Curtiss Mansion Wedding
As far of romantic weddings go… this one takes the cake! Every element of Sandra and Jerry’s day came together beautifully. From their exciting first-look at the Trump National Doral to their traditional ceremony at St. Hugh Catholic Church to their picturesque reception at the historic Curtis Mansion – it was all so dreamy!
Sandra was the epitome of elegance in her gown adorned with delicate lace. Every detail fit her to perfection. Jerry looked quite dapper in his tailored tuxedo. We were so happy that they chose to do a first-look because we just couldn’t wait to start taking pictures of the two of them together. That’s how good these two looked! Once at the church, they were greeted with a full house of friends and family. Located in Coconut Grove, St. Hugh is such a lovely church to get married at. We shoot quite a few weddings there and we are always in awe at its beautiful architecture.
Guests were happy to meet the new Mr. and Mrs. at the enchanting Curtis Mansion. Located in Miami Springs, this beautiful estate is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and truly offers the perfect setting for a romantic wedding. We loved the stunning courtyard lit by bistro lighting. The décor was on point – almost as sophisticated as the couple themselves. Everything felt magical – but the true magic was apparent in the way Sandra and Jerry glanced at each other. It was so obvious that they are madly in love!
This wedding was the last one that we shot in 2017 and was a perfect reminder as to why we do what we do. There is no doubt that we love the art of photography – I think it’s fair to say that most photographers do! However, it’s the moments that we capture that move us. We feel a lot of pride in being able to deliver memories in photographs that will be cherished for generations to come.
Join us as we wish Sandra and Jerry a happily ever after!
Venue: The Curtiss Mansion
Church: St. Hugh Catholic Church
Getting Ready Location: Trump National Doral
Planner: Eventfully Yours Events
MIAMI WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Wedding Planner: Jessica Campbell Events
Hair and make up: Makeup Artistry by Jessie
DJ/Entertainment: BPM Music Group. - DJ Ray Costa
Flowers: Avant Garden
Transportation: Florians Classic
Videography:: Merge Social
Catering: Best Chefs Catering
Tables, chairs, linens: Decora Event Rentals
Favors : XOM Studio
Cake: Moulin Rose Bakery
Flower Wall: The Flower Wall Co.
True photography is timeless. As wedding photographers, we strive to capture the enduring emotion and romance that is distinctive to your relationship. Your wedding images are about you and your start to a great future together. We believe a love story told beautifully and authentically through timeless imagery is a cherished one. We want you to revisit your wedding photos in twenty years and be transported back to that day that was so pivotal to your love story. This is precisely our wish for Inely and Isaiah. We want them to feel the emotions of the moments they trusted us to capture every single time they look at their images… and there were a lot of emotions!
Let’s get right into some of the details from their big day. These two got ready at the iconic Mayfair Hotel in Coconut Grove. This is where Inely pre-partied with her girls while getting glammed by Kris Hair Love and Isaiah put the final touches to his wedding look. This is also where Inely and Isaiah had their first look as well as a private exchange of their wedding vows. We were there, along with our friends at Love Squared, to capture this intimate moment between this beautiful couple. It was so sweet! Right on schedule, we took advantage of the lovely setting to do some portraits of the couple. Since they had done a prior engagement session, Inely and Isaiah were already pros and moved seamlessly as Santy expertly guided them with the posing.
Shortly after, Aralimo was there to pick up the couple as we crossed the bridge to Key Biscayne and reunited at the wedding site - the Rusty Pelican. Everything was already being put into place by one of the best in the business – Eric from ET Events. The flowers by Marilyn with Petals with Poise looked absolutely fabulous atop the linens by Contempo Linens. As the final details were being put into place, the bride and groom explored the property for some extra wedding portraits. The day was gorgeous! As guests arrived, we slipped into the very cool wine cellar at the Rusty Pelican before the excited couple awaited to say “I do” in front of their friends and family!
Overlooking the Miami skyline, the ceremony was perfect! After cocktail hour, guests were invited into the ballroom where they continued to celebrate Inely and Isaiah on the start of their life together! And we were there… to professionally document all these moments with style, grace, respect, and the utmost care and gratitude! The rest of the night can be summed up in one word – FUN! Our friend Adrian from A Productions was there to keep the party moving, and our photo booth was a hit with friends and family having a blast with our high-energy attendant as they stroke a pose with our funky props! And let’s not forget the beautiful cake from Edda’s cake design – YUM! Needless to say, a good time was had by all.
