Reece and Jyrah decided to forgo tradition in favor of an intimate, courthouse ceremony that allowed them to celebrate their union in a way that was uniquely their own, creating memories that will be cherished for a lifetime. Following their ceremony, we captured some BEATIFUL memories on the beach. I love Jyrah's bell sleeves on her white lace dress. And Reece's salmon suit...LOVE!
This couple is so sweet! He proposed while they were vacationing in St Pete Beach. Their flight back was MAJORLY delayed, so they decided to stay a few days extra and ELOPE!!
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Tara wore an off-white, fitted knee length dress that accentuated her beautiful baby bump perfectly! Nazzi wore a navy suit jacket with black accents over her black cami and black pants. Together, they totally nailed the modern classic vibe!
Their ceremony was performed by a family member and their vows totally had me in tears! I'm so excited for the future for these two women and their growing family!
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Kaylee wore a beautiful sweep train satin gown and carried a pink and cream bouquet full of roses and greenery. Her maid of honor wore a flowy blush slip gown and her cute little flower wore a white and blush tulle dress.
Jason definitely dressed the part for his beach wedding, wearing a beige linen suit with a white button down underneath.
Immediately after their ceremony, they did their first dance in a heart in the sand. Then they both chose to dance with their mother's as well - SUPER sweet!
They were married with a traditional church service at St. Petersburg First United Methodist Church with their closest family and friends surrounding them. Kimberlee wore a gorgeous plunging neckline dress and carried bright sunflowers that matched her personality perfectly! Joshua wore a classic black bowtie tuxedo.
After the ceremony, everyone headed over to the Grand Central Brewhouse for a reception filled with fun and love!
For a very limited time, we're offering 25% off your elopement package!
Contact us for more information or any questions you may have
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David wore a modern tuxedo in royal blue with black accents and Toni wore a gorgeous lace overlay mermaid gown with a cathedral length veil (my absolute favorite for beach weddings!).
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We know it's hard to start thinking about the holidays, but trust us….now is the time to plan your holiday photos! When the craziness of the holidays hit, you’ll be SO GLAD you did!
Each session is 20-minutes and includes an online viewing gallery of 15-25 images, AND 3 digital images of your choice - all for $75!!
In addition to the basic package, we have some extra add-ons available too:
- Cards in sets of 25
- Additional individual digital images or all of the digital images from the session
- Custom canvases or prints for your walls
Sessions are limited, and they will fill up fast! If you are interested in securing yours, contact us today at [email protected]
We know it's hard to start thinking about the holidays, but trust us….now is the time to plan your holiday photos! When the craziness of the holidays hit, you’ll be SO GLAD you did!
We are offering a limited number of sessions every Sunday in October (10/2, 10/09, 10/16, 10/23, 10/30)
Each session is 20-minutes and includes an online viewing gallery of 15-25 images, AND 5 digital images of your choice - all for $75!!
In addition to the basic package, we have some extra add-ons available too:
- Cards in sets of 25
- Additional individual digital images or all of the digital images from the session
- Custom canvases or prints for your walls
Sessions are limited, and they will fill up fast! If you are interested in securing yours, contact us today at [email protected]
I’ve even made it super easy for you to get a printable version HERE
So now that you have your basic wedding timeline you can enjoy your engagement and start planning your dream wedding! If you’re ready to book your photographer, let us know! We’d love to chat with you about your wedding plans!
]]>We offer professional full day wedding coverage to record every moment of your day in style! We offer custom packages to fit your day and budget! Each package includes two photographers and a Print Release to all your images. You will receive skillfully edited photographs and an online gallery that your friends and family will love! Let's get the conversation started, contact us today!!
407-242-9383 | [email protected]
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We hope to hear from you soon!
]]>Many of you are probably familiar with our popular mini sessions. This fall we will be doing an exclusive series of mini sessions dedicated to bringing home our baby! (For more info about our adoption process, check out our personal adoption blog: www.HopeStrengthAndWine.com)
These sessions are great for family, maternity, children, couples, pets or even just yourself!
Just pick a date, and e-mail us for availability. These sessions fill up fast; so don’t hesitate to grab your date! We can’t wait to see you!
If you’re social, will you please help us? Spread the word by “sharing” this post across your social media and within your sphere of influence. Thank you so much!
http://hopestrengthandwine.com/
Xoxo - Michelle & Bill
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Shouldn't your wedding photography be another perfect fit, like finding the man and dress of your dreams?
At MYB Photography, we're always eager to fully customize a package to fit your exact needs and specifications!
Now the icing on the wedding cake just got even sweeter ... because you can NAME YOUR OWN PRICE!!
