Jessica and Jordan | Stunning Lesbian Beachfront Wedding | December 11 , 2021
BAKER’S CAY RESORT in Key Largo, Florida
SOUTH CAROLINA AND GEORGIA WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER | SOUTHERN TIDE PHOTOGRAPHY
Jessica and Jordan’s picture-perfect lesbian wedding was simply put, a day in paradise. Literally, we were in paradise. This same sex couple wedding was held at Baker’s Cay Resort in Key Largo, FL. After a terribly wet wedding season so far this year, we were graced with the most beautiful weather in The Keys the weekend of Jessica and Jordan’s wedding. This celebration incorporated traditional grace and elegance with a load of love and laughter. One second everyone was tearing up watching Jess and Jordan’s First Look in the lush green walk alongside the beach, and the next moment we were all laughing hysterically as the maids told some stories about their drunk friend from the rehearsal the evening before. This destination wedding was set up start to finish to be such a laid back and enjoyable experience for everyone involved, which made the day even that much more special.
They got married December 11, 20121, after being together for six years. Jessica and Jordan wrote their own vows that they exchanged during the wedding ceremony that was officiated by Jessica’s Aunt. Jessica was escorted by her brother and Jordan her father. It was an intimate family affair, and there was not a dry eye on the beach that day. I absolutely loved that both of the beautiful brides wore the sweetest and most romantic lace embellished gowns. They actually looked quite similar, which was so funny since neither had any idea what the other was wearing. The unique ceremony on a private part of the beach at the resort was filled with touching stories, many were so funny I had trouble not laughing out loud. There was a lot of attention given to Jessica’s late father, who passed a year earlier. Their sweet goldendoodle was the ring bearer and stole the show. I can look at the photos from that ceremony over and over and never get tired of them.
After the ceremony we took some time for some sunset photos and then everyone partied the night away inside the resort ballroom. I’m not sure I have ever seen a couple more in love. As Destination Wedding Photographer, it’s such an immense privilege to be invited along to capture the most special day in a couple’s life. Congrats to the brid
Jessica and Jordan, you deserved your fairy tale wedding in paradise. It was a day we’ll never forget. Thank you a million times over for being so incredible. I hope this new adventure together gets better each and every day. Your joy, and love, and laughter was contagious, and I absolutely loved being surrounded by it on your wedding day. Cheers to many more decades of love and happiness! Love it? Then ‘Like’ us on Facebook & never miss a thing!
Any other questions? Just give us a call or send us an email and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have! If you have any questions regarding your upcoming Wedding or just want to chat to discuss your options, we are happy to help in any way we can! Just CONTACT US here and we will discuss your vision and questions in more detail!
Kristin and Jonny | A Picture Perfect Wedding | January 30, 2021
Port St. Lucie, Florida
SOUTH CAROLINA and FLORIDA WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER | SOUTHERN TIDE PHOTOGRAPHY
Kristin and Jonny’s Wedding at The Barn at Oleander in Port St. Lucie, FL this past weekend was one I won’t soon forget. This was a wedding I had been looking forward to since we did their engagement session last summer at Riverbend Park in Jupiter, FL. I had such a fun time with them at their engagement session, talking and laughing as we literally got eaten up by the biggest mosquitos you have ever seen. That’s a South Florida summer evening for you! Despite the golf ball size mosquito bites we all left with, I knew their Wedding was going to be a special one. And it turns out, that was an understatement.
Kristin and Jonny’s love story is seriously the sweetest thing I ever heard. They met on the playground in elementary school and then became great friends in high school but never dated. It wasn’t until Kristin moved back to South Florida for law school that they started dating. At the time, Jonny had been planning to move back to Chicago but thankfully he changed his mind! With all those years that went by, and with all twists and turns that life throws at somebody, it’s amazing Kristin and Jonny were still able to make their way back to each other and to realize that this was their “forever”. Loooooove that! At their engagement session I got to hear all about how Jonny popped the question, and it was so funny how similar their story was to my own! So many little cute details that were all so familiar to me, from Kristin almost finding the ring in Jonny’s bag to Jonny having to scratch the first location he planned to propose and come up with a Plan B instead. AND that they got engaged in Charleston, SC (where I JUST moved from) more specifically at Hampton Park (where I have shot dozens of weddings and engagement sessions)! Such a small world!
