Ashley + Jeff Keel & Curley Winery Wedding

April Shower’s the Couple with love

For almost 2 years, April 7, 2018 was booked on my calendar.

When Ashley & Jeff planned their wedding day, they had visions of strolling along the vineyards at Keel & Curley Winery, enjoying a fine glass of Sweet Blueberry or Strawberry Fusion.

Maybe taking a ride on the Trolley, or wandering through the acres of blueberries.  They would meet in the arbor for their first look, and I as their photographer, would snap away capturing all the emotion and beauty.

Wrong.  The weather had other plans for us that day, when a pop up spring storm threatened the outdoor venue and festivities.

It could have gone south.  Real fast.   But, it didn’t.

To my amazement, Ashley remained calm and nonplussed —I mean she did not let one flicker of irritation show.  She was about to marry her true love, and the man of her dreams.  That is all that truly mattered.

The wedding party kicked into high gear and moved up the timeline, allowing Ashley & Jeff to exchange their vows in front of a beautiful gazebo, before the first raindrops fell.  Their infant daughter rode down the aisle in a custom “Cinderella” style carriage, created by Ashley’s stepfather.

Keel & Curley’s rustic venue took on a timeless, elegance with all the Pink and Gray details, Ashley and her mother worked hard to create.

The newlywed’s danced under a pavilion with twinkling lights, as family and guests looked on.  There they received the most amazing gift.  Ashley’s daughter serenaded them with a Disney classic from the Little Mermaid.

Then, the rains blew in.  Hard.  So hard in fact, my camera bag flooded and I lost a flash and a memory card to the damage.  (Side note:  I learned the importance of having water proof everything)

But, even the rain could not dampen the happiness and overwhelming love surrounding the couple.

You see, Ashley has this infectious personality.  She just exudes happiness with her deep, contagious laugh, and sparkling blue eyes.   I can honestly say, she is one of the happiest people I have been blessed to know.  And Jeff?  He is just as laid back and handsome, with killer blue eyes.

True to Florida, the rain left as quickly as it came in.

We danced the night away to the house band.  Ashley and Jeff took the stage for their bouquet, garter toss and some impromptu fun, while guests and restaurant patrons cheered them on.

I am honored to have shared in the wedding of Ashley & Jeff, and so thankful and blessed to call them friends.

We did manage to schedule a re-shoot at the venue, and were blessed with sunny skies and nice weather.      Heck, it gave Ashley and Jeff another opportunity to get dressed up.  This time, without the pressure.

If you are ever in Plant City, Florida, go check out Keel & Curley Winery.  I am sure you will find the venue charming, and the wine even better.