Please join us as we congratulate Inely and Isaiah by viewing some of our favorite highlights from their day. We hope we did our part in providing them with an incredible photography experience that will allow these timeless moments to be cherished for generations to come!
Wedding at Plymouth Congregational Church
DoubleTree by Hilton Grand Hotel Biscayne Bay
Julie + Raphael
Here we are! Summer is officially over as the kids went back to school today and life is back to a routine. Santy and I have had quite the summer! We travelled to Italy, took a road trip to Atlanta, cruised to the Bahamas, and got our Disney fix with multiple trips to Walt Disney World. In between the fun and travel, we did have the pleasure of shooting quite a few weddings and photo sessions as well. It’s been a wonderful summer indeed!
Today we would like to feature one of those aforementioned summer weddings. Julie and Ralph had a beautiful June wedding here in Miami. You won’t find a more down to Earth and in-love couple as we found in these two! This mood translated into their whole day. From getting ready to their ceremony at Plymouth Congregational Church to the celebration at the DoubleTree by Hilton Grand Hotel Biscayne Bay, Julie and Ralph’s wedding was centered on love and having fun! Even during the unpredicted drizzle right before walking down the aisle, Julie and Ralph’s mood was calm and collected. They were so happy to be in the moment that a little rain wasn’t going to bring them down. If anything, it added to their story and made for some adorable photo opportunities!
It was such a delight to be there and capture all the details from their wedding day. We were also surrounded by a great team of vendors that made the day special. Alex Martinez Films was by our side capturing video of the events and the team at International Party Designers did a spectacular job at making the venue look stunning. Once the party got started the dance floor was never empty thanks to the talents from Infinity Sound Production. Guests also enjoyed striking a pose at our Photo Booth which is always a good time! We are thankful to get to work with so many wonderful people every time we shoot a wedding.
So, while we get back into our routine and say good bye to Summer, we hope you enjoy the following images from this gorgeous summer wedding! Congratulations Julie and Ralph!
MIAMI WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Church: Plymouth Congregational Church
Venue: DoubleTree by Hilton Grand Hotel Biscayne Bay
Wedding Planner & Flowers : International Party Designers
Hair: Pinned by Jovie
Make-up: Looks by Ju
DJ/Entertainment: Infinity Sound Production
Transportation: Aralimo
Videography: Alex Martinez Films
Engagement Session at Piedmont Park | Atlanta, GA | Samantha + Patrick
We are one month away until these two cool kids tie the knot! Last summer, we ecstatically traveled to Atlanta, GA for this very special engagement session. What makes this engagement session extra special? You see, Samantha is our niece and Patrick will soon be officially joining our family! If they look familiar, you may have seen some of their engagement photos from their session in Key Biscayne, FL here on the blog. Since they now both live in Atlanta, we found it fitting to do a second round engagement session in their city and we are so happy we did! With the beautiful Piedmont Park as the location of choice, we absolutely love how these images came out. I feel we truly captured the fun-loving spirit of these two!
We would love to share their love story in their own words! Please read on to learn how they met and how he popped the big question. We also hope you enjoy some of our favorite images from their Piedmont Park engagements session as we look forward to their wedding day in Atlanta!
HOW THEY MET
I (Samantha) moved to Atlanta in 2015 to begin my Master's degree. Little did I know that I would be meeting the love of my life the next year and making Atlanta my new home.
In the summer of 2016, I began working while finishing up my degree. That summer is when I met Patrick. Patrick and I were working together on projects and, from the very beginning, it felt like we'd known each other for years! We remained friends throughout the whole summer - he even taught me how to use the lathe. It wasn't until the end of summer that Patrick, keeping it professional, asked me on a date after my last day of work. This also happened to be the day before I was moving back to Florida. We had an amazing date walking through Piedmont Park and eating totchos at the Nook. We had such a good connection instantly so it was extra tough to leave for Florida the next day.
We continued to talk over the next three months since we both knew we had found something special. Luckily, I got a job back in Atlanta and I was able to move back to the city. We began dating and have been inseparable ever since then. I feel so lucky that I met the man of my dreams and that our love has grown stronger each day! We are very excited to be celebrating with the best family and friends on our big day :)
HOW HE ASKED
Sam and I have always enjoyed spending time outdoors - for us, a weekend backpacking trip relaxing by a campfire and enjoying one another's company is the perfect way to unwind.