Kristin and Jonny are the definition of a fun-loving, adventurous, outdoorsy couple in love and this is everything I hope for when I photograph couples. I wish for laughter, and joy, and down-to-earth brides and grooms with big hearts for the people in their lives. This is Kristin and Jonny to a T! It helps too that they are seriously gorgeous people with infectious smiles who are insanely photogenic. I love them but am seriously so jealous. 😊
The day started in the bridal suite in the barn where hair and make-up was done, and the guys hung out and drank some tequila in the really cool groom’s den right behind the barn. The girls had Chipotle (Kristin told me she ended up nixing the idea of a form fitting dress so she could have Chipotle on her wedding day!) and then just chilled until it was time to get dressed. Everything was so calm and not rushed…it was SO nice. We got Kristin dressed and took some great shots of her with her sister, mom, and future mother-in-law. Then I went to get some shots of Jonny and his brothers and dad getting ready, which ended up being one of my favorite moments of the day. You could just tell what a close family they are and how much support Jonny and Kristin have from them all. They all got dressed, struggled with the boutonnières for a bit, had one last tequila shot, then it was time to get Johnny to his “First Look” with Kristin!
So, about their First Look… I love First Looks for so many reasons, but I LOOOOOOVED Kristin and Jonny’s First Look. LOVED. I picked a spot towards the back of the property, away from all of the hustle and bustle, and amongst a circle of trees and lots of glowy sunlight. When Jonny turned around to see Kristin the first time as a bride, everyone was overcome with emotion. I had to remind myself to stop sniffling and to keep taking pictures!
The ceremony was held on the back lawn, under a flower covered arbor, while the sun set behind us through the trees. It literally looked like a dream; it was THAT beautiful. They read their own vows, which were so incredibly personal and touching, there was not a dry eye in the house. The weather was a perfect 76 degrees with no humidity and a light breeze. After the ceremony we took family and wedding party photos and then it was time for the bride and groom portraits!! There was a great vintage red truck on the property that matched Kristin’s bouquet perfectly. Then the owner of the property took us out on his golf cart to a beautiful field where the sun was setting, and it all looked too perfect to be real. The cows at the farm actually chased the golf cart, which was a real sight for this city girl! It was the perfect time to wrap up portraits (because how can you top cows chasing you during wedding portraits) and get the party started!!
The bride and groom were introduced into the reception and had their first dance. The guests got to hear some great (and long!) wedding toasts by the maid of honor, best man, and father of the bride. They were sweet, hysterical, and all quite memorable. Then the party REALLY got started and the dance floor was crazy the rest of the night! All in all, it was truly a perfect day. Together, Kristin and Jonny completely complement one another. They are, indeed, a perfect match, and I am so incredibly proud that I get to document their love.
Kristin and Jonny, you deserved the most perfect wedding day, and I truly think you got one. I am so beyond happy that I got to be there to witness this beginning of your next big adventure. Thank you a million times over for being so incredible. I hope this new adventure together gets better each and every day. Your joy is contagious, and I absolutely loved being surrounded by it on your wedding day. Cheers to many more decades of love and happiness! Love it? Then ‘Like’ us on Facebook & never miss a thing!
Any other questions? Just give us a call or send us an email and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have! If you have any questions regarding your upcoming Wedding or just want to chat to discuss your options, we are happy to help in any way we can! Just CONTACT US here and we will discuss your vision and questions in more detail!
Annsley and Jonathan | A Perfect Autumn Wedding | October 24, 2020
Reevesville, South Carolina
SOUTH CAROLINA and FLORIDA WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER | SOUTHERN TIDE PHOTOGRAPHY
Annsley and Jonathan’s Wedding at the bride’s family home in Reevesville, SC this past weekend was from start to end a picture-perfect day. So much work went into making this wedding look straight out of a magazine, and it definitely paid off. It is hard to decide what part of the wedding day was my favorite. The location, the weather, the incredible display of flowers, the wedding attire, the bridal details, the food, the ceremony setup… I could go on and on… it was all so thoughtfully planned and executed beautifully.
