Chris & Rachel’s engagement party at the Hotel Zamora was a beautiful evening overlooking Boca Ciega Bay and most of St. Petersburg, filled with family, friends and good times.

Chris’s mom Nancy is a photography friend of mine and I could not have been more honored that she chose me to capture such a memorable event for her family.

I arrived an hour before Chris & Rachel to introduce myself to the event staff and check out the best light and locations. I knew Chris & Rachel only wanted to do a few posed shots before the party and then spend time enjoying their guests and have random candids taken throughout their evening, so I was prepared as soon as they arrived with spots for posed shots. We got those taken care of in no time and upstairs we went to enjoy the evening with friends and family!!

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Chris & Rachel basically grew up together, they’ve known each other since they went to school together at Christ the King in Tampa, Florida. You would think that a couple that has known each other for as long as they have would have lost that spark; not true of these two. Their love and admiration for each other are infectious. It is safe to say that everyone at their Engagement celebration has known them for most of their life and could not be happier that they are soon to be married.

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It has been said that the prosperity of a person can be measured by the quality of their friendships and their commitment to each other. If this is true, Chris & Rachel are certainly the most prosperous couple I have ever met. The love and affection they share with their friends and family is undeniable.

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There is no greater honor than to get to spend an evening with my client’s closest friends and family and witness the bond they share. I was extremely honored to be in the midst Chris & Rachel’s guests. I especially loved Rachel’s special bond with her mom. Rachel’s parents could not have been more happy for her and it was beaming out of them the entire evening.

This was my first time meeting Chris and remember I was hired by his mother. When I arrived and Chris introduced himself to me, he immediately spoke so highly of his mother the entire evening. Getting to take their pictures together was the highlight of the evening.

Chris & Rachel are so fortunate, beyond their ability to realize, having so many amazing relationships with their friends and family. Having the support of both sets of parents is so important when entering into a marriage covenant.

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Chris & Rachel are such a beautiful, fun & loving couple. They are supported and loved by so many. I will never forget getting to spend this evening celebrating and creating images with them that will serve as markers in their relationship of this point in their history together. This is just the beginning of this couple’s love story.