I was so excited, and admittedly nervous, as Sam and I began the most important and special camping trip of our lives. She didn't know my plan, and I was doing everything I could to keep my secret a surprise. To make the moment extra special I packed some flowers (which I tried to freeze to keep fresh -that didn't work too well) and a bottle of champagne. As we hiked further into the wilderness small raindrops began to fall. Every few minutes, when Sam looked away, I checked to make sure that the ring stowed in my front raincoat pocket was okay.
After a few hours of hiking, Sam and I set up camp and dropped off our packs, then continued hiking toward the Panther Creek waterfall. The rain had picked up even more, and the hike was a bit more technical than I expected. At certain sections, we even had to climb over boulders along the riverside! As we enjoyed the pool at the base of the waterfall my heart raced. It wasn't my original plan, but the scene was so amazing - and seeing Sam goof off along the shoreline was making me feel so lucky and happy that I wanted to ask her right then. The worsening storm and the fact that Sam would need to climb over boulders in a few minutes made me think it might be a good idea to not give the ring to her just yet. She would have probably had to take it off on the trail and that didn't seem right!
After a great night with "hobo packet meals" and a nice fire, Sam and I awoke, ready for breakfast and coffee. I told Sam earlier on the trip that I had a surprise for her in the morning, and I had her stay in the tent while I prepared. At this point, I think that she was assuming I'd had a special breakfast, and I heard her call out "I hope you have toaster strudels!" I didn't want to disappoint her, but instead, I spread out flower petals near our campsite to contrast the usual browns and greens of the trees. I guided her with my voice (her eyes were closed) over to the flowers where I asked for her hand in marriage. From that moment on I can now say that I am the luckiest man in the world! I am so happy to have found Samantha, and could not ask for a better family to be joining.
Wedding at Whimsical Key West House | Homestead, FL | Luciana + John Michael
Luciana and John Michael's wedding was straight from an enchanted fairy tale book. There was a distinctly soft and earthy feel to their boho-chic soiree that took advantage of the natural surroundings of their venue - the Whimsical Key West House located in Homestead, FL. Inspired by nature and the beautiful outdoors, this wedding was everything and more of what this couple envisioned for their big day. Not only was this a fairy tale come true for the couple, but it was simply a dream for us, as wedding photographers, to shoot. It was a gorgeous day full of love and laughter and so many special touches that we had no issues finding things to capture through our lenses.
We love shooting at the Whimsical Key West House not only for its beauty and charm but also for the conveniences it offers. Both the bride and groom respectively had their own suite to get ready for their day. While John Michael hung out and got suited up, Luciana and her girls were getting glammed up by the talents at LMG Beauty Factory, Sandy Lee Alvarez, and VaVaVoom Artistry. They were wedding ready!
Luciana and John Michael took advantage of the gorgeous setting and opted for a first look prior to the arrival of their guests. For weddings such as theirs where the ceremony takes place close to sunset, it is recommended to consider the first look. This sweet moment also allows time for a wedding portrait session prior to the ceremony, not to mention it slows down the day for the couple!
Their ceremony was held on site under a stunning tree. We were obsessed with the beautiful arch created by Ines Naftali Studio – along with all the beautiful florals. From Luciana’s bouquet to the table tops at the reception site, Ines always delivers perfection! It offered the perfect accents to such a perfect-for-each-other couple.
The evening continued under sparkling bistro lights as guests enjoyed delicious food by Events by Molina and partied the night away to the music by DJ Cardi. By the end of the night, we felt like family amongst their guests. Such a fun and energetic group that came together to see two beautiful souls unite in marriage. It’s safe to say that this fairy tale wedding was just the beginning of their happily ever after!
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens | Engagement Session | Christina + Tyler
We just spent a magical weekend capturing a special wedding on the west coast of Florida. Christina and Tyler said “I do” this past weekend at the JW Marriott Resort in Marco Island and it was spectacular! Although only a few hours away from Miami, it felt like we were transported to a different world. We were so happy to have had the opportunity to capture their special day alongside some other amazing vendors that traveled from the east to west coast of Florida including – Sissi Hair and Makeup, Event Factor, Events by Zeiry, and Bellafiori Fiori Flower Walls.