This wedding was one I was especially looking forward to since Annsley and I started discussing her wedding well over a year ago. I already knew Annsley from several other weddings we photographed where she was a bridesmaid. I even remember her telling me a couple years ago at one wedding that when she finally got engaged, I would be one of her first calls! Her excitement was contagious at our very first meeting and she already had a special vision planned for her wedding day.
Jonathan and Annsley have known each other their whole lives since babies. Annsley says they “dated” at the age of 8 but called it quits because a relationship was just too much work then! 😊 And almost like a vision of what was to come, they were the miniature bride and groom in his aunt and uncle’s wedding 18 years ago!!!!I think it is so sweet that they then dated for two years in high, parted ways, and then made their way back to each other the end of sophomore year of college and have been at each other’s sides since then.
I got to know Annsley ad Jonathan pretty well when I shot their engagement session last year. Annsley is admittedly a little “extra” about everything, which as a photographer I LOVE, and her engagement session was no exception. She had the idea of doing the photos on a river near where they live, and had Jonathan bring the most adorable wooden boat for them to take some photos with. Now, when I say we took photos at the river, I really mean we took photos IN the river. We got down and dirty, got some really unique and beautiful photos, and I got to see first hand how much this man loved his future wife because he was such a good sport and did everything he could to make Annsley’s vision come true. I will never forget it.
Fast forward to their Wedding Day, where again Annsley had a beautifully detailed vision for the day and Jonathan did everything he could to help fulfill it. The day started in the family home where hair and make-up was done, mimosas were passed around, football was on tv, sun was shining through the windows, and the nerves were starting to flow. All of the fabulous bridesmaids were so sweet and attentive to the bride, all trying to make sure she was relaxed and had everything she needed. We had photographed the weddings of three of the bridesmaids and will be photographing a fourth’s wedding next year! So, it really was such a fun, and personal, day for us as well. Annsley was surrounded with so much love from her girls and her mother and other female members… there was just an abundance of joy and laughter in that house that morning. Annsley got ready in her bedroom upstairs, finished putting on all the special bridal details, and then we were able to have a quiet couple minutes with her to get some photos alone at her vanity and bedroom window. Definitely one of my favorite moments from the day!
Annsley then came downstairs, and we met her dad at the side of the home for their “first look”. When her father first saw her, he instantly started tearing up as did Annsley. And I might have as well. 😊 She read her dad a letter she wrote him, which brought more tears. At this time, the guys were getting ready next door and taking their portraits with our second photographer Bryan. They were all in great spirits and were just so easy and fun to work with Bryan said. Cannot ask for more! We then did the bride and groom’s “first touch” at the side of the house, in front of the pasture fence while the horses roamed behind us. So perfect! Annsley and Jonathan held hands back-to-back, exchanged a couple last minute words, and then everybody was off to get ready for the ceremony!
The ceremony was on the front lawn, where a large number of wooden pews sat, under a warm and bright autumn sun. The bride arrived in a black vintage car with her father, then walked down the long aisle where she met Jonathan. They stood at the top of the stairs and recited their vows in front of their longtime pastor, then sealed the deal with one of the best first kisses I have ever seen! They did not disappoint! 😊
After the ceremony we took family and wedding party photos and then it was time for the bride and groom portraits!! The sun was just starting to set, and we got some of the most beautiful glowy and dreamy portraits in the tall grasses behind the home.
After portraits we headed to the reception under a massive white tent with the most beautiful floral arrangements you ever saw. The wedding party had some great entrances (I loved the chugging of the drinks lol) and the dance floor was hopping all night. Then at the end of the night the bride and groom exited through a huge line of party goers with sparklers, who were all then surprised with a fun firework show! (CAN’T WAIT TO SHARE THOSE PHOTOS!) Jonathan then lifted his beautiful bride into the awaiting fire truck and off the newlyweds went.
All in all, it was truly a perfect day! Annsley and Jonathan are truly meant for one another. They are such a funny, romantic, PDA loving couple who you just know after the first time meeting them they are the real deal. I cannot wait to see what Annsley has planned for them next! 😂
Any other questions? Just give us a call or send us an email and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have! If you have any questions regarding your upcoming Wedding or just want to chat to discuss your options, we are happy to help in any way we can! Just CONTACT US here and we will discuss your vision and questions in more detail!
