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)

Nobody Likes You When You're 23... Yeah Right!

These past few days have been more than I could have ever imagined/hoped for! I have felt so special and loved coming into my 23rd year! 

The weekend started off with dinner with Philip to kick off the festivities! We enjoyed some delicious dinner at Bahama Breeze after work to put us in relaxation mode! 

After getting stuffed, we headed home to where many surprises awaited! Phil let me open my gifts on Friday, because... he surprised me with a weekend getaway to Orlando! 

Saturday morning, we loaded up our car and hit the road! 

We got there a little early before Check In at our hotel, so decided to head on down to City Walk and sight see! We ended up having lunch in the Hard Rock Cafe and that was seriously one of the coolest restaurants I have ever been to. 

I ordered the traditional burger and fries and it was delicious!!! 

Philip got the Mac N Cheese burger, and believe me when I say, that thing was SO good! 

This restaurant was so cool and worth the time if you are ever in the area! After your meal you walk around the restaurant which is more like a museum and get to see so many incredible historical items from all kinds of musicians! 

Once we were done there we enjoyed walking around and acting like total tourists! 

Once our legs were calling it quits, we headed on over to our hotel which I could not believe it, was less than a mile away from Universal! The hotel was amazing and we really enjoyed our stay at the Home Wood Suites! 

The hotel was perfect and seriously huge! I couldn't believe we had this place all to ourselves! We spent a little time at the hotel and then got ready to hit the town in our fancy clothes! 

We took a pit stop on our way back to Universal and had some drinks at Fat Tuesdays! 

Philip went with the orange/mango and an extra shot, and I got the fruit punch! 

After we finished off our drinks we headed over to see...

THE BLUE MAN GROUP!

I have been wanting to go to one of their shows for years, and to put the icing on the cake, he got us front row, poncho zone!!!

The show was incredible, and hilarious. It was such a fun way to really get people out of there shell and by the end was one huge dance party! It was seriously so much fun! If you ever have the chance to go to one of their shows, I highly recommend it! 

After we finished up there we headed on over to Waste Away in Margaritaville! 

Where we enjoyed dinner and of course... margaritas! Philip even had the live band get together and the whole restaurant sang Happy Birthday... while I hid under his arm haha. 

The next morning, we hit the road and were homeward bound to what I thought, relax, and chill at home. Go into my usual Sunday ritual of cleaning, laundry, prepping for the week. What I came home to was all of my friends and family gathered at Phillippee Park with a whole set up for my birthday! We were fishin, playing cornhole, and just having an amazing time! It was such a special feeling to be surrounded by so many caring and loving people, I literally felt on top of the world! 

And, who would have thought it, just when I thought the fun and surprises was over, I went into work to find my desk had been converted into something out of a Harry Potter movie!!!

My coworkers even queued Harry Potter Music as I was walking in! It was amazing from the Platform 9 3/4 decor to the floating candles above my chair! 

Of course, Philip was still up to more surprises and had flowers delivered to my desk while I was away at lunch! Sneaky man that one! 

My coworkers surprised me with a magical cake! 

To finish the day off, these past few days have been absolutely amazing and I feel so loved and surrounded by amazing people. I am so blessed to welcome in my 23rd year surrounded by amazing friends and family! 

I want to thank all of my friends and family and of course my fiance for making this such an amazing unforgettable birthday!

XO.