Wedding and Lifestyle Photographer | Ocala | Gainesville | Russell Martin Photography

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2010-04-28T10:24:00.001-04:00

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Mike + Madeleine: A Silver Springs Wedding

2010-04-22T09:32:00.010-04:00

Michael & Madeleine's wedding at Silver Springs in Ocala was the perfect spring day, as all of the plants were just starting to bloom. They said their I Do's beneath a beautiful flower-filled arbor.

The boardwalk overlooking Silver Springs is a favorite spot of ours. Mike and Madeleine shared a few sweet moments before their reception.

Want to see more? Visit our fan page on Facebook or register to view the entire wedding on Pictage.

Josh + Lindsey: An Ocala Wedding

2010-04-14T09:56:00.008-04:00

Josh & Lindsey's outdoor ceremony on Smith Lake was gorgeous! I loved working with the mix of red tones and lush green landscaping.

What a precious first look!

I will have to admit that when Josh asked me about doing some shots of them on a jet ski, I did a happy dance in my head.

Shooting from a jet boat doing 50+ MPH on Smith lake...I have never had as much fun during a bridal portrait! What an adventurous couple! Thanks Josh & Lindsey for making your wedding so much fun to be a part of!

Want to see more? Visit our fan page on Facebook or register to view the entire wedding on Pictage.

Mike + Sasha: A St. Augustine Engagement Session

2010-04-07T11:51:00.001-04:00

I met up with Mike & Sasha in historic downtown St. Augustine for their e-session Saturday. They were naturals in front of the camera, and it shows in their images! Amber and I are looking forward to their wedding this June at Golden Ocala!

-Russell

We drove out to St Augustine beach for some awesome photos as the sun set.

Chris + Marti: A Cocoa Beach Wedding

2010-03-31T00:34:00.007-04:00

Chris & Marti's wedding was at the International Palms Resort in Cocoa Beach. It rained, and rained, and rained before the wedding, but Chris & Marti were such great sports! They moved their beach ceremony under the deck and made it work!

The sun started to come out after the reception started, and the rainy Sunday sky turned a beautiful blue with a double rainbow!

Chris & Marti's wedding was like a family reunion for us. There were several our of wedding clients in attendance. Bryce and Rachel are expecting their first little one this fall!

DJ Skoot, another of our wedding clients, rocked the reception with great music!

Chris & Marti danced all night long...

Ceremony & Reception: International Palms Resort
DJ: DJ Skoot

Josh + Courtney: An Ocala Wedding

2010-03-21T23:42:00.010-04:00

We all shared joyful tears and sweet smiles as our good friends, Josh & Courtney, were married at Oak Griner Baptist on Saturday! We have watched Josh (a local firefighter) and Courtney (the girl with the awesome shoes) blossom and grow as over the last few years and were so honored when they asked us to photograph their wedding!

Josh & Courtney's first look...

We absolutely loved the idea of using a local fire station for bride & groom images!

Courtney's mom, Michelle, put together all the catering & decor. She knocked it out of the park with great details and amazing food!

We had a blast at our photobooth with a bunch of our favorite people! The props were so much fun: pink boas, crowns and firefighter hats!

Rock candy!

Josh & Courtney, may God bless your marriage! Congratulations!

Ceremony: Oak Griner Baptist Church
Reception: Marion Oaks Community Center
DJ: Euro Entertainment

Polish & Shine

2010-03-21T23:25:00.006-04:00

Changes, changes. Just like our living room furniture is never arranged the same two months in a row, we are working on renovations to the blog, studio management and some other behind the scenes things. Exciting, yes! Nerve wracking, absolutely! But that is what makes it all so much fun! Stay tuned kiddos, you're going to like what you see!

Busy weekend...

2010-03-18T10:50:00.000-04:00

Spring is here! Weddings, engagement sessions and family portraits are keeping us outdoors tons... and we LOVE IT! We kinda swamped right now, but wanted to make sure to post a few images from our most recent portraiture sessions. Two wedding posts and tons more fun stuff is soon to come! Thanks for the patience!

-Amber

Mike & Madeleine's engagement session in Ocala:

Casey & Nancy's engagement session at Rainbow Springs:

Family reunion portrait in The Villages:

Tracy + Brian: A Butterfly Museum Wedding

2010-03-16T14:27:00.008-04:00

Butterflies. So pretty, so vibrant. Just like the bride we worked with last Saturday! Tracy & Brian's big day...

Our joyful bride was full of emotion as she experienced the "first look" with her groom, who beamed when he saw her.

These are some of our favorite details of the day: lime, lemon, and orange rocked the bride's gown, cake, and table decor.

