There are a handful of moments in my business that I can define as breakthroughs. That first wedding, the first time I traveled for a job, the 100th wedding, the 200th wedding, the first time I captured a friend's wedding, the time I photographed my grandmother's wedding, and so on.

Mariana and Chris's wedding at Avila Golf & Country Club in Tampa didn't have numerical significance. Still, it has definitely become one of those breakthrough moments.

I'll always remember my meeting with Mariana or her wedding. In 15 years of my career as a Tampa wedding photographer, she was the first bride to surprise me with a 2-inch wedding binder—something I'd only seen in movies.

Inside, there were numerous details, wishes, and dreams she had for her wedding day. I could see from this that she was very meticulous and liked to plan everything to perfection. I greatly admire this quality because even though I'm not naturally a planner, I try.

The Wedding Will Happen... Just in Another State! - Tampa Wedding Photography

So, picture this: you turn on the TV, and all you hear is devastation, uncertainty, loss. And your perfectly planned wedding is in three weeks. That's what happened to Mariana & Chris and their original plans for their Puerto Rico wedding.

Mariana was the first phone call a couple of days after Hurricane Maria. I had so many mixed emotions; I remember storming out of the house when I saw the caller ID, sat down on a dark sidewalk, and listened to her.

Initially, she called to tell me she was canceling, her voice breaking. She couldn't get ahold of the wedding vendors; we needed to know the situation at the venue, and their guests wouldn't be able to find flights or accommodations. I was heartbroken.

She explained they decided on a more minor event in Florida at Avila Golf & Country Club. This beautiful venue, surprisingly, was still available.

At one moment, we were lamenting the cancellation until she said: "I really wanted your photos; if only you could come over..." That was all I needed.

I told her: "I will do my best. Just give me until Friday." I didn't know if I could get on a plane to Tampa, but we took a leap of faith. Because at that moment, faith was all that was left.

So, after many days of being in a neverending haze of numbness, I had a purpose and a sense of direction. I needed to get a plane ticket for my assistant and me.

And I got the only two tickets left on the only flight to Tampa available before their wedding date. And unlike most other plane tickets those days, ours didn't get canceled. We got on the plane. And I took my first breath in weeks.

 

A Beautiful Wedding at the Avila Golf & Country Club, Tampa FL

Finally! I was so happy and excited to be able to work that I arrived super early at Avila Golf & Country Club in Tampa. A baby shower was happening, so we scouted the parts of the venue we'd use and got acquainted with the planner and other vendors.

Someone told me the bride was here, and I rushed outside to greet her. We held each other in an embrace that was so meaningful and special to me because, at that moment, I knew everything was fine and it would be a perfect day.

Her mom said, "You are the best wedding gift I could ever ask for my daughter." I was too emotional to reply, but now that I was there that day, it was the best thing I could ever ask for.

Capturing Mariana & Chris at Avila Golf & Country Club was terrific. First, because of all the emotional situations I just told you about; second, because they're gorgeous; and last, because they're crazy about each other. And I was crazy about them, their venue, their families, and all the happiness in the air. Everything was perfect, and I was the happiest wedding photographer ever.

I love my job, I love my clients, and I'm so thankful I get to do this time after time. Even if nature wants to have fun with our plans. Because on that day, we definitely learned a lesson: perfection is sometimes what happens when all your plans fall apart.

xo,

Cami