Set Free Photography http://www.setfreephotography.com/blog Fort Myers Photography Blog Tue, 10 Apr 2012 02:49:34 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Piper is one! http://www.setfreephotography.com/blog/piper-is-one/ http://www.setfreephotography.com/blog/piper-is-one/#comments Tue, 10 Apr 2012 02:49:34 +0000 stacy http://www.setfreephotography.com/blog/?p=3788 A year has passed since Baby Piper made her entrance into the world, and what joy she has brought to all! It is so hard to believe how time flies…it feels like I was just holding her in my arms at her newborn shoot. What fun it has been to watch her grow! Happy Birthday, Piper!

As usual, Piper’s Mommy rocked out the shoot with her incredible style. I was thrilled to play with her hand-made ribbon garland and tissue paper poms. Thank you, Georgia for sharing the tutorial on those…I have them all over my house currently, in many shades including rainbow!

Are you swooning over Piper’s darling headband as I am? Georgia is now selling her designs online! They can be found at Sweet Peas & Mama Bees Facebook, or Sweet Peas & Mama Bees Etsy.

Time for cake!

Piper loves her personal decor…and frosting!

Here are some extra pictures to showcase Georgia’s creations…utterly fabulous. I am happy to say that I know her now because is going to be famous for these, I tell ya!

Thank you for stopping by the blog today! And thank you to Georgia and Kyle for giving me the awesome privilege of photographing Piper all year long. What an honor it is to watch her grow, and what fun it is to play with her and capture her smiles! She is and will always be one of my most special babies…I love you, Piper!

Love,
Stacy
Fort Myers Photographer, Set Free Photography

]]> http://www.setfreephotography.com/blog/piper-is-one/feed/ 4 Sarah & Justin: engaged! http://www.setfreephotography.com/blog/sarah-justin-engaged/ http://www.setfreephotography.com/blog/sarah-justin-engaged/#comments Wed, 04 Apr 2012 15:46:46 +0000 stacy http://www.setfreephotography.com/blog/?p=3723 Sarah & Justin met and eventually fell in love in high school, where they ran track and field together through Koreshan Park during the wet, rainy summers. These two have been together for 8 years and after attending college together in Miami for a while, they ended up back in SW Florida where they are planning their wedding. Naturally, we thought it would be fitting to shoot their engagement photos in the very place that their love blossomed…and we threw in their running shoes for fun.

Looking forward to the wedding and all of the smiles that Justin will bring out in Sarah…he still knows how to charm her!

Thank you, Sarah & Justin for a super fun shoot…and thank you Justin for surviving the cowboy boots + dress combination. What a testament to your true love. ha-ha, wink-wink!
Love to you both,
Stacy
Naples Wedding Photographer, Set Free Photography™

]]> http://www.setfreephotography.com/blog/sarah-justin-engaged/feed/ 0 one of those days (a personal post) http://www.setfreephotography.com/blog/one-of-those-days-a-personal-post/ http://www.setfreephotography.com/blog/one-of-those-days-a-personal-post/#comments Tue, 27 Mar 2012 16:45:14 +0000 stacy http://www.setfreephotography.com/blog/?p=3679 It was a challenging morning…complete with a sick dog (and clean up), splinter removal from one child’s hand, the need for steam mopping (read: sterilization), the printer running out of ink at an inopportune time, two trips to the kids’ school, and an unplanned trip to Wal-Mart. I was tempted to feel sorry for myself and complain but instead, I decided to blog. It’s been a long time since I have written a personal post and I knew that would cheer me up. Today, I am here to share with you some fun things that I have recently collected. I found that the color orange is the theme. Totally didn’t plan that.

My new handbag and wallet. I had not heard of this handbag designer, Sloane & Alex, before walking into TJ Max, but I am totally smitten. The leather is super soft and the color was the perfect break from black that I was looking for. My google search for them was a little disappointing though…it seems that Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s no longer carry this line. What would I do without TJ Max?

The wallet…is just super fun. It’s made by Hobo and was a $30 steal at (yes!) TJ Max. I love the change pouch and the bright orange against my grey handbag. The end.

I recently picked up some new shoes and yet again, Guess gets my vote. I had been wanting some nude heels for a while and instantly had to have these…lately I am a sucker for a snake skin pattern. That sounds really strange, but it’s true.

Ah, and the polish adorning my toes? That would be OPI’s ‘Cajun Shrimp.’

