I met Jenna and Shalin over a year ago, when this Houston couple dropped by our studio to chat about the possibility of me photographing their Pensacola wedding. Honestly, I meet a lot of people, but this couple really stood out. I remember thinking that not only did I want to photograph their wedding, but I wanted to be Jenna’s friend! She has a warmth and enthusiasm about her that truly lights up a room, and her friendliness makes you feel like you are genuinely the most important person to her at that moment – and it feels REAL because she MEANS it. Fast forward to the weekend before last at one of my favorite venues (Pensacola Country Club weddings are seriously my favorite). We arrived and went immediately to the suite where Jenna and her bridesmaids were preparing, and were greeted with applause and squeals of delight as soon as we opened the door. (A girl could get used to that, by the way!) The day continued with the same excitement and beauty. The rainy and gloomy weather cleared up just in time for the outdoor ceremony under the giant live oak on the 18th hole, overlooking the blue waters of Pensacola Bay. The sun peeked through the clouds just as the ceremony began, casting a symbolic and actual golden glow around the proceedings. I love ceremonies full of tears, as well as those rife with laughter – Jenna and Shalin’s had both. The overwhelming feeling they conveyed was true and intense joy to marry, and this was clearly echoed by their families (many of whom were visiting Florida from Shalin’s native India just to witness the wedding)!
After a swoon-worthy bride and groom portrait session, the reception kicked off with a bang. The dance floor was full all night long with a mixture of American and Indian music for this multicultural wedding, and I’m pretty sure I had a grin on my face the entire night. Thank you so much, Jenna and Shalin, for trusting me to document your day. It was absolutely my pleasure!
Photographer: Aislinn
