Ah, Mizner Park, how I loathe thee. Your charming gazebos, your towering palms, your fountains . . .ye put all brides to be in Boca under thy spell. Yet, verily, thou are not as photo-friendly as ‘twould seem. Indeed, it takes a photographer sharp of mind and full of skill to make ye look like more than thee is, which is a shopping mall. ‘Tis also truly helpful to have a dashing squire and a beautiful maiden to fill thee with love and beauty, which this humble writer was fortunate enough to have.
These two are so nice. They are super, super nice. They are also super, super in love. I go to tons of weddings, and everyone is (happily) in love, excited to get married, but it is a rarity to witness extreme, nuclear level adoration, and Seth and Monica have that kind of love. During their ceremony, she was absolutely beaming. Glowing, even, as you can see below. While he was serenading her with passion and sincerity, there wasn’t a dry eye in he church; not hers, not any of the guests, not even your favorite crusty, dispassionate photographer. Did I cry? A little. Am I proud of that fact? YES! I HAVE A HEART, DAMMIT! IF YOU CUT ME, DO I NOT BLEED? IF I PLAY WITNESS TO TRUE LOVE, DO I NOT WEEP? Well, maybe weep is a strong word, but I did mist up a little at least. Uh . . . congrats!
Coral Gables Wedding Photographer: Maria + Joshua
I first spoke to Maria wayyyy back when I was first starting out, and she booked me sight unseen. Her name sat lonely but determined on my calendar for months and months, and when I finally met her a few days before the wedding, it was like “Oh, so YOU’RE Maria!” The couple has a large, boisterous and very fun Venezuelan family, so I knew the party would get live, and indeed it did – but no liver than when two nightmares walked through the door on stilts and clown makeup to fire up the crowd. I say nightmares in the best possible way – they were very effective at getting everyone excited, you can just imagine my reaction when I was expecting samba dancers and these 8 foot tall weirdos in clownface and jumpsuits burst through the door. Partytime!!
I remember the initial phone conversation I had with Abby. They are from Missouri and like so many couples decided on a beautiful destination wedding here in Miami. She was on the fence between flying down a Missouri photographer and hiring someone local here. I’m glad she decided to go local, mainly because she hired me, but also because it just makes sense. It’s cheaper to not have to pay a photographer’s travel expenses on top of the fee and I know the area to boot. That being said, I’m available for worldwide wedding service.
Another great thing about destination weddings is that I get to learn about exotic cultures. Apparently in Missouri, the weddings include boy/girl dance-offs, which is pretty awesome. And it was a relief to hear a playlist that was mostly classic 90’s hip-hop instead of the usual “manos arriba, una media vuelta” tracks. Thanks to you guys and I enjoyed having you “Show-Me” a true romance!
Igor and Kate are a study in intercontinental love; his family, Russian; hers, British. Now, they’re both midwesterners who got married in Miami Beach. Figures! It’s always fun to watch families get together and meld, but this one was even more entertaining as the two cultures drank, laughed and taught each other “useful phrases.” Also, they got ready at the Mondrian, which has huge floating heads with oversized eyeballs on all the walls, which always adds some visual interest to phoos. I do love that wallpaper, though. Congrats guys!
Fort Lauderdale Engagement Photos: Katie + Erik
I love enthusiasm, so I really enjoy when I come across a bride like Katie. She’s one of those girls who is totally committed to getting beautiful photos, and it shines through as you can see. Her fiancee, like most fiancees, was slightly less enthusiastic but was an excellent sport nonetheless and managed to deal with both Katie’s and my myopic focus on all things cute.
I’m really looking forward to the wedding, not only because this is a beautiful couple, but because I get the feeling Katie will have the venue chock full of awesome little touches that will give her wedding a unique personality, just like them. Thanks guys!
Yanza and I had carefully coordinated to meet at Crandon Park at sunrise. As I was approaching the causeway, I got a call from her with bad news – the gate was locked. I arrived shortly thereafter and indeed, it was still locked, even though it was later than the posted opening time. Faced with a rapidly rising sun and shortening prospects for lovely photos, I said “EDEN ROC! EDEN ROC, LET’S GO!” and we raced off to Miami Beach.
We snapped about 30 minutes worth of casual beach photos and then raced back to Key Biscayne to finish off with Bill Baggs, which is what they wanted all along. I’m surprised sometimes how when everything gets rushed and plans fall apart, the pictures come out even better. Maybe it’s the infusion of energy, maybe it’s my own brand of near-panic, but I’m really happy with the results. Go me. See you at the wedding!
I realized two important things shooting Erika and Mark’s wedding; first, it’s really great to work with a talented second photographer. Randy Borges came along and did a spectacular job, especially with the groomsmen getting ready. I am so used to working alone that it was truly refreshing to have another photographer I respect there, and fun to boot.
Second, I learned how much easier it is to photograph a wedding with a clearly defined mood. Many weddings are fairly generic. The couples are all unique, but the rooms, the ceremonies, it’s often all interchangeable. Erika’s wedding was modern and fun, and I mean REALLY fun. Like, the entire dance floor packed all night, people singing, random guests hugging and picking each other up fun. As the guy charged with capturing the mood, it’s much easier when it’s a clearly identifiable one, and a lot more entertaining. So good for you both – I can tell you without reservation everyone had a blast at your wedding, including all the guests, Sebastian the Ibis (!) and me.
Coral Gables Wedding Photographer: Caitlyn + Jason
Caitlyn and Jason were very in tune with what they felt would look great photographically at their wedding; they had pretty specific ideas about the photos they wanted. This can be a mixed bag; some brides have a “great idea” and it’s often not workable within the natural flow of the day. Fortunately for me and the couple, they were spot on with the couple of settings they had their hearts set on. She told me about the “perfect spot with a canopy made of trees” and, lo and behold, it actually was a perfect little photo spot.
I think it’s important to listen to couples’ thoughts and ideas when it comes to photos. A lot of times they have ideas that are just as good (and, loathe as I am to say it, are sometimes better) than what I was thinking at that moment. This isn’t a license for all my future brides to suddenly start e-mailing me scores of Pinteresting Pinned Pinctures they must have or their wedding will be ruined, it’s just my way of telling the couple “that street was perfect!” As was your entire day; you guys are clearly very much in love and I wish you the same going forward.
Fort Lauderdale Beach Engagement Photos: Lauren + Mike
I met Lauren and Mike through a pretty unusual circumstance; her best friend is a bride-to-be who contacted me on the exact same day as another very nice bride-to-be who also happened to share their wedding date. After a pretty tortured (not because of the brides, because of my own nuttiness) decision period, I went with Lauren’s best friend, who in turn introduced me to Lauren, and I was so happy to get the chance to work with her as well.
She has a great benefit, which is that her friend is getting married after her, so she gets first crack at all my poses and she knows for sure she’s going to get my best effort. It’s good to go first! I’m looking forward to the wedding guys and thanks!!
Ricky Stern Photography 