It’s hard to put into words how I feel about this beautiful wedding in the Florida Keys. Every wedding celebration that I photograph is so special to me, but being asked to fly across the country to such an amazing destination to document someone’s most special day is really a dream come true and such an honor.
Chelsea and James’ wedding at The Caribbean Resort in Islamorada was full of love, beauty, a wonderful community of friends + family, and the most epic dance party with a sparkler dance at the end. So let’s talk about Florida, the Florida Keys to be more precise. This was my first time visiting these tiny islands and I was blown away, to say the least. James and Chelsea’s wedding was only a short 7 weeks after Hurricane Irma hit the area and many of the islands were still very much recovering. Luckily their venue was doing okay and they were able to host James and Chelsea’s big day.
Chelsea is also a wedding photographer so I knew there would be a huge attention to detail in the décor and some really fun elements to photograph, which just makes my job that much more fun. And let me tell you I was not disappointed. From a frosé machine which welcomed guests to the ceremony and the most epic bridal bouquet I’ve ever seen to smashing a piñata full of mini booze bottles on the dance floor in lieu of a cake cutting and having an old GMC truck as the bar, there was no shortage of thoughtful planning, boozy fun, and beauty throughout the day. But then again, could you really be disappointed with a venue right on the water with about a million palm trees, an open beach next door, and a color palette to die for?? I could honestly shoot weddings there every day — if it wasn’t for that humidity problem. (You guys, I’m such a baby but coming from the west coast I don’t know how to deal with humidity. And this was in November!!!)
A few of my favorite memories of the day would have to be the amazing mismatched tie dyed bridesmaids dresses, Chelsea and her dad’s first look, how sweet the vows were during the ceremony, the sparker dance at the end of the night, the bridal bouquet made by the amazing Angela of The Altarnative, and getting to do bride + groom portraits on an empty white sand beach. Florida, I’ll be back!
And I wanted to say a big thank you to Chelsea and James for trusting me to capture their wedding day – I know it’s a big decision and I’m so grateful that you allowed me to be apart of your celebration!
VENDOR LOVE //
Photography: Jenna Bechtholt Photography
Venue: The Caribbean Resort
Florals: The Altarnative
Hair: Jordan Pomeroy
Videography: Wild Light Films
