Miami Elopement at Vizcaya Museum & Gardens

Traveling has always been something that I enjoyed. You get to experience the thrill of exploring new places, learning about history and looking at the beauty that is our world. As a traveling wedding photographer, I am able to combine both of my passions of photography + travel and capture beautiful memories for couples that I serve, not to mention that Miami is my beloved hometown.

Miami Elopement at Vizcaya Museum & Gardens

These two lovebirds decided to elope in one of the most beautiful locations in Miami, the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens. Surrounded by ten acres of garden and views of the shoreline, this beautiful museum is the ultimate wedding location. It encompasses Miami’s beauty, history and culture all within this beautiful historic landmark. A must see for anybody in Miami, but especially for those looking for wedding portraits!

What to know before your session at Vizcaya:

Arriving at Vizcaya

Located on 3251 South Miami Avenue Miami, FL 33129, Vizcaya Gardens is easily reached by both car and public transportation (although miami public transit is not great). If couples plan to arrive their car, Vizcaya staff will direct them to one of their two parking lots on either side of South Miami Avenue. Both parking lots offer free parking. If you wish to take public transportation, take Miami-Dade’s Metrorail to the conveniently named “Vizcaya Station”.

Permits

For elopements, the first step in securing at your session at Vizcaya Museums and Gardens is reserving a daytime photo permit. Photo permits are required for any situations involving a photographer and subject(s) posing for pictures in Vizcaya without exception. Base photography permit start at $250 a day plus tax on weekdays and $350 a day plus tax during weekends. This pass allows for photography access during Vizcaya’s normal hours of operation, typically 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. This pass does not provide access to the Main House nor priority over other visitors touring Vizcaya.

The Premium Sunrise Permit allows for “nearly private” access to the gardens during 7:00 am to 9:30 am for $450 plus tax. Not only does this pass guarantee a beautiful sunrise for your pictures, but it ensures the session will run efficiently without wasting time to work around Vizcaya’s usual large crowds. For couples that want to take pictures within Vizcaya’s breath-taking Main House, a $750 plus tax Indoor Permit pass will be required. This permit also allows clients to take their pictures during the 7:00 am to 9:30 am sunrise period.

Lastly, all photography permits are subject to the rules found here: https://vizcaya.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Photo-Permit-Rules-10.13.21.pdf.

For regular photo permits, clients can start the reservation process here.

Ideal Times, Weather, and Clothes:

Miami’s extreme humidity and high temperatures during the summer are infamous, therefore taking pictures at Vizcaya during the summer days is a recipe for disaster. If you want your clothes to not be drenched in sweat, consider booking in the early morning and in the fall, winter, and early spring. The humidity and temperatures will almost always be high, so be conscious of this when planning your wardrobe. Light, flowy fabrics that hang off your body are a great rule of thumb to follow for picking your outfits. Also, consider bringing extra outfits if your session falls on a particularly balmy day. Other than the heat, the only other variable remaining for your session is the rain. Being on the coast, Miami has very erratic precipitation patterns. This can mean that one second the skies are clear, but the next, rain is coming down harder and faster than you have ever seen. Because of this, always pack an umbrella or rain coat for the rain and be assured that we will work around the rain (and maybe even incorporate it) so it does not ruin your shoot.

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Sara and Chris were naturals when it came to being in front of the camera. They soaked up every second that they were there and truly flowed perfectly together. We explored the entire property, making sure to capture the stunning gardens and greenery that we were engulfed in. Sara was wearing a beautiful off the shoulder dress paired with a stunning white bouquet from Nery’s Flowers. Her hair was done by @jeremybhair and makeup was done by @_MakeupByHazel to create a timeless and elegant look. After a bit of exploring, we found ourselves at these stone steps. It was at these stone steps that we decided it be a good time for some celebratory champagne. Which by the way, I am NOT opposed to taking a few celebratory shots on your special day. It can help loosen you up and help with those wedding day jitters you may experiencing!

What are Elopements?

Sara and Chris were the ultimate power couple and I am so honored to have been there to capture such special moments for them. Even though it was just the two of them, it was still just as magical as any big wedding. Elopements are the perfect option for anyone looking for something small and intimate, maybe with a few family members or just you and your partner. Elopements can take place on the top of the mountain to on a boat in the middle of the ocean to the middle of an enchanted forest. The choice is all yours! The main reason couples choose to elope is because they want something more intimate with their partner. Planning a big wedding can get pretty hectic and some couples would rather enjoy the moment than worry about planning a big wedding. It also could be a good alternative to those looking for a much more cost effective option. Elopements were once looked at as “untraditional”, and is now becoming more normalized which I love! Your wedding day is all about you and you should do whatever you feel comfortable with and no one else. That’s why I am always willing to travel wherever you want to go for your wedding day, because I want everyone’s version of a fairytale wedding to come true.

