The sun setting over the ocean, warm sand between your toes, and the love of your life by your side. This is the picture-perfect scene that many couples dream of for their wedding day…
For this beach elopement in Florida, that dream became a reality for this couple who I got to join the adventure and capture in all of its beauty as their elopement photographer.
They chose the stunning St. Petersburg as their destination to say "I do" and I had the honor of capturing their special moments. From intimate portraits on the sea rocks to a romantic sunset ceremony, this elopement was truly one to swoon over.
So, come on a Florida elopement at sunset with me and get lost in the magic of their love story…
Florida Elopement at Sunset
The Drive to St. Petersburg
Setting the Scene - Sea Rocks and Sunset
Celebrating with Champagne
Lighting Up the Night - Lantern Magic
The Bridal Portraits
The Drive to St. Petersburg
Driving from Palm Beach Gardens (where I live!) to St. Petersburg felt like an epic road trip!
Equipped with my trusty camera, a playlist filled with high-energy tunes, and a GPS that insisted on rerouting me every five minutes, I embarked on the 3-4 hour journey.
Now, before you start clutching your pearls and gasping, "You drove that far for an elopement?" let me assure you, I'd drive to Timbuktu if that's where a couple decided to exchange vows.
You see, as a South Florida photographer, I'm a bit of an adventurer. I will trek, drive, or even teleport (if it were possible) to capture your special moments.
That being said, this wanderlust comes with a modest price tag. I charge a sensible .50 cents per mile as a travel fee. Not too shabby, right?
So, whether your elopement is a stone's throw away or across state lines, you can count on me to be there, camera at the ready. And remember, if you hear the sound of tire screeching or see a flurry of dust in the rearview mirror, it’s probably just me, chasing the sunset to capture your love story!
Setting the Scene - Sea Rocks and Sunset
Picture this. We're on the cusp of the evening, the time when the sun gives its best final performance before the moon steals the show.
The star of our set? A bunch of rugged, stoic sea rocks which, I swear, were just bursting with anticipation. I mean, they've seen seagulls, fish, and the occasional seaweed, but an elopement? This was a first for them.
And oh, the sunset! It was as if the sky, not to be outdone by the earth-bound rocks, put on its finest attire. It was a blend of gold and orange, like the cosmic equivalent of a tie-dye shirt. It was so beautiful, it almost felt rude to interrupt it with a wedding. Almost.
In the midst of this grand setting, enter the leading couple, hand in hand, ready to kick-start their forever. As they stood there, against the backdrop of the sunset-kissed sea rocks, I could almost hear the Universe humming a ballad in approval to their Florida elopement.
The stage was set. The actors in place. Lights, camera, and... cue the love story.
Check out the awesome images in my reel, that we captured together here.
Celebrating with Champagne
Just when you thought this Florida elopement couldn't get any better, the champagne makes its grand entrance.
Like an effervescent confetti cannon, it pops into action, almost as overjoyed as our newly minted matrimonial duo.
And there I was, camera in hand, snapping away capturing such a celebratory moment! All the while trying to keep my composure and not break into an all-out swoon. But let’s be real, keeping a straight face while witnessing such adorable togetherness was a task equivalent to eating a donut without licking your lips.
So yes, I may have swooned a little, or a lot, depending on who's asking.
As they continued toasting and laughing, seemingly unaware of my not-so-subtle fawning, the scene was pure magic. It was one of those life-affirming moments when you realize that love truly is the secret ingredient to a good champagne.
Or was it the other way around? Well, you catch my drift. This bubbly spectacle was a fizzy reminder that love, just like a good champagne, is best when shared.
Lighting Up the Night - Lantern Magic
And then, as if on cue, the night threw its inky cloak over the world, declaring it was time for some lantern magic.
As our newly hitched couple lit their lanterns, it seemed as though the stars had taken a break from their celestial duties and joined the party. The lanterns glowed like miniature suns, each flicker revealing the joy and excitement etched on their faces.
Honestly, if their smiles got any wider, they would’ve outshone the lanterns!
On a side note, I must add that this was no easy feat. Lighting a lantern, while also maintaining a photogenic smile, is akin to patting your head and rubbing your belly simultaneously. Kudos to our couple for pulling it off with such grace.
So, as the night continued to darken, our couple had their own constellation glowing, lighting up their path into the future – a lovely end to their Florida elopement.
Check out what this incredible lantern moment looked like for us on my reel here!
The Bridal Portraits
Now, we're onto my favorite part, the bridal portraits!
I’ve always believed that the magic hour of sunset is the secret ingredient to those jaw-dropping, heart-melting shots. As the sun started to drape the horizon with hues of warm yellows and mellow oranges, the light was a photographer's dream.
Why should you opt for bridal portraits? A bridal portrait is your passport to eternity. It's the perfect opportunity to highlight the radiant bride, her outfit, and the love-filled glow that only newlyweds possess.
Plus, it's an excellent way to give future generations something to "ooh" and "aah" over. So, if you're wondering whether to opt for bridal portraits, let me remind you, it's not vanity. It's history, fashion, and a boatload of beauty in one frame.
So, in conclusion, would I recommend bridal portraits? Absolutely! I mean, who wouldn’t want to immortalize their wedding day fabulousness?
Just look at how radiant the bride looked during our portrait session on my reel here.
Ready to Plan Your Florida Elopement?
Now you have come on a Florida elopement at sunset with me you can see just how dreamy it will be for you and your partner when you embark on such a wonderful adventure together!
If you are ready to enquire about your elopement photography in Florida then get in touch with me today – I would love to hear all about your love story.
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