Speaking of polish, you know how I love my shellac…well, during my last visit to Studio RK, the fabulous Pam surprised me with something fun. She is my favorite: she always tells me what I MUST have. There are no words for this awesomeness that is apparently all the rage in Hollywood:

p.s. I know I have no future in hand modeling…and I’m okay with that.

Here is the dress that I picked up for no good reason at all, other than I found it to fit me so perfectly that it could not be ignored! You know when it feels like something was made for you? This rarely happens to me because I have these ridiculously petite shoulders, so I would like to thank BCBG Max Azria for being so completely amazing. At Miromar Outlets, no less! That store is my go-to place for any occasion that requires a dress. Now, if only I had that occasion, I might actually get to wear this someplace other than my closet (which I do sometimes).

By the way, those frames in the background hang in my office, and they are the “Johnny,” from The Organic Bloom. I find it entertaining that they are also orange.

And finally, as a self proclaimed foodie, you know this post would not be complete without some mention of a yummy treat. I picked this up today during my unplanned trip to Wal-mart. Oh. Yum. The ribbon of salted caramel is incredibly de-lish. Get your hands on some!

And if you are wondering what I’m making for dinner, it’s my favorite recipe from The Pioneer Woman: Beef with Snow Peas. I use a little less ginger than called for, but it is my absolute fav.

Back to work for me…thank you for stopping by the blog today! I feel much better now!
Love,
Stacy
Fort Myers Wedding Photographer, Set Free Photography™

]]> http://www.setfreephotography.com/blog/one-of-those-days-a-personal-post/feed/ 2 Melissa & Chris: beautifully married in Naples http://www.setfreephotography.com/blog/melissa-chris-beautifully-married-in-naples-naples-wedding-photography-set-free-photography/ http://www.setfreephotography.com/blog/melissa-chris-beautifully-married-in-naples-naples-wedding-photography-set-free-photography/#comments Mon, 27 Feb 2012 21:50:59 +0000 stacy http://www.setfreephotography.com/blog/?p=3588 Working with Melissa and Chris has been such an extraordinary pleasure. Melissa’s energy absolutely energizes me! She is a force — she knows what she wants, and makes things happen. My soul sister! And Chris couldn’t be more wonderful, from the way he smiled at his bride all day to the utter romance that he showed; that which only grows out of true friendship. Melissa and Chris call each other best friends…needless to say, I was smitten with this groom, this bride, this entire wedding.

Melissa’s gown was perfection, and her bouquet is one of my all time favorites. Simple pink peonies in all of their luxurious layers of texture …and the ribbon just swept me off my feet. I am so into black and white stripes right now!

Etsy hanger, holla!

Melissa is helped into her dress by her sister and bridesmaids–all gorgeous!

Chris, you rocked the pink. Mm-hmm, you did.

These guys were seriously all hams…we laughed justalittlebit.

Beauty, Grace, Attitude. All wrapped up in pink shoes…Melissa, I die!

Floral Encores, wow!!

Sisters…I have always wanted one but not in place of my totally awesome and wonderfully handsome brother. I had to put that disclaimer there or else I would be “dead to him.”

Then we came to the moment that Chris and Melissa had been anticipating (okay, me too!) for months. Chris stood outside of the country club and awaited his bride…when he turned to see her, I had to remind myself to breathe…the way he looked at her, and the tears in her eyes were so beautiful, so heartfelt, that the emotion was overwhelming. What an honor to privately capture these moments without an audience (although we did have to run them off, lol. You know who you are!). I loved this reveal for all of it’s raw emotion and utter joy. It still brings a silly smile to my face!

My favorite shot (Melissa & Chris agree, it is theirs too!):

Enjoy it, Chris

Such a beautiful ceremony!

You may kiss the bride! I love this part…it’s always a rush to be in the right position at this moment, and I am considering taking bets on how many seconds the kiss lasts. The kiss was just right:

We ran off to the beach for a few quick pictures before the reception, and the weather could not have been more perfect. Everything was a dream come true on this day!

Gorgeous rings from Certified Jewelers of Naples:

Writing “I do” in the sand was all Chris…his idea, his perfect timing, all for his true love. Swoon.

Reception time at the Cypress Woods Golf & Country Club:

Cupcakes by Simply Cupcakes of Naples:

The first dance…you know I find this dance irresistible…ahh, I can’t get enough of these two.

Seriously…look at how happy they are!

