Written by Sheila on January 15th, 2012
We have our very own Secret Garden here in Sarasota; just like the book. Unknown to many people who even live here in Sarasota. It is perfect for a small or medium sized wedding – and very affordable. Ashley and Clayton married in the gardens late November.
The Garden Club, nestled in the north corner of downtown, near the Hyatt hotel has everything a photographer dreams for.. well I do anyway. Lush grass, heavy full trees, ponds, rustic benches, unkempt stepping stones and fresh flowers galore. The combination of the sun and the blushing bride Ashley had all my attention – I was inspired by the combination! Check it out.
Back inside for the girls, a little freshening up and getting ready for that walk down the isle. Lets see what’s happening in the hall where the reception is taking place later and a quick hello to the guys on the other side of the building. I am in love the the vintage hand mirror and the brassy tea pots for flower pots on the center tables. Here are some more details:
I departed the Sarasota Garden Club that night and the party was just peaking – Such a tight knit crowd of friends on the dance floor singing and dancing, I dare not interrupt. I just let myself out and captured this closing shot on my way home. Thanks to Ashley and her dad for finding me and for that contagious smile you’ve got Ashley! Congrats.
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Tags: Downtown Sarasota Weddings, Photojournalism Sarasota, Sarasota Garden Club Weddings, Sarasota Photographer, Vintage inspired weddings
Written by Sheila on August 8th, 2010
Without much of the stigma it once held, elopement marriage is rising in popularity among budget-conscious couples. Adele and Clark decided to get married on their own terms! The focus was on the couple and their wishes—not on the extravagant extras, which can be costly. However, in the same way a traditional bride and groom select the wardrobe, flowers, food and music that best suit them, a unique venue can make an elopement memorable. Lucky for us, the Sarasota area is so centrally located that there are several world-class elopement destinations nearby. The city, hotels, parks and as Adele and Clark chose, the beach! With a few surprises and an abandoned house around the corner. See more of the photographs in the “pages” section to the right.
For Elopement and Destination Packages, I recommend working with Sand Petal Weddings:
http://www.sandpetalwedding.com
Posted in Beach Weddings, Favorite Pictures, Wedding Stories | No Responses »
Tags: Beach Weddings, Longboat Key Beach Weddings, Sarasota Bay, Sarasota Beach Weddings
Written by Sheila on September 23rd, 2010
I am an admitted pure beach bum, always have been. Nothing makes me happier than an amazing beach and that amazing blue azure water that you find all over the tropics. If you haven’t discovered the beauty of Sarasota, a destination that is not only perfect for a beach wedding, but is also one that enables you to relax as well as enjoy breathtaking scenery and warm hospitality.
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Posted in Beach Weddings, Favorite Pictures, Sarasota Wedding Photographer, Siesta Key | 4 Responses »
Tags: Beach Weddings, Longboat Key Beach Weddings, Siesta Key
Written by admin on November 16th, 2010
Sarasota Wedding Photography: Chris and Lindsay – Fun to work with and incredibly in love. I photographed their wedding on November 6th 2010. Lindsay and Chis planned their Sarasota wedding all the way from Tennessee. They were married at the First Baptist Church in Sarasota, on Main Street and their reception was at the Boat house, Hyatt – in Sarasota. To view more images from this weddings, click on the page: Chris and Lindsay!
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Posted in Favorite Venues, Hyatt, Sarasota Wedding Photographer | No Responses »
Tags: Fancy Weddings, Hyatt, Sarasota Caterers, Sarasota Wedding Photographer
Written by Sheila on January 26th, 2011
Ashley and Brian (and baby) make 3! This adorable couple had a small gathering on the beach at the north end of Siesta beach – a cold, grey and windy day- the couple, the day, the family and the photo’s were fantastic anyway! Congratulations and Enjoy!
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Tags: Sarasota Beach Weddings
Written by Sheila on February 1st, 2011
Brad and Abby, so much FUN to work with decided early on to see each other before the traditional walk down the isle. They wanted to get most of the photographs out of the way so they could focus on spending more time with their guests after the ceremony. They married in November at the Venetian with Angela helping them every step of the way.
