Hi everyone! It’s Kristi again…. Last week, in honor of Valentine’s day, we featured a few of our favorite local Space Coast wedding venues. This week, because we’ve also had the pleasure of photographing some amazing out-of-area weddings, we’re bringing you some of the best “destination Florida” locations. Pack your bags…. you’re taking a road trip with your own personal wedding photographer!
Let’s start with rolling hills, vineyards, beautiful lakes and Tuscan-inspired design. (Yes, I said it… rolling hills. And you don’t even have to leave Florida.) Bella Collina in Orlando offers the feel of a castle and the Spirit of Tuscany right in the highlands of Florida. See more of Andrea and Ryan’s romantic dream wedding here.
From vineyard elegance, we travel south to Vero Beach for Derek and Sarah’s weekend of fun. (Literally…. a weekend of nothing but fun. In fact, it was so much fun we divided it up into two blog entries. Part 1 and Part 2!) It started with guests arriving at the Costa d’Este, a personal luxury resort by Gloria and Emilio Estefan. This resort is absolutely the perfect size at only five floors, with a very cool chic, modern and earthly vibe. Bonus – they have the best mohitos!
Before the weekend kicked off and everyone was busy with welcome parties, golf games, bridal brunches, rehearsal dinners, and a wonderfully romantic ceremony, we shot Sarah’s bridal portraits at the Moorings Club, the same venue we would return to for the reception.
And, seriously… since the grounds (plus bride and groom) are so gorgeous…
Moving on to South Florida, Steve and Dina celebrated their vows at the Palm Beach Breakers. This historic resort is the gold standard of luxury and classic elegance… There aren’t enough words! See more of Steve and Dina’s intimate ceremony and reception here.
Next, we’ll head north to Winter Park in the Orlando area for Tania and Albert’s Casa Feliz wedding. With beautiful historic architecture and Spanish details, this venue offers a warm atmosphere, a spiral staircase and french doors leading to an open-air courtyard. Tania and Albert were married on the lawn, enjoyed an amazing courtyard dinner and the celebration continued inside this unique location.
Staying in Central Florida, Michelle and Charles enjoyed a rehearsal dinner evening at the Gaylord Palms, got ready the next morning and had portraits taken there, then said “I do” on the beautiful lawn of Royal Crest Room at Royal St. Cloud Golf links. See more of their fabulous day here.
Moving on to the west coast and a little tropical island paradise called Captiva Island… Tony and Carlye were married on the lawn of The South Seas Island Resort, surrounded by water and the perfect blue sky. South Seas offers not only a beautiful wedding and reception site but also a wonderful weekend getaway (or maybe a week?) for your entire guest list. See more of their special day here.
This post would not be complete without a nod to the oldest city – St. Augustine! Angel and Dana met and were married in this beautiful historic town and still consider it a second home. So that just made it extra fun to photograph Chris and Jennifer’s vintage chic wedding at the Lightner Museum in St. Augustine. They celebrated at the Columbia House downtown, just a short walk from the museum. What a gorgeous event!
Also in north Florida you’ll find the Queen’s Harbour Yacht and Country Club in Jacksonville. Being a huge fan of mossy trees and marinas, the two combined made this a beautiful wedding site. Jessica and Bryan were married under the tall oaks and enjoyed a beautiful reception inside the ballroom. See their wedding entry here.
And finally, we have a fairy tale ending for our little trip. Raise your hands ladies if you’ve ever (even once) dreamed of being a princess. Abby and Matt’s Disney wedding truly was a Cinderella dream come true (okay minus the mean stepmother and ugly sisters!) The daytime ceremony took place inside the Disney Wedding Pavilion (amazing) while the reception was held at the beautiful Grand Floridian. See more of their spectacular day here.
So, while every road trip must end, we hope you enjoyed some of our favorite destination Florida wedding venues. Maybe we’re just partial to our home state but we think these locations offer some of the best wedding sites in the country. Soon, we’ll travel to Fiji where we’ll photograph romantic vows being exchanged on a white sand beach with turquoise water as the backdrop. A pink and orange sunset will paint the sky as the beautiful couple share their first kiss as husband and wife. We are so excited. We have it all planned. It will be perfect. (Now we just need to find a bride and a groom!)
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