Derek and Jami had their  destination wedding in Florida, at Paradise Cove in Orlando.  Oh yes, a wedding in December down in Florida is sooo nice!  Being able to share in Derek and Jami’s wedding was so wonderful for John and I.  They have a very special and loving relationship and sharing in their day was beautiful!

Derek and Jami first met on a month long mission trip to Puerto Rico in 2014.  They became friends, but not until early 2016, did Derek ask Jami to be his date for the last end of year  ROTC Dining Out at Embry Riddle. That night they really hit it off and went on their first official date 2 weeks later.  Derek was graduating and commissioning in to the US  Air Force shortly thereafter, meaning their relationship would be long distance, but Jami said they trusted in the God’s timing and were just thankful that  he brought them back into each other’s lives.  In January 2017  they went to Puerto Rico again, but this time for a friend’s wedding.  To her surprise, Derek proposed to her on that trip and of course she said YES!

They choose Paradise Cove for their wedding because of the beautiful natural surroundings and the fun wedding options at this unique venue.  Jami and the girls got ready for the wedding right a Paradise Cove’s bridal cottage.  Before the wedding,  Derek and Jami shared a moment without seeing each other.  This is often an emotional moment and always fun to photograph.  Once the ceremony began all the planning and excitement all came down to this.  The feelings were so powerful and the love and heartfelt happiness  were so apparent. Gosh these are the moments that make weddings so unique and  personal.  Be sure to take a look at their amazing ceremony.

When an avid dancer marries a college cheerleader and gymnasist how do you think the reception should start?  Yep!  An awesome couples choreographed first dance! Oh this was fantastic and very cool! The rest of the evening had delicious southern bbq , sweet tea, Corn Hole, S mores over the smokeless fire pit and  dancing nonstop!  What a truly amazing wedding. So much fun, great weather, beautiful location and tons of family and friends!  Thank you Derek and Jami for having us capture this very special day!

Venue-Paradise Cove

Florist-Publix

 Invitations-CCPrintsby Tabitha

Dress Shoppe-Tampa, Truly Forever Bridal

Dress Designer-Mori Lee

Caterer-4 Rivers Smokehouse

DJ-Grant Hemond and Assoc. –Jason Tally

Video-Tabb Justus