I’ve always been a sucker for a good love story, and this one is the real-deal. It’s what happens when two horse lovers get set up by the Groom-to-be’s brother, lock eyes for the first time, and the rest is history. Of course, if only felt fitting to plan a horse stable engagement session, and the ever-talented KT Merry told the story through her lens. Read below for more on this couple’s chance meeting, and find every image inside The Vault.
From KT Merry Photography…Renessa and Kris live on a picturesque farm in Bradenton, Florida where they share their love for horses together running a show jumping barn. When discussing their engagement session one of their top priorities was to have the images truly represent ‘them’. It seemed clear that photographing them on their farm where they started their life together and with all the animals (dogs and goats included!) they love was a must. Being an animal lover and equestrian myself I am always inspired to share a couple’s story and their love of animals. Their session was truly unique to them and such a joy to create! I can’t wait for their wedding celebrations on Valentine’s Day at Ca’ d’Zan in Sarasota, Florida!
Kris and Renessa’s story may seem like a fairytale, and it is. Renessa, a lover of horses, from a very young age always dreamt of riding. At the age of 28, she decided to fulfilled her life long dream and take up the hobby of horseback riding. She stumbled upon a stable located in her town of Naples, FL owned by Steve Di Carlo.
Renessa would spend weekends going to horse shows with Steve, and soon learned that he had a twin brother, Kris who is also a professional rider and horse trainer. One weekend, at a horse show in Wellington Steve received a call from his brother Kris asking him to purchase a new bridle for his new Grand Prix horse while Steve was in Wellington. Together, Steve and Renessa ventured to a local tack shop in search for the perfect bridle. While searching through hundreds of bridles, Steve decided to announce to the tack shop, “We are purchasing the bridle for the horse of her FUTURE husband.” Embarrassed, yet intrigued, Renessa giggled. It was clear that Steve had a plan and was going to play Cupid. When the weekend came to a close, Steve left the bridle in Renesa’s car in hoping that this would be what would bring Kris and Renessa together.
On the way home Steve called Renessa and informed her that she was invited to dinner as his home and that Kris would be there. She immediately was nervous. As dinner time rolled around Renessa jumped in her car and drove to Steve’s house with the bridle in tow. As she walked into the door, Kris and Renessa locked eyes and the rest was history. Ten months later they were engaged to be married, living on a 10 acre horse training facility in Bradenton, FL.
Photography: KT Merry Photography | Hair + Makeup: Spa Hollywood Sarasota | Venue: At Home | Bride's Wardrobe: The Lala Look