As we prepare to deliver their wedding images, we wanted to take a moment to look back at Christina and Tyler’s engagement session. Engagement sessions, in general, are a lot of fun! Typically more relaxed, engagement sessions are a great opportunity to get great images in a less stressed environment. Couples learn how to feel comfortable in front of the lens, and we learn more about the couples so that the wedding day shoot results in a smoother experience. Don’t get us wrong, the wedding day is always a blast, but it is helpful to have a great engagement session before the big day so that couples know what to expect. Christina and Tyler were pros at taking pictures on their wedding day!
This engagement session took place at the beautiful Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. Christina looked absolutely gorgeous in her chosen outfits and it was clear that Tyler agrees as we can’t get over the way he looked at her! Vizcaya is a classic location here in South Florida for photo sessions – you will see it pop up on our blog often – but there is a reason why. It is a stunning place!
We hope you enjoy the following images of this wonderful couple and please stay tuned as we will be sure to share our favorite images from their wedding day too! Congrats Christina and Tyler!
Wedding at The Seagate Beach Club | Hotel | Delray Beach | Amanda + Dermot
We look through these images and see joy. The kind of joy that is pure and full. Amanda and Dermot’s wedding at the Seagate Beach Club was not only gorgeous in every way – the beach views, the ocean sounds, the sunset, the décor, the dress, the everything – but it was also a wedding full of laughter, tears, dancing and more dancing! The real beauty in this wedding was in the moments – the joy!
Amanda and Dermot wanted a wedding that was fun and upbeat more than anything else, and they totally did it right! Not only did they set the mood for the evening with their constant smiles and genuine laughter, but they welcomed all of their friends and family into a laid back environment that was cozy and chic all at the same time.
It was our first time shooting a wedding at the Seagate Beach Club in Delray Beach and we were instantly impressed. Just a relatively short drive north of Miami, this venue has the kind of vibe that you dream about when planning a beach wedding in South Florida. The setting was spectacular but what really sealed it for us was the staff – so friendly and accommodating. If we felt this way as the wedding photographers, we know that the guests were equally impressed by the service.
We were happy to capture all these special moments for this special couple. After all, we strive our best to tell the couple’s love story through our lens. We hope that when you look through the following images that you can also see the joy from that day. Our greatest wish is that when Amanda and Dermot look back at these photos five, ten, or twenty years from now – that all of those emotions and feelings flood back and bring a smile to their faces!
Engagement Session at Piedmont Park | Atlanta, GA | Maria Elena + Mike
It’s no secret by now that Santy and I love to travel. Now couple that with our love for photography and we are in heaven! This is exactly what happened when our travels led us to Atlanta, GA where we met up with Maria Elena and Mike for their Piedmont Park engagement session.
This sweet couple booked us back in May for their wedding in Miami. Although they will be tying the knot in South Florida, they are now both living in the beautiful city of Atlanta. We were so thrilled that we were able to book their session to reflect the current chapter in their life.
If you have never visited Atlanta, here is a travel tip: Do yourself a favor and visit Piedmont Park! Nothing can prepare you for how gorgeous this park really is. Piedmont Park is located in the center of Atlanta’s midtown and boasts overs 180 acres of open space and walking trails. You can surround yourself by nature and forget you are in a major city, or find a spot with a spectacular view of Atlanta’s skyline. Whatever you prefer to do, this park will not disappoint.
Needless to say, Piedmont Park offered a spectacular backdrop for Maria Elena and Mike’s engagement session. For us, it’s always a fun time to shoot at a new location. Santy was able to capture them with both the city and greenery as they explored all the cool spots this park had to offer. We couldn’t be happier with the result. We are in love with how this session reflects Maria Elena and Mike as a couple – playful yet elegant! We believe engagement sessions are a great way for couple’s to express their personalities and these two did just that. They even had a special cameo from their fur baby!
We are excited to capture them once again on their wedding day in May 2019! We already know it’s going to be amazing as it is being planned by the talents at Events by Gigi. In the meantime, we hope you enjoy the following highlights from their engagement session.
Wedding Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
The Bonnet House located in sunny Ft. Lauderdale has become a sought out wedding venue in South Florida for its historic and extraordinary architecture and its surrounding natural beauty. Situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, the Bonnet House stands on 35 acres of lush landscaping with the feel of a tropical oasis. This is where the beautiful Emily married her now husband Matthew and we were honored to be there to capture it all!
