Dre & Tomeka’s March 2024 Wedding at Studio 1060 in Buenaventura Lakes, FL
I had the absolute pleasure of photographing Dre and Tomeka’s wedding on March 3, 2024, at the beautiful Studio 1060 Event Venue in Buenaventura Lakes, Florida. Surrounded by the love and support of their friends and family, they got ready for their big day with so much excitement in the air. I first met Tomeka through her best friend (and talented photographer) Michaela Ortiz—shout out to Michaela! From capturing their engagement session to their wedding day, it was such a joy to be part of their journey.
While this wasn’t the first wedding I’ve photographed, it holds a special place in my heart as the first one I officially booked. I wanted to ensure Dre and Tomeka had an exceptional client experience, so I went above and beyond to communicate and plan with them over the course of six months. Whether it was through phone calls, emails, questionnaires, Pinterest boards, or in-person meetings, I made sure every detail was covered. Yes, it may sound like a lot, but trust me—it was worth it to create a smooth and stress-free experience for them!
Creating the Dream Ceremony
Reflecting on my own wedding experience, I remember how overwhelming the wedding industry can be, especially when you’re not sure where to start. That’s why I strive to empower my clients to make decisions that truly reflect their vision. When I met with Tomeka a month before her wedding, she shared that they weren’t planning on having a ceremony. The church they dreamed of was out of budget, and they had only booked the reception space. Tomeka was heartbroken that her Cinderella moment wasn’t going to happen, as they planned to tie the knot at the courthouse the day before.
Now, don’t get me wrong—I love courthouse weddings! My parents eloped, and I’ve even had the honor of photographing one of my best friend’s elopements. But I knew Tomeka had her heart set on something more. We talked through a few options, and I encouraged her to explore budget-friendly alternatives. In the end, they opted for a small, intimate ceremony in the outdoor space of their reception venue—and it was perfect.
A Wedding Day Full of Love and Emotion
Their wedding day was a beautiful whirlwind of emotions. From the tender moments getting ready, to their heartfelt ceremony, to sneaking away for some intimate portraits, and finally celebrating with their loved ones at the reception—every second was filled with love and joy. The emotions of the day shine so clearly in their wedding gallery, and I couldn’t be happier with how it all turned out.
To make the day even more special, the celebration ended with a beautiful rainbow appearing in the sky—a symbol that Tomeka’s late father was there with her on her special day. It was a touching and emotional moment that perfectly rounded out an already unforgettable celebration of love.
Capturing Dre and Tomeka’s wedding was an incredible experience, and I’m so thankful I got to witness and photograph such a meaningful day in their lives.
