I told her we could make it work but also wanted her to know the challenges of photographing during that time of the day. Unfortunately, she was unable to schedule the ceremony at a later time.  Because elopements without guests are often under two hours of photography, it was either doing traditional ceremony and post-ceremony photos or scheduling an “After Wedding” photo session. Photos were so important to her that she decided on a same-day photo shoot during the magic hour about 1-2 hours before sunset.

But what about the ceremony photos you may ask.  For her, they were not that important to be professionally photographed, and decided on amateur photos organized by her wedding planner. In a traditional wedding photo shoot, with all-day coverage,  there is usually a window to take pictures during the magic hour. With elopements and limited photo time, it is best to schedule the ceremony shortly before that to have the best light for photos.

I met with Franzi, Andreas, and the girls at the beach entrance to Bean Point Beach. The first thing after saying hello was: “We were so careful all the days before the wedding to not get sunburned.” But at their 11 am ceremony, it was so blazing hot that even with sunscreen on, they both got burned.  This is another reason why to avoid late-morning and midday weddings in Florida.  

The early evening was perfect, not too hot and we did have overcast which is always great for photos. Everybody had so much fun during the After Wedding photo session. Franzi and Andreas felt so relaxed and the kids had a ball playing in the sand. Franzi told me this was the best decision of the day. They both were so thankful for my advice and for making this decision. Congratulations from the bottom of my heart.

After Wedding Photo Location: Bean Point Anna Maria Island

December 27th, 2023 was a cooler Florida winter day with a breeze. I was happy we did not have hot weather because I know that during Winter Holidays, the beaches can be crowded on a warm sunny day. I met with Maria and Roland directly at the beach. The area where the ceremony took place was under palm trees and their decoration was a simple heart in the sand with fresh flowers and two tiki torches. Maria walked down the beach with her stepdaughter and Roland waited with his two sons at the ceremony area. After the official part, we toasted with a bottle of sparkling cider. Fred Howard Park in Tarpon Springs is wonderful for a weekday elopement, with plenty of spots for great photos. The main wooded park is located before the causeway and man-made island and can be used for different photo backgrounds. 

• Ceremony Location Fred Howard Park – Tarpon Springs
• Wedding Planner and Decoration  Events and More Inc / Lifestyle Weddings

Rikki had her hair and makeup done at the hotel in Cocoa Beach. She looked stunning. They arrived together in their rental car and were super laid back. While Justin accompanied the officiant to the archway, Rikki and I did a few bridal portraits before the ceremony. I like to get the bridals done right when the bride is getting out of the AC. Because of Florida’s  humidity and wind especially on the beach, it is the best time for getting those photos under wrap. Rikki walked down a sandy pathway up on the beach to the ceremony setup. I liked the simple round arch with Eucalyptus and white roses. Rikki and Justin exchanged their vows and had plenty of fun during their ceremony. Once they were pronounced husband and wife we took many more photos at the beach. Congrats Rikki and Justin – Just hitched

• Ceremony Location Cocoa Beach – Tables Beach
• Wedding Planner and Decoration  Events and More Inc / Lifestyle Weddings
• Hair and Makeup by Briana de Bengson

Diana started the day by getting her hair and makeup done in the privacy of their apartment which is approximately 20 minutes by car from Hollywood Beach. She loves purple Chrysanthemums and Eucalyptus greenery and integrated them into their wedding decoration and bridal bouquet. Hollywood Beach has boardwalks that lead out to the beach. They are perfect for the bridal entrance and also great for taking photos. I started the wedding photo session with some pre-wedding bridal portraits right on the wooden boardwalk.

• Ceremony Location Hollywood Beach – Fort Lauderdale
• Wedding Planner and Decoration  Events and More Inc / Lifestyle Weddings
• Hair and Makeup by Aimee Beauty Co

• Ceremony Location Kraft Azalea Garden Winter Park
• Wedding Planner Events and More Inc / Lifestyle Weddings