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™

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™

This shoot was styled by Stephanie, of Along Came Stephanie…thank you for making Mike & Julie’s wardrobe so fabulous, Stephanie!

Congratulations, Mike & Julie…I hope your New York wedding is a dream come true.
Love,
Stacy
Fort Myers Wedding Photographer, Set Free Photography

The dress, ohhhh the dress. I have never wanted to try on a wedding dress more than this utterly amazing, heart stopping, beautifully designed masterpiece by Pronovias. Jess had to go through many-a-dresses to find this one and it was absolutely perfect for her in every way.

Stunning florals by Ballantine Flowers..featuring my favorite flower: the ranunculus!

Jessica’s shoes are none other than Enzo Angiolini, and her personalized hanger was purchased on Etsy.

Rings by the one and only Diamond District…shout out to our friends, Jason & Todd!

As Jess was getting ready, her very special gift to Jason was being delivered & opened…Brandon caught his reaction (love!):

The entire wedding was at Paseo…I am officially in love with this property!

Jessica, you are beyond stunning; you are a vision of beauty and joy! As I review your images, all I can think about is how truly inspired I am by your style, your confidence, and your grace. It is so clear that you are a woman that has been loved, affirmed, and set free to be everything you were made for. I sincerely admire you!

Meanwhile, the guys thought it would be fun to get a quick workout in…what else would they be doing right before a wedding?

Boys…we can never understand them, but this is why we love them:

attack!

If I could go back in time and pick out a boutonnierre for Brandon at our wedding, it would be this one:

Down the aisle she goes…it was tearful, joyful and altogether moving to see the love surrounding Jess and Jay.

This is my favorite:

Jay, I was going to sell you out here and point out your tears but I really don’t think that you would feel “sold out” by that…because even though you are a guy’s guy with all that swagger that women swoon over, your adoration for Jessica is never down played or hidden. You wear it right on your sleeve and make her feel like the only girl in the world (cue Rhianna). Truly, that is what I think when you look at Jessica…like she is the only girl in your world. It’s in your eyes, across your smile, and in your touch when you hold her. I can’t think of two people more perfect for each other than the two of you!

Along with the tears, there were lots of smiles and laughter:

Mr & Mrs DeBo!

I have to say: Jessica didn’t miss a single detail, even down to Jason’s socks. Wow! You rock the socks, Jay!

After the ceremony, it just poured down rain…so we were confined to a small area in Paseo next to the beauty parlor. We decided to have a little fun with it:

The reception room took my breath away. These are sooo my colors!

Some fun photo booth props:

Ah-mazing candy bar…this is off the charts awesome!

Cupcakes by Gracie’s Cupcakes at Bell Tower in Fort Myers.

First dance…swirl that dress, girl! You are a vision out of every little girl’s dream!

Father-daughter, mother-son dances…they were as emotional as the entire day: full of laughter and tears.

Ending the evening with some fun photo booth pictures, Jess and Jason (his & hers):

I could post pictures all day long of these two, but I guess we have to draw the line when we hit over 50. What can I say?!

Jessica and Jason: I love you. Truly, I do…I love you both and I am confident that you two will have a long and blessed marriage filled with life’s joys and triumphs. I am so glad to have been part of your wedding day and to witness your true love for one another as you said your vows. Brandon and I couldn’t have enjoyed ourselves more–thank you for making us feel like guests and friends while we snapped your pictures. I miss you and hope you realize that you will have visitors in your new home! We are seriously planning a trip and I hope to see you every time you are back in Florida for a visit. All my best to you both, along with hugs and sloppy kisses.

Love,
Stacy & Brandon
Fort Myers Wedding Photographers, Set Free Photography

Vendor List:
Venue: Paseo
Dress: Pronovias
Hair & Makeup: Studio RK
Florals: Ballantine Flowers
Shoes: Enzo Angiolini
Rings: Diamond District
Hair Flower and Garter: Rosebud Lips
Bridesmaid Dresses: J Crew
Suits: Tommy Hilfiger for Macy’s
Banners: Etsy and Orlando Scrapbooks
Table Numbers & Cupcake Toppers: IE Creations on Etsy
Cupcakes: Gracie’s Cupcakes
DJ: DJ Morph

Allison’s dress was a gorgeous Sottero & Midgley:

Incredibly beautiful florals by Helen with JH Designs:

Allison’s gifts to her bridesmaids were the most beautiful heart-shaped Swarovski necklaces. I loved them!

