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Althea & Rich’s Engagement Session- Miami, FL

Saturday, January 28, 2012 Engagement Session

We love a good story, and Rich and Althea have a great one! They’ve actually known each other for over 20 years. Rich and Althea met while in high school at Miami Norland Senior High School where, according to Rich, Althea wouldn’t give him the time of day. Althea remembers a slightly different version of the story. However, the fact remains that after graduation, they lost touch for over a decade. It wasn’t until their 15 year reunion that contact was made again. But it was STILL another several years before the romance truly blossomed. Even with Althea teaching school in Tallahassee, and Rich burning the candle at both ends as a homicide detective here in South Florida, the bond they share has only grown stronger. For their engagement shoot, we decided that it would only be fitting to start where it all began, Norland High- home of the Vikings. But from there, we took things from geek to chic as we journeyed through Miami on our way to the Epic Hotel (which just happens to be the site of the reunion that brought them back together. Once there, we took a break for a fantastic dinner at Area 31. The view was incredible, but the fun we had with Rich and Althea was absolutely the best part of the day. The chemistry these two share is evident in every photo we took, and we simply can’t wait to do it all again on their wedding day.

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Tags: Area 31, ArtEssence Studio, Beach, Coral Gables, Dan Rakofsky, dancing, Daniel Rakofsky, Engagement Session, Epic Hotel, Jessica Savidge, Kiss, Miami, Miami Beach, Miami Norland High, Night, Nikon, Photography, Wedding

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January 29, 2012 - 8:48 am Keith Lecounte - Very, very, nice, y'all are the bomb.com, best pic to me is the face to face over candle light dinner with the city back drop look like something out of a magazine. great photos. will they be there to take picture at the wedding and reception also.

January 29, 2012 - 9:00 am Yoli & Andre - Rich and Althea, what amazing and beautiful shots!!! I love them all!!! Your love for each other is captured in each picture and the scenery in all are just fantastic!!! Thank you for sharing!!! I can't wait to see the rest!!! Love Your Friends, Yoli and Andre

January 29, 2012 - 9:15 am Marsha RapnaelHunter - This was incredibly beautiful . Love it.

January 29, 2012 - 9:19 am Marsha RapnaelHunter - We love it. Incredibly BeAUTIFIL

January 29, 2012 - 11:19 am Tiffiney Garland - Aww these are amazing!! So exciting. You two truly bring out the best in these shots. Love it! Congratulations!

January 29, 2012 - 12:06 pm JoAnnea & Gary - Wow!..Rich and Althea these pictures are absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!..What a Blessing to see TRUE LOVE so evident in each picture...LOVE LOVE LOVE it! Congratulations you two! With All our Love, JoAnnea,Gary and Christa

January 29, 2012 - 1:12 pm Gale Hunkiar - Rich and Althea, thank you for sharing your special moments. These photographs are beautiful and you both look so happy .. wishing you the best!

January 29, 2012 - 1:14 pm JC - Amazing.

January 29, 2012 - 1:58 pm Anna Deroscar - Congrats, Riche and to brided to be.

January 29, 2012 - 3:31 pm Leah Faulkner - You really CAN see the chemistry between the two of you, and looking at them made me smile. I hope your love only gets stronger and that you will always look at each other this way!

January 29, 2012 - 4:22 pm Doug McCoy - Beautiful pictures! Congratulations to you both.

January 29, 2012 - 4:34 pm Mike Scott - Excellent photos and you guys look great. Another fanastic shoot by Dan and Jess.

January 29, 2012 - 8:05 pm Suzanne - Congratulations to you both. You make a beautiful couple. The pictures are lovely.

January 29, 2012 - 8:30 pm Barbara Kinsey - Congratulation to the both of you. The photo's are beautiful. May the joy & Happiness that you both show in all the pics continue to flow.

January 29, 2012 - 8:36 pm Lucie - Very nice I love every picture, lovely sceneries your the "love jones pt. 2"

January 29, 2012 - 8:36 pm shanna patterson - The pictures are absolutely breathetaking! May God continue to strengthen your love and bless you for many years to come.

January 29, 2012 - 8:43 pm Lucie - Very nice I love every picture, lovely sceneries your the "love jones pt. 2" pray that God keep his might hand in this reunion always!