Raven and Camlin | A Hometown Wedding | October 03, 2020
Vance, South Carolina
SOUTH CAROLINA and FLORIDA WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER | SOUTHERN TIDE PHOTOGRAPHY
Raven and Camlin’s Wedding in Holly Hill, SC this weekend was one that had its early hiccups but turned out simply beautiful and perfect. Raven and Camlin originally had their wedding scheduled for last March, just as life as we knew it start shutting down because of Covid-19. They decided to reschedule for October, and I must admit, I was a little nervous about the date because for several years in a row that exact weekend had caused issues with some other weddings because of hurricanes! I’m a little superstitious and thought that weekend was just cursed, but Raven and Camlin’s wedding proved me wrong! Thank goodness! We had a beautiful fall day and we ALL were so happy about it.
Raven and Camlin met about 5 years ago at a party, when their best friends, who were also dating, introduced them to each other. Then June of last year they were on vacation at the beach with Raven’s family when Camlin decided to make his move. One night before dinner Camlin, Raven’s brother Davis, and his girlfriend Meghan suggested they go for a walk on the beach before dinner. Raven had NO idea what was coming! They decided to take some photos across the “swash” on the beach (where the water runs into the beach). Camlin thought is was shallow…. it was not haha! Raven was on his back and as the water started getting deeper, Camlin dropped Raven into the water in order to save the ring that was hidden in his pocket! They were completely soaked so Raven suggested that they needed to hurry up back to the beach house and change for dinner, but when she turned around Camlin was down on one knee with the ring. She was completely shocked and of course didn’t hesitate to say yes… and here we are!
I have gotten to know Raven and Camlin a bit over this past year, with doing their engagement session the summer of 2019 (I CANNOT believe it’s been that long!) and then Raven’s bridal portrait session this past winter. Both sessions were had at a family member’s farm, and also on a private road near Raven and Camlin’s house. Both sessions were some of my favorites, with all the interesting and beautiful backdrops I had to work with and a couple of models who are both so easy and photogenic. We are also shot the custom wedding video for Raven and Camlin and I have no doubt they will look just as perfect on film as they do in pictures. It is almost not fair! 😊
Raven and Camlin are such sweet, soft spoken, and easy-going individuals, and that is exactly how I would describe them as a couple. Raven said that what she loves most about Camlin is that he is so kind to everyone, always makes her feel so special and comfortable, and he is silly and always makes her laugh. And Camlin said he loves that Raven is so funny, kind, and is a very loyal person. All of that came out in abundance on their wedding day and it was really special to see. Raven is a graphic designer so she designed their wedding invitations herself! I loved taking detail shots of these, they were so interesting and fun. And nobody else will ever have ones just like it! We also got some special photos of Raven’s mon’s handkerchief tied around her wedding bouquet. We think it is so important to capture all of these little details because the day is so fast and in the whirlwind of the day, the bride and groom may not remember these things later. After hair and makeup, Raven got dressed and everyone just gasped when they saw the final look… she looked THAT good! She was jaw-dropping and her mom had tears in her eyes watching Raven get ready, it was so sweet. We took portraits of all the beautiful ladies around the property, and then Raven had her first look with her brother and dad. It was really cute and relaxed and funny…just perfect. Bryan our second photographer met the guys at the church to do their portraits. Everybody did great, the guys followed directions very well (you never know!) and we got a lot of great shots of the guys on the front steps of the church… mixed in with some “not for your momma’s ears” toasts and a lot of mosquito swatting. My goodness I have never seen mosquitos that big!
The ceremony was at their home church, Providence UMC, and following the ceremony we took family and wedding party photos and then it was time for the bride and groom portraits!! We did it all on the grounds of the church, which made it so seamless and easy. The reception was held at a relative’s estate overlooking a lake and rolling fields. Cocktail hour was around the pool, which was so fun for guests, and then the reception under a beautifully lit tent. It was all decorated with beautiful candles and greenery and some touches of light blue here and there. The party went on for hours and everyone seemed to be have such a good time. All in all, it was truly a perfect day and I know Raven and Camlin will remember it forever. Raven and Camlin are no doubt meant to be and I know they have a lifetime of adventures ahead. Raven and Camlin, I am so happy you finally had your perfect day, and that we got to be a part of it! I hope this new chapter together gets better each and every day. Cheers to many more decades of love and happiness!