You read that right, and we're very serious.
Photography is one of the most important elements of a wedding. Investing in a professional photographer ensures that you are able to share your memories today and pass them on to your children and grandchildren tomorrow.
That being said, we know that not everyone has the same budget or needs for photography. Therefore, we are excited to offer this great feature! You can design your own wedding photography package, choosing everything from your hours of coverage to whether or not you’d like to include an engagement session, etc. The package will already include an online password-protected viewing gallery and all the high resolution images of your wedding day on a DVD with full printing rights.
We are introducing this exciting pricing model for our remaining (open) dates in 2015 and 2016. Providing couples the opportunity to create custom packages and custom coverage levels based on their budget helps us better understand what types of service and a la carte items Brides and Grooms prefer. Your feedback helps us understand how we can better serve the wedding community and helps us create future Collections.
Please email us ([email protected]) indicate what you would like included in your package and how much your budgeted price is. We’ll review your proposal, and respond in 48hrs, either accepting your offer, or making a counter-offer. Unsure where to start? Usually wedding photography is about 10% of your wedding budget depending on the importance.
No reasonable offer will be refused! It's that simple!
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Something we hear a lot of from couples everywhere is, “I wish we had some nice photos of us together.” Between running the kids around, juggling work and attending school, taking some time to celebrate you and your loved one as a couple is often forgotten. So this year we'd like to change that and offer Sweetheart Mini Sessions (offer valid through February 2014).
These sessions are just what they sound like — an intimate, cozy photo session with you and your sweetheart. Whether you’re still students or entering your 50th year of marriage, a Sweetheart Mini Session is guaranteed to be fun, flirty and relaxed, capturing your unique bond in a romantic yet real light.
You’ll receive a beautiful private online gallery of 15 proofs and your choice of 5 final high-res images. Plus you’ll receive your choice of TWO complimentary 5×7 fine art prints, which means you’ll each get to pick your favorite! Additional prints, canvases and albums available a la carte.
Call or email to reserve your spot today!!
407-242-9383 | [email protected]
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We've set some pretty awesome goals for 2014! So many amazing and challenging changes in our personal lives are bound to overflow into our business. 2014....Bring. It. On!!!
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So on this Thanksgiving and every other day of the year, we are so so thankful for our past, present and future clients. Thank you for letting us capture your lives!
xoxo - Michelle and Bill
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Engagement photos are one of my favorite things to shoot (besides the wedding!). I love seeing a couple be themselves and be so in love. It is such a great way to get to know my couples, for them to take a break from the stress of planning to enjoy each other and for them to learn how I work.
Here are some suggestions when looking for the perfect clothing to wear for your session.
1. Feel good in what you wear. If you pick out an outfit that you feel sexy/hot/beautiful/gorgeous in, then it is going to come across in your photos. So if you are debating between something, and you don’t have pep in your step with it on…pass on it. Keep this in mind when picking out clothes that you might not be comfortable in (i.e. those jeans that make your butt amazing when you stand, but the ones you can’t quite sit down in….)
2. Don’t be matchy matchy, yet still match. This might be confusing, but let me break it down. You do not want to look like “twinzies!”, but your outfits should instead compliment each other. For example, if you are wearing a bold pattern with purple, blue and yellow, have your finace wear a solid color shirt in one of those hues. This also means if you have on a cocktail dress, your guy’s outfit should be equally as dressy.
3. Pick out clothes that match the style of your location. If you are going to be taking photos at a rustic location, rock those cowboy boots and sundress. If you are shooting in the heart of the city, pick out a sassy cocktail dress and amazing stilettos.
4. Wear extra make-up. Engagement sessions are the perfect time to do a trial run for your make-up and a great way for you to see how you will look on your special day. If you can’t schedule your trail and session for the same day, then add a little more make-up than normal and put on some gloss or lipstick (but be careful of the color…all the kissing that happens could leave your guy with some color of his own!). I also recommend that my brides-to-be have a manicure since I typically do a lot of up-close shots of the ring.
5. Have an extra outfit. I always encourage my clients to bring at least one extra outfit to change into. I suggest one casual outfit and one more formal outfit. This is also a great way to meet your guy in the middle on an outfit option
6. Dress in layers. Toss on a sweater over your guy’s button down or layer a blazer over your cami. When you wear layers, it slims and adds dimension to your photos. And if you opt for darker hues they will have a slimming effect, and who doesn’t want that. :)
7. Wear clothes that reflect YOU! It seems obvious, but it is so true. The best photos are when my couples are themselves which only starts with wearing clothes that reflect them (not necessary that super cute, orange skirt that the sales girl at Nordstrom told you was the “it” piece for summer.)