January 29, 2012 - 9:20 pm Pat Jones - How exciting....finally a real woman to tie down Richard. Your story and pictures are outstanding..... Congrats!

January 29, 2012 - 10:01 pm Tiffany & Alex - Rich & Althea after viewing your amazing pictures it is apparent you both are made for each! (soulmates) Can't wait to share your special day with the both you...

January 29, 2012 - 10:43 pm Laurick & Kim - We are so happy and excited for you both! Rich, you know he who finds a wife finds a good thing. We love your South Florida chic, romance is in the air photos! So... special and yes tears of joy! Laurick & Kim

January 30, 2012 - 6:08 am ameer swanson - both of you are capturing the essence of miami in these photos and look great while doing it! great pictures of an amazing couple. congratulations and cheers!

January 30, 2012 - 6:42 am Yolanda - Rich, the pictures are FABULOUS! You and Althea make a beautiful couple. I am so glad that you have found "Happiness" and God has blessed you with a beautiful future wife. Congrats lil' brother. Love Ya!

January 30, 2012 - 7:24 am Ruthie - I am so very happy for you. The pictures are awesome and you make a great looking couple. I know many good things are in store for both of you. Lots of good luck and loads of happiness are wished for you.

January 30, 2012 - 7:39 am Deborah Simons - Beautiful! Congratulations to the both of you! Enjoy the moments and special memories to come...

January 30, 2012 - 8:38 am matilda raphael - oh gosh just beautiful.. what more can real love show. Happy for the two of you a picture does speak.. pure love.. just pure.

January 30, 2012 - 9:01 am margie grossman - I love the photos and how happy you both look. I wish you the best now and always.

January 30, 2012 - 10:15 am Audrey Ragin - OK it's about time Mr. Rich and I hope you got lots of money $$$ because she's carrying a big purse (just kidding). I'm truly happy for both of you and as you unite together enjoy each other, never take for granted each other and always tell each other "I LOVE YOU". Remember beauty runs deep and you both look so in love, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE never give up on each other and last but not least "PUT GOD FIRST".

January 30, 2012 - 10:24 am Jill E - Hey Rich, the pictures look awesome! Congrats to you and your fiancée! Best wishes for a happy life together. :)

January 30, 2012 - 10:47 am Georgie - Awwwww.. The pics are very beautiful..

January 30, 2012 - 12:09 pm Bill Hellman - Congratulations Rich & Althea. Pictures are great; Wishing you many blessings along your journey

January 30, 2012 - 1:32 pm Terry Goldston - The South Florida flavor truly accents two beautiful people. You guys truly look great, God bless you both.

January 30, 2012 - 3:05 pm Angela & Dan - Congratulations Rich & Althea!!! Very beautiful pictures. Wishing the both of you much Love, Peace and Joy on this commitment of a lifetime. Be Bless

January 30, 2012 - 3:10 pm Angela & Dan - Congratulations Rich & Althea!!! Very beautiful pictures. Wishing the both of you much Love, Peace and Joy on this commitment of a lifetime.

January 30, 2012 - 4:12 pm Larry Johnson - Congrats my Brother and hello my new sister....To God be the Glory!!!!

January 30, 2012 - 5:56 pm Eva & Mank - Ri¢hie Ri¢h, May God’s blessing encompass you both with every good thing- tangible and intangible...Grand Wishes...Awwesome photos...

January 30, 2012 - 7:05 pm Lori M. Strachan - BEST WISHES to you both. Your pictures are BEAUTIFUL and the two of you look HAPPY beyond words!! GOD bless you as you take the steps to becoming one. Always remember to communicate, never go to bed angry, and most importantly keep GOD FIRST.

January 31, 2012 - 2:28 pm Lenny Athas - Best of everything to a beautiful couple. May God guide and bless you along your way to a future full of happiness and prosperity.

January 31, 2012 - 2:54 pm Cami Pierre - Such a beautiful couple...I wish them both nothing but the best!!!

January 31, 2012 - 3:44 pm Michael A. Cowart - Hey Rich, now that is indeed a true love story. You two appear to be so in love. When is the wedding? It already has the recipe of something very special. I saw something old, (Miami Norland, something new,(Epic Hotel),I don't know what was borrowed,(?), but I did see something blue,(clothing worn by both). Congrats my brother!