Any other questions? Just give us a call or send us an email and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have! If you have any questions regarding your upcoming Wedding or just want to chat to discuss your options, we are happy to help in any way we can! Just CONTACT US here and we will discuss your vision and questions in more detail!
Nikki and Cody + Better Late Than Never | September 19, 2020
The Island House | Charleston, South Carolina
SOUTH CAROLINA and FLORIDA WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY and BEYOND| SOUTHERN TIDE PHOTOGRAPHY
Nikki and Cody’s Wedding at The Island House in Charleston, SC this past weekend was one I won’t soon forget. Nikki and Cody are a part of the unlucky group of couples who were planning on having their wedding back in the spring when Covid-19 was shutting everything down and forcing all of us to adapt to the “new normal”. With the help of an amazing Wedding Planner, Sparkles, Events Décor & Design and delightfully laid back couple, the wedding was rescheduled from May to September…and here we are! The wedding was originally set to be a church ceremony with a reception to follow at a separate venue, but that all changed once the wedding was rescheduled for May. The Island House in Charleston, South Carolina was the new venue, and while we know the couple loved their original venue, we knew they would love The Island House just as much! We have photographed many weddings at this venue and just love the beauty and ease of it. The Island House sits on a private island on the banks of the Stono River. It has the most stunning sunsets, a perfect view of the river, and a delightful island breeze that just adds to the comfort and charm. It is also a venue that you never have to leave! It has a floor for the girls to get ready, a separate floor for the guys to get ready, several beautiful options for your outdoor ceremony, and then a huge white tent with fun lighting for the reception. LOVE LOVE LOVE!
The day started in the big white house on the property where hair and make-up was done, the guys hung out, and the girls had a blast just hanging out. Nikki was surrounded with so much love from her girls, her very sweet daughter, her mother, and mother in-law to be. I’m pretty sure her heart was exploding with anticipation and excitement at this point, because they waited so long to get married and they were SO close at this point! After hair and makeup was done, she got her dress and everyone stood in the doorway in awe of how beautiful Nikki looked. She was jaw-dropping and looked straight out of a magazine.
Then comes the groomsmen. Our second photographer, Ramsey, had such a blast with them as they took pictures overlooking the property. These guys were so much fun to be around and pretty much laughed through all their portraits. Then Nikki and Cody read the letters they wrote to each other and I swear there was not a dry eye among us.
We ended up with a really pleasant, overcast day, which as a photographer you just love. The weather was a perfect 76 degrees with little humidity which was such a treat compared to the 90+ degree weddings I’ve been shooting lately! The only hiccup was the wind…it was BLOWING! Betty Anne and her crew with Sparkles, Events Décor & Design worked so hard at controlling the mayhem from the wind and they did an amazing job. I don’t know how they did it! For all the future bride and grooms reading this right now, here’s a bit of a wedding planning tip… hire a Wedding Planner if you can (even if just for the day). They are worth their weight in gold.
The ceremony overlooked the river and their pink and white linens with gold touches, tons of beautiful greenery, and all the other personal touches were so lovely. It was so elegant, simple, and perfect for the location. After the ceremony we took family and wedding party photos in front of the vibrant wild flowers and then it was time for the bride and groom portraits!! We took some really fun portraits using Nikki’s veil, which ended up being my some of my favorite portraits from the day. We wrapped up with some portraits around the property and then went to the reception tent to get the party started!! The wedding party led the party and the dance floor was hopping all night.
Together, Nikki and Cody completely compliment one another. He is always smiling (as is Nikki) and you can easily tell he loves her deeply, and quietly. They are, indeed, a perfect match, and I just feel so lucky that we got to document their love.
Nikki and Cody, no one deserves this perfect day more than the two of you. I am so happy that we got to be there to witness the beginning of your next big adventure. Thank you a million times over for being so fun and easy to work with. I hope this new adventure together gets better each and every day. Your joy is contagious and I absolutely loved being surrounded by it on your wedding day. Cheers to many more decades of love and happiness!
Any other questions? Just give us a call or send us an email and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have! If you have any questions regarding your upcoming Wedding or just want to chat to discuss your options, we are happy to help in any way we can! Just CONTACT US here and we will discuss your vision and questions in more detail!
