One of my favorite things about photographing weddings is getting to know the bridesmaids. From getting ready photos to capturing them on the dance floor, I spend most of a wedding day with the bride and her maids, so photographing a wedding is kind of like having an awesome girls’ day with camera in hand. I LOVE it!

This is how I met Mackenzie. I photographed her sister Cassea’s wedding this summer—which was amazing—and had the privilege of spending the day with Cassea, her four sisters, and her other maids.

Mackenzie (the youngest of the sisters) was becoming interested in photography, so we chatted a bit. About a week later, she sent me a message on Facebook with a photography question, and we stayed in touch. (I’m so thankful to all the photographers who helped me along the way, so I’m always happy to talk to and help those getting started!)

Mackenzie lives in Florida, but I told her to let me know when she was visiting family in Indiana again so she could shadow a session. A few weeks later, Hurricane Irma hit Florida, so Mackenzie and her family sought refuge in Indiana. While Mackenzie was here, she second shot a family session for me and did an incredible job! I was blown away by both her work and her ability to entertain little ones.

After the session, I hugged Mackenzie goodbye and told her to stay in touch. She jokingly said, “I’d love for you to photograph my boyfriend and me. If you’re ever in Florida, let me know!”

Little did Mackenzie know that some of our best friends, Mike and Mary, had just moved to Tampa, and Zach and I couldn’t wait to visit them. As soon as tickets were booked, I texted Mackenzie and we got her session on the calendar!

 

We met up with Noah & Mackenzie at Pass-A-Grille Beach.

Not being super familiar with with Florida, I did a lot of Googling trying to figure out the perfect location. Luckily, Mackenzie was a step ahead of me and suggested Pass-A-Grille Beach—the southernmost part of St. Pete Beach. And, it was BEAUTIFUL!

As perfect as the beach was, the couple I got to photograph was even more stunning. I mean, just look at them! They couldn’t be anymore perfect! I will forever be using them as an example for what to wear to a session. (Pastel colors, a button-up shirt, a long flowy dress, and accessories will always make my heart swoon.)

As beautiful as they are, Mackenzie and Noah are also crazy impressive people for being so young! In addition to being a photographer, Mackenzie is a full-time nursing student with dreams of becoming a nurse practitioner (just like her oldest sister, Chelsea). And, Noah just finished college and works full-time for Mackenzie’s dad (I think it’s safe to say that the Blanchette family approves of this awesome guy!).

Zach and I started dating when we were 19 and got married when we were 21. So, I always find it special to photograph couples who fell in love young. It’s an incredible thing to meet the right person while still trying to figure out who you are, what you want out of life, and what your goals are and then grow together. I have a feeling that Mackenzie and Noah will be in a similar boat!

 

Check out Moments by MB!  

So, after you’ve looked at Noah and Mackenzie’s gorgeous sunset photos at Pass-A-Grille Beach, check out Mackenzie’s work as Moments by MB! You can find her on her on Facebook, Instagram, and her website.

She’s taking sessions throughout Florida, but because she has family in Indiana, she makes it up north pretty regularly. I definitely recommend checking her out! I’m so proud of how far she’s come in just a year.

 

So, if anyone else wants to have their photos taken somewhere warm . . .

Taking sunset photos at Pass-A-Grille Beach will forever be a highlight for this Indiana photographer! I mean, there’s Lake Michigan in northern Indiana, but the Dunes don’t compare to the white sand and blue water of St. Pete Beach.

It’s currently 40 degrees in Indiana with no signs of getting warmer, so if you’re looking for a photographer in Mexico, southern Italy, or anywhere else warm for that matter, I’m your girl!

Mackenzie and Noah, thank you for allowing me to be your photographer! I loved every second of your session, getting to know the two of you better, and documenting the love you have for one another. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for the two of you!

 

Victoria Rayburn Photography is a Lafayette, Indiana family photographer, wedding photographer, and senior photographer who strives to make photo sessions enjoyable memories and help clients feel comfortable in front of the camera.

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