Engagement Photo Session

As part of the wedding planning process, Philip and I of course had to find a photographer. We did our research, and looked at a couple of options, but ended up going with a suggestion from a friend. 

Making a big decision for your wedding, or anything in general, can be quite frightening. Are you making the right decision? Did you really look at enough options? No matter what the scenario, there are your normal jitters that come with making big life decisions, and choosing the one person to capture your wedding day... well that's up there on that big decision list.

As part of our Wedding Photography Package, Philip and I were given a free 1 hour Engagement Photo Session at a location of our choice. We ended up choosing Phillippee Park for a number of reasons. 

1.) Our Photographer had a ton of experience with that location and knew it like the back of his hand. His portfolio was full of beautiful pictures he had taken there.

2.) It had the perfect environment/atmosphere we were going for. A rustic/outdoorsy type of shoot with tons of greenery, beautiful trees, the opposite of Florida and beachy!

3.) Phillippee Park is kind of an iconic place for us. We spend a ton of time there! We take our pups there for swims, we've had family reunions there, my 23rd birthday party, it's just a really fun park with some really great memories. 

The day of the photo shoot, I have to say, my nerves were SHOT! I was a stress ball. So many thoughts ran through my mind.. Will this be awkward? Will I be uncomfortable? I don't know to pose!! I hate getting my picture taken. The list goes on. The one thing I can say about having a really great photographer, is having someone that makes you comfortable, pretty much immediately. From the very first picture we took, he had Philip and I laughing, smiling, and really making it a romantic and bonding experience for the two of us! We left feeling connected on a whole new level. My nerves and fears vanished within seconds. 

Oh, and if I had any doubt or concerns about my decision to choose Angela Clifton Photography for our wedding day, let's just say those concerns absolutely vanished when we got our proofs!! 

I am still keeping a couple private until we decide which one we are going to use for our Save the Dates.. we currently have it narrowed down to two so hopefully we can figure that out soon! 

Moral of the story is:

- Find a photographer that you feel comfortable and yourself around

- See your proofs and have the sense of feeling that you totally made the right choice

- Photo shoots with your S.O. are crazy romantic and should happen WAY more frequently. 

XO.

Siesta Key Weekend

Wow, it has been far too long since I have posted! Sometimes, life moves in fast forward, and before you know it 6 months has passed and well, here you are. 

In the spirit and celebration of the fact that Philip and I just got our photos back from our engagement shoot (here's a little teaser - more pictures to come after we choose the ONE for our Save The Dates)

I figured I would do a post reminiscing in a really great weekend, with my really great fiancé! 

This past September, Philip and I celebrated 9 years together. We knew that although work was crazy, and we had a million and one things going on, we had to get away for the weekend! So, get away we did. 

Philip and I rented the cutest bungalow beach house for the weekend on Siesta Key Beach. We found out about Gumbo-Limbo rentals and I have to rave for a second because our expectations were blown out of the water. Not only was our room beautiful, clean, walking distance from the beach, but the entire rental square is secluded and feels like your own piece of paradise! From private balconies with cute landscaping, to a private pool and lounge area, we could not have asked for better! We stayed in their "Hibiscuis Suite" and it was the perfect space for some R&R! 

Our first night we arrived around 8 PM - we went straight from work. Not only were we exhausted, but it was Friday night.. so we figured the best thing to do was find a walking distance bar, eat some good food, and have one too many drinks! haha We ended up at The Siesta Key Oyster Bar, and I am so glad we did. Not only was it walking distance from our bungalow (YAY, no need for a cab) but we ate some of the best food and had amazing drinks. I ordered the Lavender Mojito.. I mean, who even knew something that amazing even existed? We finished the night off leaving a dollar with our names on it, the place was covered!

The next morning, we woke up to a beautiful view...

I have never seen a more beautiful, peaceful, and CLEAN beach! We layer out for a bit, swam, collected shells.. it was the perfect beach day! After a few hours of soaking up the sun, we needed carbs! We headed over to Another Broken Egg cafe and enjoyed a big breakfast! 

I got a Mexican style omelet with home fries, and Philip got the Eggs Benedict with home fries.

