Palma Sola Botanical Garden Wedding \\ Claire + Joe

What started out as a rocky Friday (can you say 8 hour flight delay?), turned into one of the most magical weekends! Meeting this amazing couple in LA and having the privilege to fly across the country to document their amazing day in Florida is a joy beyond words.

Claire and Joe’s wedding at the Palma Sola Botanical Gardens in Bradenton was a beautiful story of love, that seemed to be predestined. After joking about getting married on their second date, these two seemed to know that they had something timeless and special. Their creative souls had found their perfect match.

Now, let me take a break from gushing about this amazing couple to give the great state of Florida some love as well. I had previously been to Florida a few times, but only to Orlando. I don’t mean to diminish the golden glow around certain theme parks (don’t get me wrong, I LIVE for Harry Potter World and Disney World!), but Bradenton is such a beautiful city. It was amazing to get out and explore a bit more of what Florida has to offer, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. The day of Claire and Joe’s wedding we hit a sweet spot with the weather, as the previous days leading up to the weekend had been pouring rain. The weather even knew that something special was going down this weekend.

Claire and Joe while being unique and beautiful spirits, went the traditional route and did not do a first look before the ceremony. There is something so romantic about having the first look between soon-to-be man and wife as she is walking down the aisle to join him in front of all their closest friends and family. The look of love and excitement shared between these two as they glimpsed each other for the first time gave me goosebumps, even on that warm Florida afternoon.

The elegant and intimate touches that decorated the reception area, from the delectable cupcakes en lieu of a wedding cake, to the bold marquee letters spelling “LOVE”, created the perfect celebratory atmosphere; but I have to say my absolute favorite moment of the day was something that could never have been bought in a store. I’ve mentioned before that these two are their perfect match in every way, especially in their creative, musical souls. This was declared, without a doubt, when Joe surprised everyone (especially Claire) when he whipped out a guitar at the reception and performed an original duet with Claire’s brother. The song was quirky, hilarious, and charming in all the best ways and will forever remind me that the best gifts in life are not found in the store.

I am forever grateful to Claire and Joe for allowing me to capture their big day, and I am so happy to now call them both dear friends. Wishing them a lifetime of happiness!

Lovely Vendors //

Photography: Shayla Behringer Photography
Dress: Allure Bridals
Venue: Palma Sola Botanical Park
Event Planning: Swanky Soiree Events
DJ: Goodley Entertainment
Catering: Carmel Kitchen
Florist: Oneco Florist
Videography: Nakesake Creative
Cupcakes: Morton’s Bakery
Hair & Makeup: Femme Akoi
Transportation: Siesta Trolley
Rentals: So Staged