A Beautiful Beach Wedding | Donna & Michael | Panama City Beach, FL

To say that I was excited about this wedding in Panama City Beach, Florida is an understatement.  I’m sure you’re thinking that I was excited because it’s the beach right?  Well, you’re right!  However, that was just the bonus.  I was super excited to photograph this wedding because my friend and brother in blue was getting married to the woman of his dreams.  Michael and I have been friends for 12 years now and we have a strong bond.  When he asked me if I would photograph the best day of his life I jumped at the idea.  I’ve been there during some of his dark days but Donna was the light at the end of the tunnel.  She is so beautiful inside and out and I knew that God made these two for each other. 

Donna and Michael met each other through a mutual friend who organized a group Taco Tuesday night at a local restaurant.  The two of them hit it off immediately and a few weeks later they had their first date.  After a year of dating Michael took Donna and her daughter (his Pal) down to the University of Miami.  He secretly flew Donna’s parents in from Atlanta and in front of the big U in the middle of campus he got down on one knee and proposed.

Michael designed Donna’s engagement ring.   He had the jeweler add his grandmother’s diamond along with an emerald and citrine stone onto the engagement ring that he picked out.  Since he proposed at the University of Miami he had the inside of the band engraved with “All about “U”.  Michael couldn’t forget about his Pal Kylynn.  He wanted her to always have a part of her mother’s wedding ring and so he had diamond earrings made out of the diamonds he had removed from Donna’s ring as a commitment to his Pal that he would always love and protect her. He wanted her to always have a part of her mother’s wedding ring.  It was PERFECT!!!

When it came to planning their wedding day they knew they wanted a laid back beach wedding.  They sent an open invitation to their friends and family to join them for their celebration on Panama City Beach.  Little did they know that they would actually have around 80 guests show up.  Their wedding day was full of nostalgic elements from their relationship.  They had margaritas to signify how they met on Taco Tuesday.  They had doughnuts or “Cop Biscuits” from Krispy Kreme to signify a sweet treat they had on their first date.  Their ceremony was about 20 mins long as they declared their love and promises to one another and the rest of the day was spent enjoying the beach with their friends and family.  

Michael and Donna – I am so incredibly happy that the two of you found your way to each other.  You make each other and your relationship the priority and that is so important.  I wish you both so many moments of laughter, so many adventures,  so many memories made as a family, and a lifetime of love.  Thank you for allowing me to serve you on your wedding day.  Cheers to you both. 

XOXO,

Michelle