They held hands, and sometimes he held her skirt so the layers of tulle wouldn’t drag behind her. They giggled and flirted, like two teenagers just discovering love. And they looked gorgeous, the dusky autumn light washing over Michelle and Brian as they pressed their cheeks together, just soaking in the moment, happy as newlyweds.

Michelle and Brian didn’t really elope — they’re the already-married couple who were kind enough to model for a styled shoot earlier this month at Princess Place Preserve in Palm Coast. With some wonderful help from Ormond Beach makeup artist Tiffany Deegan and wedding cake baker extraordinaire Chelsea Barney, who owns Sassy Sweetery in Bunnell, we pulled off a shoot filled with equal parts rustic chic-scenery, sophisticated fashion, and lots of love — real love. The sweet picnic might have been staged, and they didn’t exchange any vows that day, but the love you see etched in every smile? That was as 100% genuine as the stunning backdrop.

Our sunlight didn’t last very long as clouds rolled in from the nearby sea, but the clouds brought with them beautiful soft light — not that these two needed any help looking incredible. The next picture brings a smile to my face every time.
Michelle wore the same elegant David’s Bridal gown she wore when she walked down the aisle, and Brian, of course, looked stately in his dress uniform (accented with so many medals!). The day of the shoot was special for Brian, who served two tours in Iraq: It took place on November 10, the anniversary of the Marine Corps.
Chelsea from Sassy Sweetery made the apple desserts (which, I was told, tasted as yummy as they looked — I stayed too busy behind the camera to get a bite). And Tiffany did an amazing job (as always) with Michelle’s stunning makeup. Both girls are tons of fun, but they’re consummate professionals, too. I can’t wait to work with both of them again!
Hard at work — I love what I do!
I just love this next picture. Sometimes you can see love in a person’s hands just as clear as you can see it on her face.
I love Michelle’s eyes, and I love what Tiffany did to make them really pop.
I have to rave about the work Sassy Sweetery produces one more time. Chelsea pours her heart and soul into each creation, and they’re frequently almost too beautiful to eat. But once you work up the nerve to cut into them, they’ll taste amazing. I promise. (And so does Chelsea.)
Thank you again, so much, to each of you who helped make this gorgeous shoot happen!

Venue: Princess Place Preserve
Shoot styling: Laura Yang
Models: Michelle and Brian
Makeup: Tiffany Deegan
Hair: Wild Strandz
Desserts: Sassy Sweetery
Wedding gown: David’s Bridal

~ Laura