Adorable in every way; Elise and Jack will be getting married at the Crosley Estate later this year in December. Can’t wait!
Emerson Point, Palmetto E-Session
Written by Sheila on March 18th, 2012Ca’ d’zan Mansion and the Belvedere Tower
Written by Sheila on March 17th, 2012
At this point you may be wondering why I have all these photo’s of this couple on the grounds of the Ringling and there is nothing else happening. Well that is because this particular couple decided to have a very private wedding, just 4 people and take all their photo’s before their ceremony around the grounds of the lovely Ringling Grounds. There was NO wedding party, no guests, no flower girl and no DJ. Just the lucky bride and the very lucky groom. As you will See just after sunset the couple will climb to the 4th level of the Belvedere tower for a quick ceremony and then a private dinner. The evening was just gorgeous in every way. Enjoy!
Here is the moment the wonderful couple has been waiting for. After traipsing around the entire grounds of the Ringling Museum. And if any of you have ever been to the Ringling grounds, it is large and sprawling and simply stunning. They are shown here climbing to the very top of the Belvedere Tower at the Ca d’zan. Once at the top of the tower, you will see, the couple will immediately have their intimate ceremony by sunset and a spectacular, perfect dinner for four provided by Treviso. The setting, the service, the view: spectacular.
Ringling Museum Wedding, Sarasota
Written by Sheila on February 18th, 2012Jarrett and Jessica married on the grounds of the Ringling Museum of Art here in Sarasota. They timed their wedding perfectly so as to get ready on the beach, have their “first glance” and then head on over in a limo bus to walk around the grounds of the Ringling to capture some of these amazing shots before their sunset Ca d’zan wedding.
The bride and her bridal party occupied a suite at the lido beach resort for their getting ready preparation and photography. Once the bridal party was ready, we headed out to the beach for a first glance with the groom as you will see in a few photo’s ahead of this one.
Leaving the beach with the wedding party to head to the Ringling grounds
A charming photo, if ever I saw one. The couple decided to see each before the ceremony. All the photo’s were taken around the Ringling Grounds beforehand. Plenty of beautiful sunlight and they got their sunset ceremony. The grounds at the Ringling are kept immaculate and roses are in bloom. We got so luck with some of these shots. When you have a leisure few hours to do all the photographs in advance, everyone is more relaxed and when the ceremony is over, you can go right into the party with all formal photo’s have been taken in advance.
I treasure this photo above, it’s got a lot of appeal for me. The texture is grain and vintage and oh so romantic. This was a photograph taken by my assistant Matthew. While I was taking a front approach through the window (see the next photograph) he was capturing side angles, and boy did he ever with this shot. The bride was very happy with this moment and how it was captured.
Another treasure photo! This one was just a moment, while the couple thought I was replacing my batteries, I “caught” the groom Jarrett playing with the brides hair. This was completely upstaged in any way. I think it sexy;)
I really cherish shots that come right out of the camera and look like the one above. I find this non-posed photograph absolutely romantic.
These last two photographs also come right out of the camera with no editing or photoshop at all. The night and sunset was very rich and the feel romantic. And I had the pleasure of taking the couple to the very top of the Ca d’zan Tower, 5 stories up. The official name for this drop dead goregous location is called the Belvedere Tower. The tower is now open and can accommodate very small parties (no more than 7 at a time).
Here it is lit up the best I have seen it: The Ringling private house on the bay: Ca Da’ Zan. A party that can’t be beat.
Sarasota Garden Club Wedding
Written by Sheila on January 15th, 2012We 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.
Bradenton Wedding
Written by Sheila on December 11th, 2011This Bradenton backyard wedding, was unique and fun with a little flare of hipster meets day of the dead. Every once in a while you photograph a wedding unlike any wedding you have photographed ever; this was it for me. I was absolutely inspired by the colors and the ribbons and whole vibe of the wedding. I would like to add that the food was the best I have EVER seen, photographed, and devoured at any wedding; find out where the food came from below. Alex; shy and soft spoken, doe eyed, pale skin and high cheek bones was a delight to photograph; Dorian with his hip top hat and outspoken personality was enthusiastically liked by all the guests and had NO problem poising for the camera. The wedding ceremony started at 4:20 and it went a little something like this:
Acapulco Tropical Super Market in Bradeton provided a spread of amazing authentic mexican food; and what was in my opinion the best meal I have ever eaten at at a wedding!