January 31, 2012 - 8:39 pm Wayne & Katina - Wow! Nice pictures! Absolutely,gorgeous! The two of you really compliment each other with your love! We love ALL the photos!

February 1, 2012 - 7:56 am Diana Evelyn - A big Congrats to both of you!!!! You make a very beautiful couple. You both look very happy!!! Rich, you look as debonair as always!!! I remember when you were in high school and riding with me as an explorer. Now you're a big shot homicide detective!!! I am very proud of you and YOU should be very proud of you!!! I wish you and Althea all the happiness in the world my little brother!!!!!

February 1, 2012 - 8:44 am Vicky Burgos - Congrat's!!!!!! Beautiful pics, lovely scenary. Enjoy life, live well, stay happy!!!!

February 1, 2012 - 11:29 am Regina Green - OMG!!! Rich these are beautiful pics..I wish the both of you the best.Love the story from the beginning to still continuing....

February 2, 2012 - 5:26 am Melanie Littlefield - Ahhhh, the look of love is undeniable. The photos are fantastic, but what makes them beautiful is your love that shines through! Rich & Althea, happiness and God's blessings to you always.

February 3, 2012 - 1:09 pm Francelene Hernandez - I love it! WOW

February 3, 2012 - 1:13 pm Frank Hernandez - Congratulation may God continue to bless you

February 4, 2012 - 5:20 pm Paolo Raphael - Richard, time always seems to fly by but you seem to have found a perfect reason to make it stand still. I am truly happy for you and the future addition to the Raphael family. Absolutely phenomenal. I love you brother. Po

February 4, 2012 - 7:53 pm Willie Chacon - Wow congratulation may both of you have a long and happy life together! BTW I like the Cuban shirt cono!!!!!

February 6, 2012 - 4:28 pm Nicole Dixon Scott - Congrats to the both of you. Beatiful pictures and couple. Take care.

February 9, 2012 - 10:31 am Marie Benoit - Absolutely wonderful, what a love story, I love it. God bless you two on the journey of becoming husband and wife.

February 15, 2012 - 10:42 am Lude Georges - Congratulation to the both of you, God bless!!!!

July 30, 2012 - 10:16 pm Rich & Althea’s Wedding- Doral, FL » ArtEssence Studio Artist’s Blog - [...] our hearts right from the beginning. We told the story of their shared history with their Miami engagement session, and we knew that this wedding was going to be just as special. The day’s events took place [...]

Courtney & Greg’s Wedding- Davie, FL

Thursday, January 26, 2012 Wedding

After a totally out of the box and exciting engagement shoot with Courtney and Greg, we felt like we were family when the actual wedding day arrived. Very well protected family… To give you a little background, Courtney and Greg are both law enforcement officers. For their engagement session we decided to step things up, and do a little bit of their kind of shooting. Fast forward to the wedding day, and Courtney and Greg’s working lives were left at home for a great celebration. This warm, sweet, funny, but tough-as-nails bride was simply beautiful in her wedding gown, and the transformation from guns to groom in tails was fantastic. It was a fun filled evening that brought two wonderful families together. We couldn’t have been happier to be there to document the occasion. Courtney and Greg, we wish you a lifetime of happiness together!

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Tags: ArtEssence Studio, Bride, Dan Rakofsky, dancing, Daniel Rakofsky, Davie, Ft. Lauderdale, Jessica Savidge, Kiss, Night, Photography, Roses, Signature Grand, Wedding

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January 26, 2012 - 2:51 pm Courtney - I love all of them! Thank you so much for everything. You guys were great and are such a great team!!

January 26, 2012 - 6:57 pm JC - Love these pictures. Congratulations to the lucky bride and groom.

January 27, 2012 - 11:12 am Rachael - Amazing! Congratulations to the happy couple! Fab photography, beautiful people!

January 28, 2012 - 6:39 pm Vivian - Beautiful photos of a gorgeous couple.

January 29, 2012 - 3:23 pm Lynda Veski - Dan, These pictures are amazing...sooooo creative!! We love them!!

January 29, 2012 - 5:30 pm Joan - Absolutely beautiful.

