It was a pleasure providing photography for the 2010 Blount Island Command Marine Corps Ball held at the Hyatt Regency on November 6th.  Here’s a few photos from the night.

Listen up, everyone! It’s giveaway time and this time it’s BIG! We have a fantabulous (not a real word, I know) wedding giveaway being provided by some of the best wedding vendors in North Florida. Not only are these vendors some of the best, but they are also have big hearts and love giving back.

With that said, this contest is not like any other. Here’s the scoop:

We’re looking for a couple that has a story to tell. It could be a hardship they’ve been through and conquered, or one they’re currently facing….we want to hear their story. And we want them, a family member or a friend to tell us why they feel we deserve to win. However, it DOESN’T have to be a story of tough times to win the contest – it can also be inspirational!

And the guidelines:

• The couple, a family member, or friend of the couple, must submit a written story via email to contact@jeanmoree.com of why they feel they deserve to win.
• The submission must include a picture of the couple for us to use when we announce the winner.
• The couple must be getting married in the Jacksonville, Florida area
• The wedding date must be available (certain dates may be unavailable due to already scheduled events) and not already booked by the wonderful vendors in this giveaway OR your date is flexible.
• The couple must be willing to allow us to put their story on our blog as we announce the winner.
• The submission must be TRUE. Remember, we are looking for couples who have overcome great odds or are otherwise deserving of free wedding services. This contest IS NOT for people who can afford a photographer, and just want to win something free.

The winner will be selected by vote amongst the vendors you see below. All submissions must be received by August 15^th September 15th. The winner will be announced and contacted August 22^nd September 22nd.  WE’VE EXTENDED THE SUBMISSION DEADLINE DUE TO THE GREAT RESPONSE!

Hurry now and get your submission in today!

The winner receives………..(more vendors coming soon )

Selva Marina Country Club has graciously donated their facility which include tables, chairs, linens, silver and glassware, dance floor fee, room fee, carver fee and bartender fee. They will also provide a carving station of Top Round along with 3 servers for the Wedding Giveaway!  This is valued at $2,000.00!  Check out their website www.selvamarina.com

Jean Moree Photography will be giving the couple lasting memories by providing free wedding photography on their wedding day AND a free engagement session with a disc of full-edited images, valued at $1400.00. Jean Moree Photography is one of Jacksonville’s quality wedding photography companies. She prides herself on her friendly customer service, easy-going personality, and ability to stay calm in stressful environments. She also provides high-quality, exclusive albums and unique, stylish products that are not commonly offered to brides. Learn more about Jean at www.JeanMoree.com

Tabbatha Ronnekamp will be generously providing her Big Day Package of wedding planning services, valued at $600.00, which includes getting to know the bride, creating a wedding day time line, wedding day coordination & MORE! Tabbatha is the owner of The Wedding Assistant, a fully licensed and insured wedding planning business. She is fun, easy to talk to, very organized, reliable, and an asset to anyone getting married. You can learn more about Tabbatha at www.weddingdayassistant.com

Tina Payne, of Weddings by Tina, will be providing her Basic Reception Décor Package (value ranging from $850 to $3300). This comprehensive package includes white linen tablecloth rental, tablecloth overlay, white linen chair covers, elegant centerpieces, toasting glasses for bride and groom, cake knife and server, cake stand, and more! Learn more about Tina at weddingsbytina.com

Kimtasha, professional makeup artist and winner of “The Best of Jacksonville 2009,” will be providing a complimentary on-location make-up application for the bride on the wedding day. This is valued between $185.00 – $205.00. She has more than 13 years of experience and a variety of tools and products for all skin tones and types. Kimtasha began her career with MAC Cosmetics and has had the privilege of working with actress Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon and has assisted celebrity make-up artist Sam Fine. Learn more about Kimtasha at www.kimtasha.com

Stephanie Duncan Schwartz will be providing a free hair makeover (cut, color, style, and finish) for the bride. She is a graduate of Paul Mitchell the School-Orlando. She currently serves as the Design Team and Placement Leader at Paul Mitchell the School-Jacksonville. She was an active member of the Design Team and had the opportunity to work behind the scenes in the hair and make up department of The Orlando Opera as well as a Walt Disney music video. Today, she shares her passion for the Paul Mitchell the School culture with Future Professionals through providing specialty classes on styling and make up as well as through coordinating events such as pageants, fashion shows, photo shoots, presentations, and trade shows. You can learn more about Paul Mitchell the School-Jacksonville at http://school.paulmitchell.edu/jacksonville-fl

Trisha of Metro Custom Cakes, will be donating a wedding cake to the winning couple. They have been in the cake business for 6 years and specialize in custom designed wedding cakes and sculpted cakes. The wedding cake package includes a 4-tiered wedding cake designed to reflect the couple’s personal style and wedding theme, valued at $650 – $800. Metro Custom Cakes was recently voted by Jacksonville Bride Magazine as “Best Wedding Cakes in Jacksonville” for 2010. Learn more about them at www.metrocustomcakes.com

Event Sound will be providing 4 hours of entertainment, hosting, and disco lighting, valued at $650 to $800. Event Sound was founded by Chadwick Sorensen and Jeremy Spellman.  The company specializes in providing top notch customer service and entertainment needs for all occasions. They are based out of Jacksonville, FL and are a family based business. Understanding that planning a party/wedding can overwhelming, Event Sound prides it self in making the planning stages extremely easy. So sit back and relax and let Event Sound turn your party into and Event! Check them out at www.eventsoundentertainment.com

Amanda Randall Designs, a new company with an experienced owner, will be providing hand-made custom wedding invitations, menu cards, table number cards, programs, place cards, thank you cards, and seating chart.  This includes one design meeting, one proof meeting, and the hand-made invitations, menu cards, etc, valued at $1200.00

Bold Blooms is donating bouquets for bride and bridesmaids, flower girl’s flowers, boutonnieres, corsages, ceremony decor, and reception decor including a meeting with the bride to discuss design and style of wedding flowers. This is valued at up to $2,000! Bold Blooms opened June of 2010. It is a family owned and operated business. The design staff of Bold Blooms have over 50 years experience. However, owners Steven and Valerie Kelley are new to floral design and enjoy it immensely. Steven and Valerie strive to add a modern flair to the traditional floral design. Weddings and events have become a focus to Bold Blooms and will truly enjoy giving a beautiful wedding to a deserving couple. Learn more about them at: www.boldblooms.com

JoAnn Erickson of FloppyJos is donating custom decorated bridal flip flops for the bride, maid of honor and her attendants (the bridal party) using various trims including Swarovski rhinestones, pearls and beaded trims. Nothing is pre-made and the designs are always customized to meet the bride’s request with a value of around $500.00. Learn more about FloppyJos at www.floppyjos.com

Mai Oui Gourmet – Catering with Style is donating a cocktail hour for up to 100 guests that includes 5 passed hors d’oeuvres of the client’s choice. Mai Oui Gourment was The Knot’s 2010 pick for best of weddings! Check them out at www.maiouigourmet.com

I was excited to be able to photograph a traditional Romanian wedding here in Jacksonville.