Florence Wedding Photographer
The Windmill Winery has been one of my favorite venues to photograph over the past several years. With two lakes, lush greenery, a soaring 100-year-old barn, and a Hampton’s-style Lake House with a pier, there’s no wonder why Chelsea and Mike chose this spot for their engagement session and their wedding day!
While using the same coach for one of their shows, Chelsea and Mike met at a posing practice for a bodybuilding competition. And it’s safe to say they had a really strong connection right off the bat. Being able to share similar personalities, humor, drive, and determination, these two share a special kind of love. One that so many seek to find.
Mike and Chelsea were both in the middle of prepping for a big show. He called her coach ahead of time and got an approved cheat meal. (What a nice guy, right!) He took Chelsea to her favorite restaurant Maple and Ash. After dinner, they walked next door to Mastros, (where they also shared their first date) for butter cake dessert. On the dessert plate, it read “Will You Marry Me?” After letting it all settle in and wiping away tears of excitement, Chelsea said yes!
Their wedding day quickly arrived and Mike and I were so excited to photograph it. When we arrived at The Barn at Windmill Winery, Chelsea’s bridesmaids were so warm and welcoming, and Mike’s groomsmen were all laughing and having a good time. While we were shooting Chelsea’s portraits she had THE. BEST. CHEERLEADERS. EVERRRRRR! I’m pretty sure I told the girls more than once, I was keeping them all and taking them with me to EVERY wedding I have from now on! It always gives me the goosebumps watching bridesmaids cheer on the bride while she gets her photo taken.
Sticking to tradition, Mike first saw Chelsea as she walked down the aisle. They held a sand ceremony to signify each child of theirs as well as Mike and Chelsea all becoming a new family together. After the ceremony, we had a lot of fun with the wedding party and then onto their sunset portraits as husband and wife! Chelsea said her favorite part from her wedding was walking down the aisle and seeing Mike. She wanted everything to go just perfectly, but when she finally saw Mike, all the stress and worries melted away and she was able to just enjoy the day!
A favorite thing of mine is asking what advice they’d give a newly engaged couple in the wedding planning process. Chelsea said, “DO NOT sweat the small stuff!! In the big picture, it doesn’t matter. Enjoy the process and soak up every second of the wedding because it goes by way too fast!” I 100% agree! Enjoy a few of my favorites from their big day! xo
Gorgeous, right!!! We take only a limited amount of weddings a year. To inquire about your date or to learn more click here! To view more weddings at Windmill Winery check out Alicia and JP, Alexis and Zach, Danielle and Trent, and Kristy and Matthew.
Special thank you to the creative team:
Videography: Amoroma Productions (BEST VIDEOGRAPHERS EVERRRRR)
Photography: Amanda Cromer Photography
Florals: Simply Beautiful Wedding and Events
Beauty: Georgie Brand
Gown: Bella Lily Bridal & Essence of Australia
Suit: Rose Tuxedo
Bridesmaid Dresses: Davids Bridal
Cake: Honey Bee Cake Co.
DJMC: Ellagant Entertainment
Catering: M’s Ave Grill
Venue: Windmill Winery