Congratulations Sara + Chris and thank you again for letting be apart of something so special :)

Oh and if you loved this Miami Elopement at Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, then you’re going to love this New Jersey Wedding at The Molly Pitcher Inn.

Psst… for wedding vendors, scroll to the bottom of this blog!

Photography: Zarza Photography

Florist: Nery’s Flowers

Bridal Makeup: @_MakeupByHazel

Bridal Hair: @jeremybhair

Ceremony Site: Vizcaya Museum & Gardens

Getting married in Vizacaya? I’d love to be your photographer <3

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New Jersey Wedding at The Molly Pitcher Inn

Here is a tale of two lovers coming together to live their happily ever after…

Okay, while this may not be straight out of a fairytale it might as well be! While I am based in Arizona, my heart lies with traveling, so for Diana & Aiden I hopped on plane to the East Coast to the fun state of New Jersey. From the beautiful first look location (btw you’re going to FREAK when you see it), to the amazing rooftop ceremony, it really was… what’s the word? Magical.

The Love Story

Aidan and Diana met while playing kickball in Nashville, TN. He was finishing med school while she was practicing as an Occupational Therapist at an inpatient rehab facility. She immediately was drawn to his physical appearance and his great sense of humor. He was drawn to her good laugh, long legs and strong female aura. After their first date they found out Aiden grew up living one block away from Diana’s aunt and uncle. From then on, it was like one continuous small world connection after another and it was like all the stars were aligning. They began traveling the country and going on adventures together one hike and camp after the other where they grew closer and deeper in love. After traveling all around with each other, Aiden proposed in August 2019 with Diana’s dog present, champagne, candles, roses and rose peddles all over their home and asked Diana to marry him. He was so overwhelmed with happiness and love he forget to take out the ring and she was crying so I hard that she could barely breathe and never noticed the ring was still in his pocket! Such a cute and romantic love story and well… I bet you can guess what her answer was *wink wink*.

The First Look

We of course started off with both the bride and groom getting ready. As Diana put on her dress and veil, smiles, tears and lots of love filled the room. After Aiden put on his cufflinks and suit, it was officially time for the first look. Now here is where I said you may freak when you see the first look location. Diana and Aiden decided on their first look spot at The Twin Lights in Highland, New Jersey. The area in which this beautiful structure sits on, overlooks the New York bay and whose hills sit on some of the highest points on the eastern seaboard of the US. This historic landmark holds so much history, depth and character and was perfect for the 1950’s classic look that Diana & Aiden were going for.

If you’re ever feeling those wedding day jitters, a first look is a perfect solution! A first look gives you the opportunity to see your partner before the ceremony. You are able to exchange private vows and have some alone time for just the two of you, which trust me… with all the hustle & bustle of a wedding, you’re going to want this! If you are still looking for a bit of surprise and anticipation for your wedding day, but don’t want to do a full blown first look, a great option would be a first touch. Similar to a first look, a first touch gives the couple an opportunity to still have an element of surprise of seeing each other for the first time during the ceremony but can ease your nerves. First touches can be by a corner of meeting walls or alongside a tree while you both hold hands. This is also a great alternative for anyone looking to add in some intimacy on their wedding day.

After their first look, this is where they chose to exchange their private and intimate vows. There was laughs, smiles and of course… a few tears may have been shed. This is an amazing opportunity for anyone who thinks to themselves “how am I supposed to get in front of friends/family and say these things?” - here is your solution!

Ceremony & Reception at The Molly Pitcher Inn

After the first look, we made our way over to the ceremony at The Molly Pitcher Inn in Red Bank, New Jersey. The marina just outside of its windows and beautiful elegant charm, this was a no brainer when it came to D+A choosing their wedding venue. The decor was just as beautiful filled with a lot of greenery and white flowers, it was just perfect.

Next was the reception, where of course THAT’S where the fun broke out. Diana and Aiden had their first dance as husband and wife to the beautiful “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley. A classic song but so incredibly fitting. First dances were over and everyone took to the dance floor and was absolutely killing it! This wedding was an absolute fun one and I am so grateful and honored to have captured such special moments for Diana and Aiden. Congratulations D+A!!

If you loved this New Jersey Wedding at The Molly Pitcher Inn, then you’re going to love this Coral Gables Vintage Engagement Session!

Pssst… looking for wedding vendors? Scroll to the bottom of this blog!

Photography: Zarza Photography

Ceremony & Reception Site: The Molly Pitcher Inn

Dress Designer/Shop: Alexandra Grecco & Dress Theory

Groom Attire & Shop: Ike Behar & The Tuxedo Club

Florist: Sunset Florist - Lynda

Bridal Hair: Michelle Elise Artistry

Bridal Makeup: Make Me Up Eva

Cake: Palermo’s Bakery- Leigh Ann

DJ/Music: Sounds 2 Go - Jason