liancarlo

Margaret Ellen Bride | Bruna Krug-Rector | Destin, Florida Wedding

I had the pleasure of meeting sweet Bruna back in the summer when she was on the hunt for the perfect dress for her Destin, Florida wedding. I knew Bruna was something special when she told me she was planning TWO weddings at ONCE! She had her first ceremony in Brazil, where her family still resides. Two months later she did it again here. Simply amazing!

Bruna wore a gown by Liancarlo and married Leslie at The Destin Bay House.

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How did you meet Leslie?

I used to work at a cell phone store and helped Leslie's brother a couple of months prior to meeting him, and apparently I made a great impression on the brother, so much that he told Leslie he should break his phone or something to come meet me. A couple of months later Leslie actually needed a new phone so he came in and we met! We became friends and remained that for a long time, until both of our lives took a left turn (or should I say a RIGHT one?) and we started dating.

How did Leslie ask you to be his for forever?

We started talking wedding pretty early in the relationship, and we were both very excited about it! So much that we had a date picked out and venue booked months before our engagement. I guess we just knew this was IT! In one of our trips we went to a jewelry store owned by Leslie's friend and together we built the most beautiful ring I've ever seen... and then we (aka I) waited... and waited... until a sunny saturday in April 2018. Just like every other sunny Saturday we went on a boat ride, but this time, in the middle of the Destin jetties with that Emerald water surrounding us, he pulled out that amazing ring from his swim trunk's pocket and asked if I wanted to marry him. We both cried and laughed and I obviously said yes!

What was your favorite part of the wedding planning process?

Food and cake tasting is definitely a great part of the wedding planning process!! But finding my perfect dress and having that butterflies + tears moment (that I didn't think was real), absolutely was my most favorite moment!

What is your favorite memory from the wedding day?

Our first dance, when just for a second it felt like everyone around disappeared and it was just the two of us in that moment, loving each other dancing to my husband's favorite song. And also when we took a second to look around and absorb everything that was going on around us, and we saw every one of our guests smiling and having a great time celebrating our love.

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What is one piece of advice you would give someone preparing for their wedding day?

As a very organized and OCD person, it was hard for me to picture this, but the truth is: some things won't go as you planned, and that's ok! I actually planned two weddings two months apart (one for my family in Brazil prior to our 11/11/18 in Destin), so at times it got very overwhelming, but when I realized that some details only I would know if they didn't happen, that took a lot of pressure off. My focus then became me and my hubby having a good time and making sure our guests would be comfortable so they could enjoy our day and have fun. So prioritize what's important to you, and get to the secondary items when you can, if you can.

Why did you choose Margaret Ellen Bridal? How did you know your dress was "the one"?

I had visited another bridal dress store locally, but as soon as I got to the door at MEB and saw my name on the sign, a glass of champagne waiting for me, and met Maggie (the sweetest soul around), I just knew that that was my place to be!!! The individual appointments, the beautiful boutique, and her undivided attention made the experience perfect! "MY" dress was actually the first one I tried on, but I just couldn't believe it, so I tried on a few more. All beautiful dresses, but every single one of them I would compare to the very first one... and then I tried it back on and that was it. All butterflies and tears and emotions told me that was "the one"!

…and they lived Happily Ever After! Congrats to Bruna and Les!