Brian and Tracy, both part of the police force, had fingerprints printed on the inside of their rings. Love it!

Thanks for letting us join in the fun!

-Amber

Baby A's Portrait Session

2010-03-09T14:14:00.007-05:00

Last week, we had baby A over for a little fun with his mom and dad in front of the camera. I just love his perfect round cheeks! He obliged us for several shots alone, but definitely likes to be near his sweet mommy! Here's some of our favorites from A's baby session.

-Amber

Tim & Loren: Gainesville Engagement Photography

2010-03-04T09:33:00.009-05:00

Saturday morning, I met Tim & Loren for their fun engagement session in Gainesville! We had such a good time at Lake Alice and Ben Hill Griffin Stadium with plenty of jokes and lots of laughter.

Neither rain, nor cold, nor 12 locked gates can keep these two Gator fans from The Swamp!

We're looking forward to Tim & Loren's wedding at Haile Plantation this fall!

Gainesville Wedding Photographer

Jodi & Jack: Ocala Wedding Photography

2010-02-23T21:27:00.008-05:00

Saturday was Jodi & Jack's wedding at Rainbow Springs State Park in Dunellon. It was a perfect day for their outdoor ceremony. The buds had just started blooming throughout the park, and all the foliage was lush and green!

Jodi and Jack chose to have a "first look" which allowed them to spend a few tender moments before their wedding together. We captured the sweet looks on both of their faces as they chatted about her dress, talked about the day ahead, and enjoyed a long hug!

Towards the end of the evening, all the guests released butterflies into the night sky in remembrance of Jodi's mother. Butterfly decor throughout the reception were a touch of Jodi's mom in every detail.

Ocala Wedding Photographer

The view from our booth...

2010-02-03T14:07:00.010-05:00

We had a great time at the Florida Bridal Expo Sunday! Wonderful brides, some of the greatest vendors ever, and really good food!

Our booth- decked out in RMP blue!

Our neighbors at the show Sweetwater Branch Inn... We just love Lauren and Katie!

Here, Newell from Solutions Bridal and Amy from Adore Events are prepping the crowd for the fashion show and giveaways (including a Premium Engagement Portrait Collection from Russell Martin Photography!).

Newell announced Solutions Bridal is running a promotion: the first 50 wedding gowns purchased after the show will be put in a drawing. One lucky bride will win her gown for FREE!

Here is a sample of Solutions' fabulous runway show!

Gainesville Wedding Photographer

Florida Bridal Expo

2010-01-26T13:10:00.000-05:00

Come see us at the the Florida Bridal Expo this Sunday, January 31st, at the Hilton University of Florida Conference Center in Gainesville! Visit us from 12-4:30 to see some great images & our newest album sample! We're even giving away a Premium Engagement Collection!

Courtney & Josh: Ocala Engagement Photography

2010-01-24T23:03:00.017-05:00

We spent Sunday evening with our adorable friends, Josh and Courtney for their extended engagement portrait session. We met up with them at Starbucks in downtown Ocala and spent the next few hours exploring the streets and allies of downtown. We love this location because of the diverse variety of images we are able to capture. We ended the night with some amazing night shots across from the downtown square!

Russ and I are looking forward to photographing their wedding in March!

-Amber

Sporting his firefighter shirt and her "Real Women Love Firefighters" shirt & hot pink shoes!

Ocala Engagement Photographer

Mike & Michelle: The Villages Wedding Photography

2010-01-19T15:12:00.007-05:00

Last Saturday, Amber and I were privileged to photograph Mike & Michelle's wedding at the Church on the Square in The Villages. We enjoyed their playfulness, even in the freezing weather! Best wishes to you both on a happy marriage!

The Villages Wedding Photographer

Gregory & Meghan: Gainesville Engagement Photography

2010-01-14T09:48:00.012-05:00

On Saturday morning we photographed Gregory & Meghan at Kanapaha Veterans Memorial Park and Lake Alice in Gainesville for their engagement portrait. Gregory serves in the Army, so we scheduled the session while he is home on leave from Iraq. They were great sports through the freezing temperatures and winds off Lake Alice. It was such fun working with this sweet couple!

Gregory, thank you for your service to our country.

Gainesville Wedding Photographer

Brittney & Phillip: Jacksonville Wedding Photography

2009-12-28T09:45:00.000-05:00

Saturday afternoon we photographed Brittney and Phillip beautiful wedding in Jacksonville. There were plenty of unique settings at Oakleaf to take gorgeous images of the happy couple and their bridal party. We thoroughly enjoyed being a part of their special day.

