Samantha + Beto = I Just Can't Take It!

I got the chance to hang out with Samantha and Beto recently and let me tell you they are one of the sweetest couples I know!  I met them at a wedding a shot last year and she messaged me to see if I could take some couples portaits for them...I of course, was delighted..BUT guess what!!!??  While I was shooting I found out that Beto suggested to Samantha we do a shoot!  Now how sweet is that?!!! Melt. My. Heart.  (HINT HINT for all you guys out there...AHEM...GREAT Christmas present!!) 

Thank you guys for letting me hang out with you on such a beautiful evening.  You two are great!! 

xoxo - Melissa

Christina + Brad: A Beach and Park Session at Sand Key Beach, Florida

Christina and I talked about doing a beach AND park session in one, so I thought it would be great to head out to Sand Key for the best of both worlds!  Brad and Christina were a blast and I loved how everything just fell into place for this shoot.  We had great weather, beautiful light, and of course a beautiful couple!!!  Brad you're a lucky guy and Christina you are gorgeous!

Thanks for hanging out with me Brad and Christina!!

xoxo- Melissa

Free Wedding Bless-a-way!!! :)

So today is Cyber Monday and while everyone is having some sales I felt like giving something away!  I thought it would be cool to give away a free wedding!!!  I call it the Free Wedding Bless-A-Way and yes I did make up that word! :)

It really is better to give than receive and that is part of what Christmas is about right?!?!

So here are the "rules"....

I am looking for a couple who truly deserves free photography on their wedding day.  I would like to hear their story, how they met, why they deserve the gift.  I must be available the date of the wedding and the wedding must take place in 2013-January 2014.

You can nominate yourself or someone you know by doing the following:

1. Like my page Taken by Grace and Glory Photography.
2. Add a picture on my page's wall of the couple and give at least a short version (long version if you want) of their story and why they should be nominated.
3. Additionally, you CAN email any other details (your long story version) if you want to include more info; please email takenbygrace@hotmail.com but you must put the info on my facebook page and like my page to be entered (that way I can get ahold of you better :)

Please submit your entry for this contest by December 21st on my facebook page and finalists will be announced the following week and then voting will begin!!! :)

How do you win?  After the finalists are announced the voting will begin on my facebook page.  You can vote once a day on my facebook page until January 7th. The finalist couple with the most votes will win free wedding photography within the Tampa Bay Area or if the wedding is out of the area the couple will only need to pay for traveling fees and a hotel stay. What does this "freebie" entail.???..Well let me tell you...an ENGAGEMENT SHOOT, FULL day wedding coverage, two photographers, shared rights, all images downloaded to your computer (like a CD), access to affordable prints from a third party printing company or option to order from me, and a gallery for friends and family to view and download....WHEW!!! :)

So good luck ...can't wait to hear all the inspiring stories out there! :) But for now here are a few of my favorite wedding shots...