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Welcome to My Life

Hi!  And welcome to the blog. Thanks for checking me out. Here you will find the latest information on what I've been up to, what I'm working on, and some of the
awesome clients I have been able to photograph along the way. 

Stephanie A Smith Photography offers candid, fun, documentary style photography for any event. Whether it be weddings, pets , or a festive party Stephanie A Smith Photography is there to capture the candid moments that unfold. Based out of the
Tampa/St. Petersburg but also available to all of Florida as well as the Northeast
area, specifically Philadelphia, Boston and Maine.... And I will never turn down an opportunity to travel elsewhere so let me know.

For more information visit http://www.StephanieASmith.com

 

Maria + Neil {Boston Engagement Shoot}

Maria and Neil are one really cool couple. I met them on the beach in Florida. They’re laid back, well traveled and have lived all over. Recently making Boston their permanent residence I squealed with excitement at the thought of doing their engagement session in B-town! During the summer months I’m always looking for an excuse to get out of the oppressive heat of Florida. This usually that means a trip up to Philadelphia to visit my mom or a trip up to Boston and/or Maine to see my dad. This trip was to the North End of Boston. I love North End because you not only experience the city vibe, but also the New England coast as this section of town is right off the water {and one can’t forget the most amazing Italian restaurants and bakeries ever all along Hanover Street!} Our shoot began on Neil and Maria’s roof. I was totally digging the downtown skyline view. And the picturesque”-ness” continued when we stopped off at this really cool marina followed by a walk through this cute little park. Here are some of my favorites from their shoot. And many more to come from this dynamic duo with their May wedding next year.

Nicky + Mark {The Day After}

Twas the night after the wedding when all along the beach. Not a creature was stirring, not even a peach.
The balloons were filled in a bucket with care. In hopes that a fight would soon be there.
Nicky and Mark were nestled all snug in their room. When I drove to meet them to start the KABoom!
Nicky in her boots and Mark in his top siders. Headed out to the site listening to a song by Flo-rider
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter. I sprang with my camera to see what was the matter.
And away to the site I snapped with no flash, tore off my cap and threw off my backpash {it rhymed with flash}…..
Okay so I have no idea why I wanted to start reciting the Christmas poem but it kind of just came to me….Similar to how this shoot came about. I knew Nicky and Mark were awesome from our phone calls and email exchanges, however when I met them in person, they were even awesomer {not a word I realize but tonight it is}. After their wedding day, we planned for a day after session. And even during their wedding night I was still trying to figure out the details for the next day {like where we were going and what we were doing}. They told me that they wanted to have fun and not do anything typical, posed, formal, or stuffy. I had a few ideas, but once I got to see who they were together I knew that they were going to be the perfect couple who would rock a water balloon session. With help from my friend, Jackie, we successfully filled up 200 balloons and four water guns. I was glad that both Nicky and Mark agreed to snap a few dry pictures before pummeling each other with water balloons. Both P.E. teachers from D.C. I knew this was going to be a good match up. Athletic skills and good hand eye coordination are crucial to a good battle. All in all, I thought it was a pretty even match, and as you can see they got equally soaked. I had so much fun with Nicky and Mark. Here are some of my favorite shots from the shoot.
{P.S. After we finished with the water balloons the three of us scoured the area and picked up all the balloon pieces ~ Go green! }

Maine

I am a total beach bum, 100%. I live, eat, and breath sunny days, freakishly warm water, and anything that involves sand in my toes. That being said, every year I try and make a trip up to Maine. I really don’t think there could be a more Northern state. In fact, there isn’t. The next bordering country is Canada. However, the summers up here are gorgeous. Now, I have to wear a light jacket for most occasions but can still totally appreciate no humidity, and daytime temperatures of about 80 and nights around 60. One night, while in Kennebunkport, I decided to walk around the neighborhood with my camera while everyone else in the house began cocktail hour. I was well aware of the climate difference between Florida and Maine, but I didn’t realize that there was a lighting difference as well. The light didn’t feel as bright or blinding as it sometimes can be in Florida. It’s subtle. It’s quiet. Yet, does so much for the subject. Here are some of my favorites from my trip.

Lynne + Jake {The Day After}

So after a very wet wedding day {more like a sopping wet} Lynne, Jake and I woke up for the early morning  light that Florida has to offer. I’m not going to lie, it’s a beast trying to wake up, but once you’re up and going, it’s really not that bad. We began our day after session at John’s Pass. Shortly there after we crossed the street onto the beach. I can’t think of a better way to start with my day. I mean, if I can’t sleep in, at least I’m taking pictures of a really fun couple. Here are some of my favorite pictures from their morning shoot.

Roberto Martinez {The Bachelorette Season 6}

I hate to admit it but I was hooked from Day one. Typically not making time for weekly shows I found myself clearing my Monday evenings so that I could spend two hours on my couch. I guess you could say this show was different. This show was special. This show had Roberto. You see, back in January I second shot a wedding with my colleague and friend Justin Demutiis. We have shot together alot in the past so this wedding was no different. Justin was with the girls as they got ready and I went with the guys to capture their moments. Well I could not have been more excited when I walked into the church to meet the guys.
Four tall, dark, and handsome men getting into their tuxes {one of which was Roberto :: the best man for his brother, Pete’s wedding} Jackpot!!! :)
I had a blast with these four because not only were they cool, fun, and down to earth but they were the most respectful group of guys I have worked with to date. {Okay and they made for some super nice eye candy as well……I’m pretty sure I was blushing the entire time I was with them :) }
So now fast forward to 8 weeks ago when I was just skipping through the channels and stumbled across an adorable guy with a great smile and killer dimples. “How do I know him? Why does he look so familiar? Think Stephanie, Think”. When, all of the sudden, the light bulb. Ding! I picked up the phone and before Justin could even pick up I was giddily telling him how Roberto is on the Bachelorette Season 6. I was routing for him the entire time. He is such a great guy and deserves nothing but the best. Last night I was excited to see him drop to one knee and propose to Ali. After meeting Roberto only for a few hours at his brothers wedding I can honestly say that he is everything that he was on the show. Handsome, genuine, stable, and smart. Ali, you go girl!!!
Wishing you two nothing but the best. Here are some of my groomsmen shots of Roberto.