After stuffing our faces, we headed back to... the beach! haha & then after the beach we headed to... the pool! Once we were a bit done with the sun, we got cleaned up and hit the road to explore Siesta Key/Sarasota and ended up stumbling upon... 

The Mote Marine Laboratory! 

Did I mention, on that specific Saturday they were having a deal making their normal $20/person admission only $7/person. Surprisingly, it was even that packed. It was a really great, well maintained facility, that acts as a rehabilitation unit for animals that were injured in the wild. 

Once we left the aquarium we did some more exploring, and found this pretty cool statue remembering the "unconditional surrender". 

We then decided Mexican food was in order at least ONCE on our trip. Thank God for Siri and locating Mexican food within so many miles. She helped us find The Hub!

You tell me that does not just look mouth watering delicious! - because it was! We then hurried to the beach to catch the sunset. 

We ended the weekend off, watching the sunset, spending one last night in our perfect beach bungalow and really just enjoying some peace and quiet with each other. I cannot wait to spend more weekends like this, just the two of us. 

Crazily enough, with everything we have going on between upcoming holidays, wedding planning, and maybe some more surprises up our sleeves, it's kind of mind boggling to think that the next time we will take another vacation will be our Honeymoon! (Now just to figure out where we want to go.. haha)

Zoominations!

I have mentioned a couple times before that I love finding new and exciting things to do for date night! This was no exception!

Lowry Park's Zoominations: A Chinese Lantern Festival! 

We were fortunate enough to get the Groupon for this, it is normally $24.95 per person but Groupon is still currently running a promotion on a BOGO! This event is still going on for one more weekend so make sure to stop by Groupon and get your tickets for the perfect date night!

If you don't have a chance to go, have no fear, because I have you covered and took a billion pictures of all the beauty! 

Tried to get a picture, it was just way to dark to see anything! 

Crazy lighting is the perfect selfie opportunity! 

Not to mention, if you do go, make sure to catch the Chinese Acrobats show! It is incredible! I wasn't expecting much and was literally closing my eyes at some points with the crazy things these people could do!

Hope you guys got some date inspiration from this post and I hope you get a chance to make it out to ZOOminations before it is over for the year! It was interesting and beautiful to learn so much about the Chinese culture!

XO. 

Rumba & Bill Burr Date Night

So I thought it might be fun to share some of our date night ideas because I know for me, I am always looking for something new and exciting to do with Phil! 

For Valentines Day this year, I surprised Phil with 2 tickets to go see Bill Burr - his favorite comedian - at Ruth Eckerd Hall! 

We love going to see stand up comedy acts and you really can't beat it when it's one of your favorites! 

We started the night out with one of the most important factors to a good night, good food! 

Rumba Island Bar & Grill! 

We are blessed with this local restaurant, with two locations, one right by my job, and one right by our house! It is safe to say I am a frequent flyer! 

Every meal starts off with Mamma's Muffins which are like these heavenly cheddar muffins that are bite size and the perfect thing to hold you over while you wait for your food. 

Most meals also come with their "Fiesta Salad" which is basically the definition of light and tropical! I mean come on, Mango slices and plantain chips, SOLD! 

Phil went with the ultimate man's meal, and had a mixer that came with steak, a mahi kabob, over a bed of rice, steamed veggies, and mashed Potatoes. 

I had the Coconut Encrusted Mahi Mahi, with a jalepeno aioli, with a side of mashed sweet potato and cole slaw! It was delicious!! 

We normally aren't big dessert eaters but we thought, what the heck, tonight was a big night! So we had the smore brownie! Heavenly! 

Would you be surprised if I told you all that food, plus 3 beers cost us $41!?! We were shocked when we saw the tab, such a good deal for all that food! 

Then it was on our way to see the man of the hour, Mr. Bill Burr! 

Check out the awesome photo bomber in the back! 

I have to start by saying, I adored Ruth Eckerd Hall and there really was not a bad seat in the house! I mean, you can't beat that view! 

All in all, the night was amazing, the food was great, the stand up was hilarious! While Bill Burr's tour has ended here in Clearwater, there are always awesome events going on from stand up comedy to concerts to plays, etc. We are so fortunate to have places that make this possible for us locally like Ruth Eckerd!  

XO.