Emery Wedding

Have you ever just met someone and you just clicked right away? That's how it is with Amanda and Ben. Although we have only known them for a short amount of time, it feels like years that we've been friends. Amanda has this thing about her, where she makes every person feel important. She greets and talks to them by name and has a way with making you feel valued. From the day we met them, we knew this was going to be more than just capturing their wedding day, but having a friendship blossom with these two.

Number One Tip for Future Phocus Couples to Consider About The Wedding Day: Don’t stress over the little things.

When I say they were the perfect couple to photograph, I mean it. From the moment we arrived while the ladies were getting their hair and makeup done to the sparkler send off at the end of the night, it was literally the most PERFECT day.

What moment were you most looking forward to seeing in the photos/video? Ben’s first dance with Bella -Amanda

Groom dancing with daughter in reception.

Talk about a tear jerker....Ben's first dance with Bella had all the guest tearing up. It was simply the4 sweetest moment.

What moment were you most looking forward to seeing in the photos/video? The grand exit -Ben

Bride and groom kissing under sparklers.

How did you two meet? (Tell us all those little details!) Ben and I met at Perfect Plain 3 years ago on 11/2. Ben was watching the Miami v. Florida State game with a friend. I was trying out Garden & Grain for the first time with a friend/co-worker. On my way out to grab some lunch I spotted a beautiful dog who was staring at me intensely so naturally I had to go over and give her some love. I looked up and saw Ben and my friend introduced because she actually went to college with Ben and had know him for years. My friend and I went to lunch and told her that I thought Ben was sweet guy and not bad looking either. She immediately texted him my number and let him know I thought he was cute. Later that night, I get a text from Ben. “Hey, this is Ben from Perfect Plain” After exchanging text messages for several days Ben took me on our first date. He picked Five Sisters thinking I had never been there but little did he know that was my favorite restaurant. 11/11/19 we had our first date at Five Sisters. 11/11/21 - Ben popped the question at Five Sisters. The rest is history.

Bride and groom dancing in Downtown Pensacola.

It makes our job so easy when we work with couples like Ben and Amanda. From the moment we met them, they were down for anything and everything. Not the mention the foo foo bubbles in Downtown Pensacola.

Tell us about THE dress! What made you fall in love? I was looking for something unique that no one else had. I customized my dress and love everything about it. The lace detail is what made me fall in love.

What was your first dance song, and why did you choose it? Sam Cooke - Nothing Can Change This Love Amanda played Sam Cooke every Saturday morning at my old townhome when we first started dated. This songs was always on repeat and reminds us both of the beginning of our relationship.

bride and groom sharing first dance in reception at Garden and Grain.

Ben and Amanda were literal smiles ALL day and we weren't mad about it at all. They naturally gravitated to each other while being surrounded by all their closest friends and family. They danced, ate Amanda's favorite (macarons) and partied with everyone. It was the perfect day!

Describe what you felt when you saw your bride on your wedding day: Joy -Ben

Describe what you felt when you saw your groom on your wedding day: Joy, Excitement, and Relief -Amanda

Bride and groom walking and laughing together.

What was the most emotional part of the day for you? Listening to family give their speeches -Amanda

What was the most emotional part of the day for you? The First Look -Ben

The first look was so special. They decided to keep it intimate and read their own letters/vows to each other which were very emotional. I always love when couples get those moments alone together before everything starts in the day. I feel as though it starts the day off on the right foot, reminds you of the reasons why you're there and lets you enjoy the most perfect day with the person you love.

What is ONE moment of your day that you will always remember? Seeing Kuma (dog maid of honor) walk down the aisle.

GIVE. US. ALL. THE. PUPPY. LOVE!!! Kuma was the most precious baby on the wedding day!

Dog walking down the aisle at wedding ceremony.

Favorite part of the Phocus Experience? Audrey … LOL! Our favorite part of the Phocus Experience is the fact that we felt so comfortable with Tim and Audrey. They made everything so enjoyable and I honestly don’t think the wedding would have been the same without them.

We just love Amanda, Ben and Bella! It's couples like them that remind me why we do what we do. It's a complete honor to capture their sweet family on the most perfect day!

Congrats to Mr. and Mrs. Emery!