Time to get dressed!

I love seeing Allison’s bridesmaids’ reflection in the mirror…I felt like we were all watching Cinderella get ready for the ball–it was that magical!

Allison, you are stunning! Breathtaking! David Frohmberg at Faces by Frohmberg did such an amazing job with Allison’s makeup…her makeup looked this good all night long, even after tears. I stand in awe!

I have always wanted a sister…and never was I reminded of this more than when I saw Angela and Allison together. They are best friends and their bond literally brought me to tears!

Allison and her siblings are so clearly loved and adored by their parents…this is one of my favorite images:

Jake and the handsome guys:

Loving parents:

Allison & Jake were married at Emmanuel Lutheran in Naples:

Rose petals were prepared to shower the newly married Mrs. and Mr. W on their way out of the church:

Fun with the bridal party! Their interactions & laughter were so easy to photograph…not to mention the gorgeous pop of blue! Love!

And down to the bride and groom…no words are necessary to narrate these:

Quail West is a phenomenal place for wedding photos. I was like a kid in a candy store at every turn!

Allison and Jake’s reception room was incredibly gorgeous and full of thoughtful detail. I was delighted by the handmade party favors in the shape of a bride & groom, the stunning uplighting from Jim at A DJ With Class, and centerpieces from JH Designs. It all came together and perfectly reflected Allison’s elegance and Jake’s grace. This room could not have been any more perfect!

Lovely first dance as husband and wife:

Heartfelt speeches…these brought me to tears and also had everyone laughing!

The cherished father-daughter and mother-son dances. They get me every time:

After the dance, Jake’s mom, Kate took a moment to love on her son and new daughter…I love this picture.

Brandon stepped outside to capture Allison and Jake’s wedding sunset…I love seeing the moon!

Allison and her Mom shared a special dance..their bond is beautiful and of course there were more tears! I need waterproof mascara for this much crying!

Allison and Jake weren’t far from each other all night long…I kept finding them together on the dance floor. It was so very romantic!

And they had some fun droppin’ it low (find the guest that went all the way down to the flo’!

And we ended the evening with a perfect sparkler send-off:

Congratulations, Allison & Jake! Your wedding day was a perfect fairy tale, and we are honored & privileged to have been a part of it. The joy and love that your families share was such a pleasure to witness and photograph…I have no doubt that you will carry on the legacy of love and affection to your children and future generations! Thank you for being so sweetly in love, and for rocking each and every picture with your dazzling smile (Allison), and your gaze of adoration (Jake). You two are absolutely meant for one another and we love you!

Brandon & Stacy
Set Free Photography, Naples Wedding Photographers

Vendor List:
Hair & Makeup: Salon Tease! Hair by Sir Daniel and Makeup by David Frohmberg
Dress: Sottero & Midgley
DJ: A DJ With Class
Florals: JH Designs
Tux: Men’s Wearhouse
Church: Emmanuel Luthern
Reception: Quail West
Cake: Quail West
Rings: Jared

Each year, I look forward to seeing the dress that Morgan will wear–her Mom, Missy has impeccable style and taste. This year was my favorite! Morgan, you look fabulous!

Missy decorated their home herself–and left me in awe of her design and color selections.

This is my favorite picture…I love how Morgan’s Dad, Pat is looking at her with such adoration:

There were treasures to behold everywhere–but none as precious as Morgan’s smiling face!

What better place to play than on Mommy & Daddy’s bed!?

I am still swooning over Morgan’s expression here…she rocks the serious face. And of course, the wallpaper, chair & chandelier are to die for!