Although Emily and Matthew live in California, they decided to celebrate their wedding among friends and family back home in Florida. This was the first time we met the couple since they booked us as their wedding photographers over the phone from across the country, but it was an instant connection! They were both so sweet and fun. Their morning started at the Ft. Lauderdale Marriot Beach Resort where they both got ready to separately head over to the venue. Once at the Bonnet House, Matthew waited with his groomsmen as Emily slipped into her wedding gown in the upstairs bridal suite surrounded by her girls. It wasn’t long before we snuck them away for their first look. Away from everyone, the two had a private moment to see each other for the first time and it was truly special!
Guests had already been trickling in and began taking their seats at the ceremony site. They were all treated to a heartfelt exchange of vows. It was beautiful! Guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the Bonnet House’s lovely courtyard before they took a seat. The reception area was all about the details! It was a stunning setting for the new husband and wife to enjoy their first dances followed by toasts to the newlyweds. The rest of the evening was full of love, laughter and dancing!
Join us as we congratulate Emily and Matthew as you enjoy this sneak peek!
Engagement Session | Greynolds Park | Deanne + Chris
It’s hard to believe that Deanne and Chris’ wedding day is just around the corner. It’s been over a year now since they booked us in August of 2017 for their November 2018 wedding at the Cooper Estate. In anticipation of their big day, we would like to share with you highlights from their engagement session at Greynold’s Park along with a little background about this fun-loving couple.
We asked Deanne to share a little bit about how they met and the details on the day she said yes! Here’s what she had to say:
What was the date of your official engagement: 6/24/2017
How did the two of you meet?: We met in 2012 at Homefield Sports Bar. Our mutual friend Eric introduced us wanting us to date.
The big proposal?: Every year my family has a family reunion in June. The 2017 family reunion consisted of Chris telling me he would never be so corny as to propose at the family reunion surrounded by people, meanwhile, unbeknownst to me, Chris had shown all my cousins the ring and had told them to give me a hard time about Chris not proposing. I got so upset by all of it.
On the second night of the trip, Chris decided that he wanted to wake up at 7:30 am the next morning and go for a walk on the beach. Anyone that knows Chris knows that he does not wake up early in the morning. I, not knowing there was a proposal involved and annoyed by all the comments from him and my cousins, told him to set his alarm and if he wakes up they would go. He did not get up.
I woke up at 8:30 am to get ready for breakfast. After I was done getting ready, Chris asked to go for a walk. I said I wanted to go eat breakfast and he agreed. Once we finished eating breakfast, Chris asked again to go on the walk, but I told him that they had to help set up the tents on the beach. Chris bit his tongue and helped set up the tents then, again, asked me to go for a walk. At this time I was tired from setting everything up and just wanted to sit and relax so I told him no. Finally, all of my family got to the beach and were going in the water. When I asked Chris to go in the water he insisted that we go on the walk and I finally agreed to go.
While walking, Chris put down his phone and said that he wanted to film us walking out on the sand bar. I got a little excited thinking that he was going to propose but then calmed down as Chris always filmed our trips. When the walk out on the sandbar did not end with a ring I gave up on the idea of a proposal happening and we kept on with our walk.
Chris put his phone down to video a few other times and then finally we got to another sandbar and Chris set up his phone one last time and we walked out together. While walking back, Chris apologized for lying to me. I freaked out and asked what he lied about to which he responded with that he lied about not proposing this weekend. He pulled out the ring that I had picked out 2 years prior, got down on one knee, and asked me to marry him.
Thank you Deanne for sharing your story and we are so happy you said yes! We are looking forward to capturing your wedding day!
Make Up Artist: Desire Feliciano
Fairways On The Key Wedding - Crandon Park - Key Biscayne
We couldn’t have asked for a better couple and wedding to start off our new year with! This was the first wedding we shot in 2018 and we are thrilled to share it with you today. There are so many mini-events that occur during a wedding day – the getting ready, the ceremony, the reception, the send-off…. As wedding photographers, we are sure to capture it all - the big moments as well as all the little moments that happen in between. We try to keep our blog as up to date as possible, giving you a glimpse of our style and how the wedding stories unfold.
