Have you ever met someone, and just knew how truly amazing they are? That's exactly how I felt when I met Angel and Mark for the first time. They both were so welcoming, and you could see just how much both of them lit up any room they walked in... especially Angel! Such an infectious personality, that you can't help but love! Now imagine bringing all those good vibes to the day of the wedding...simply perfection! With the help of an amazing team of vendors and both families, the Barrett's wedding was a dream wedding!
Number One Tip for Future Phocus Brides to Consider:
"Easy going, kind and helpful - that’s what you want in your photographer, and that’s what you get!"-Angel
I remember a moment where Angel specifically told me, "Sara, I want barely any posed photos. I want those candid, and in-the-moment photos!", and this was honestly one of my favorite moments with Angel. The reason I say this is because right then, I knew what was truly important to her.... capturing the true happiness and excitement everyone was feeling. This task was NOT hard to accomplish, because the laughs of everyone around was going nonstop... definitely made my job a little easier, that's for sure! Not to mention, having Mandy by our side coordinating to make sure the day went smoothly with no hiccups!
What moment were you most looking forward to seeing in the photos?
"First look of my bride coming down aisle."-Mark
We always love to see the true emotions of a man, especially when you already know just how much they adore their soon-to-be wifey! Especially when you decide to build the suspense by doing a "first-not-look" together, it makes the anticipation that much stronger! Mark went from fully relaxed, to nothing but smiles as soon as he laid eyes on his bride. Right then, I just knew that they were about to marry the one person meant for each other on this planet.
What moment were you most looking forward to seeing in the photos?
"Laughing together!"-Angel
Let me tell you...when Mark and Angel are together there is nothing but laughs!! Anytime I would give them a second to look away from each other, they would be able to channel their inner model, but then the second I let their eyes connect, nothing but laughs!! They had me cracking up behind the camera too! A relationship like theirs is few and far in between, so being able to capture such a sweet and pure love was truly magical.
How did you two meet?
"Friends for years, and then love sparked over zoom games in 2020!"-Angel
If Mark and Angel did not tell me how their love story aspired to be, I would have guessed they've known each other their entire lives! That's how strong this love and connection they have with each other is. There is no denying that Angel and Mark were MADE for each other. The love they share is one we see in movies, but this is the real deal, no acting was taking place in this relationship! ;) Now they get to forever share this memory of getting married at the beautiful, Barn at Water Oaks!
Tell us about THE dress!
"It has lace flowers - I love flowers!"-Angel
Angel sure did love her some flowers!! When I tell you she owned her dress...she OWNED her dress! It was simply perfection, and every little detail was made for Angel. Plus she was an expert dress swoosher!! ;)
Tell Us About Your First Dance!
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST DANCE SONG?:
New Year’s Day-Taylor Swift
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THAT SONG?:
"It talks about being there for the good and bad."-Angel
Life is not always going to be rainbows, and unicorns, so when you are finding your other half, you want to make sure they are able to hold your hand and walk through those rough times in life together. With Mark and Angel, they took that time in their relationship to build a friendship that was so strong, that when transpiring into a relationship they already knew there was nothing they could not face together. They were lost in each others eyes on that dance floor, and you could see they did not have another care in the world in this moment.
Describe the BRIDE on your wedding day!
"Beautiful, true to herself."-Mark
Angel was glowing from every bit of excitement, and joy that her wedding day was finally here! She couldn't keep that smile off her face, and her energy was spreading like a wildfire through everyone around her!
Describe the GROOM on your wedding day!
"He looked so handsome in his suit, I couldn’t help but peek out the window at him!"-Angel
Mark may look a little intimidating when you first meet him, but he was the very opposite of what your mind may think. He was extremely nice, and so much fun to be around! Those nerves of his were pretty locked down until he finally laid eyes on his bride, then they all changed into excitement that this day was real, and happening!
What was the most EMOTIONAL part of the day and WHY?
"Anticipation of bride walking down the aisle."-Mark
I am sure having time set apart for a "first-not-look" did not help that anticipation either! Building all that suspense can be overwhelming, but it surely pays off in the end! That moment when those eyes meet from down the aisle, is a moment neither one of them will ever forget.
What was the most EMOTIONAL part of the day and WHY?
"Exchanging vows and looking at the rings."-Angel
This is that exact moment where reality sets in, and your heart starts to race all over again! This moment you've both worked so hard to get to has finally arrived. It may almost feel like you're dreaming, but for some reason that ring finger is feeling a little heavier than it usually does! ;)
What is ONE moment of your wedding you will always remember?
"Looking into one another’s eyes at the altar"-Angel
Moments like this is something Mark and Angel will remember forever. When the times get tough, they will be able to look back and remember this feeling that brought them so much joy, and became a feeling of "home" for them.
Favorite Part of the Phocus Experience?
"How easy Sara was to work with!"-Angel
Overall, the Barrett's wedding day was what we would call a "perfect" wedding. Nothing was out of place, everything went so smoothly, and at the end of the day both Mark and Angel told me this was the best day of their lives. That is all that matters to us is that all of your dreams turned into a reality! This day is one that we will never forget, and we were very honored to play a part into this forever memory for Angel and Mark.
Here are a "few" of our favorites of the day!
Vendors:
Venue | The Barn at Water Oaks
Hair/Makeup | Penton House Salon
Gown | Lily's Bridal
Tux | Men's Wearhouse
Catering | Pounders Hawaiian Grill
Cake | Publix
Floral | Blossom Lane Farm
Officiant | Clain Roberts
Coordinator | Delicately Designed by Mandy
Photography | Phocus & Company