Caitlin & Shannon’s Wedding- Key West, FL

Wednesday, January 11, 2012 Destination Wedding, Wedding

Key West is always a good idea… and since, technically, the locals consider themselves part of the Conch Republic, we consider it an international destination… LOL. Caitlin and Shannon have been an absolute pleasure to work with from day one. We had an amazing time with them from the first meeting with Caitlin’s parents, through our fabulous engagement session at The W Hotel, and ultimately at their Key West wedding. Both the bride and groom exude warmth and joy, and it makes them wonderful to photograph and spend time with. Thoughtful details were the order of the weekend, from guest gift boxes upon hotel check-in, to postcard sign-in notes for each guest. Also, luckily for us, Caitlin & Shannon knew what a great opportunity we had for portraits in and around the downtown Key West area. So, they scheduled lots of time between the ceremony and the reception for the four of us to explore the town. What a great time we had! After our galavanting, we headed to the Key West Marriott Beachside for the reception, where our couple’s friends and family proved to be just as fun and warm as they are. Caitlin & Shannon, we had a fantastic time on our Conch Republic adventure with you, and we wish you a very happy ever after.

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Tags: ArtEssence Studio, Beach, Bride, Church, Conch Republic, Dan Rakofsky, dancing, Daniel Rakofsky, Destination Wedding, Duval, Engagement Session, Groom, Hotel, Jessica Savidge, Key West, Kiss, Marriott Key West Beachside, Night, Nikon, Petronia Street, Photography, Rings, Roses, sunset

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January 11, 2012 - 6:07 pm Melanie East - Gorgeous imagery. Your clients must be thrilled!

January 12, 2012 - 6:44 am JC - Beautiful photography and couple. Those church shots are just amazing. We wish a lifetime of happiness to the bride and groom.

“In Love With Love” - 2012 Contest

Tuesday, January 10, 2012 Contest, Random AE Fun

What’s this… a wedding photography giveaway?!? Yes, you heard right. ArtEssence Studio is giving back in 2012 by giving away a wedding photography collection. One lucky couple will win a full day of wedding coverage with ArtEssence Studio, plus a fabulous engagement session!
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THE RULES:

1. You have to LOVE our work, and be really excited about how cool your engagement shoot and wedding photos are going to be if you win!
2. We’re sorry, but this contest is not open to couples who are currently contracted to work with ArtEssence Studio.
3. Your wedding must take place on or between February 14th, 2012, and February 14th, 2013.
4. ArtEssence Studio must be available on the winner’s wedding date. Availability will be confirmed upon contest entry.
5. The prize is non-transferable (winner cannot gift it to another couple), and has no redeemable cash value.
6. If travel outside of Palm Beach, Broward, or Miami-Dade Counties is required, travel fees for ArtEssence Studio will be the responsibility of the winner.

THE PRIZE:

Winner will receive one full day (up to 8 hours) of wedding photography by ArtEssence Studio. Winner will also receive a full engagement shoot. (And we promise, no one hour session with jeans and t-shirts on the beach. Check out our blog to see just how awesome our engagement sessions are.) And to top it all off, the winner receives a disc of the finished collection.

HOW TO ENTER:

What we need-
1. A photo of you and your fiance.
2. A wedding date.
3. A short story about why you should win our “In Love with Love 2012 Contest”.

Please email your submissions to info@artessencestudio.com . Entries must be received on or before 01/19/12. Once we receive your entry, will will send you an email confirming that we are available on your wedding date, and confirming your entry into the contest. The couple who has the most “likes” on their photo in the contestant’s gallery wins!

HOW TO VOTE:

Simply “like” the photo belonging to the couple you would like to see win! Don’t know how to do that? Follow these three steps:

1. If you’re not already, become a fan of ArtEssence Studio by clicking “Like” on our facebook page.
2. Check out the “In Love with Love” contestant gallery.
3. Find the couple you want to vote for in the gallery, and click “like” under their specific photo. (A “like” for the contest gallery does not count as a vote.)

Voting will close at midnight on February 14th, 2012. Please feel free to comment on photos, and leave notes of encouragement. Contestants, and their friends and family are encouraged to campaign and gather as many people as possible to vote for their photo. Voters may “like” more than one photo. However, remember that a “like” on the main gallery does not count as a vote for any particular couple. And remember to always play nice! No disparaging remarks about any contestants will be allowed.