I hope this helps as you dig through your wardrobe for the right outfit, however the most important thing to bring to your shoot in your love for each other….and I think you already have that down. :)
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Can’t wait to hear from you!
Michelle and Bill
MYB Photography
407-242-9383 | [email protected]
PORTFOLIO: www.mybphotos.com
BLOG: www.mybphotos.com/blog
Follow us on Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/mybphotography
Be our friend on Facebook: www.facebook.com/mybphotography
This is your perfect excuse to get pampered and let out your inner bombshell (we all have one hiding in there somewhere)! Sip champagne and relax to your favorite tunes as you’re treated to hair and make-up so you look and feel your best!
The best thing about a boudoir session? It’s not just for the husbands, or boyfriends, or the groom to be… it’s for YOU! You wouldn't believe how amazingly confident you feel after you’re done!!
For reservations email Michelle at [email protected] or call at 407-242-9383
Here are some amazing pieces that will have you contemplating going bold at your own wedding!
Love these looks and want to see more?? Check out http://www.stelladot.com/sites/michellemmurphy or take a looks at our pinterest boards http://pinterest.com/mybphotography/stella-dot-style/
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"What should we wear to our photo session?"
This is the question I hear the most, and with good reason; clothing choices can truly make or break a photo. Choosing your wardrobe with care can bring a whole shoot together. Using a theme color goes a long way to create harmony in your photos. Selecting a color, and incorporating it into everyone’s wardrobe, either as a solid piece, or as a part of a pattern, or in a different shade, says “we belong together”.
Take a look at my tips and examples below for pulling together a great look for your next family photo!
I like to try and follow what I call the “Three Colors + POP” rule (I'm not sure who came up with this rule, but they are a genius!):
1. Pick three colors (one being a neutral) and put together outfits with those colors only. More than three colors can seem a bit busy. Neutrals include tan, white, gray, khaki, etc.
2. Add in an unexpected POP of color. One bright color can add interest to your image. Be aware that this POP will become a focal point in the picture, so I wouldn’t advise adding this color in an area that you don’t want others to look at too closely.
{I must make a disclaimer: RULES CAN BE BROKEN. These are just guidelines!!}
Other tips:
1. Think coordinating, not matching. I really stress to my families to think coordinating outfits not matching. Choose colors from the opposite sides of the color wheel (complementary colors), or the colors adjacent to each other (harmonious colors).
2. Try and pick colors that complement the surrounding environment. Once you determine a location, keep this in mind along with the colors of the season when deciding on colors.
If you want to take this one step further (if you plan on displaying this picture in your home), try and choose colors that will compliment your home decor. (I LOVE getting photos from our clients with the photo we took of them on their wall!!!)
3. Use your brightest colors as accessories. You don’t want the brightest colors detracting from the most important part of the picture: the PEOPLE!
4. It is okay to mix solids and simple patterns. Personally, I like to think that SIMPLE patterns add interest and texture to a picture. If you stick to a color scheme, everything just naturally blends together.
Here are some great examples using the tips above!
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Yes – it’s been a little quiet around here, but I PROMISE I have a good excuse, no really, I do :)
In addition to shooting 3 weddings, 2 family sessions, a senior session; creating 2 (pretty fabulous, if I do say so myself) albums, doing 3 bridal consults, and exhibiting at a bridal show (“Hi!” to all of brides that stopped by!!) we have feverously been working on our rebranding! New logo, new site, new blog, new packaging, new….well new everything and I’m super excited to unveil it all - hopefully this weekend!
I’ve been trying to save my all of my blogging for our new blog – and I promise I will have PLENTY to share once it’s up!
]]>Sexy. Hot. Confident. Gorgeous. Sassy….
These are just some of the words that come to mind when I try to describe the women that took part in the Boudoir Bash last month, but I’ll let the photos speak for themselves! Thank you ladies, for allowing me to share a few of the beautiful photos taken that day!
We met Mike and Gabby near the pier on North Reddington Beach on a cool afternoon for their maternity session. Mike is a Marine and Gabby is in the Navy (good luck to the kid that one day tries to date their daughter!) so needless to say, the cool weather wasn’t effecting them one bit during their session….I on the other hand, was freezing! Regardless of the chilly temps I think we got some great shots! Gabby looks AMAZING - can you believe she’s 36 weeks? And the look on Mike’s face when he listens to his baby….priceless!
