Samantha and Jeffrey, Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club

On a lovely and temperate November day, two souls joined together. They started the day off as Sam Teal and Jeff Shapiro and ended the day as Mr. and Mrs. Shapiro. Sam stunned with her cascading dark hair and infectious smile. Her gorgeous, spaghetti strapped ornate gown was accompanied by a long, cathedral length veil. Jeff looking handsome in his tan suit and navy tie. The details of this wedding flawlessly and symbolically came together. Sam carried an ivory rose bouquet with sentimental small frames honoring Grandparents. The couple was married on the Ocean Lawn at the lovely Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club. Bouquets of baby’s breath lined the aisles and garlands of myrtle accented the wedding arch. The traditional understanding is that baby’s breath is symbolic for pure emotion and pure love. The myrtle leaves also have a special meaning. Myrtle is a symbol for love and has become an emblem for marriage.

Sailboats drifted on the horizon as Sam and Jeff got ready to walk down a very special aisle. With the sparkling surf as a backdrop, friends and family took their seats. There was one very special wedding guest. Ben, the couple’s beloved 10 year old German Shepherd was very excited for his owners to tie the knot. He even dressed the part, wearing a navy stripped tie to the occasion.

There was a salty breeze and a calm sea as Sam and Jeff said their nuptials with total devotion. There was so much adoration in their eyes. This was love at its finest.

After the ceremony, everyone continued the celebration in the elegant Everglades Ballroom. The tables were set with myrtle garland. Later in the evening Jeff and Sam cut into a decadent white, four-tiered cake, accented with myrtle leaves and topped with their initials, S & J. Before dinner was served, Sam switched her veil out for a beautiful ivory shawl, which was hand knitted by Jeff’s sister, Marcie. She was ready to party! And party, they did! Everyone was laughing and dancing. It really was such a joyous affair.

Our favorite part of the celebration occurred later in the evening when Jeff took the microphone and professed his love and appreciation for both his and his bride’s parents. Jeff commemorated his parents by playing their song from their wedding day. Jeff and Sam also played a song for her mom and stepdad. It was a tender and unforgettable moment.

So thank you Jeff and Sam! We loved photographing your gorgeous day and wish you a lifetime of happiness.

“A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.” –Mignon McLaughlin