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!

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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

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. :)

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

S & P Hollis Gardens, Lakeland,FL