Can hanging out on the beach with amazing people really be considered work? It was our absolute pleasure to spend a gorgeous Saturday with this couple in Tampa!
Last summer, we had the coolest engagement photo session EVER in Raleigh with this couple! Yes, they restored this 1960s Chevy themselves.
One of the benefits of being a wedding photographer in Raleigh, NC is the endless possibilities for destination weddings! In our own state of North Carolina, we can shoot weddings in big cities, the mountains, or on the beach. But the rest of the South is also accessible!
We met this couple last year in Raleigh and were thrilled when we heard they were doing a destination wedding in Tampa, Florida!
Getting Ready
We took advantage of the beautiful morning light to get some outdoor photos of the groom and his dad.
The bridal suite at the chapel was GORGEOUS.
First Look
The first look is when a couple sees each other for the first time on their wedding day. More and more couples are opting to do a private first look before the actual wedding ceremony. It’s an intimate moment that ALWAYS makes for emotional and memorable photos. Obviously, a first look is not for every couple. You may want to save the first glimpse for when you’re walking down the aisle! But there are lots of reasons to do a first look:
It’s a magical moment captured on-camera
It gives the couple a few quiet moments together… the rest of the day is going to be busy!
After the first look, you can knock out some portraits and wedding party photos before the ceremony to streamline the rest of the day. Your hair and makeup are perfect. It’s a good option!
Ceremony
Beautiful Harborside Chapel made for gorgeous light and airy wedding ceremony photos. The venue was full of white trim and pops of greenery. Huge arched windows bathed the whole chapel in Florida sunshine.
This couple proved that you don’t need an army of guests for a perfect wedding ceremony. It was just the couple, us, and 33 of their closest family and friends.
Introducing Mr and Mrs!
These two had a morning wedding and an absolutely CLASSIC midday exit. Bells were ringing, birds were chirping, family was cheering. It was a bright, beautiful, retro moment.
We deliver nearly one thousand photos from each wedding we shoot, and every one of those photos is lightly edited for color, light, and consistency. Want to know how much editing this picture of their ceremony exit took? None! The couple, guests, chapel, and lighting were already gorgeous!
Portraits
Harborside Chapel had beautiful shady outdoor spaces perfect for portraits!
With the ceremony over and the guests off to cocktail hour, it was time for formal and fun wedding portraits! These two didn’t have a wedding party, so pictures went very fast. We got plenty of classic couple’s poses taking advantage of the bride’s spectacular dress and long veil. But there was plenty of time for fun and candid shots as well!
Look at the beautiful, new Mr and Mrs! We love using the veil as a prop for magical, light and airy wedding photography.
Reception
The reception was a beautiful, intimate event with first dances, a wonderful lunchtime meal, and great toasts. Both the bride and groom have close family ties to Europe, and the reception included a touching Polish tribute to Ukraine. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house!
Sunset on the Beach
After the reception, we took a breather and recharged our batteries… figuratively and literally! But then we were so excited to meet back up with the couple for golden hour beach sunset pictures. We are so glad we did!