Tags: ArtEssence Studio, Contest, Dan Rakofsky, Daniel Rakofsky, Destination Wedding, Engagement Session, Giveaway, In Love With Love, Jessica Savidge, Nikon, Photography, Wedding Photography

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January 10, 2012 - 7:23 pm Jessica Dilks - Jess!! This is so neat!!! I "love" the contest pic by the way ;) I have a friend getting married soon and totally want her to submit her photo, date & story. But where does she needs to send it? Via regular mail or email? It doesn't specify.

January 10, 2012 - 7:25 pm admin - Thought you might like our choice of photo!! ;-) To enter the contest all she has to do is email us her photo and story at info@artessencestudio.com . And if she has any questions, she's welcome to call :)

Jennifer & Phil’s Engagement Session- Palm Beach, FL

Monday, January 2, 2012 Destination Wedding, Engagement Session

We are often fortunate to travel to beautiful destinations for our shoots. For example, Jennifer and Phil are taking us to Mexico for their wedding! But we’re also very lucky to live near an incredibly picturesque and iconic locale… the storied island of Palm Beach. That’s why we were so excited that Jennifer and Phil wanted to do a very Palm Beach engagement shoot. From the clothes to the colors to the croquet, everything about this shoot has a classic Palm Beach feel to it. Jennifer played the part perfectly, and had the outfits to match! Any excuse to wear a large floppy hat should be used, and she looked beautiful in it. And Phil was no slouch either. It takes a real man to wear pastels, and he worked it like a true Palm Beacher should. After a competitive round of croquet (we believe Jennifer was victorious here) and then a round of Bocce (Phil took that round), we strolled the famous shops of Worth Ave. Not a bad way to spend a rainy afternoon. In the evening, we decided to enjoy a little more of a modern Palm Beach experience, and spent some time exploring City Place. Fabulous dining, fabulous conversation, fabulous looks… Dare we say it? It was a simply fabulous Palm Beach day!

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Tags: ArtEssence Studio, Bocce Ball, Bride, City Place, Croquet, Dan Rakofsky, Daniel Rakofsky, Destination Wedding, Engagement Session, Floppy Hat, Jessica Savidge, Kiss, Night, Nikon, Palm Beach, Photography, Retro, Rings, shopping, West Palm Beach, Worth Avenue

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Mike & Martha’s Engagement Session- Cocoa Beach, FL

Thursday, November 17, 2011 Engagement Session, Random AE Fun

We often talk about how much we love our engagement sessions, but this one was really one of the most fun and creative shoots we’ve had the pleasure to do so far. Mike and Martha came to us with a fantastic idea- they wanted to take surfing lessons at the famous Ron Jon Surf School in Cocoa Beach, and have us document the experience. Always up for a challenge, we said “surf’s up”, and dove right in! For two hours, the waves crashed as Mike and Martha rode them in. We decided that shooting from land AND sea was really the only way to capture this story completely. Waterlogged does not even begin to describe the feeling of shooting a large pro camera in pounding surf for two hours… a small price to pay for the results that we got it! Mike and Martha were all smiles as their lesson went on, and had a fantastic time. After taking some time to refresh and regroup we wandered down the Cocoa Beach Pier, and eventually made our way back to Ron Jon for a little late night shopping. It was a fantastic experience all around. We’re so very lucky to work with great people who come to us with great ideas. Mike & Martha, we’ll do it again any time

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Tags: ArtEssence Studio, Beach, Bride, Cocoa Beach, Dan Rakofsky, Daniel Rakofsky, Engagement Session, Jessica Savidge, Kiss, Night, Nikon, Photography, Pier, Ron Jon, shopping, surf lessons, Surfing, Waves

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November 17, 2011 - 7:38 pm Laura - Best most original engagement shoot!!!!!!! Love it!!!!!

November 17, 2011 - 8:11 pm Richard Raphael - McGriff(Mike)I love those pics brother, congrats to you and Martha. I can't wait til December.

November 18, 2011 - 10:57 am Leslie - What an awesome engagement shoot! Amazing images from in the water. And I love the classic surfer shot with the board... it'll never go out of style. Beautiful work.

November 18, 2011 - 11:05 am Petra Hall - Oh, I soo love the surfing pictures. How fun! Love the colors and the feel of this shoot, even the night-time ones. :)

November 18, 2011 - 11:09 am Sara Thomas - Love it! Very cool :)

November 18, 2011 - 1:48 pm Rachael - Amazing shots! What a special way to remember an exciting time! Congrats to the happy couple.

