WOMANS CLUB OF COCONUT GROVE WEDDING | MIAMI, FL PHOTOGRAPHER | MELISSA + JIMMY

[dropcap]This[/dropcap] vintage trimmed, Chicago themed wedding was right at home here in Miami, FL and the Woman’s Club Of Coconut Grove was the perfect backdrop for everything to unfold.  The story of Melissa and Jimmy started back in 2010 when one day Jimmy,  while working in the radiology department at Memorial Hospital Miramar, was passing by the medical social worker unit and happen to noticed Melissa working.  Jimmy’s heart skipped a beat, and knew he had to get to know her.  As time moved on, Jimmy would constantly find any reason or excuse to “pass by” and be seen by her, and eventually invited her out in groups to go see the Chicago Bears, as he knew that she was from Chicago.  But… Melissa would always decline his thoughtful invite.  While it was very frustrating for Jimmy, he just could not give up.  There was “something” about Melissa that just kept drawing him it, and wanted to get to know her more. Three years had passed by, and in 2013 Melissa was transferred to Memorial Hospital Pembroke, and Jimmy now had no way of “strolling by” to see her at work anymore.  It was time for him to be more direct, so he reached out to her on Facebook and invited her out to go watch a Chicago Bears game at Bokampers.  Melissa, finally (after three years) agreed to go and came up with a cute little plan of her own.  She brought a friend along on the date and told her that if things were “going well” that her friend would leave after the first drink.  Well.. needless to say, her friend still had some beer in the bottom of her glass.. and was looking for where she had parked her car 🙂  Since that night Melissa and Jimmy have been together everyday since, and in the process of building a beautiful relationship with one another have learned some very ironic facts…  They were both born on the 13th day of their respective birth months.  They officially became a “couple” on 12.13.13.  They found out on their very first trip to Chicago together that they were both actually born in the same hospital (Illinois Masonic Medical Center), and even more incredible found out that they both grew up in the same neighborhoods!  Jimmy always knew in his heart that he would one day get what he wants, but I think it’s safe to say that he got a whole lot more then what he expected with Melissa.

Melissa, Jimmy… I want to personally thank you for not just “hiring a Miami Wedding Photographer”, but putting your trust into myself to really be apart of your wedding day and to tell your story.  From the moment we had our first meeting, and I started to learn all about the details I knew it was going to be a fun time, and then when we did the engagement session it was clear that the two of you are so easy going and compliment each other so well. We had so much laughter and fun with you that day (oh that red hat of yours Jimmy.. LOL) I wanted to put it on myself and rock the camera haha.  You both are so great, and your wedding was a beautiful celebration in which truly reflected who you both are very, very well.  I am very humbled and thankful I was apart of it all!  I wish you all the love and success in the world, and I am sure that your wonderful story will also inspire others to never give up and go after what they want in love and in life.

TH

This “Love” sign was just incredible.  Supplied by the Mi Vintage Rental company, it became the tone of reception and reminded everyone what all this is truly about.  I can’t put into words how much laughter, and fun we all had with Jimmy getting ready (and the whole day for that matter).  I actually felt more like another groomsmen with a camera, then I did a “photographer” LOL.  So I was finished with all the “getting ready” shots of Jimmy, and was about to head back over to Melissa’s room when I look over and saw the lighting that I would need for a styled shot of him alone.  Jimmy, I think we should put this shot in a magazine!  Back at the home base in Melissa’s room the hair and makeup process was right at the tail end, and I decided to bring mom, and grandmother over to really “tell the story”, and got this beautiful shot.So, regardless of how much planning you can do for a wedding… the one thing that will always remain to chance is the weather.  In this case (image above) your looking at Melissa and her mother watching as the rain pours in to completely destroy any chance of the outdoor planned ceremony, which.. was beyond beautifully setup.  It was going to be out in the front lawn of the Woman’s Club.  While no bride wants to experience this, I have to say that Melissa held her head high and did not let this effect her day at all.  I reassured her that to spite the rain, I would figure out a way to get some great shots when it calms down. And we did 🙂Such a beautiful dress from Wonderland Bridal Couture, and that floral arrangement just pops!This is not the look of a bride who is upset about the rain.  We are all laughing, and having a blast with the girls getting ready.  After a bit, in comes dad to check in on his daughter.  Such a beautiful moment 🙂Before we walked over to the Woman’s Club from the Mutiny Hotel, I had a few moments to get some styled shots of Melissa.Here we are now, inside the Woman’s Club and my assistant is watching Jimmy as Melissa makes her way down the isle.  This is one of my personal favorite moments from the wedding day.  Also, a HUGE thanks to Amanda at the Woman’s Club for quickly getting the chairs from outside, inside and dry, as well as setting up the entire ceremony inside with very little notice.  It all flowed seamless, and to be honest.. I think all the guests were thankful for the air conditioner anyway LOL.Just check out all of the amazing details at this wedding!  Everything was just stunning.

As promised… once the weather calmed down, and the formalities were over with, I took Melissa and Jimmy back outside, and we got some great shots of where the ceremony was going to take place.  I think they came out so nice, and will look incredible in their wedding album!

Many thanks to all of the amazing vendors who made this wedding come to life…

Venue: Womans Club Of Coconut Grove / Amanda

Floral: Mega Flowers Miami

DJ: DJ UBI

Photo Booth: Travis Harris Photography

Hair / MUA: Pris Beauty (Priscilla Rego)

Cake: Cloud 9 Bakery

Themed Rentals / Decore: Mi Vintage Rental

Photo: Travis Harris