be surrounded by all that wonderful laughter again.  Until … — And right after all the rain that ended our session, came the rainbow.

Carrie & Jordan- thank you for the pleasure of meeting you. I can't wait to photograph your wedding and be surrounded by all that wonderful laughter again. Until October- CBlackwell

August 20, 2015

Carmela Blackwell

Couples, family, wedding

L & B Oak-K Farm Lakeland, FL

August 20, 2015

Carmela Blackwell

Couples, family, wedding

Last year, after dating several months, Bob planned to ask Lonnie to marry him on Christmas day. But after asking Lonnie's visiting mom Cheryl for permission to marry her daughter and then dropping Cheryl back off at her hotel, Bob couldn't wait any longer. As Lonnie & Bob were walking back to the car across the parking lot, Bob told Lonnie he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her, forever and ever and then some. Lonnie, not realizing what was going on simply said "deal." Bob instantly dropped to his knee, said "really?", and offered Lonnie her adorable Mickey Mouse engagement ring.

Lonnie and Bob made good on that deal last Saturday. They were married on a rainy, thundering afternoon outside but inside there was nothing but laughter and warm wishes for the happy couple from their surrounding friends and family. Lonnie loves all things Disney and especially the Disney movie Tangled. This was reflected in everything from the flowers in her cascading hair to the quote on the top of their wedding cake. Here is a little journey through the newlywed's "Best Day Ever."

Lonnie's dress made her look just like a princess from every little girl's dream.

Love the Mickey Mouse engagement ring and the invitations with the floating lanterns. All the little details to create the Tangled theme were gorgeous!

Just down the stairs from the spacious bridal suite, Bob was excitedly waiting for the first glimpse of his soon to be wife.

And then, the beautiful princess was ready.

Is there anything better than seeing your intended's smiling face waiting for you?

May I introduce Mr. & Mrs. Robert Jones? These two never stopped smiling for the rest of the night!

Lonnie and some of her Sigma Kappa sisters. So lovely, they were able to join the festivities.

Handmade "Tangled" inspired Christmas ornaments...so creative!

Not enough words to describe their level of cuteness...

Standing out in the rain at the end of the reception as everybody was leaving. No cares, no worries, just the brand new promise of their vows and two hearts full of love.

Lonnie & Bob- hoping that every day for you is the "best day ever" & wishing you much joy and happiness on your walk through life together.

CBlackwell

July 25, 2015

Carmela Blackwell

Couples, family, architecture, Florida Southern College

A & C Florida Southern College, Lakeland, Fl

July 25, 2015

Carmela Blackwell

Couples, family, architecture, Florida Southern College

It all started with macaroni & cheese.

I met Ashley & Chris this past Saturday at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, FL for their family session and to find out a little about their story. The two were introduced at a barbecue party by mutual friends. When asked, Chris said one of the first things that attracted him to Ashley was her macaroni & cheese. They say the way to a man's heart is through his stomach & Ashley definitely has that figured out!

There's a warm glow of happiness surrounding Ashley & Chris. It's an amazing thing to be around. — There's a warm glow of happiness surrounding Ashley & Chris. It's an amazing thing to be around.

This session wasn't about only them though. They brought along two of the cutest little people and I love little people.

Everybody ready for more cuteness? These two just about cornered the market on it!

And I love, love, love that Ashley brought her Grandmother. There is nothing like being able to have these pictures to look at years down the road.

Ashley & Chris- thank you so much for letting me capture some of the love in your family. Wishing you much joy & happiness on your walk through life together.  (and delicious macaroni& cheese!)CBlackwell — Ashley & Chris- thank you so much for letting me capture some of the love in your family. Wishing you much joy & happiness on your walk through life together. (and delicious macaroni& cheese!)
CBlackwell

July 18, 2015

Carmela Blackwell

Couples

S & P Hollis Gardens, Lakeland,FL

July 18, 2015

Carmela Blackwell

Couples

I met Susan & Paul this past Saturday at Hollis Gardens here in Lakeland. These two are one of the most vivacious couples I've had the pleasure of photographing. They have a presence about them that steals whatever stage they find themselves on. Effortlessly, they fell into perfect position with little direction from me.

On a mild May evening, Susan & Paul had their first date at the Black & Brew in downtown Lakeland. — On a mild May evening, Susan & Paul had their first date at the Black & Brew in downtown Lakeland.

Just having coffee that evening wasn't enough. The two needed to spend more time getting to know each other. That decision led them down to the lake Mirror Promenade and to Hollis Gardens for a walk.

carmelablackwellphotographyhollisgardens01

Susan's smile when she looks at Paul can only be measured in megawatts. Paul did an excellent job of keeping that smile turned on. So awesome to be around!

Love the richness of the colors Susan & Paul chose to wear. So striking against the colors of Lake Mirror theater.

What did I tell you about Susan's smile? :)

And again in Black & White. Can you tell this is my favorite picture of the two? — And again in Black & White. Can you tell this is my favorite picture of the two?

Susan & Paul, I loved meeting you and  having the chance to capture some of your magic. Wishing you much joy and happiness on your walk through life together.CBlackwellP.S.- Susan, I hope you found your ice cream & you made Pa… — Susan & Paul, I loved meeting you and having the chance to capture some of your magic. Wishing you much joy and happiness on your walk through life together.
CBlackwell
P.S.- Susan, I hope you found your ice cream & you made Paul buy you the biggest one they had. :)