Wow, I haven’t posted on here in two weeks! Things have been so busy – which is great! I didn’t even explain the “look where I get to work today” post! We went to stay at The Shores in Daytona Beach. It is formerly a Hilton, but Noble House Hotels bought it and they did such an amazing job renovating it. They gave us a three night stay to go try it out, and of course the hopes of getting referrals. I now wish we would have gone sooner! The resort is amazing – and they can handle up to 250 guests. I have so many brides that ask about this type of location, and the only other resort on the beach that has a ceremony site overlooking the ocean without getting sand in your toes is The Lodge at Ocean Hammock.
We had just been at the W Dallas Victory and I think the Shores was very close in service and style. The W is in such a class by itself – they really bend over backwards to make you feel like you are the only person staying there. But the Shores actually had a bigger TV (Chris pointed this out to me – a 52″ flat screen!) and when we checked in, I assumed we would get the lowest room since it was a comp stay. But I asked if they had any ocean front rooms, and they said “let us see” and they re-scanned our room keys. We were given an ocean front room with a balcony! It was awesome. It was really too bad I had some work to do. But I did get plenty of walks on the beach and a lot of body surfing! I actually BEAT Chris on one run, too! I was shocked! Chris is the ultimate body surfing champion!
Then later that week (trust me, I didn’t want to leave!) I had jury duty. It must be our zip code since Chris just had it, too. My number was chosen to go in, but I sat around until lunch waiting to be called. I actually enjoyed being there – I finished editing a wedding while listening to my Ipod. I had a good sunny spot by the window and I wasn’t distracted by the phone ringing or the doorbell. But at lunch, they announced that they had everyone they needed and the rest of us could go home. I was a little bummed – I was curious to see what being on a jury was like! But I was also scared that I would get picked for a 3 month corporate trial and I have a few weekday weddings coming up.
We did a fun shoot on Friday (can’t discuss – it is all hush hush until published) and then a dog shoot. After, we went waterskiing with our friends Curt and Stephanie – such a blast! I hadn’t skied in years and I was afraid I would be terrible. Even Chris went – and got up on the first try! Curt was a pro waterskier for years and he is amazing. We then just hung out by Isleworth and relaxed – it made me want a boat! But I know if we buy one we won’t get as much use out of it that we would like.
I had a walk through with one of my brides and I can’t wait for her wedding. She has thought about every detail and it is going to be at their house that they are building out in Apopka. They have a horse barn that is 10x nicer than our house! Their master shower is about the size of our master bedroom with shower heads all over. We are already talking about a post wedding shoot – she doesn’t want to get on her horses that day, so we will do it after when she doesn’t have to worry about her dress staying clean. Did I mention I can’t wait?
On a final note, we had an AMAZING wedding this weekend. Our couple got married at their house on the intercoastal and the bride’s dress was a couture Vwidon gown. Here is one of my favorite shots – this was right after the ceremony when they got inside – they were all alone inside and I grabbed this shot before they saw me following them!
