{Rocky & Evelyn @ Cross Creek Ranch}

Rocky and Evelyn's wedding story is like none other we've done before:-) You might not know this but in Tampa there are police officers whose full time job is helping provide help and services to the homeless.  This is how Officer Dan McDonald met Rocky and Evelyn as they had been homeless, living in a tent in the woods the past 3 years off of Manhattan and Interbay.  Yes, that is South Tampa. The story began with him getting them a $93 marriage license so it would become easier for them to get housing.  Bonnie & Sean, who own Cross Creek Ranch, saw the story on the news and offered to give this couple the wedding of their dreams.  When Bonnie called and told me the story, and asked if we would photograph it I couldn't have been more excited, and honored to be included.  
     Their wedding date was 4.1.16, April Fools day, which I don't think could have been more appropriate!  I got to know Evelyn and hear a little about her story while she was getting ready.  She's a fellow Ohioan like me and was so nervous and so excited for this day to be here.  The team at Cross Creek and every wedding professional involved made sure every single detail was perfect and really showed such love to a couple who was not only getting married, but celebrating a new start to their life.  Their little dog Princess was the flower girl and when Rocky saw Evelyn walk down the aisle he said "WOW" and had the best reaction. 
     Their story has been on all the local news channels as well as ABC, NBC, the Today Show, Inside Edition and the list goes on.  The title is usually something like "Homeless Couple Gets Dream Wedding", but Evelyn and Rocky aren't homeless anymore.  They went from living in the woods the day before their wedding to staying at the B&B at Cross Creek, 2 nights at the Hilton, and then Monday April 4th moving into their very own completely furnished apartment!  At the rehearsal dinner, Officer Dan surprised them with the keys to their very own apartment and are part of the Permanent Supportive Housing Program which helps get them working and back on their feet again.  Nancy and Jean, from Cross Creek, even brought them their very first dinner in their new place.  It was amazing to be a part of this dream team of companies that came together to do something positive out of love, and because we could.  I can't wait to deliever their wedding album full of all these moments to them!  Congrats Rocky & Evelyn!!! 
Venue  | Cross Creek Ranch | Wedding Day Hair & Makeup | Collective Creations | Salon Services | Marissa Bernal | Bridal Headband | Be Free Hair Apparel  | Gown | The White Closet | Videography | Imagery Wedding Films | Cake | Alessi Bakeries | Transportation | Tampa Airport Transportation | Flowers | Alta Fleura | DJ | Grant Hemond | Harpist | Kristen Hoyos | Catering | Hungry Harry's | Hotel | Hilton Garden Inn Tampa/Brandon | Wedding Rings | The Gold & Diamond Source | Spa Services | Devine Designs | Tuxedos | Men's Warehouse