FLORIDA BEACH WEDDINGS + HOW TO GUIDE FROM A LOCAL WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
SOUTH FLORIDA WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
SOUTHERN TIDE PHOTOGRAPHY
So you’re thinking about having a Florida beach wedding?! That’s exciting! A nice, romantic, and intimate ceremony with beautiful sunset photos to follow? LOVE it! Sounds simple enough right? Hahahha WRONG.
Having a beach wedding in Florida is a very popular idea among couples planning their wedding and can be just perfect. We have shot a lot of Florida beach weddings and have some of the most beautiful photos and videos from these weddings. But I can for certainty that planning and pulling off a beach wedding is never as easy and straightforward as most couples expect it to be.
So let me share my years of experience and wisdom (a big LOL at the wisdom part) with you, and give you some tips and things to consider if you are planning a beach wedding or trying to decide if a Florida beach wedding is the right idea for your big day! But first, a pretty pic to keep your attention!
There are lots of things to consider before setting your sights on the ocean, from permits to personal beliefs about sand (yes, that’s a real thing). There are a number of things to check on, plan for, and time correctly. To help with all of the details and logistics that are behind a beach wedding, I would consider one or both of the following if your budget and/or vision permits:
Hire a coordinator who does beach weddings. There are coordinators who actually specialize in beach weddings and they offer specific packages just for beach weddings. Getting married on the beach is just like a regular wedding, but with a ton of unexpected things you probably never considered. So if it’s within your budget, I recommend working with someone who is experienced in planning a beach wedding in Florida. They’ll know their way around the local ordinances and get any permits you may need, take care of organizing all your vendors and their unique needs that may arise because of the beach venue, and they can act as your wedding bouncer if friendly passersby try to walk through your ceremony photos.
Get married at a beach resort: You know who does those private picturesque beach weddings really well? Destination beach resorts. And there are often a bunch of perks that come with it when you book one. Understandably leaving the country may be out of budget for you and your guests, but there are plenty of beach resorts here in the United States that offer a similar level of inclusion, with cheaper airfare costs (think: Florida). Beach resorts that offer beach weddings will most likely provide a wedding coordinator that will assist in the planning and execution or your wedding. It will be included in the package you purchase at the resort to have your wedding on their beach.
Now if either of the above suggestions will not work for you, here is a list of things to consider when you ae planning your own Florida beach wedding.
1. Public or private beach wedding
Most beaches in FL are open to the public. There are some though that belong to private residents or even some resorts have their own private beaches. So if getting married on a private beach to avoid bystanders and regular beach traffic, then you will need to get started early looking for a private beach with availability for your wedding. Having your wedding ceremony on a public beach is just going to be a lot more practical for most couples. Yeah, you may have some beach-goers who walk by during your ceremony or some kids yelling in the background. You can’t control that, so if that is something that might irk you then you should start your search for a private beach. But really, we have photographed so many beach wedding on public beaches and we rarely saw moments that the other people on the beach really interfered with the ceremony. And the small amount of times that it did happen, it was actually kinda funny and gave everybody a good laugh.
2. Ceremony on the Beach? Maybe the Reception too?
A wedding ceremony in the beach is usually what you think about when hearing the phrase “beach wedding”. Not often do you see a reception being held on the beach, but it definitely has been done and is possible. Permits and county/city ordinances vary depending on what kind event you’ll be having, whether food and drink, specifically alcohol, are involved, and if you’re requesting to block off a particular part of the beach. I will be honest and say I think a reception on the beach s just too hard. Even if you have the best case scenario and have a private beach to work with. You still will have the issue of sand, cause sand a food just do not mix, bringing enough electricity to the beach, having to lug all the rentals and food somehow down to the sand, etc. It’s just not the easiest reception venue So I would defintely recommend having the ceremony and portraits to follow on the beach, and then move the party somewhere that is better equipped to handle a large party. And you don’t have to travel far! There are so many waterfront restaurants, beach resort ballrooms, and even beach houses that are beautiful spots for nearby receptions. And the great thing about a beach house is that you can get ready for the wedding there beforehand and then pass out tipsy there when it’s all over! Win-win!