Jacksonville Wedding Photographer

Betty & Enoc: Ocala Maternity Portrait Photography

2009-12-04T20:29:00.006-05:00

On Sunday I met up with Betty & Enoc at Shalom Park in Ocala to take their maternity / family portraits. Amber and I have had the pleasure of getting to know Betty & Enoc over the past few years. We know they'll be great parents to their sweet little boy! We're looking forward to more family pictures with the new addition to their family soon!

Ocala Maternity Portrait Photographer

Christel-jana & Josh: Gainesville Wedding Photography

2009-12-02T20:13:00.014-05:00

Sunday was Christel-jana & Josh's wedding at the gorgeous Kanapaha Botanical Gardens in Gainesville. The rain cleared just in time for their wedding in the Butterfly Garden. Their guests watched as Christel-jana and Josh exchanged their vows before a serene waterfall and Water Garden.

The reception was held at Kanapaha's Summer House, with tables set on the grand wrap-around porch.

Ceremony/Reception: Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
DJ: Stephen Wexler - EURO Entertainment

Gainesville Wedding Photographer

Daisy & Wesley: Gainesville Wedding Photography

2009-11-29T21:32:00.010-05:00

Saturday we were at Haile Plantation Golf and Country Club for Daisy & Wesley's gorgeous wedding. The weather was perfect for an elegant black and white theme set against the lush green grounds at Haile Plantation's golf course.

Daisy's little pup Dakota was the star of the day!

Melissa DiStefano's team coordinated the day seamlessly down to the last detail. It was great working with Melissa and Amanda!

Ceremony & Reception: Haile Plantation Golf & Country Club
Wedding Coordination: MasterPiece Weddings
Florist: Prange's Florist
Cake: Vivian Sparkman – Sparkman’s Bridal Service
DJ: Wayne's World Entertainment

Gainesville Wedding Photographer

Golden Ocala Sweet Deal!

2009-11-23T11:02:00.000-05:00

Golden Ocala Golf and Equestrian Club in Ocala, FL is offering a wonderful addition of a 45 minute pre-reception cocktail gathering at no charge to weddings booked before January 1, 2010! This elegant cocktail hour includes a featured Signature Drink selected by the bride and groom, and sophisticated hors d'oeurves served with their white glove service.

Call Ana Soler at 352-402-4344 for more information, and make sure to mention you heard about this great promotion from Russell Martin Photography!

Here are a few of our recent weddings at Golden Ocala. We have enjoyed each one, Ana and her staff at Golden Ocala have made every wedding a seamless, unique event to be remembered!

Erica & Brad: Lake Placid Wedding Photography

2009-11-17T21:21:00.000-05:00

We recently enjoyed the unique opportunity to photograph Erica & Brad's Quaker wedding in Venus, FL near Lake Placid. The wedding was held at their cabin which is nestled in the woods at Gator Creek. The rustic beautiful and serene outdoor setting was a perfect match for a couple who first met while wilderness canoeing.

Lake Placid Wedding Photographer

Morgan & Wade: Hilton Ocala Wedding Photography

2009-11-03T09:39:00.003-05:00

We recently photographed Morgan and Wade's intimate ceremony and reception at the Hilton Ocala. Their fall themed wedding was rich in color and included thoughtful details, such as candied apple favors.

We used the balmy weather for some impromptu shots of Morgan next to the rustic red barn.

Morgan and Wade had their getaway through an arch of glimmering sparklers. Morgan's bridesmaids created a sweet heart as the happy couple drove off.

Ocala Wedding Photographer

Ceremony & Reception Location: Hilton Ocala
Entertainment: Rick with Times of Your Life Entertainment
Cake: Cake Art by Pam Greenwell

Heather & John: Ocala Wedding Photography

2009-10-25T11:39:00.004-04:00

Heather & John said their I do's on their beautiful property in Ocala. The weather was perfect for an October wedding with a deep blue sky and a slight breeze.

Gosia & Ali's music set the tone for an intimate ceremony and exchanging of vows.

After the ceremony, I snuck off with the bride and groom to a church near their home for some sweet and fun portraits of the happy couple.

John was egging Heather on to loosen up and give us some attitude in these fun shots.

The reception was held on the couples' private veranda with great food by “Decadence A La Carte”.

Dan from Times of your Life Entertainment kept the party moving on the dance floor.

Ocala Wedding Photographer

Ceremony & Reception Location: Bride & Groom's Residence, Ocala, FL
Music: Gosia & Ali
Entertainment: Dan with Times of your Life Entertainment
Catering: Decadence A La Carte
Cake: Cake Art by Pam Greenwell