Katie and Chip were married on the beach on September 10, 2011 at Sand Key Park in Clearwater, Florida.  They had decided that they wanted to see each other before the ceremony so we arranged for a “1st Look” photo opportunity.  The 1st Look can be special for the bride and groom,  it’s an intimate moment together, just the two of them, when the groom sees his bride in her wedding dress for the first time.  Chip had his back turned and Katie came up behind him and touched his shoulder.  He turned around to see her for the 1st time.  It’s a beautiful moment and always results in emotional images.  The traditional approach of the groom seeing his bride when she first starts to walk down the aisle is wonderful too but some couples are doing things a bit different.

Their entire day was was intimate and shared only with family and a few friends.   The ceremony, just before sundown, was officiated by Charmaine Doumanian.  After the ceremony Katie, Chip and their family went to the water’s edge to tossed sea shells with prayers and blessing on them into the ocean.

We were there to photograph their day but I want to thank Katie and Chip and Katie’s mom, Sheryl for their kindness for inviting Nancy and I to join them for dinner at Shepard’s Beach Resort.  We were honored to be invited to join your family on this special day.  Thank you.

Here are a few imaged from Katie and Chip’s wedding.