Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Coral Gables and the Keys Wedding Photography & Videography

Raleigh Wedding Photographer | Miami Beach Botanical Garden | Haley + Miyen

10/2/2018

Outdoor Pink and Navy Wedding With Vintage Touches

I first met Haley and Miyen at a cool coffee shop in Wynwood. We talked all morning about being student-athletes in college, working out, Argentina, Miami gluten free eateries, and their hopes for their wedding day. They wanted to throw an awesome party where friends and family from all over the world could join together and have an amazing time. Well, mission accomplished! Their day, just like them, was chill, beautiful, personal, and and a ton of fun. They met working out so of course they're both stunning models in every photo!

We started the day at the chic One Hotel with an ocean view as the ladies got ready in their pink flannels and mismatching pink dresses, complete with leaf crowns. Drew hung out with the guys and captured details like matching pink socks, floral ties, and personalized wooden tie clips. I was so excited when they told us they wanted to do a first look, we LOVE first looks! We love it because we get extra time to photograph the happy couple and sneak in a few family photos too. The rain moved us indoors to a gorgeous hallway with hanging orchids. Miyen surprised Haley with photo face cutouts of their adorable pup and puppy! It was perfect.

They also included their dog, Chase, the entire day!! Chase walked down the aisle, rolled around during the ceremony, walked back down the aisle with his parents, was in family photos, frolicking photos, and even dancing pics! They even attached a GoPro to him during cocktail hour!

They filled the gardens with bistro lights, vintage signs, a typewriter note station, floral napkins, book center pieces, and my favorite - a vintage truck turned into a working bar! She even had gold converses to match!

I so loved getting to know H+M and Drew and I really can't wait to visit them in Austin after our world travels! Thank you for including us, it was the perfect last 2018 Miami wedding. Love y'all!

Venue: Miami Beach Botanical Garden
Planner: Halo Event Design
Florist: Primrose Floral and Event Design
GF Cake: Bunnie Cakes
DJ: A Productions
HMUA: Celina Beach
Catering: Yummy Chori
Gown: Merlili Bridal
Bridesmaids: Brideside
Videographer: Alexa Caravia
Vintage Mobile Bar: Mac's Pubs

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Raleigh Wedding Photographer | Boca Rio Golf Club Wedding | Danielle + Zach's

9/4/2018

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Boca Raton Ballerina & Body Builder Wedding

Danielle & Zach's wedding was an amazing dream! It was the perfect combination of the most beautiful couple, my favorite weather, and stunning details. By day, she's a nurse and he's in insurance, on their time off she graces the world with her dancing and he hits the gym. The perfect pair! I was so ecstatic when we were taking portraits and he lifted her in the air! Their proposal story is just as wonderful:

"Zach took me on his family (mom, dad, twin brother, little sister) vacation to CA and we first started at Seal Beach where I met his aunt, uncle, and cousins. We had a blast at the beach, celebrating his little sister's birthday, and just winding down for vacation time. Then, we left and drove up the coast, stopped in Santa Barbara, continued on our travels to Carmel where we stayed for two nights. It was beautiful there! Then, we continued up the coast to our last stop in San Fran. The first day there, we checked into the hotel, got a bite to eat, and then we went to the Golden Gate bridge. It was beautiful weather and we were going to take pictures and Zach was acting a little funny and offered for our picture to be taken first in front of the bridge. We took like two pics, and then he turned toward me and said some beautiful things (about how he wanted the two most important women to be here on this day) and he got down on one knee and asked me, "Will you do me the honor and be my wife?" Of course I said uh huh! And then YES! And he got up to take more pictures, but started waving down below to where my (SURPRISE!) mom and sister were hiding in the brush. It was magical! He is the absolute best! I had no idea they would be there, and started crying like the typical Danielle would. This trip was the best of my life (so far)!"

Danielle looked radiant in her gown, fresh eucalyptus filled the space, and their interfaith ceremony was emotional with song and tradition. Zach's dad is the chef at the venue and the food was unreal! It was so neat to feel how everyone came together to make this day a success. We danced the night away and ended with a sparkler exit! I love these two and their supportive and enthusiastic families as well!