Off to Morgan’s playroom, which is every little girl’s dream, complete with lots of pink, feathers, and a cozy chair for reading:

Finally, we ended up in Morgan’s room, where she rested in the most comfy place there is: Mommy’s lap:

Pat, Missy & Morgan:
Thank you for inviting me to your home and for the opportunity to capture these memories for you. I had so much fun with you, and as I type this Brandon is off buying speaker wire for Sonos — he really is! Thank you for the inspiration and for being completely, utterly, stunningly fabulous!
Love,
Stacy
Fort Myers Photographer, Set Free Photography™

These two have been apart over the last year and their long-distance relationship has included letters, long phone calls and visits…so we incorporated these elements into out session. Love!

Jessica’s Dad made these tin can phones:

I love this playful moment where the tin can phones came in handy for pulling Jason closer…

Jess always has a letter in progress for Jason…how romantic!

We loved the way the sun was filtered by the Spanish Moss under this tree, but a cloud passed over the sun before we could get our shot…we called it quits after waiting for over 10 minutes and headed for the car…and wouldn’t ya know it, the sun popped out just after we hit the parking lot! Without hesitation, Jason and Jess ran for the tree and I snapped this…I love that they were really running with a purpose!

I am so glad we ran back because this is one of my favorite shots ever in the entire history of Set Free Photography:

In keeping with the theme of a long-distance relationship, suitcases were a must for our shoot. Jess and Jay are usually packing or unpacking from one of their visits and I was thrilled to have these vintage suitcases available…thank you, Josh Comer!

I am in love with this image…it’s like I can hear Jason’s laughter.

Jess and Jay:
You two are so fabulous…after all of the schedule challenges we overcame to get these images, I couldn’t be happier that we shot on this exact day, and at this exact time. Everything came together perfectly, beautifully, spectacularly! I am counting the days until the wedding when I will have the pleasure of photographing you again.

All my love,
Stacy
Naples Photographer, Set Free Photography™

Ashley and Stephen were married at 1st Presbyterian Church in downtown Fort Myers–we found some great little places to photograph the details in the ladies’ lounge there.

Ashley’s gorgeous gown is from Essence of Australia…the lightweight silk was exquisite! Fort Myers Express Floral beautifully wove feathers into Ashley’s bouquet. It took my breath away when I first laid eyes on it!

Fab red shoes by Antonio Melani. The rings were Ashley and Stephen’s “something old,” as they were a pre-owned set from Gordon’s Jewelers. I really love that little detail!

Ashley’s Alfred Angelo bracelet was just perfect!

What a fabulous “something blue,” a Coach purse!

Ashley gets dressed with the assistance of her maid of honor, Joy and her beautiful, hilarious mother…Denise, you are such a pleasure to know!

Ashley’s hair was done by Vanity Hair Spa…Ashley claims that “Amy Hogan is a genius of hair.”

Emily Hardin: Thank you for your help! You are a gift to every bride…I love this image of you helping Ashley with her bracelet!

A glance in the mirror with Mom…I love this. I hope to have a photo like this with my daughter someday!

Is it hot in here? Wow, Ashley! Simply gorgeous!

Such kind and beautiful bridesmaids…thank you ladies! Dresses from For the Bride.

Stephen getting ready for his bride:

The guys!

Ashley’s mom decorated the church and I have to say that I envy her bow-tying skills! Awesome job, Denise!

Brandon snapped these images through the window in the sanctuary right before Ashley’s Dad escorted her down aisle. This creativity truly amazes me…I couldn’t love these two images more. Go, Brandon!

The vows that Ashley wrote for Stephen were written 6 months after they started dating, when she was sixteen years old. How’s that for true love? Swoon!

Family and friends prayed over Ashley and Stephen…myself included!

We headed over to the Plantation for portraits and the reception. We were battling the rain but we pulled through!

Brandon took the following two photos and I love the perspective of them looking somewhere besides directly into the camera:

Gorgeous group…Ashley, I love your expression!

The Plantation is a great place for indoor portraits when it gets too hot outside! I love these two images the most!

Another example of Brandon’s creativity…I love, love, love this! Brandon, you are getting tackled again!

The reception room was designed and decorated by Ashley’s mom…Denise, you rocked it again!

The feathers really added to the entire feel of the day…what a better way to photograph the rings than nestled in a feather?