Elizabeth and Kris are marvelous together and documenting them joining their two families was quite an honor for us. Here is a little break-down of their big day:
Getting Ready
Elizabeth got ready at her parent’s house in Miami. There is something special about getting ready for your wedding day at home! Hanging her wedding gown and staging the rings, among other details, were all done in the comfort of her living room. In the other room, Elizabeth and her girls laughed and had a good time before it was time to get in her dress. Mom assisted in buttoning up the gown as dad waited to catch a glimpse of his little girl before they drove off to the church in none other than a vintage fire truck! (Yes, dad is a firefighter)
Ceremony
Elizabeth and Kris were married at the beautiful Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church. Sticking with tradition, he saw his bride for the first time as she walked down the aisle with her father. This is always a beautiful moment to capture! The ceremony was officiated by the groom’s brother which made the ceremony extra personal and sweet. A perfect way to tie the knot!
Reception
The reception took place at Fairways on the Key in Key Biscayne, FL. Guests enjoyed cocktail hour as we snuck the bride and groom onto the golf course for their portrait photos. When couples opt not to do a first-look, we are usually limited to the time between ceremony and dinner to take these important pictures. This takes a little bit of planning but can yield stunning photos – especially when the reception location is as beautiful as theirs! We had plenty of sunlight to work with before the night sky took over as a signal that it was time to party.
The reception space looked like a dream. Orchestrated by the talents at Events by Gigi, it all set the stage for Elizabeth and Kris to dance the night away with their friends and family. As an added bonus, Elizabeth and Kris treated their guests to our Photo Booth where their friends and family could strike a pose and take home a photo souvenir. A good time was had by all!
The couple were sent away with a celebratory sparkler send off as they were wished a happily ever after. We hope you enjoy this blog and join us to wish them the same!
Church: Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church
Venue: Fairways on the Key in Key Biscayne, FL
Wedding Planner: Events by Gigi
DJ/MC: Vision Djs
Wedding | St Francis De Sales Catholic Church | Ancient Spanish Monastery | Nicole + Juan
Nicole and Juan are married! Their wedding was full of class and elegance. The color palette of violet, lavender, and purple was executed perfectly, from the bridesmaid dresses, to the bouquet, to the reception centerpieces at the Ancient Spanish Monastery in North Miami Beach, FL. We loved capturing it all! Nicole wore a beautifully fitted gown with lace detail and a cathedral veil. She looked simply stunning as she walked down the aisle at St. Francis De Sales Catholic Church in Miami Beach, FL. Juan looked quite dapper himself as he waited for his bride’s grand entrance.
Every detail in Nicole and Juan’s wedding was thoughtfully placed and they truly had the perfect setting for their wedding day. However, after getting to know the couple, it is with great confidence that we say, the most shining detail at their wedding was the love they share for each other. It was evident in every aspect – their vows, the way they looked at each other during portraits, the way Juan dipped her during their first dance – these two are something special together! This love for each other coupled with the sheer emotion displayed by friends and family who were present is what made this wedding special. These are the moments that we, as wedding photographers, wait for and adore! We felt honored to be able to capture them for Nicole and Juan.
As wedding season is now in full swing, we look forward to capturing all of our upcoming Fall weddings! Historically, Fall is also a busy time of year for us at Photography by Santy Martinez as we meet with new couples that are booking for their future weddings. Many if not most of the couples we have been meeting with are booking our services up to a year or more in advance! This truly increases the chance that we are available for their wedding date as popular dates do fill up quickly. If you are currently in search of wedding photographers for you big day, we encourage you to fill out our contact form and we will be happy to meet you. Hopefully we will be capturing your magical moments too!
We hope you enjoy the following highlights from Nicole and Juan’s wedding and join us as we congratulate the newly weds!
Curtiss Mansion Wedding
As far of romantic weddings go… this one takes the cake! Every element of Sandra and Jerry’s day came together beautifully. From their exciting first-look at the Trump National Doral to their traditional ceremony at St. Hugh Catholic Church to their picturesque reception at the historic Curtis Mansion – it was all so dreamy!
Sandra was the epitome of elegance in her gown adorned with delicate lace. Every detail fit her to perfection. Jerry looked quite dapper in his tailored tuxedo. We were so happy that they chose to do a first-look because we just couldn’t wait to start taking pictures of the two of them together. That’s how good these two looked! Once at the church, they were greeted with a full house of friends and family. Located in Coconut Grove, St. Hugh is such a lovely church to get married at. We shoot quite a few weddings there and we are always in awe at its beautiful architecture.
Guests were happy to meet the new Mr. and Mrs. at the enchanting Curtis Mansion. Located in Miami Springs, this beautiful estate is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and truly offers the perfect setting for a romantic wedding. We loved the stunning courtyard lit by bistro lighting. The décor was on point – almost as sophisticated as the couple themselves. Everything felt magical – but the true magic was apparent in the way Sandra and Jerry glanced at each other. It was so obvious that they are madly in love!