Longboat Key Florida; a quiet elopement
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
Beach Weddings, something very blue!
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.
Sarasota Hyatt Wedding
Written by admin on November 16th, 2010Sarasota 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!
Siesta Beach Wedding
Written by Sheila on January 26th, 2011Ashley 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!
Venetian Golf and River Club Wedding
Written by Sheila on February 1st, 2011Brad 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!
Selby Gardens Wedding
Written by Sheila on February 14th, 2011Selby 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.
Lido Beach Dash
Written by Sheila on March 12th, 2011After 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.
Sarasota Ranch Wedding
Written by Sheila on April 5th, 2011Ok, most people who come to Sarasota for a wedding want to have their feet in the water, not a pair of cowboy boots! Jennifer and Paul, sticking to their families grass roots, married at the rustic, out east Florida Longino Ranch. I love the special touches and detail put into this wedding. Have fun and lets hear some comments below, These pictures Rock!
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!
Anna Maria
Written by Sheila on May 10th, 2011Ok. Sarah interviewed me for her wedding nearly a year ago. She called me, said she wanted to come to my studio and sign the contract. Basically she knew I was the “the one”. Holding true to wanting to have a no frills, no over the top wedding, Sarah and Tyler married at the rustic Sandbar restaurant on Anna Maria island. The weather glorious, the bride elegant and vibrant and the couple; willing to pose and do pretty much do anything I threw at them! Got to love that.
Hyatt Wedding, Sarasota Florida
Written by Sheila on July 20th, 2011Katelyn was planning her wedding with James all the way from Japan. I was in between studio’s and she really wanted to meet with me and see some more of my work. After sitting at a coffee shop for just a few minutes, I knew that if I was hired for this wedding, it was going to be special. Hours after meeting she called me up and said that she didn’t need to look any further, she knew I was “the one”. Flash forward to June, just about a month ago here is a handful of some of my favorite photo’s from the wedding. So, so sweetly in love – Katelyn and James had the wedding of their dreams and I was there to capture it! I get the goose bumps everytime I think about how closely connected this couple is. The Hyatt did an amazing job. I would also like to add that the flowers and the cake were exceptional too!
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. http://www.elegantdesignflowers.com/
The Cake was created by The Cake Zone, simply stunning and perfect in every way.
The Hyatt is a mecca for creative, artful photography for any Sarasota Photographer.
Sarasota E-Session
Written by Sheila on November 23rd, 2011Tiffany and Will, getting married in March, put up with me enough to dash around downtown Sarasota as I drove around and said – “hey, that looks like it would make an amazing backdrop for a photograph”. The results are fun and sassy!
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.
Crosley Mansion Wedding, Sarasota
Written by Sheila on December 5th, 2011The Powel Crosley Estate, in Sarasota must be one of the hidden gems of this little city, not many people that I know have ever heard about it. I can not think of a more perfect setting to host an intimate, sophisticated wedding than at this mansion. Caitlyn and Tyler called me up about 6 months before their wedding to chat with me about their big day and tell me that I was the one they were looking for to capture those special moments. I didn’t meet either one of them until the day of the wedding, but we had a blast and made some crazy, beautiful art! Here are the highlights to what turned out to be a spectacular evening. And as always, I’m in love with the brides shoes – from paris.
I LOVED the shoes as I am sure you can tell! Caitlyn and Tyler’s wedding was so much FUN! A sophisticated wedding with a splash of Dutch, (Tyler) and a hint of old Paris (Caitlyn) was a photographers dream!
According to my daughter, blurry photo’s are boss: lets see how this one goes over