…and they danced the night away (they really got down!):

Congratulations, Chris and Melissa…to be best friends and in love is the greatest gift. I am thrilled that you found each other in this world and so very privileged to know you. Thank you for the exquisite joy it was to photograph you on your wedding day. It is an amazing feeling to come away from a wedding knowing that we have gained friends…I will always treasure you both!
Love,
Stacy & Brandon
Naples Wedding Photographer, Set Free Photography™

Vendor List:
Dress: David’s Bridal
Tux: Men’s Wearhouse
Rings: Certified Jewelers
Bridesmaid Dresses: Vera Wang
Floral: Floral Encores
DJ: Travis McReynolds
Groom’s Cake: Mikkelsen’s Pastry Shop
Cupcakes: Simply Cupcakes of Naples

]]> http://www.setfreephotography.com/blog/melissa-chris-beautifully-married-in-naples-naples-wedding-photography-set-free-photography/feed/ 1 Andrea & Manny: engaged http://www.setfreephotography.com/blog/andrea-manny-engaged-miami-wedding-photographer-set-free-photography/ http://www.setfreephotography.com/blog/andrea-manny-engaged-miami-wedding-photographer-set-free-photography/#comments Mon, 06 Feb 2012 22:33:49 +0000 stacy http://www.setfreephotography.com/blog/?p=3573 Andrea & Manny are engaged to be married this June in Miami, and I was honored when they made the trip all the way to Cape Coral to meet with me! Referred by the lovely Richard & Damaris, I truly couldn’t receive a higher compliment than an out-of-town referral. Thank you Richard & Damaris…I am all smiles and so very grateful!

We met in Naples, at Delnor Wiggins Pass Beach & State Park…I love the variety of this beach–lots of green as well as beautiful sunsets!

This engagement shoot wouldn’t be complete without the entire family:

I love the following two images; I am always drawn to this type. When I look at them, I can feel the tenderness in Manny’s kiss on the left and I can almost hear Andrea’s giggle in the image on the right. Ah, love…it’s so lovely.

Fuzzy, bright pink beach blankets are my new favorite thing:

Congratulations on your engagement, Andrea & Manny! I can’t wait for the wedding–I love everything I have seen so far. The bold colors are already giving me heart palpitations. I can’t wait for June!
Love,
Stacy
Miami Wedding Photographer, Set Free Photography

]]> http://www.setfreephotography.com/blog/andrea-manny-engaged-miami-wedding-photographer-set-free-photography/feed/ 0 Jaime & Matt: engaged http://www.setfreephotography.com/blog/jaime-matt-engaged-naples-wedding-photographer-set-free-photography/ http://www.setfreephotography.com/blog/jaime-matt-engaged-naples-wedding-photographer-set-free-photography/#comments Sat, 28 Jan 2012 00:18:08 +0000 stacy http://www.setfreephotography.com/blog/?p=3556 Adoration…that is all that I think about when I am around Jaime and Matt. Matt truly, wholeheartedly adores Jaime–it’s in his eyes, his smile, his touch…and every bit of it is so genuine. How I l-o-v-e photographing love! We started out with the “kids,” who were freshly groomed and camera ready:

And then it was time for a romantic canoe ride (I was just a little excited about it!).

I am already planning my next (er, first) canoe ride…it looked super fun. And these two made it look like a fairytale!

Wardrobe Change! (that was meant to be heard in my sing-song voice)

Jaime and Matt had scoped out our location ahead of time, where they met a man who explained that many couples carve their name into the bamboo trees…so he lent them his knife and we found their carving! (read: Matt found it. Jaime and I were lost six times by this point)

Here’s that adoration I was talking about…you can just feel it.

Congratulations, Jaime & Matt! Your heartfelt love and intense connection put such a smile on my face after our shoot. I think the world of you both and look forward to the wedding…I can’t stop thinking of ideas for us!

Love,
Stacy
Naples Wedding Photographer, Set Free Photography™

]]> http://www.setfreephotography.com/blog/jaime-matt-engaged-naples-wedding-photographer-set-free-photography/feed/ 2 Family photos celebrating the engagement of Sharon & Jason Fort Myers Wedding Photographer, Set Free Photography http://www.setfreephotography.com/blog/family-photos-celebrating-the-engagement-of-sharon-jason-fort-myers-wedding-photographer-set-free-photography/ http://www.setfreephotography.com/blog/family-photos-celebrating-the-engagement-of-sharon-jason-fort-myers-wedding-photographer-set-free-photography/#comments Tue, 24 Jan 2012 17:55:09 +0000 stacy http://www.setfreephotography.com/blog/?p=3545 Sharon and I have known each other since high school–we performed on the dance team together (shout out to the Danstars!) and the Pom Squad (hey, hey Starettes!!). So, it was quite a thrill when she contacted me from our hometown of Chicago and inquired about family/engagement photos right here in Fort Myers, where her fiance’s family lives. It was a 16 year reunion and Sharon still looks the same, with her sparkling blue eyes and completely flawless skin. Um, Sharon: May I have the name of your facial cream? ‘Cause you don’t have any wrinkles and I will need to get my hands of some of that!