November 19, 2011 - 12:17 pm Onelio Perez - Awesome!!! The pictures came out great! You guys look so good. Looks like you had a blast!! Love you!

October 25, 2012 - 2:01 pm Martha & Mike’s Wedding - Ft. Lauderdale, FL » ArtEssence Studio Artist’s Blog - [...] in Ft. Lauderdale. In fact, we photographed Mike & Martha on another rainy day for their surfing adventure/engagement session, which, like their wedding day, was filled with laughter, and really epitomized what a couple in [...]

Lauren & AJ’s Wedding- Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Wednesday, November 9, 2011 Uncategorized

So now we get to share with you, a fish tale… One of the things we love about weddings is the totally unique and creative places our clients choose to have them! The International Game & Fishing Museum (IFGA) in Ft. Lauderdale played host to Lauren and AJ’s nuptials. The entire museum is dedicated to the sport and history of fishing. Each space is designed to be colorful, educational, and interactive. Lucky for us, we had a couple who knows their way around the fishing world! Lauren looked just as stunning in her gown walking down the aisle, as she did playfully reeling in the big catch. In a scene reminiscent of Atlantis, guests mixed, mingled, and danced in the under sea oasis of the Museum’s great hall, with fish hovering overhead. It was a great evening in a totally unique location, and we’re so happy for Lauren and AJ. Congratulations!

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Tags: ArtEssence Studio, Atlantis, Bride, Cocktail, Dan Rakofsky, dancing, Daniel Rakofsky, Destination Wedding, Fish, Fish Tale, Ft. Lauderdale, Gown, Groom, Grouper, History, Hotel, IGFA, Jessica Savidge, Kiss, Marlin, Museum, Music, Night, Nikon, Photography, Rings, Rod & Reel, Shark, Shark Week, The Big Catch

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November 9, 2011 - 11:02 am JC - love love love this venue and shoot. Beautiful.

November 9, 2011 - 2:45 pm Karen - Wow, you guys did a stunning job with this wedding! You made the venue shine and incorporated the couple's personality so well! I love the photos! The image of the couple with the fishing rods is my fav!

Courtney & Greg’s Engagement Session- Davie, FL

Monday, October 24, 2011 Engagement Session

Wedding photography is a dangerous job- it’s best to go into it knowing exactly what to expect, and having a firearm isn’t a bad idea either. Courtney and Greg know exactly what it’s like to have a dangerous job- they each work in law enforcement. We thought it only fitting to take advantage of their gun expertise for a little pre wedding shooting (bad pun intended). Now, we have to insert the disclaimer that all necessary safety precautions were taken, and that we DO NOT recommend trying this at home, or without the aid of trained professionals. That being said, this shoot was a total blast (apparently the bad puns will be a theme…). Courtney and Greg arrived with their own arsenal of weapons to choose from. They shot each target with total accuracy, and looked amazing doing it. We, of course, did a few shots without the guns blazing. But, they had so much fun with our less than traditional engagement shoot, we didn’t want to ruin the mood with too much smooching. This was an adrenaline-filled, sexy shootout, and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to work with such a cool couple. As photographers, we always ask our clients to trust us, and to know that we’re going to create amazing images for them no matter the circumstances. This was the first time we had to trust our clients- with our lives, no less. To call upon the great Robert De Niro, I think it’s safe to say that we’re in the “trust tree” with Courtney and Greg. LOL! And extra special thanks to RLR Makeup!

Tags: ArtEssence Studio, Bride, bullet, Dan Rakofsky, Daniel Rakofsky, Davie, Engagement Session, Firearms, Ft. Lauderdale, Glock, Guns, Jessica Savidge, Kiss, Nikon, Photography, Rachael Rakofsky, range, Rings, RLR Makeup, Robert De Niro, shooting, Trust Tree

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October 24, 2011 - 6:33 pm JC - Those pictures are amazing bullets and all.

October 25, 2011 - 7:03 am Rachael - Sexy pics! Great idea! Wonderful images! Beautiful Couple! Amazing!

October 25, 2011 - 3:01 pm Ellen - Awesome photos! I especially love the one toward the end of them looking away. Great work!