3. Permits and Ordinances
This is my least favorite topic ever. Ugh, so boring. But it is a must thing to consider and research when planning your own Florida beach wedding. Beach rules vary by state, county, and city. The best way to check to see if you need a permit and what are the rdinances to consider is a good old fashioned phone call. Call the local city office. Just by picking up the phone and speaking with somebody at the local government office can save you so much time and stress, and will ensure you are getting the right information. The internet on this topic is not always the most reliable source. There will be people telling you what they did, think, believe, suggest, etc. and unfortuntely none of those people are experts. Save some time and go straight to the source. Check with the local government to see what regulations they have regarding events and gatherings. Some things they may ask you are:
How many guests are you going to have? Some beaches have regulations about the number of people at one gatherings. Don’t be shocked if the beach you want to get married on has this restriction, it is somewhat common.
Do you want a more private ? While there here be options for roping off a section of the beach for the ceremony, this is not guaranteed and is something the local government office should be able to assist you on.
Will there be alcohol outside? If they ask you this, I would immediately say no. Many beaches prohibit alcohol on the beach, and even f they don’t, they may restrict your permit if they know a large number of people will be drinking together at the event.
4. Is Your Beach Wedding Accessible?
One of the reasons a beach wedding is so intriguing is because it can be so beautiful while being so simple? You don’t need a fancy aisle because the sand is beautiful enough! You don’t need to rent a bunch of chairs because the ceremony will be quick and simple so everybody an just stand and enjoy their toes in the sand. But what is Aunt Martha can’t stand very long? Are you going to have an option for her so she can sit? What if Grandpa is in a wheelchair these days, is he going to be able to get down to the ceremony site in the sand? The beach can add an element of challenges that other venues don’t, so just make sure to consider your guest list and figure out if any additional accommodations will need to be made.
5. Weather
So what’s your Plan B if it rains? Just with all other outdoor venues, you need to consider where you will have the wedding if it ends up raining. But at a beach, you can’t just put up a tent or run inside if the skies were to open up. So plan for the worst, hope for the best, and you will save yourself so much stress and running around the last minute if the weather forecast doesn’t look great. Also, consider when rainy season is. The best way to try to avoid rain is to book your wedding when it is not typically rainy. So in Florida, try to avoid the summer months for your Florida beach wedding because that is when we get the most rain. Which is actually a good thing because the summer months are so hot, who wants to get married in 100 degree weather?!Also, if you can, try to avoid hurricane season! I know that’s hard because hurricane season is pretty long, but if you have the option to avoid it then you should avoid it!
6. High Tide
You have got to check those tide charts! In Florida and every other beach on the world, the exact time for high tide is different every day so you must find out what that time will be on your wedding day and plan around it! You have got to make sure your ceremony start time won’t coincide with high tide or you very well may not have a beach to stand on.
5. Sound
The beach s noisy. Waves, wind, birds, people…it’s loud. Beaches aren’t usually equipped with power outlets so you may need to get creative so your guests can hear you. An experienced DJ should be able to assist with this, but make sure you discuss with them how it will be done and if they are experienced with beach weddings themselves.
6. The Sun
Oh the sun. A wedding photographer’s arch nemesis. In all seriousness, when planning your beach wedding you really need to consider what time the ceremony is going to start and where that darn sun will be during that time. Unless you are getting married near a pier, the beach rarely offers any type of shade for a ceremony. So you have to know where that sun will be and possibly adjust the ceremony time to account for it. You don’t want the sun to be too high. That is the most unflattering and harsh light. Sunset offers beautiful light but if it’s down too far it may be in your guests’ eyes or in yours. Also, you want to make sure you leave enough time to take all your family portraits, bridal party photos, and those beautiful bride groom portraits and following the ceremony! Your photographer should be able to assist is this so use their expertise to set the time of your ceremony and you should be in good shape.
If you have any questions regarding your Florida Beach Wedding or just want to chat to discuss your options, we are happy to help in any way we can! Just CONTACT US here and we will discuss your vision and questions in more detail!
Jessica and Jordan, you deserved your fairy tale wedding in paradise. It was a day we’ll never forget. Thank you a million times over for being so incredible. I hope this new adventure together gets better each and every day. Your joy, and love, and laughter was contagious, and I absolutely loved being surrounded by it on your wedding day. Cheers to many more decades of love and happiness! Love it? Then ‘Like’ us on Facebook & never miss a thing!
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