This wedding was the last one that we shot in 2017 and was a perfect reminder as to why we do what we do. There is no doubt that we love the art of photography – I think it’s fair to say that most photographers do! However, it’s the moments that we capture that move us. We feel a lot of pride in being able to deliver memories in photographs that will be cherished for generations to come.
Join us as we wish Sandra and Jerry a happily ever after!
Venue: The Curtiss Mansion
Church: St. Hugh Catholic Church
Getting Ready Location: Trump National Doral
Planner: Eventfully Yours Events
MIAMI WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Fairways On The Key Wedding - Crandon Park - Key Biscayne
We couldn’t have asked for a better couple and wedding to start off our new year with! This was the first wedding we shot in 2018 and we are thrilled to share it with you today. There are so many mini-events that occur during a wedding day – the getting ready, the ceremony, the reception, the send-off…. As wedding photographers, we are sure to capture it all - the big moments as well as all the little moments that happen in between. We try to keep our blog as up to date as possible, giving you a glimpse of our style and how the wedding stories unfold.
Elizabeth and Kris are marvelous together and documenting them joining their two families was quite an honor for us. Here is a little break-down of their big day:
Getting Ready
Elizabeth got ready at her parent’s house in Miami. There is something special about getting ready for your wedding day at home! Hanging her wedding gown and staging the rings, among other details, were all done in the comfort of her living room. In the other room, Elizabeth and her girls laughed and had a good time before it was time to get in her dress. Mom assisted in buttoning up the gown as dad waited to catch a glimpse of his little girl before they drove off to the church in none other than a vintage fire truck! (Yes, dad is a firefighter)
Ceremony
Elizabeth and Kris were married at the beautiful Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church. Sticking with tradition, he saw his bride for the first time as she walked down the aisle with her father. This is always a beautiful moment to capture! The ceremony was officiated by the groom’s brother which made the ceremony extra personal and sweet. A perfect way to tie the knot!
Reception
The reception took place at Fairways on the Key in Key Biscayne, FL. Guests enjoyed cocktail hour as we snuck the bride and groom onto the golf course for their portrait photos. When couples opt not to do a first-look, we are usually limited to the time between ceremony and dinner to take these important pictures. This takes a little bit of planning but can yield stunning photos – especially when the reception location is as beautiful as theirs! We had plenty of sunlight to work with before the night sky took over as a signal that it was time to party.
The reception space looked like a dream. Orchestrated by the talents at Events by Gigi, it all set the stage for Elizabeth and Kris to dance the night away with their friends and family. As an added bonus, Elizabeth and Kris treated their guests to our Photo Booth where their friends and family could strike a pose and take home a photo souvenir. A good time was had by all!
The couple were sent away with a celebratory sparkler send off as they were wished a happily ever after. We hope you enjoy this blog and join us to wish them the same!
Church: Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church
Venue: Fairways on the Key in Key Biscayne, FL
Wedding Planner: Events by Gigi
DJ/MC: Vision Djs
MIAMI WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS
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Custom photography timeline for you wedding day
Santy Martinez as Lead Photographer
All color corrected finished photographs
A beautiful, shareable online gallery
Instantly downloadable digital copies in high-resolution with printing rights, for you to keep forever
Secure cloud backup
Package One
Full Wedding Coverage including getting ready, ceremony, formals and reception
2nd Photographer
Plus everything listed above
$2500
Package Two
Full Wedding Coverage including getting ready, ceremony, formals and reception
2nd Photographer
10 x 10 Wedding Album
Plus everything listed above
$2900
Package Three
Full Wedding Coverage including getting ready, ceremony, formals and reception
2nd Photographer
Engagement Session
10x10 Wedding Album
Plus everything listed above
$3200
Package Four
Full Wedding Coverage including getting ready, ceremony, formals and reception
2nd Photographer
Engagement Session
10x10 Engagement Book
12 x 12 Wedding Album
Two 10x10 Clone Parent Wedding Albums
Plus everything listed above
$4500
These packages can be a starting point for you. If you need less or more please let us know and we will be happy to customize a package that fits your needs.
