Robin McQuay Anderson Photography » Jacksonville photographer

Whitney & Brian – A Jacksonville, FL Wedding

Robin McQuay Anderson — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 23:10:05 +0000

Whitney ran into Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, dodging high winds and a constant downpour. The day was gray, thick, and hopelessly rainy. As she blew through the door trailing water, she smiled – radiant, joyous, and beautiful. She was getting married and nothing would dampen her spirits. I assured her we would make delicious lemonade out of a day full of weather lemons! In a dim room of chattering bridemaids, Whitney stepped into her wedding dress – laughing and smiling – ready to meet her groom. And when the room became quiet and all the ladies had left, Whitney held her breath as her mother pinned her veil – and cried. There, in those tiny moments – mother, daughter, father held on for a touch and a tear.

Dashing into the church with his posse of handsome men, Brian dusted the water drops from his shoulders. There with his parents, he let nothing dampen his spirits. Today he was marrying his best friend, the girl who makes him laugh, the girl who lights up the grayest of days. They would exchange vows, light a candle, share a kiss, and dance the night away at the Deercreek Country Club.

We never did get a chance to capture any photos outside on the beautiful golf course - the rain was as constant as the fun Whitney and Brian were having at their party. But with their wonderful fun-loving spirits we made that lemonade afterall.

Enjoy….Robin

Marci & Barry – A St. Augustine, FL Wedding

Robin McQuay Anderson — Sat, 22 Dec 2012 21:13:59 +0000

Marci and Barry were married at the charming and wonderfully historic Sanchez House in downtown St. Augustine, FL. Their day was sunny and a bit chilly but a better fall Saturday could not have been asked for. In an intimate ceremony they stood beside their children and and promised each other a life of love and joy.

It was a pleasure to capture their memories Marci and Barry – to meet your families and share in your happiness!

Enjoy….Robin

Marci is so talented – she made her beautiful broach bouquet!

The always delightful, Amanda Hopcraft, came to do Marci’s hair and makeup.

Hayley & Graham – A St. Augustine, FL Wedding

Robin McQuay Anderson — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 18:46:26 +0000

They met in England – she was going to college there and he was the handsome Englishman that caught her eye…and captured her heart. Hayley and Graham chose to marry at the charming Cedar House Inn on a hot and sultry Saturday afternoon in June. Dodging the summer rains and stormy skies, they read their own vows in the sweetly blooming garden in the front of the Inn. Innkeeper, Cyndi, handled all the special details in her usual fantastic way.

Thank you both for the honor of documenting your special day – and I wish you all the best as you start your married life in England!

Enjoy….Robin

Hayley is wearing her grandmother’s engagement ring and wedding band – how fortunate to have a piece of her family history with her forever. But, it doesn’t end there; Hayley will also be wearing Graham’s grandmother’s wedding band as well.

Jennifer & Eric – A Ponte Vedra Beach, FL Wedding

Robin McQuay Anderson — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 23:59:08 +0000

The American flag flying over the grassy dunes was snapping briskly in the wind. The brilliant sun had risen high over head turning the white sand of Ponte Vedra Beach into glittering diamonds. The foamy blue waves crashed relentlessly on shore, and the temperatures climbed towards 90 degrees. Jennifer glanced out the beach house’s third story window and took it all in – the friends, the family, the colors, and the vibrance of her wedding day. Below, standing in the sand with his hand shielding the sun from his eyes was Eric – waiting for Jennifer to make her way through the dunes on her father’s arm.

She smiled and felt the sand in her toes as she stepped towards Eric – her hair blowing in the wind, her eyes fixed on her groom. Together, surrounded by the best of friends, the closest of family they promised and kissed, laughed and hugged. Kind, generous, and so relaxed, Jennifer and Eric had a perfect day for a perfect wedding. It was an honor to share in their love, their fun, and their celebration. Thank you both!

Enjoy….Robin

No prompting needed! When the warm foamy waves crept up on Jenn and Eric’s ankles then just laughed and enjoyed the water!

