This elopement bridal portrait was taken at the Four Seasons "Ocean Club" in the Bahamas. Because I'm based in South Florida It's very easy for me to jump on a plane and photograph weddings and elopements all over the Caribbean. In the more than fifteen years working in Southern Florida I have photographed elopements in Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Dominican Republic, Aruba, Curacao and The Bahamas. Often couples have trouble choosing which of the islands would be the best choice for their elopement and following vacation. Because South Florida is so close to the Caribbean many people decide to marry in Florida then travel to one of the islands for their vacation. It's crazy when I think about all the different elopement and wedding scenarios that I have participated in. I recently photographed a very large several day wedding at the Majestic Elegance in Punta Cana. Check out the Bride and Grooms pictures Here. I photograph at ton of Elopements in South Florida because many couples feel that it's easier to plan a wedding in the United Stated than one of the islands. Often I will spend a few hours photographing the couple around several of my favorite Florida photo places before we head off the the beach for their Elopement ceremony pictures. Usually the ceremonies take place in the evening, which is the best time to take beach pictures because most of the sunbathers are off the beach. Then after the bride and groom have exchanged their vows we shoot more pictures before I leave them to enjoy their time here in South Florida.
Because I have photographed so many elopements most people ask me as their local photographer where in South Florida are the best places to visit. I often tell visitors that they should visit South Beach because it is a party scene like no place else. While in South Beach they should check out Lincoln road which is a hot spot filled with restaurants and unique stores. I also recommend Fort Lauderdale Beach which is a little tamer but still has a lot to see and experience. If high end elegance is what elopement couples are seeking I would say a visit to Palm Beach and Worth venue is a great place to visit.
As an elopement photographer South Florida couples often call me asking for some of my favorite picturesque locations. Here are a few of my favorite. First on my list is the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens. If you are info unique landscapes and wildlife this is a great place to visit. I have shot as many elopements here is I have at the beaches in South Florida. There is a walking path around the lake that takes about an hour to talk around. If you are planning a visit the address is 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach, FL 33446. The phone number is 561-495-0233
Another fantastic place to visit and plan your elopement is the Bonnet House. What is nice about the Bonnet House is the fact that it is very close to Fort Lauderdale beach. The main road that runs along the beach is Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd. It's a road that is loaded with bars, clubs, hotels and restaurants with a beach on the other side. Couples can take pictures at the Bonnet House, then go to their hotel to change, and get married on Fort Lauderdale Beach.
If you are looking to take pictures and marry at one of the most beautiful places in Miami, check out Vizcaya. This place is amazing! Leave plenty of time because there are so many great photo spots at Vizcaya. Vizcaya charges a fee to a couple and the photographer to enter and take pictures.
About this picture: Because South Florida is so close to the Caribbean often couples look for an elopement photographer in South Florida to fly over for their Caribbean wedding. This was the case with this picture. The groom called me and told me that his girlfriend found me online and she insisted that I photograph her spur of the moment elopement. I received the call around 3PM and was on a plane out of Fort Lauderdale at 6PM. I checked into the Atlantis Resort in Paradise Island and met the couple at the Ocean Club around 2:00Pm for their planned 5:30PM ceremony. When I arrived I shot some pictures of the bride getting ready, and then found the groom to take a few pictures of him getting ready. Once they were dressed I set up the first look in which the bride and groom get to see each other before they get married. After the first look we went to a special place on the resort called the Versailles Gardens This is one of the most beautiful places on Paradise Island. They had a beautiful beach ceremony and then a dinner for two on the hotels scenic decks which overlooks the ocean. During their dinner they had a violin playing nearby. After about 30 minutes of taking pictures I was finished. I flew back with the to South Florida with the rabbi early the next morning.
Working as an elopement photographer in South Florida certainly has it's perks. Traveling to all the different Caribbean islands to photograph people in love is certainly a fun way to enjoy your career.
If you are planning an elopement or wedding in South Florida or any to the Caribbean islands I would love to hear from you. Give me a call at (561) 737-5561
Jeff
Location: One Ocean Drive Paradise Island Nassau N.P, Bahamas.