October 25, 2011 - 6:05 pm Karen - this session is AMAZING! I love the one where you can actually see the bullet, as well as the picture of the two of them with the guns looking all rockstar-like! fabulous!

January 26, 2012 - 2:31 pm Courtney & Greg’s Wedding- Davie, FL » ArtEssence Studio Artist’s Blog - [...] a totally out of the box and exciting engagement shoot with Courtney and Greg, we felt like we were family when the actual wedding day arrived. Very well [...]

Lauren & AJ’s Engagement Session- Delray Beach, FL

Thursday, September 29, 2011 Engagement Session

It’s been a while since we’ve blogged, so we decided to jump back in with colors flying! Lauren & AJ’s engagement shoot fits the bill just perfectly. For their shoot, Lauren and AJ came up to one of our favorite spots in the world, Delray Beach. We may be just a little biased, since one half of the ArtEssence team calls this village by the sea “home”, but it really is one of the best places we can think of for work and play. We met on a rainy afternoon, and used the gorgeous saturated colors of the downtown area to paint a fun and playful picture of this fun and playful couple. We even lucked out and captured lightning in a bottle (er… lighting in the photos) at the end of the evening. Lauren and AJ were great sports as we waited patiently for the clouds to light up- and thanks to our stormy Florida skies, that wasn’t too long. Would it be terrible to hope for more stormy skies for Lauren and AJ’s wedding? We hear it’s good luck

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Tags: ArtEssence Studio, Bride, Dan Rakofsky, Daniel Rakofsky, Delray Beach, Engagement Session, Jessica Savidge, Kiss, Lightning, Night, Nikon, Park, Parking Garage, Photography, playful, spinning

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Donzell & Taneka’s Wedding- Raleigh, NC

Friday, July 29, 2011 Destination Wedding, Wedding

We love leaving our home base of South Florida for weddings, especially when it brings us to a city we’ve never visited before. Donzell and Taneka live in Raleigh, North Carolina. Having worked with them on their incredibly special and unique surprise engagement shoot in South Beach last summer, we were really excited to document their wedding in Raleigh this summer. And of course, it’s always nice to explore a new place and get to know the local eats!! Donzell and Taneka practically insisted that we visit “The Pit” for dinner. We’re grateful they did! Good Carolina BBQ, and “to-die-for” cornbread await you there… it’s a must if you’re in the area. But we digress ;-). Having met many of their friends and family at the engagement celebration last year, we had a feeling that this wedding would be full of warmth, laughter, and big smiles. And it was! From the moment we arrived to the moment we left, Donzell and Taneka were full of contagious joy. The vibe around the entire wedding was one of genuine happiness for this wonderful couple. Their day was filled with beautiful ritual and tradition… with our personal favorite being the jumping of the broom. Dancing was the order of the evening once dinner had been served, and the entire bridal party tore it up! It was such a pleasure being part of this celebration, and we wish Donzell and Taneka a lifetime of the love and happiness that they shared on this day.

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Tags: BBQ, Bride, Cornbread, Dan Rakofsky, Daniel Rakofsky, Destination Wedding, Donzell Newkirk, Engagement Session, Gown, Jessica Savidge, Kiss, Miami, Miami Beach, Nikon, North Carolina, Photography, Raleigh NC, South Beach, Taneka Williams, The Pit

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July 30, 2011 - 8:01 am Christima Montague - These pictures are sooooo beautiful!!!!Taneka and Donzell look perfect together!! This couple is destined for prosperity and success. These pictures further confirm that they are a matched made by God himself. I love you Taneka and Donzell, may God bless you and give you the strength to endure all that may come your way. Remember, marriage consist of a two handed circle. As long as you hold each other's hand with God in the middle, no man/nothing can ever come between you two. Keep that cirle locked and tight. Many Blessings.......

July 30, 2011 - 8:02 am Christina Montague - Aaaaaaaaawwwwwww........

August 15, 2011 - 3:14 pm JC - Beautiful couple. Love the blog.

August 17, 2011 - 1:32 pm Ellen - Gorgeous! Love the dancing shots.

August 17, 2011 - 1:48 pm Karen - this looks like it was a fun wedding! I love the ring shot and the portrait of them leaning against the stairs! So great!

August 17, 2011 - 1:57 pm Melanie East - What a great couple - and such a fun looking wedding! Love the ring shot and the dancing shots :)

Welcome!