Dayshan and LeAnte's wedding day was absolutely beautiful!! They had the vibe of a beach wedding, but did not have to deal with all that pesky sand! Their venue was at the Island Hotel, and it was gorgeous! Their ceremony site was on this beautiful open lawn that overlooked the water, and it was nothing short of perfection!
Number One Tip for Future Phocus Brides to Consider:
"Make sure to allot enough time for the photographers to capture every special moment while still having time to relax."-Dayshan
We couldn't agree more with Dayshan! The wedding day can be VERY hectic, but you have to remember that you only get this day once, so take a deep breathe, and relax! Enjoy every crazy second of it!
What moment were you most looking forward to seeing in the photos?
"Our first dance!"-LeAnte
The Franklin's first dance as newlyweds was as beautiful as you could imagine! Surrounded by their closest family and friends, Dayshan and LeAnte executed a beautifully choreographed dance! You could see in their eyes that there was no one else in the room.
What moment were you most looking forward to seeing in the photos?
"Ceremony photos."-Dayshan
Ugh!! We fell head over heels for Dayshan's and LeAnte's ceremony! Not only did they have GORGEOUS views of the beach behind the ceremony, they also had a musician playing the harp!! Yes, you heard me...an actual harpist!! Could it possibly be more dreamy?!?!
How did you two meet?
"We met in the military. We were in the dormitory a few buildings apart, and we ran into each other a few times here and there. Then things finally clicked when we matched on a dating app!"-Dayshan
The chemistry between these two lovebirds is absolutely undeniable! You can see it in the way they get lost in each other's eyes, and how they can't help but smile when in each other's presence.
Tell us about THE dress!
"The dress is a sweetheart shaped A line ballgown with a train. I purchased this dress at simply elegant in Fort Walton Beach, and I chose this one because I wanted to feel like Cinderella at my fairy tale wedding!"-Dayshan
Ohhhh Dayshan's dress was STUNNING!! It fit her perfectly! She wanted to feel like a queen, and there was no doubting who wore the crown on their wedding day!
Tell Us About Your First Dance!
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST DANCE SONG?:
"Our song was Best part by H.E.R. feat Daniel Ceaser. Our dance was choreographed by Margaret from First Dance Ballroom studio in Gulf Breeze."-Dayshan
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THAT SONG?:
"LeAnte chose the song because it epitomizes our love for each other. We believe it has a timeless element that we will look back on fondly."-Dayshan
Not too often do we get to capture dances that are actually choreographed, but we couldn't be more in love with their first dance! Every step was placed perfectly with such elegance, and they could not keep their eyes off each other the entire dance.
Describe the BRIDE on your wedding day!
"I was waiting so anxiously to finally see her. We did the "first not look ", and it was wonderful! We were able to talk, and get over some of the nerves without actually ruining the surprise. That special moment when she finally walked up the steps was breathtaking. She looked resplendent in her gown, and she was glowing with the happiness that she spreads into the lives of everyone she interacts with. She looked so angelic I'm not sure her feet were actually touching the ground."-LeAnte
LeAnte could not have said it any better...Dayshan was glowing from the moment we arrived! She was a little nervous before she stepped into her gown, but as soon as she did reality began to set in that today was the day she was going to marry the man of her dreams.
Describe the GROOM on your wedding day!
"As I was walking down the aisle, my nervousness vanished as I walked towards him. While reciting my vows I went a bit off script telling him how I feel. I couldn't help but express my feelings in the face of how handsome he looked."-Dayshan
Being in the military, LeAnte perfected pulling out those what we call "model or GQ" faces. He went from full face smiles to waking up that model within real quick! He was very calm and collected every moment building up to the ceremony!
What was the most EMOTIONAL part of the day and WHY?
"Watching her walk down the aisle to the sound of the beautiful harp playing in the background. I was so anxious to finally see her, and once I did I couldn't look away."-LeAnte
You could see the nerves starting to build in LeAnte with each member of the bridal party walking down the aisle. Anxiously waiting to lay eyes on his bride, but when that moment finally happened he was nothing but smiles watching his future wife walk down that aisle!
What was the most EMOTIONAL part of the day and WHY?
"Listening to his vows. I felt so happy that I wanted to cry, and it was several emotions all at once! Also the toasts were so heartfelt, and it culminated the emotions of the entire day. I couldn't help but shed a tear."-Dayshan
We asked Dayshan earlier in the day if she thought LeAnte's vows would make her cry, and she said that he is amazing with words so she was counting on it! She was not wrong, LeAnte's vows to Dayshan were absolutely genuine and heartfelt. You could hear the heart he has for Dayshan through his words...he even had us crying!!
What is ONE moment of your wedding you will always remember?
"Our first dance. It was amazing how we walked into a room filled with people, and as soon as we began to dance it felt as if we were the only ones in the room."-Dayshan
Dayshan and LeAnte had their very closest friends and family there to celebrate their wedding day, and you could feel the love floating through the room. It's not always about how many you have at your wedding, but WHO you have at your wedding. Quantity over quality any day!
Favorite Part of the Phocus Experience?
"The getting ready shoot with the bridal party. It was amazing because it was relaxed and fun! I was with my bridal party, and we were able to just eat, relax, and enjoy the moment."-Dayshan
Sometimes you just have to let loose, and have a little fun with your bride tribe! Dayshan and her bride tribe knew how to have a good time, and really just embrace all the small moments of the day.
Overall, the Franklin's wedding day was filled with so much love and a whole bunch of laughter! For most of their friends and family, they all had to travel to be there to celebrate Dayshan and LeAnte, and it was so special to be a part of! We know how much the wedding day means to the newlyweds, but also to all of the friends and family!
Here are a few of our favorites from the day!
Dress: Simply Elegant Bridal
Makeup: Rachel Evans
Officiant: Winston Ministries
Coordinator: SLH Events
Florist/ Decor/ Rental/ Cake: The Island Weddings
Catering: The Island Ft. Walton Destin by Hotel RL
Videography: Roland Franklin
Photography: Phocus & Company