Juliette + Joe {Engaged}

Now if any of you know me, you know that I loathe the mornings. Like how bad? I will literally growl at anyone who tries to approach me {without coffee} before 8 a.m. In fact I don’t really function properly until about 9 or 9:30. I can’t really explain it, it’s just the way I’ve always been. However, that changed about two weeks ago when I shot Juliette and Joe’s sunrise engagement session…..Sunrise, meaning before the sun even gets up….Way before I usually get up. You see Julie and Joe own Tropical Smoothie Cafe in Largo.{Best smoothie place ever, as well as delicious sandwiches, wraps, and more} Being their first full year in business the two devote 6 to 7 days a week there. So the only time that the two are not working is before 10 a.m. Enter our 5:50 a.m meet up in Harbour Island. I hate to admit it, but I had a blast that early morning with Julie and Joe. After their engagement shoot I am all the more excited for their wedding at the new Hyatt Aqualea in Clearwater next March. Here are my favorites from their e-shoot.

Katie + Mike {Florida Wedding Photography}

There is something just so fantastic about big Italian weddings. Perhaps it’s because I’m one of two kids with only a few cousins and don’t really see my extended family too much that I absolutely LOVE the loud, loving camaraderie of a big family. Katie and Mike’s wedding was just that. Everyone traveled down from New York to celebrate the marriage of Katie, Mike, and their beautiful baby girl, Gia. By the end of the night I didn’t want to leave. In fact I was considering asking the mother of the groom if she would adopt me {she practically raised half of the groomsmen with open arms and figured maybe she would consider doing the same for me :) } It was such a wonderful night, a great couple, great venue, good people and some pretty awesome food and music. Speaking of which, major shout outs to all the other vendors who helped make this night so fantastic. Here are some of my favorites from Katie and Mike’s wedding.
Ceremony & Reception Venue :: Tradewinds Island Resort
Wedding Officiant :: Deborah Walker from Florida Wedding Ceremony
Wedding Coordinator :: Tammy Waterman
Coordinator’s Assistant :: Charity Plaster
DJ :: Dob Vollmar from Grant Hemond & Associates
Florist :: Izabela Rekawek
Cake :: Cakes By Carolynn
Videographer :: Chad and Samantha Whelan from Digital Wave Productions

Lynne + Jake {St. Petersburg Wedding Photography}

I was so excited for Lynne and Jake’s wedding at Sunken Gardens I could hardly contain myself. Sunken Gardens is such a beautiful venue and it had been a few months since I was there last so I couldn’t wait to get back there. That is until I looked out my window the morning of their wedding to torrential downpour…..Like so much rain the water was half way up my calves as I walked out to my car {no joke}. So needless to say the dreams of having an outdoor wedding were quickly swept away. Honestly, the only thing I was clinging to was the chance of less rain by the end of the reception so I could take Lynne and Jake outside around the gardens. Through all of this Lynne and Jake were such good sports and took everything with stride. I was the bridezilla that day because all I wanted to do was grab some outdoor pictures!!! Well, lesson learned. I can’t worry about things that are out of my control instead I should just know that things will work out. In the end, I did get to take Lynne and Jake outside for some stellar Garden shots. Lynne and Jake thanks so much for being up for anything. You two were awesome! Here are some of my favorites from their day.

Sneak Peeks

Oh the irony of July. Most of the time this means a slower month. It’s hot, humid, and more often then not the afternoons are filled with thunderstorms. Overall, not the most appealing weather for a bride to get married or a couple to schedule their engagement session. However, I seem to be busier then ever {which is fantastic}. And even better…… My couples rock. I’m grateful for them everyday, and have really enjoyed the fact that they all bring their “A” game to the shoots no matter rain, shine, hot, or humid. LOVE! So before I bury deep behind my computer screen and enter the deep abyss of editing, I wanted to post some of my favorite images from the last five shoots. Many more images to come for all of you. Thanks for your patience…. So without further ado I would like to introduce you to Lynne + Jake, Trisha + Matt, Katie + Michael, Christine + Troy, and Juliette and Joe.

2nd Shooting

Yet another amazing wedding shot with Justin Demutiis. This was my first experience with a Big Greek Wedding, and I LOVED it! Go greek or go home! I had the pleasure of photographing the groom, Steve and his groomsmen at the Hilton Tampa Airport. From there we went to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, one of the most breautiful Greek churches in Tarpon Springs. I thoroughly enjoyed the message and the fact that I was able to get close to Steve and Diana during the ceremony to capture their expressions.The reception took place at Boizao’s the Brazillian Steakhouse in Tampa. I think that the word delicious is a complete understatement. Not for the vegetarian at heart, this meat lovers paradise is an endless supply of meats on a skewer. It was an amazing event and I couldn’t be more excited for Diana and Steve. They make an awesome couple. Here are some of my favorites from their day.