I think that far too often we try to forecast our lives and in return close the doors on endless possibilities. Well that wasn't the case with Melanie Boden and Chris Totten. Even as high school sweet hearts, these two never expected to fall deeply in love years later! After parting ways to complete their college degrees, Melanie and Chris' paths crossed once again, however the connection this time was directed toward marriage. On March 11, 2007, Chris made sure they would never loose touch as he asked for Melanie's hand at the concert of their favorite music group 3-11, and well...of course she said YES! Getting to know these two was an absolute pleasure as Gisela and I captured the vibrant couple in their element of one another. Congratulations you guys, we had a blast with you! Melanie and Chris are getting married at the Fort Lauderdale Bahia Mar on May 10, 2008. Special thanks to Nadia Lemos for making the extra effort to drive here from Miami to do an exceptional job on Melanie's makeup. Anyone looking for a makeup artist should give her a ring without question.

From Italy (where they were engaged), to NYC (where they live), to Miami (where they are getting married), both Kate and Jacob are full of love & adventure! We spent a beautiful day with these two shooting from Key Biscayne to Hollywood and finished just in time (even soak and wet) for them to catch their flight back home to NYC...talk about action packed. Kate Brillman and Jacob Kassab are looking forward to their highly anticipated wedding at the Biltmore Hotel on November 16, 2008 so you better save the date! Kate and Jacob, thanks for hanging in there all day, as you can see it was well worth it. In our opinions, you are both so blessed to have found each other in this great big world... congratulations! We're going to have a blast on you wedding day and hopefully connect when we're up in NYC.

The energy this day held surpassed our expectations as Claudia Echeverri and Paul Lear anticipated their first kiss as husband and wife aboard the Miami Tikki Beach Cruser with friends and family. Claudia and Paul met within a circle of friends who enjoyed spending time in the Florida Keys. As a result of circumstance and attraction their relationship took root and resulted in the very words..."I do". This perfect yin and yang couple chose to see each other a few hours before the ceremony just to guarantee the time we needed to capture their romantic connection around the amazing Fountain Bleau Miami. Claudia & Paul, you both look fantastic & we cannot thank you enough for: 1) loving photography as much as we do, and 2) selecting us to capture your incredible day as it unfolded. Congratulations once again as we hope only the best for you. A big thanks to the talented Julien Diaz for capturing the day on video...it's always great working side by side with you Julien, great job as always. Plus a special thanks to Gisela, Tracy & Martin with PhotoNotionsInc, and Curtis Copeland for keeping the day alive with me...I'm ever grateful!

Without question, the wedding photography industry has been very good to me. From clients, to vendors to fellow photographers, the generosity of support is more than I could have ever asked for which is why I'm giving back to the industry in the best way I know how...education. I would like to thank Ed Reagan, Vice President of the South Florida Camera Club, for kindly inviting me as guest speaker on Thursday April 3, 2008. Join us for a great night of mixing it up with local photographers as we explore a topic I titled "Back to the Basics", discussing the fundamentals of growing as a photographer and business entrepreneur in the wedding industry. In addition, Thursday night will be the first public announcement of the long awaited client management software we have in development soon to be released. Look forward to seeing you there. For location and times click here.

We arrived to the home of Jorge and Aida only to find the all too familiar scene of ladies looking their best to accompany the beautiful "Nana" as she prepared to meet "Nunu" at Palmetto Bay Village to join in marriage. It was only months ago (at her sister Veronica's wedding) in this very same home, where she pointed her finger at me, and boldly told me, "Mike, you're shooting my wedding...", and I'm so thankful she did. Funny enough, there was a small concern that some of the preparation images might even look to similar to Veronica's. A big thanks to "Nunu's" mom who had a few of the walls painted just to add a little variety along with Juniors mom, Miriam Gonzalez for making our connection possible (now that's dedication to your children!) We are so grateful to have been invited to document and share this day not only with two people who have a deep love for one another but with two families that have now become one. Junior and Viv, thank you for sharing your lives with us...we are honored. The love and commitment you have to one another is wonderful to witness and a blessing to many around you.

A special thanks to Gisela and the Photonotions Team (Tracey & Martin) for making this day a total success!