Thank you for letting me document your day!!!

Venue & Catering: Boca Rio Golf Club
Dress: Tara Keely
DJ: Romero Davis
Flowers: Connie - Whole Foods Boca Raton
Shoes: Betsy Johnson
Officiant: Pastor Paul Underhay and Rabbi David Degani
Second Photographer: Cortiella Photography
Videography; Hope Media

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Raleigh Wedding Photographer | Miami Surprise Proposal | Vizcaya Engagement | Jose + Betsy

8/26/2018

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Romantic Oceanside Proposal | Italian Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

I was sooo honored when Jose emailed me asking if I was available to photograph his proposal. He was so excited over email that I couldn't wait for the day to come! He had ever detail planned and involved their family and friends. Betsy always wanted to visit Vizcaya and her sisters sneakily took her one lovely afternoon. We looked over maps, planned out her route, and even got the security guards to help us scout her arrival. As she arrived to the spot with her back turned, Jose came down the stairs to surprise her. He handed her a rose, said the sweetest promises, and then got down on one knee. I was shaking like a leaf bubbling with nerves and excited to get the shot. I think it's perfect :) As he slipped on the engraved ring, her sisters and friends in to congratulate them as the crowd that had gathered cheered. It was so beyond heart warming, I have chills rethinking about the lapping waves, the hot sun, the smiles, the joy, and being able to document the next chapter in their love story. This is my last engagement session in Miami before we move to Raleigh then Rome, Italy. It was a perfect one to end one! Thank you for letting me join and a million congratulations!!

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Raleigh Wedding Photographer | Marquette, Michigan | Carp River Garden Wedding

8/23/2018

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Upper Peninsula Wedding | From Lake Michigan to Negaunee Woods

Drew and I were beyond excited when his cousin Jared and now wife, Emily, asked us to photograph their wedding in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. We flew up from Miami for a much needed heat reprieve and family time. Drew's parents summer in Houghton which is a charming town a few hours away from the wedding. So we flew in early to be with family and explore the gorgeous nature. Then we drove down to college town, Marquette where the wedding would take place. It's our new favorite town! Lake side renovated downtown with shops and restaurants full of gluten free food! We even got to crash Jared's bachelor party!

Their wedding day was perfect. The rain stayed away and peaked out just for the ceremony. I felt like it was Emily's father shining down on us! Their details were put together by Emily's talented cousin and the coral dresses stood out beautifully against the greens. I so loved that we got to take lots of time for portraits. We wandered the venue's gardens and rock formations and then drove to Lake Michigan's shore for beach photos! This was so special to me that they valued quality time together and took a moment to breathe and take in their wedding day. Their reception was full of yard games and music and all the fun!

Thank you for letting Drew and I be a part of your day!! We love y'all!!!

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Durham Wedding Photographer | Miami Beach Elopement | Carolina + Diego

8/17/2018

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Navy And Red Tropical Beach Wedding Celebration

Carolina & Diego met at art school and fell in love while sharing their passion for creativity. Diego is a film maker and Carolina is a painter and make up artist. I'm always so humbled whenever other artists trust me to photograph their weddings! I was so thrilled hearing about their low key picnic style celebration. They eloped over winter break but still wanted to be able to include their family. So everyone flew in from around the world for the occasion! Carolina's tropical laceleaf bouquet was the perfect compliment with the navy, green, and gold touches. Intimate weddings are my favorite because the bride and groom gets quality time with everyone and I feel like I'm part of the family. They even sent me home with a plate full of home made empanadas! Thank you Carolina & Diego for including me!!

