Instagram, I love you. True, you’re my favorite form of social media, but beyond that you connected me with Katie + Trung. Yes, in some insane sort of way, the science of hashtags and mutual followers lead us to one another. Katie + Trung were complete strangers to me, so much that when we met for the first time at Oxford Exchange back in August, we had to describe what we were wearing to find each other… ha! I walked away from that initial meeting super pumped about photographing their wedding.

Fast forward to this past November, the day arrived and it was just as great as I was expecting it to be. Everyone got ready at the Tradewinds Resort on St. Pete beach. It was actually crazy to see how many snowbirds had already made their way down to our coast! As soon as I walked into the girls suite, the sounds of an *NSYNC Pandora playlist was pulsing through the room. I immediately knew this was going to be a great day. The girls laughed, danced and sipped out of their adorable bridesmaid mugs while Cassandra Bradshaw from Star Booty Salon styled their hair and the fabulous Chad Mueller applied their makeup. Meanwhile, the guys were a floor below hanging out and attempting to put on their ties from The Tie Bar. Katie looked stunning in her ivory and lacy gown designed by Robin Jillian and Trung was looking sharp in his navy suit by Brooks Brothers. Sharen’s Flowers on Treasure Island provided lovely, colorful bouquets and boutonnieres for the bridal party. Katie + Trung tied the knot amongst their closets family and friends at Sawgrass Lake Park. Gregg Aguirre, a coworker of Katie’s at the Florida Hospital, did a great job officiating the ceremony, he had the most poetic and sound advice for the bride and groom. Afterwards we all gathered together to dine on good food and dance the night away. Amici Catering provided a scrumptious meal (no joke, best wedding dinner I’ve ever had), beautiful cakes and cupcakes and even the bar! Everyone had a blast busting a move to the sounds of DJ Rob from Best AV (who also provided the lighting and drapes)! However it must be noted that the day ran so smoothly all thanks to Chris Thack, Katie’s Canadian dad. Chris is the owner of Cayuga Creative and puts on many weddings at Cambium Farms, one of the top wedding venues in all of Canada! Needless to say we were lucky to have him and I’m sure he was thrilled to coordinate the wedding of his own daughter. Last but not least, special thanks to my brother and awesome second shooter, Cole for being my sidekick for the day!

I think my favorite part of the day was how incredibly kind everyone was. Katie and her bridesmaids were so sweet, never stressed and made the day so fun. Katie’s Maid Of Honor was Maddy the owner of Madness Photography in Tampa Bay. It was really nice having someone there who totally understood my role for the day. She was incredibly helpful and I can’t wait for the day when we can work together again. During the holiday season Katie + Trung sent me a thank you note and said within the note, “you’ll always be a member of our tribe.” I truly believe they meant that and will carry their kindness with me for the rest of my days. Enough from me! Mr. & Mrs. Diep, I hope you enjoy this snapshot of your day!