First Dance:

Ashley and her Dad shared an impromptu father-daughter dance that delighted the crowd:

Mom and son dance…shout out to you, Jennifer!

Lovely Best Man speech by Daniel:

Cake cutting…cake by the amazing Mason’s Bakery:

And a sparkler send-off!

Ashley & Stephen:
If I have ever witnessed love between two soul mates, none has been truer than yours. Your connection is rare and to be treasured–as you both clearly do! I wish you every happiness and many blessings as you begin your new lives in Chicago. You will be missed and fondly thought of…I look forward to those one year anniversary pictures! I will be following your journey on facebook and praying for you all the time!

Much love and affection,
Stacy and Brandon
Naples Photographer, Set Free Photography ™

Vendor List:
Dress: Essence of Australia
Flowers: Fort Myers Express Floral
Bracelet: Alfred Angelo
Rings: Gordon’s Jewelers
Hair & Makeup: Vanity Hair Spa
Bridesmaid dresses: For the Bride
Reception: The Plantation Golf & Country Club
Tux Rental: Black Tie
DJ: Ron Rutz
Cake: Mason’s Bakery
Favors: Norman Love Confections

Blue shoes are my favorite, along with this fabulous garter by Rosebud Lips:

Bridesmaid’s shoes:

Elaina gifted all of her bridesmaids with personalized drink koozies and bags from Preppy Monogrammed Gifts and L.L. Bean (love!):

Elaina’s Mom and sister helped her get dressed:

Elaina, you take my breath away and make my heart skip a beat. You are the definition of beautiful!

Fabulous florals by Libby’s:

I love this picture! I feel so privileged to photograph such gorgeous girls…you all are rocking out those J. Crew bridesmaid dresses!

Elaina has a beautiful Mom and a beautiful sister…and the best part is that they are beautiful on the inside and out!

Here are the guys hanging out at the bar…

Elaina selected this fantastic striped tie from Macy’s for the groom and groomsmen. I absolutely love it!

And they kicked it in some argyle socks…fab!

Elaina’s loving father escorted her down the aisle…there were many tears and many smiles. I love seeing Dan’s smiling face at the end of the alter.

The ring exchange:

And the kiss, of course!

After the ceremony, we headed out to the reception venue, The Verandah. The southern feel to Elaina’s style was perfectly accented by this gorgeous property.

You two look amazing!

I loved Elaina’s touches of stripes, ruffle and navy blue all over the reception:

Monogrammed glass jars with candied pecans were set at each place setting for guests to enjoy. Yum!

Stunning rings from the Diamond District:

The first dance provoked tears in Elaina, and her sister Laurie (me too!).

Dan and his sweet Mom take the dance floor:

Laurie gave a super entertaining speech…Elaina & Laurie, I always wanted a sister and seeing the two of you only deepens my desire! Your love for each other truly warms my heart.

Dan’s best man couldn’t make it to the wedding, so he thoughtfully recorded a speech for Elaina and Dan to watch online. I have to meet this guy someday–he was hilarious and sentimental…he had everyone laughing and crying.

See? Here’s bridesmaid Ashley laughing and crying!

Even Elaina and Dan’s dinner plates were picture perfect:

Elaina, I love how your style flowed through your entire wedding…including to this amazing Publix cake!

Super fun group of dancers…and what an awesome yellow dress! I want to wear that!

Mr. & Mrs. are all smiles as they danced the night away.

Elaina and Dan: Congratulations, lovies! I am so inspired by your style and your grace…thank you for inviting us to capture your wedding day and celebrate your new life together. We couldn’t have asked for a more fun and gorgeous bride and groom to take on the heat and humidity and rock out those bridal portraits. Wishing you a fulfilling and blessed marriage!
Much love and affection,
Stacy & Brandon
Fort Myers Wedding Photographer, Set Free Photography™

You might recognize the belly picture on Piper’s cork board from this session!

Georgia, Kyle & Piper: you are so lovely! Thank you for welcoming me into your home to capture these images. You have stolen my heart!
Love,
Stacy
Set Free Photography, Fort Myers Photographer