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Durham Wedding Photographer | Fort Lauderdale Anniversary Session | Fíonna + Madeline

8/16/2018

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Here Come The Brides - One Year Wedding Photo Redo

Fíonna and Madeline contacted me a year a go to talk about retaking some photos from their wedding. They didn't have a professional photographer but still wanted special hand made details captured, including her wedding dress her mom made! I was so thrilled when the timing finally worked out and we met at the park they got married. Laura Ward Park in Fort Lauderdale has a small green area, colorful benches, and a beautiful beach. I so treasured getting to know them! They're active and out doorsy, but also love a cozy night in. Just texting with them I knew there were special. Genuine, caring, easy going. Their proposal story is just as perfect:

Madeline planned an "impromptu" trip home to Puerto Rico giving Fíonna a days notice to pack for a 3-day weekend. On day two they ended up in a small body of water, with its own little waterfall, after hiking a 40 minute trail in El Yunque National Forest, where Madeline proceeded to hurry Fíonna over to her to show her what "she found". Dumbfounded to see a ring in Madeline's hand, Fíonna did say, "YES!" when she came back to Earth! A complete, complete surprise! After returning home Fíonna had her own little surprise of an engagement pendant waiting at home for Madeline, which she presented to her on Ft. Lauderdale Beach.

Fíonna says of Mads, "I have only fallen more deeply into "US" in this last year and I am so grateful I'm married to my best friend!"

Like gaaahhhhh!! Just beyond beautiful!!! We laughed and had an amazing time taking photos and chasing the sun. I loved their energy, their delight in each other, and their details. Here's some of the special things they put together:
Dress: Fionna's mom hand made her dress!!
Flowers: Fionna's favorite flower is the calla lilly and Mad's is the Bird of Paradise so she created her own bouquet for the session
Shoes: Fionna wrote "Just Married" and their date, 7-27-17 on the bottom
Rings: Fionna made her own wedding band from beads
Tie Clip: Special family heirloom Madeline wore

These are clearly just two special people, see their overflowing love below!! Thank you F+M for letting me celebrate with y'all!! <3

And because I'm silly and I had soo much fun with them (and I love my drone) I had to hop in too!

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Raleigh Wedding Photographer | Miami, Florida Engagement | Maureen + Gerald

8/9/2018

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Coral Gables Bohemian Field Love Story Perfection

I first met Maureen & Gerald at my favorite place in Miami's Art District, Wynwood's Salty Donut. It was like love, I mean, super friendship at first sight. We talked, laughed, Gerald pointed out celebrities, I ate like 4 GF donuts, and we made plans to all hang out again at the new riverside bar, The Warf. Miami has soo many amazing places to explore that it's helpful to have a guide like Maureen. She's an incredibly talented writer (check out her site HERE) and I frequently come across her articles when I'm Googling about where to eat in Miami. And then I feel really cool and proud when I see her name at the bottom! Her fiancé is just as kind and loving with a heart for service. He was a science teacher with a goal to provide interactive education and build up his students. Now, he's starting his journey as pharmacist! If this faith centered, high school sweet hearts, power couple love story isn't already making you swoon, just check out these photos!!

We adventured to a field in Coral Gables, prayed for dry skies, and skipped through the tall grass to chase the dipping sun. She looked radiant in her black v neck dress with orange and peach complimenting hair piece and bouquet from the talented Sara Rose Coulored Florals. I also loved Gerald's light gray jacket, their hilarious felt letter board sign, and just their genuine and pure love. I'm so honored to have made life long friends and overjoyed to be a part of their wedding celebrations!

Love y'all!!!!

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Raleigh Wedding Photographer | Miami Beach Engagement | South Pointe Park | Ryan + Sara

7/31/2018

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North Carolinian BFFS Travel To See L+D In Miami!!

Where to even begin!?! Drew and I have known Ryan since high school in Raleigh, NC. Ryan and I took tons of classes together, survived (ish) Spanish, and then he and Drew became room mates for 3 years of college! Ryan was in our wedding and has made so many trips to Chapel Hill to see us. We have so many good memories together over the past 10 years! We're beyond grateful for his friendship! Ryan is witty, smart, and caring. I always know when Drew giggles at a text that Ryan probably sent some clever gif. When Ryan moved to Charlotte for his engineering job he started playing volleyball with a group of friends. Sara was also in that group and the two hit (ha) it off. Ryan is insanely athletic, I watched him and Drew play lots of soccer in college and we played ultimate with him, so when we started hearing about this amazing girl who dominated the courts we were intrigued. We couldn't wait to meet Sara at a friend's wedding. We danced, and laughed, played bocce ball, and had a blast together. Drew and I got in the car to head home and immediately said/knew they were going to be together forever. Truly, we knew they were the perfect match in so many ways. Sara's just as bright, energetic and thoughtful. She's an educator at a local state park and has lived and traveled all over the world.