We started things off at the studio, where we captured these precious smiles:

Then we went on location to a field in North Fort Myers, where we had the most fun capturing true love, family, and the innocence of sweet young girls:

Thank you, Sharon, Jason, Ali & Ana for a lovely afternoon! Congratulations on your engagement and upcoming wedding…I couldn’t be happy for you and your families!
Much Love & Affection,
Stacy

p.s. Stand Up and Cheer For Rich South Varsity! (had to!)

]]> http://www.setfreephotography.com/blog/family-photos-celebrating-the-engagement-of-sharon-jason-fort-myers-wedding-photographer-set-free-photography/feed/ 2 Jack is already 16 months old! Naples Photographer Set Free Photography http://www.setfreephotography.com/blog/jack-is-already-16-months-old-naples-photographer-set-free-photography/ http://www.setfreephotography.com/blog/jack-is-already-16-months-old-naples-photographer-set-free-photography/#comments Fri, 20 Jan 2012 19:34:09 +0000 stacy http://www.setfreephotography.com/blog/?p=3539 Remember baby Jack? Well, he is as cute as ever and toddling around with his sweet curls and heart-melting smile! The best part of my job is watching babies grow up…how I treasure the families that give me this honor.

Lots of love & affection to baby Jack and his loving parents, Erin & Brian!
Can’t wait for next time,
Stacy
Naples Photographer, Set Free Photography™

]]> http://www.setfreephotography.com/blog/jack-is-already-16-months-old-naples-photographer-set-free-photography/feed/ 2 Morgan & Jack welcome baby Jackson! Fort Myers Newborn Photographer, Set Free Photography http://www.setfreephotography.com/blog/morgan-jack-welcome-baby-jackson-fort-myers-newborn-photographer-set-free-photography/ http://www.setfreephotography.com/blog/morgan-jack-welcome-baby-jackson-fort-myers-newborn-photographer-set-free-photography/#comments Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:23:57 +0000 stacy http://www.setfreephotography.com/blog/?p=3522 This is going back in time a little bit, as you have already seen the beautiful M family’s Christmas session here, but these maternity and newborn photos must take their place on the blog! And who doesn’t want to see cutie pie Clyde in a bow tie?

I swoon for baby cowboy boots!

Morgan, you are so gorgeous…I love this image:

And not long after out maternity shoot, Jackson made his appearance into the world! What a handsome cowboy:

I still can’t believe this sweet smile…it makes my heart skip a beat. Hello, baby fever!

Congratulations, Morgan and Jack! I am so honored to be your photographer and to watch Jackson grow this year…he is absolutely perfect in every way. I couldn’t be happier for you!
Love,
Stacy
Fort Myers Photographer, Set Free Photographer™

]]> http://www.setfreephotography.com/blog/morgan-jack-welcome-baby-jackson-fort-myers-newborn-photographer-set-free-photography/feed/ 1 Carissa & Jon: engaged! Naples Wedding Photographer, Set Free Photography http://www.setfreephotography.com/blog/carissa-jon-engaged-naples-wedding-photographer-set-free-photography/ http://www.setfreephotography.com/blog/carissa-jon-engaged-naples-wedding-photographer-set-free-photography/#comments Sat, 07 Jan 2012 17:46:46 +0000 stacy http://www.setfreephotography.com/blog/?p=3504 Lovely, lovely, lovely…that is what comes to mind when I think of Carissa and Jon’s engagement session. Styled by the fabulously talented Stephanie Meiser of Along Came Stephanie, the shoot was romantic & sweet with a touch of vintage glamour. Enjoy!

Little Miss Alexandra added a ray of sunshine to the shoot! What a beauty she is!

Congratulations on your engagement, Carissa & Jon! Looking forward to working with you over the next several months…you two are going to make an incredibly gorgeous bride and groom!

Love,
Stacy
Naples Wedding Photographer, Set Free Photography™

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