One of the greatest compliments I’ve EVER received as a photographer was to hear the words “We’re planning a destination wedding and we want you to join us.” I mean, wow… there are hundreds of photographers out there but they chose me to relive their day through my eyes without even knowing me.

This past week I had the honor of spending a few days blending in with a family I’ve never met but now feel intimately part of. They welcomed we with opened arms and truly made me feel like I was part of the family. I was not the photographer, rather the bride’s friend whenever I was introduced to a new member of the family and was even mentioned in the Father of the Bride’s speech. It was humbling.

One of the most memorable conversations I had was with a little sweetheart, also know as the grooms daughter. She had asked “Why do you like taking pictures?” My response was “Because I can capture the most beautiful moments in peoples’ seemingly everyday lives, that they think insignificant at the time, but a memory they will cherish forever when reminded through a photograph.”

My photographic journey of the senses was in full effect with this family and truly memories I’ll happily look back on as well someday. Reliving the warmth of the setting Floridian sun through the mangroves as the kids fished for treasures will force me to close my eyes and smile. The intoxicating aroma of grilled burgers on a humid evening (completely foreign to a Wisconsinite in April!) and the smell of onions on grandpa’s breath after kissing him goodnight will bring me right back to this sweet little place in my life. Thank you to The Melon Patch Inn in Fort Pierce, Florida for hosting such a treasured collection of memories on the eve of the wedding.

Erin and AJ, I thank you dearly for inviting me to be a part of your celebration like no other. The love your family shares is genuine and filled my heart. Here are a few of my favorite memories from the night before the wedding, enjoy.