Over Christmas, they ventured to South Africa and went on a safari. After an amazing day seeing wild dogs, and the big 5, Ryan organized a tent side romantic dinner for two where he proposed. Just beyond perfection. He even custom designed her engagement ring!!! Just the level of romance and thoughtfulness makes my heart so full!

Drew and I were over the moon when they texted saying they booked their flight to come see us in Miami!! It had been too long and we couldn't wait to properly celebrate their engagement in person and show them around our city before we take off on our own adventure. We went to the art district, floated all day in the ocean, played games at yummy sea food by the marina, and just laughed and told stories and dreamed about the future. This engagement session was a joy to photograph. While I can't wait to be back in Raleigh photographing families, engagements, and weddings, I love being a wedding photographer in Miami because we can run around in the sand and sea and catch amazing sunsets! They were just authentically them! We got a few romantic moments and classic poses in there but I just love the energy and joy in them too!

We are so grateful to both of y'all and can't wait for next July in Asheville!!!

Sara's just going to be my second photographer now, thanks Drew, haha. She just picked up the camera and now we know how it feels to be on the other side for a hot awkward second! Is there anything you can't do Sara?!

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Raleigh Wedding Photographer | Miami Beach Maternity | Bethany + Brad

7/24/2018

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Destination Baby Moon Family Photos

Bethany + Brad are fellow North Carolinans who found me, a Miami Beacher, through my dear friend and fellow photographer Jen Gallardo of The Wild Bloom. I had no idea of this beautiful connection until I arrived at their Fort Lauderdale hotel. Jen and I met in Raleigh through a workout group. Drew and I also had the honor of having her take our anniversary photos too (see her blog post of us here)! She then moved to Charlotte and met beautiful Bethany through the same group! Such a small and incredible world!

B+B chose to have their baby moon at the same hotel they got married at. I love this idea and how they chose to commemorate each mile stone with a special get away with a focus on quality time. Bethany was a stunner in two amazing dresses and just glowed next to her supportive and fun husband. I loved the laughs, snuggles, and candid in between moments.

Talking with them about home was just what I needed too. There's an ease and welcomeness that fellow southerners have, and it was so life giving to be around kind, genuine, and considerate people. While I love being a wedding photographer in Miami, sometimes being in a big, transient, and South American city can have it's tough moments. These two wonderful souls reminded me of all we have to look forward to going home in just a few weeks! We are so ready to touch base in Raleigh and be with family and friends before our move to Rome, Italy, New Zealand, and Sweden!

Thank you three for the most wonderful sunset maternity session on Miami Beach! Truly a favorite!

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Durham Wedding Photographer | Vizcaya Elopement | Niklas + Marjo

7/17/2018

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A Love Story From Finland to Miami

Niklas and Morjo met online and from their first date to an amusement park, they knew it was the last first date they would go on. Both of them have hearts of gold. He is in public service and helps manage road projects and she is an elementary school teacher for kids with special needs. They love visiting Miami and when they decided to get married they wanted a simple and stress free celebration. Their ceremony was a heartfelt exchange of vows on the beach and and followed by elopement portraits at the amazing Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. We talked about their love story, their passions, and travel!

Drew and I love traveling, meeting new people, and experiencing all cultures. Next year we're so excited to begin our year of adventure in Rome, Italy! If you're traveling and our dates match up, let me know! We'd love to show you around our new city and of course take pictures!

Now - Sept. Miami, FL
Sept.- Oct. 10 Raleigh, NC
Oct 10-Jan 8 Rome, Italy
Jan 19 Miami Wedding
Jan2 24- Feb 24 Christchurch, NZ
Feb 8-15 Chiang Mei, Thailand
Feb 24-April 21 Queenstown, NZ
April-June Trollhättan, Sweden
July-Sept 2019: Raleigh, NC

Thank you and congratulations again N+M! We can't wait to meet up when we're in Sweden!