We’ve mentioned Ben and Tori before here, and how much fun they are to work with. Through their engagement session with us, Ben and Tori got to know how Amanda and I work together, and they gave us full freedom to capture their day. This allowed Ben and Tori to relax and enjoy their big day knowing that we would be capturing every moment for them to remember for years down the line.
Ben and Tori did a first look. While Ben waited outside with a letter for his bride to be, Tori came around the corner with the biggest smile on her face and a beautiful crown of greenery encircling her head. Once Ben felt her hand on his shoulder, he turned and laid his eyes on his bride for the first time that day. It was a beautiful moment they shared. They each had written a note to the other and traded messages. Each was brought to tears, and the love they had was beautiful to see. Needless to say, moments like these are why we love first looks and encourage them.
The ceremony and reception was held at the Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art. This is one of the exhibition halls at the Museum of Arts and Science (MOAS) at Daytona Beach. It is a beautiful venue filled with amazing artwork showcasing much of Florida and its old history. During the ceremony, Ben and Tori were on the landing of the grand staircase, and before them were their closest friends and family surrounded by this beautiful artwork. All the greenery in Tori’s bouquet and those of the bridesmaids was perfectly accented by the greenery showcased in the old Florida artwork
Between the ceremony and reception, we had the opportunity to take some more pictures; only this time inside the museum with the new Mr. and Mrs. We scouted some of Ben and Tori’s favorite pieces and took some pictures highlighting both the wonderful location they chose to be married in and the unique backdrop it made for their wedding pictures. Ben is a lot like me. He is a lot of fun and has a goofy side to him. Something about the setting and one of the pictures really made him think of the artpiece American Gothic, so he wanted to take a picture with him and Tori posing as the American Gothic couple. Tori is always up for anything, so she jumped right on the idea and we all had a lot of laughs as they were creating their own “Florida Gothic”.
The reception was held in the front room of the museum. Ben and Tori were seated with their wedding party at the head table, and behind them was a long painting spanning the entire length of the wall with images of classic, old Florida. Their family and friends were then seated throughout the room and flanked by more artwork. Their reception was an intimate setting with Ben and Tori making their way around to each table thanking them for joining them on their wedding day. Many of the guests were taking pictures on a Instax camera and posting them to a pin board that had been provided to them with messages of congratulation and thanks.
At the end of the day Ben and Tori made their grand exit flanked by loved ones all throwing lavender and celebrating the joyous and shining couple. Ben and Tori, thank you for letting us capture your big day. Amanda and I were honored to be there and can’t help but smile as we think back to your perfect day.