Lauren & Orion – A St. Augustine, FL Wedding

Robin McQuay Anderson — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 14:20:43 +0000

An intelligent and thoroughly modern couple, Lauren and Orion met on line - Lauren seeing Orion’s profile first and contacting him. They enjoyed getting to know each other thinking maybe they’d found love. A road trip from Pennsylvania to the Keys sealed the deal and confirmed what they both knew – they had each found their soulmate. All during their lovely and deeply emotional wedding at the Cedar House Inn, two families celebrated the joining of two sweet and very special people.

It was truly my pleasure capturing Lauren and Orion’s ceremony on the most perfect of May days…a warm sun, a gentle breeze, and smiles that just wouldn’t quit.

Enjoy….Robin

The super talented ladies at the Conservatorie designed Lauren’s luscious deep purple bouquet.

Lauren is blessed with truly lovely parents. When the time came for her Dad to present and put on her necklace there wasn’t a dry eye anywhere in site!

After the cake cutting and family toasts we spent a part of the evening taking pictures at the Lightner Museum. The light was so pretty as the sun was getting ready to set.

Lauren & Paul – A St. Augustine, FL Wedding

Robin McQuay Anderson — Wed, 02 May 2012 17:40:36 +0000

They met while attending West Point, The United States Military Academy. It was a classic example of beauty and brains meeting handsome and brains – now both 1st Lieutenants. Paul is a Black Hawk helicopter pilot and Lauren works in human resources. And, btw, Lauren’s proud mama told me that Lauren had the top GPA in chemistry for her graduating class. Lauren and Paul are each amazing - but together – well, that’s a married couple to be reckoned with!

Lauren chose to stay and get dressed at the Cedar House Inn, and the morning began warm and bright. However, it didn’t take long for the dramatic weather to begin. A nor’easter was heading their way and it was going to be a big one. By the time Lauren and Paul arrived at the Lightner Museum for their outdoor wedding, the heavy rain was hanging right overhead. The drizzle was just beginning and the big storm was well on it’s way.

After cake cutting, toasts, and lots of hugs, it was time for the bride and groom portraits to begin. We had about 10 minutes before the sky opened up and blew in with a fierce wind and enough rain to completely flood the streets around us. We made the best of it by taking shelter in the cloisters finally ducking out after 45 minutes to grab a few last shots in the lingering drizzle.

Throughout the unexpected weather Lauren and Paul remained gracious and calm – simply enjoying their time together despite being harassed by mother nature. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you both for the honor of capturing your wedding day memories. But, more importantly, I thank you both for your service to our country – your hard work and sacrifice are the true honor.

Enjoy….Robin

Lauren’s adorable short dress is from the Legends Collection by Romona Keveza. She found this beauty in Atlanta at Bridals by Lori of Say Yes to the Dress fame.

I love Lauren’s shoes from the Lavendar Collection of Vera Wang.

Lauren’s classic engagement ring is from Tiffany & Co.

Isn’t this great? It’s Lauren’s and Paul’s class rings from West Point.

Lauren’s veil was designed by her mom – perfect for her cute short dress.

The pearls Lauren’s wearing were worn by her mom on her own wedding day and the jeweled headpiece was worn by her sister at her wedding last year.

Lauren’s makeup and hair were done by the Philosophie Salon in St. Augustine.

The Wedding Authority took care of the lovely ceremony and reception details.

Kylie & Kate – St. Augustine Family Photographer

Robin McQuay Anderson — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 23:57:58 +0000

A couple of years ago I had the pleasure of doing a beach session with the adorable Kylie. She was fun, photogenic, and loaded with great toddler energy. Now, it was little sister, Kate’s, chance to get in on the beach session action. In fact, the whole family – including Kate and Kylie’s great grandmother all came out to take pictures on the beach. I loved the bright teal that mom, Elizabeth, chose for all four generations…and the little girls in their hats? Simply adorable.