Once again we are a little late with our Pay it Forward Friday post - but we have a good excuse this time, no really! A family shoot, maternity shoot, all day boudoir shoot and getting ready for our fashion show shoot tomorrow has devoured all of our time! Updates on those coming soon! So, with no further delay - our good deed of last week!
So there I was on a cold and windy Wednesday morning and I found myself in the drive through of the local Starbucks. I had just paid for my non fat no whip Mocha and that’s when it hit me, it is time to pay it forward. I asked for the total for the car behind me and the woman at the window said “$18.80”. I have to be honest; I was expecting five or six dollars maybe, not three times that amount. But then I thought it’s not really about the money, how much or how little, it’s about doing something nice and unexpected for someone else. So I handed her a $20 and a napkin with the words scribbled on the back “Paying it Forward” and asked her to pass it on to the car behind me. The woman working at the drive through looked shocked and thanked me as if I had just bought her a cup of coffee as well. It felt really good to do something nice for a complete stranger for no reason. So, to that stranger, if you’re reading this, I hope you enjoyed – I know I did.
Peace.Love.Photos.
]]>Email Michelle to get your spot, today - [email protected]
I’ve had a TON of questions about what a boudoir session is and what’s all involved. So, behold the Boudoir FAQ…
What is a boudoir session? – Simply put, it’s a session showing off your sexy inner bombshell while still being tasteful.
Who does boudoir sessions? - Anyone, as long as they’re over the age of 18. You’re never too old for a boudoir session!
Why do a boudoir session? – Why not?!? Some women do it as a gift for their special someone, a few do it to celebrate accomplishments (awesome new job, engaged, married, found some really awesome shoes!), but I would say 99% of the women do a boudoir session because they really just want that chance to feel beautiful and have all the attention on them. And what’s wrong with that???
Will anyone be watching during the session? – The only people allowed there during the session are you, me, and hair/make up. If you are uncomfortable with her being present for your session, all you have to do is tell me! All sessions are a girls only event – no boys allowed!
Will my images be posted online? – Only with your permission!!
What should I bring with me? - Bring a wide variety of lingerie, something of his (work shirt, workout shirt, favorite t-shirt - something he’d love to see you in on Saturday morning), something a little scandalous, your favorite T or tank and boy shorts.
Bring any fun accessories like jewelry, scarves, stockings, hats, or any fun prop if you think it can enhance any theme or look you are going for. And oh yeah, wear high heels, and I mean HIGH heels! Bring those shoes you can’t even walk in, they will make your legs look amazing. Promise!
Basically, if it’s in question, bring it!
Some Do’s Before your session:
- Get plenty of rest before the night of your session
- Practice posing in the mirror a few days leading up to the shoot. I will help guide you during your shoot, but if you practice, you’ll feel more at eas
- Feel free to bring in your favorite music to get you in your groove while we are in session. It makes the session fun and even more relaxed.
- Don’t be shy and share any concerns you may have about features and troubled spots so I know the best way to compliment your body
- Pay attention to your nails the night before the session as hands and feet may be included in images as well
- Moisturize your skin the morning before your session and be sure to avoid self tanners as some leave streaks on the skin or can make you look orange in the lighting
- Make sure to wear loose fitting clothes on the day of the shoot and use clear deodorant. Tight bras and belts leave marks on the skin.
- Arrive with a clean face and clean and dry hair so our make up and hair stylist can do her magic!
- Most Importantly: BE YOU!!!
So we are a few days late posting our Pay it Forward Friday post, but better late than never, right?
The Plato Academy is a charter school in Pinellas County with approximately 300 students. They are currently organizing an Elliniki Vradia; a Greek celebration of food, fun, dance, and entertainment. During the celebration they will be holding a silent auction to raise funds for the 5th grader’s trip to Greece. Yes, they get to go to GREECE!!! Sure beats the field trip to the local microwave popcorn factory I went on in the 5th grade!!
Since 2008 the 5th graders have been taking a graduation trip to Greece and it’s now become a tradition at Plato. It’s an amazing opportunity for the students to have a once in a lifetime trip to experience the Greek culture, speak the language, and enjoy the cuisine. They get to experience first-hand what they have been studying for 5 years….so cool!
So you may be thinking, “Michelle, Bill….how does their trip have ANYTHING to do with you two paying it forward?” I’m glad you asked, because I was just getting to that part.
We have donated a one hour family photography session and disk of edited images for their silent auction AND we are encouraging you to donate as well!
You can learn more about The Plato Academy here: http://www.platoacademy.net/web/guest/largo. If you are interested in learning more about the trip, donating something for the silent auction or funds for their trip, please let us know and we will be more than happy to point you in the right direction.