Photographer: Brett Birdsong

Videographer: Story Teller Visuals

Venue(s): Destin Bay House

Florist: Perfect Day Weddings

Wedding Planner/Coordinator: Kiss The Bride

Caterer: Carrabba's Italian Grill

Hair: Gallant Glam

Make Up: Jessa Jivania

Cake: Bake My Day

Ceremony Musicians: Hunter Dawson

Reception Band/DJ: Hunter Dawson

Invitations: Eloquent Signs

Officiant: Eric Partin

Wedding Dress: Liancarlo | Margaret Ellen Bridal

Bridesmaid Dresses: Bella Bridesmaids and Simply Elegant

Tuxedos: Men's Wearhouse

Seamstress: Southern Simplicity






Bridal Photo Shoot featuring Lacey McLaughlin Photography

This past June, the sweetest Fairhope, Alabama photographer reached out to me after seeing MEB on Instagram (how lucky are we to have something to bring us all together?!?). After seeing her work and other shoots she had done, I knew I must go with Lacey for a photo shoot that was in need of happening. Lacey was professional, worked efficiently, and knew how to place the models which made my job so much easier. Finally in September we made the shoot happen (even with the clouds/rain affecting our usually bright studio) and the results are EXACTLY what I wanted and was looking for.

Lacey is no stranger to 30A. She married her love at Eden Gardens in the spring of 2017. Read on to get to know Lacey a little more and give her a follow on Instagram so that you can see the amazing work this talented photographer puts into every shot.

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What inspired you to become a photographer? How long have you been in the business of photography? 

I started taking photos for Journalism in high school and really enjoyed the connections I was able to make when the camera was added to the equation. It was almost like it added an extra sense of closeness of getting to know someone because you have to build a sense of trust. Still not sure about what I wanted to be, off to college I went starting out majoring in Journalism. While I enjoyed writing, I realized I wasn't able to express all of my creative aspects. When I switched over to the college of Fine Arts, it was then that I took my first photography class starting out on 35mm film processing in the dark room. This was when I fell in love. Something just clicked. When I was behind the camera, I felt my happiest. I felt invincible and I knew that this would be the path for me. Film is my one true love for personal and portrait work, but when I started photographing weddings immediately after graduating in 2013, I knew I would need something a little more efficient. I second shot my first wedding for a photographer in 2013, moved to California, started my own business in 2014 and have never looked back! I've been a photographer for 5 years now. 

What does a day in the life of running your business look like? 

Well, to be honest, each day looks pretty different. It also depends on what time of year it is because Spring and Fall are the busiest times for me with wedding season being the most abundant then. I travel around to Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida for photo shoots throughout the year, mostly on weekends. During the week, on an average day, I am at my new studio (celebrating it's 1 year opening October 20th) answering emails, listening to music, meeting with potential brides/grooms, and editing. LOTS of editing

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What sets your photography apart from others? 

This is a hard one, but I would say it's all about the energy I emit through the camera. Each person responds uniquely to me as a photographer and if I'm either doing well or having a tough time, that shows in the photos. I try to bring my best self to every shoot so that I can bring that beautiful & positive light out in my subjects. I also like to take a more modern approach with weddings and all my work, while capturing those candid natural moments that are full of emotion as well. Whether it's happy, energetic, sad, loving, or plain honest; the emotion is what I'm after. 


What can brides expect if they hire you as their photographer? 

Beautiful photos that capture the unique essence of them TWO! Each couple is unique, and I never show up to a wedding day knowing what the outcome of my photos will look like. Some couples are loving, touchy, and some aren't. I want to capture their day in the best way possible. If it's raining, the photos will be a bit moodier. If it's hot and sweaty, we roll with the punches and find shade where we can. If I step in an ant pile during a first look (true story), I kick my shoes off, squeal and keep shooting. I never want to miss a moment. But most of all, my brides can expect honest and loving photos that make each of their unique personalities shine!

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What is the biggest tip you would give to a bride for her big day? 

Be in the moment. Be in love. Don't worry about how you look when you're laughing or crying or feeling any kind of way. Talk to your love. Don't worry about the camera. These true moments between you and your spouse are the ones that make the most beautiful photos. Soak it all in. Don't worry about the little details. Give your phone to your bridesmaids. Dance your heart out. Eat the cake. Stop for a moment (or two) to take it all in. This may be the only day of your life when you have every single person you love and who loves you all in the same room celebrating your love. What could be better?!

Visit her website to learn more:

www.laceymclaughlin.com