Historic Downtown | St. Augustine, Florida
I shoot in St. Augustine a lot and sometimes think I should move there. There is so much about the city to love. There is a rich history that can be seen and felt. I think that is why so many people want to have their picture taken there. You feel like you are somewhere special. Today was very special for Keena and Nemiah. Today was their wedding day. Wanting something intimate, the couple married at the court house and then meet me for photos. I knew it was going to be a great session when I arrived at the Lightner Museum to find Keena in a silver sequin dress – she looked amazing!! Then, the couple, myself and their two closest friends walked and laughed through some of my favorite cobblestone roads, taking advantage of the soft golden hour light. Everything went so perfect I almost didn’t want to stop shooting, but I didn’t want to make them late to the party. Their friends and family were at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse for a reception dinner.
But before any cake was cut or toasts made, Nemiah was actually Keena’s personal trainer. The couple developed a friendship that later blossomed into a relationship. They saw each other daily and before we knew it they were in love. The proposal was a huge surprise. Nemiah tricked her by saying they were meeting a new client to sign a contract at Ovinte. To her surprise after waiting on the “client,” two men walked over with their hands behind their back. One at a time they revealed canvas signs that read “Will You Marry Me.” When Keena turned to look at Nemiah, he was on one knee with the ring. All of their family and friends were gathered around cheering. I was actually there. One of Nemiah’s clients is a friend of mine and she was there to video the big moment. Having never meet either of them, I was there to help sell her cover story as an ordinary dinner guest at the restaurant (and I’m a sucker for proposals). Now, I feel like I have made two new friends and so happy that I was there to witness the happiest days of their lives. When I asked what their favorite part of the wedding day was they answered, “it would be after the ceremony and looking at each other with joy that we did it and would be spending the rest of our lives together.”