Hope you all had a fabulous weekend and we look forward to hearing how you paid it forward this week!
Peace.Love.Photos.
**Photo credit to Island Magazine
]]>This year knock your Valentine’s socks off with a gift they really want – you!
This is your perfect excuse to get pampered and let out your inner bombshell (we all have one hiding in there somewhere)! Sip champagne and relax to your favorite tunes as you’re treated to hair and make-up by Blend True so you look and feel your best!
The best thing about a boudoir session? It’s not just for the husbands, or boyfriends, or the groom to be… it’s for YOU! You wouldn’t believe how amazingly confident you feel after you’re done!!
There are a limited number of spots available, so contact me as soon as possible to schedule!
Photography – Michelle – from MYB Photography
Hair/Make-up – Blend True
Location – The Yellow House Event Venue
Stella & Dot has some amazingly beautiful jewelry for your special day. Brides – you can find those perfect stand out pieces and finishing touches for you and your girls. Also the have so many options for fabulous bridesmaids gifts! Oh – and did I mention it’s super affordable (half the line is under $50!).
You can sit in your pj’s with a glass of wine in hand and shop the store online (www.stelladot.com/michellemmurphy) or better yet, have a few of your girlfriends over for cocktails and host a trunk show – you’ll get spoiled with incredibly generous rewards- typically earning at least $250 in free jewelry, plus half-priced items!
I’ve posted photos of a few of my fav’s below, but if you have the time, take a moment and view the entire line on my e-boutique, www.stelladot.com/michellemmurphy – you’ll be glad you did.
Peace.Love.Photos.
Have you ever been on the receiving side of a random act of kindness?? It feels amazing, right? And it’s crazy that one small act can totally change your day. The first time it happened to me, a total stranger bought me a cup of coffee. My first reaction was thinking they wanted something from me (terrible, right?). I looked around to thank the stranger (and to see what they wanted) but they were gone. Wow. Someone I didn’t know just did something nice for me for no reason at all. I remember almost feeling giddy about it…lol. Not only did that change my day, it really made an impact on my life.
We are big believers in helping out our community and random acts of kindness and we are encouraging you to take part as well. Each week pay it forward in some way – it can be anything from holding the door open for someone to buying a meal for a stranger (We can give you a whole slew of ideas if you’re in need!) The point is do SOMETHING! If you want extra points in your Karma bank, leave a note asking them to pay it forward. Can you imagine the change we would see if we all did this? If you can, snap a quick photo or write a quick note about your good deed and email it to us. We’ll feature your anonymous photo and/or note each Friday (now known as Pay it Forward Friday!) on our blog. For some, this will be an easy task, for other’s it may be a challenge. Step out of your comfort zone and try it. Your kind act will brighten someone’s day and plus it feels good to give, so it’s really a win, win situation. Are you in???
Peace.Love.Photos.
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More importantly.....we (and by we I mean Michelle) will be doing a Boudoir Marathon for Valentines Day!
So, apparently blogging isn’t one of our finer points as you can see from the measly 2 posts we have! But 2013 is a new year and we are going to TRY to be a little more committed to our blog (notice I say TRY). We had an awesome year in 2012 and we are so excited about all of the new opportunities 2013 will bring! I am working on a rundown of what we were up to in 2012 so we can get you all up to date (try to contain your excitement!) and hope to have that up soon!
Until then – Peace.Love.Photos.
]]>It does not end there, and apparently a web site does not look after itself! So I am now in charge of keeping the blogs up to date, Twitter and Facebook status current, and pictures on Pintrest "pintresting".
I cannot put into words how proud and happy I am of Michelle and all her work to make the website happen. Night after night I come home from work, to the living room light on and her with her laptop up and running working on our future.
So how can you find us? Our website is http://www.mybphotos.com/ which has links to our Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/MYBPhotography which we invite everyone to like. Or you can follow us on twitter @MYBPhotography. We look forward to hearing from you all soon!
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During these past two weeks we have been busy with a few photo shoots for our friends and a shoot with a two year old with some baby ducks. A huge thank you goes out to Brandy, Frank & Tori, and Riley. You all were a lot of fun to shoot and we hope you like the photos as much as we liked taking them.
For those of you that have not had a chance to get to Veteran’s Park here in St. Pete I would strongly suggest that you take some time in the near future to go and check it out. With plenty of places to pull over and enjoy the woods, water, or even a playground for the kids, Veterans Park was a great place for a photo shoot.
I can easily say for the both of us that two year old photo shoots are a lot more work than expected, but it was fun to see Riley having fun while we were able to capture some of the moments on film.
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