Angela is AMAZING! The Venetian is a beautiful venue. Brad and Abby had the time of their life…thanks for letting us capture your stunning day!
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Posted in Favorite Venues | No Responses »
Tags: Venetian Country Club
Written by Sheila on February 14th, 2011
Selby Gardens – A beautiful spot in Sarasota for a wedding – with its beautiful tropical and subtropical backgrounds, bay front access looking over Sarasota . Sometimes the big question about your wedding is where in Selby Gardens should I have my wedding? Weddings may be held anywhere on the grounds, from the broad expanse of the Schimmel Wedding Lawn and Pavillion to under the lush foliage of the banyan trees, to the tranquil and beautiful area beside Sarasota Bay.
Brandon and Michelle had their sweet ceremony under the oak trees by Sarasota Bay in October.
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Tags: marina jacks reception, photography in selby gardens, Selby Gardens
Written by Sheila on March 12th, 2011
After an hour talking “shop” Mical, Kirk and I ran around my new studio on Central Avenue taking a few photo’s near an interesting tree someone planted not too long ago, then we made a mad dash to the north Lido beach to catch the sunset for a few gorgeous beach shots. All these photo’s were taken with only minutes left to catch the sunset. Lido Beach – what can I say: Just stunning; perfect sunset and the funnest couple ever.
If you are planning a wedding on Lido beach, we can help you get the engagement and wedding pictures of a lifetime – we love Lido and it is our favorite beach in Florida ;)
From here, downtown Sarasota- we jump into the rental and head to North Lido Beach. Only 20 minutes until Sunset and a huge amount of traffic on St. Armand’s Circle but we get to the beach with enough time to get some amazing shots. I’ve got to admit, the lighting and the colors of this particular evening were just vibrant. Most of the photo’s below are right out of the camera, with little to no enhancement. What luck, the sunset was perfect and the water was azure blue.
Ok – i am totally in love with their eye color – because of the lighting of the day and their natural beauty, their eyes seem to glow with vibrancy. As I was photographing Mical and Kirk, I could see right in the camera the beautiful color of their eyes. I didn’t say anything about it, but I was really excited to go home and see if it was actually captured like I saw it on the beach. Yep.
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Posted in Beach Weddings, Sarasota Wedding Photographer | 4 Responses »
Written by Sheila on May 10th, 2011
Posted in Beach Weddings, Bradenton Weddings, Sarasota Wedding Photographer, Wedding Stories | No Responses »
Tags: Anna Maria Weddings, Florida photographers, Florida Wedding Photographer, Sandbar Anna Maria Island weddings, sandbar weddings, sarasota photography, Sarasota Wedding Photographer
From the old Rustic Grill, down Coconut avenue, across Main Street and ending at Marina Jacks Bay Front. All within a mile from each other right here in Sarasota. Tiffany and Will will be wed in March at the Windsong Ranch.
Wow! A sample of what you get when me and assistant rock it out in east Sarasota! Thanks Jen and Paul for letting me boss you around and getting some amazing coverage of your ranch themed wedding. Good luck!
This may be the single most favorite detail bouquet shot I have ever photographed. It is completely untouched and straight out of the camera with NO enhancing. I am proud of that. Putting my camera on manual and playing with the F stop really pays off if you know what you are doing. 
The Hyatt is a mecca for creative, artful photography for any Sarasota Photographer.
Kirk and Mical had chosen a place by the riverside to have there “first glance”. A private moment to see each other for the first time, only moments before they signed their ketubah and walked down the aisle.
I love this Shot. I’m blowing this bad baby up to a poster size print of it for my studio wall in downtown Sarasota.
Angela was kind enough to tot us in the golf carts to the beautiful tree on the grounds with Spanish moss and green, green grass as well as a lovely view of the sun set and what it might have to offer us.
And we were not disappointed. This photo is taken right out of the camera – yes the afterglow from the sunset really looked exactly like this. I love a good Florida sunset.
