La Dolce Blog | Nashville and Destination Wedding Photographers Melanie & Bradford Watson

The Conservatorie Floral Design Terrarium Making Class

Melanie — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:37:36 +0000

This past Fall, the amazingly talented girls at The Conservatorie began offering classes at their adorable studio in St. Augustine. When I saw the one for terrarium design I was all in. I absolutely love terrariums and the simple, natural beauty they bring to any space. I have long been wanting to create my own so this was the perfect chance for me to learn the proper way to create and sustain one as well as spend time with two of the sweetest people I know. Amy helped us all craft some really beautiful little ecosystems and I was so happy that I actually created something all my own that was completely lovely. Here are a few shots of the class I was able to take in between getting my hands dirty and planting lovely little succulents.

If you are interested in any upcoming events that these girls host, be sure to head over to their website and friend them on Facebook to stay in the know of upcoming events. Also, brides, if you are still looking for beautiful florals for your wedding or better yet, insanely talented designers to help plan and craft your event from beginning to end, then Meredith & Amy are the girls for you. In addition to their gorgeous floral design they recently added event design and planning to their repetoir. Their team has a rich background in set design and graphic design with years of experience working with the likes of Anthropologie and styling for commercial shoots and sets. I only wish I knew about such talent when I was getting married. For a wedding or event that is truly personal and unique you will want to brainstorm with these gals to come up with something more incredible than you could imagine. Seriously… I can’t say enough good things about these girls and the beauty they create.

Ashley & Tyler’s St. Augustine Engagement Session | St. Augustine Wedding Photographers

Melanie — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:11:00 +0000

Last Spring, on our anniversary to be exact, Brad and I met up with this sweet little couple from New York City to shoot their engagement session in the nation’s oldest city of St. Augustine. Like many of our destination couples, we had not met Ashley or Tyler aside from email exchanges and a phone call or two, but when we arrived they greeted us like old friends. Ashley has such a kind and welcoming soul, she even had a “Happy Anniversary!” card waiting for us. We were thrilled to spend such a lovely day shooting these two. It was a mild day for May in Florida and we traipsed around the historic streets shooting and chatting while we went. Time slipped away from us honestly and before we knew it the sun was setting and the shoot was done. Brad and I can’t wait to see these two again next month. They will be married at the Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes, in Orlando and from what Ashley has told me of her vision for the wedding day, it will be amazing! Here are a few of our favorites from their engagement session and Ashley & Tyler, we will see you two in just a few weeks!

Autumn & Jake’s Rustic Barn Wedding | Jacksonville Wedding Photographers

Melanie — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 22:16:08 +0000

Autumn & Jake were married last spring on a beautiful plot of land just west of Jacksonville where Jake grew up. They wanted their wedding to take place somewhere that meant the world to them and bring their friends and family together in one spot that held so many memories. They knew saying their vows under the old oak tree back behind Jake’s childhood home would be the perfect place to start their lives together as husband and wife. The sun was shining and streaming through the branches as they promised to love and cherish each other for the rest of eternity. Jake led his bride under the branches to a seat where he gently bathed her feet and prayed with her. It was a beautiful symbol of their devotion to one another and I’m quite certain there wasn’t a dry eye in the entire crowd. Guests retreated to the barn where they feasted on southern cooking, danced under the stars and basked in the glow of this adorable couple. Sparklers, streamers, balloons and fireworks sent Autumn & Jake on their way to a beautiful island honeymoon and Brad and I went home with some of the tastiest apple butter and southern fixens around. In true southern style, Jake & Autumn’s mothers were insistent that we take some of the leftover food home to enjoy. We have to admit we feasted for days on the goodies they packed for us.

We went home that night having met some of the sweetest folks in all of Jacksonville. We are so blessed to do what we do for a living and working with couples who are so completely in love makes all the hard work we put into our images well worth it. Autumn & Jake, you two are amazing together. Thank you inviting us into your lives and allowing us to tell your love story. Your admiration and love for one another is inspiring.

Enjoy some of our favorites from their wedding day.

Published – The Knot Spring/Summer 2012

Melanie — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 22:55:04 +0000

We’re so happy to share Joel & Anelena’s beautiful Cypress Grove wedding in the most recent issue of The Knot Florida. Check out all the vibrant orange and citrus details they incorporated into their wedding and see their full wedding here.

Thank you Joel & Anelena for allowing us to be part of such a beautiful day.

Stefanie & Carsten’s TPC Sawgrass Wedding Sneak Peek | Jacksonville Wedding Photographers

Melanie — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 01:09:06 +0000

After a quiet spell on the blog the last few weeks… how about a lovely little Christmas inspired wedding sneak peek to kick the holiday weekend off right!

Here goes…

Our last wedding of the year was just before Christmas and we love how Stefanie & Carsten embraced the elegance and festive spirit of TPC Sawgrass during the holiday season. It was the perfect end to our 2011 wedding season and we were so happy to have spent this day with such a sweet couple. Here are just a few of our favorites from their wedding day. I hope you are all enjoying a wonderful New Year’s weekend and can’t wait to share so much more with you soon! There are lots of fun things to come in 2012!

Happy New Year’s Eve!