Thank you Elizabeth – I loved seeing your family again and enjoying a perfect night on the beach!

Enjoy….Robin

St. Augustine Wedding Photographer – Albums

Robin McQuay Anderson — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 13:43:04 +0000

One of my favorite tasks as a wedding photographer is designing custom albums. Seeing a wedding day unfold in your hands – in a beautifully crafted album – is really quite special. Most of us have become accustomed to seeing so many of life’s most important moments on a computer screen, ipad, or cell phone. And there the images often live – forever. But, when your images are preserved in a one-of-a-kind album, they become an heirloom – a book to be treasured for decades – even generations. Your images become a physical gateway to the past – an emotional journey taken with each turn of the page. It’s a chance to linger - look - love – remember.

I love Finao Albums and use them for just about all my brides and grooms. Each wedding album is beautifully handcrafted and packaged. I design all my albums individually – no templates – no formulas. Selecting your images is simply the beginning of your album’s unique style - your style reflected in the pages and in the cover you select. There are many options, colors, and sizes – all available in infinite combinations.

Holly and Matt have been one of most creative couples I’ve photographed – they really personalized their wedding with details so unique to them.

Or perhaps you’d love a sign-in book featuring your engagement photos. Here’s a chance to preserve your images while customizing them in an album with the style and colors of your wedding. The guest sign-in book may be designed as a companion to your wedding album – similar in cover color or texture. Each page allows plenty of room for your guests to write and express their well wishes. Sign in books are 8×8 inches and run between 10 and 30 sides, depending on the number guests expected at your wedding.

Take a peek at a few sample pages:

This is Julie and Kevin – beachy and fun.

And here’s Jessie & Tyler’s fall wedding theme:

Tell your story the way it was meant to be told – holding it in your hands, remembering with your friends, your family, and each other. Take the time to linger - look - love – remember.

Searching for Fall

Robin McQuay Anderson — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 15:41:14 +0000

Once again, here in North Florida, fall is slowly but steadily descending upon us. But, finding colored leaves on trees and crunching brown fallen ones under foot is a rarity. I searched the neighborhood, peered through the woods nearby, and scaned the riverbank desparately seeking color. Finally, spots of yellow caught my eye as I drove along an isolated two lane road far from home. There, laying peacefully on the asphalt was my treasure…a big yellow leaf…one of unusual brilliance and size. “Quick, stop, and pick it up,” my mind was screaming. Naturally, a photo must be taken, a blog post created, and the image of a single oridinary leaf of autumn must be shared. No matter how common it is to some, no matter that others living in the north drive and walk upon them everyday. Here, they are the tiniest but loviest of signs that holidays are coming, temperatures are dropping, and Ian will be making pots of steaming hot herbal tea.

Enjoy my leaf and the beauty of fall – wherever you are…. Robin

Somewhere Along the Way

Robin McQuay Anderson — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 22:02:53 +0000

Somewhere between rocking her as a newborn and the birth of her own triplets 8 weeks ago, my daughter, Casey, grew into this amazing young woman. Was I truly watching as she learned to ride a two wheeler? Did I marvel when her braces came off and a beautiful smile emerged? Did I watch in wonder as she won her national title in swimming? Did I see her poise and confidence as she received her diploma at SMU? Did I see these milestones add up as markers along the path to the fabulous daughter/wife/mom that she has become?

Maybe.

Or maybe I saw these many momemts as important, but only as great singular events. Maybe I never realized what the sum total of memories can truly grow into…that strung together they do indeed create a path to all that she is today. And wow, am I proud!

Eleven days with newborn triplet girls was not only a chance to feed, cuddle, and kiss their downy heads, but a chance to watch in wonder - marvel - and truly see Casey as she is today – a singular moment perhaps - but one I know will add up with all the others among the yesterdays…and tomorrows. Yes, somewhere along the way, Casey became the daughter I knew she would be, and the mother I hoped she’d become.

Enjoy Ellis, Beatrice, and Carson…and of course, Casey… Robin