On December 20th, 2025, I had the opportunity to photograph the first wedding of my 50 Vows Project in Jacksonville, Florida, and I couldn’t have asked for a better way to begin this journey. Tanner and Hamza—now officially Mr. and Mrs.—welcomed me with so much warmth and generosity from the moment I arrived. They made sure I was taken care of every step of the way, which is something I never take lightly, especially when trusting someone to capture such an important day.
from my perspective
Before the wedding, I had a little time to enjoy the Florida coast (and yes, I absolutely picked up a souvenir), but the real highlight was witnessing the story these two share. Their love was undeniable, not just between them, but in the way their friends showed up and surrounded them with care and support all day long. Watching a couple be so deeply supported by the people closest to them is something special, and it made the entire day feel incredibly meaningful. From a photographer’s perspective, it’s moments like these that tell the full story.
Being a wedding photographer gives me a unique role: I get to see things from a perspective that isn’t the bride, the groom, or the guests. I’m there to notice and preserve the small moments that might otherwise fade with time. That responsibility is something I approach with a lot of love and respect for every couple I work with. I’m so grateful to Tanner and Hamza for trusting me to document their day and for allowing me to be part of such a meaningful chapter in their lives. I can’t wait to follow along and watch their story continue to unfold.
final adieu
And while my travel plans—courtesy of American Airlines—were less than ideal (delays took up most of my journey), the wedding itself made every bit of it worth it. This felt like the perfect way to close out 2025 and step into 2026, with so many weddings ahead that I’m excited and honored to be part of. If this weekend was any indication, the rest of this journey is going to be something really special.
xoxo Chloe