Prices are subject to change after September 30th, 2019
EXTRAS:
{Discounts may apply when combined with a package at booking}
Engagement Session - $400
10x10 - Engagement Book & Design - $400
10x10 - Wedding Album & Design - $600
12x12 - Wedding Album & Design - $700
8x8 - Clone Parent Book - $300
10x10 - Clone Parent Book - $350
Ready to get started?
Wedding - Trump National Doral
We are thrilled to share images from Rania and Andy’s post-wedding shoot at the Trump National Doral. If you follow our blog, you may recognize these two as we shot their wedding day back in October. It truly was an extraordinary event! The weather, however, was a bit uncooperative that day. We were not going to let a little rain (ok, a lot of rain) get in the way of delivering a beautiful finished product. We reassured the bride and groom that we would come back another day for a post-wedding shoot. We hope this helped both Rania and Andy enjoy their big day without the worry of missing out on the pretty outdoor photos they envisioned. We think it worked because we were able to capture so many beautiful moments on their big day! The getting ready, the ceremony, the dances and all of those candid smiles – we hope they enjoy looking back at those memories.
We want to let all future brides and grooms know, if it rains on your wedding day and we are unable to get those shots we both want, keep in mind there is always the option to do a post-wedding session. We know it’s not always easy to get back into the gown with full hair and makeup or suit up once more, but it’s the least we could be done to make up for inclement weather. We are so happy that Rania and Andy decided to take advantage of a post-session. We went back to the Trump National Doral on a beautiful, sunny day. Rania looked radiant once again in her bridal gown and Andy looked as sharp as ever. It really helps that the camera loves these two – almost as much as we do! It was such a great opportunity to see them again and have a little fun around this stunning property. Their smiles are contagious – we hope they make you smile too! Please join us as we once more congratulate the newlyweds!
Wedding at Plymouth Congregational Church
DoubleTree by Hilton Grand Hotel Biscayne Bay
Julie + Raphael
Here we are! Summer is officially over as the kids went back to school today and life is back to a routine. Santy and I have had quite the summer! We travelled to Italy, took a road trip to Atlanta, cruised to the Bahamas, and got our Disney fix with multiple trips to Walt Disney World. In between the fun and travel, we did have the pleasure of shooting quite a few weddings and photo sessions as well. It’s been a wonderful summer indeed!
Today we would like to feature one of those aforementioned summer weddings. Julie and Ralph had a beautiful June wedding here in Miami. You won’t find a more down to Earth and in-love couple as we found in these two! This mood translated into their whole day. From getting ready to their ceremony at Plymouth Congregational Church to the celebration at the DoubleTree by Hilton Grand Hotel Biscayne Bay, Julie and Ralph’s wedding was centered on love and having fun! Even during the unpredicted drizzle right before walking down the aisle, Julie and Ralph’s mood was calm and collected. They were so happy to be in the moment that a little rain wasn’t going to bring them down. If anything, it added to their story and made for some adorable photo opportunities!
It was such a delight to be there and capture all the details from their wedding day. We were also surrounded by a great team of vendors that made the day special. Alex Martinez Films was by our side capturing video of the events and the team at International Party Designers did a spectacular job at making the venue look stunning. Once the party got started the dance floor was never empty thanks to the talents from Infinity Sound Production. Guests also enjoyed striking a pose at our Photo Booth which is always a good time! We are thankful to get to work with so many wonderful people every time we shoot a wedding.
So, while we get back into our routine and say good bye to Summer, we hope you enjoy the following images from this gorgeous summer wedding! Congratulations Julie and Ralph!
MIAMI WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Church: Plymouth Congregational Church
Venue: DoubleTree by Hilton Grand Hotel Biscayne Bay
Wedding Planner & Flowers : International Party Designers
Hair: Pinned by Jovie
Make-up: Looks by Ju
DJ/Entertainment: Infinity Sound Production
Transportation: Aralimo
Videography: Alex Martinez Films
Key Biscayne, FL | Engagement Session | Samantha + Patrick
Time and time again, we preach that engagement sessions are a great way for couples to get comfortable in front of the camera and for us, as wedding photographers, to get to know the couples a little bit before their wedding. This case is a little different, you see, I have known this bride her whole life! Samantha is my niece, my eldest sister’s first born, and one of my best friends for the past 25 years. She is so special to me and when I learned that she found that special someone to spend the rest of her life with, I was beyond thrilled. Patrick in his own right is a caring, handsome, and brilliant guy. Santy and I first got to meet him on a trip we all took to Savannah, GA and I was instantly sold that he and Samantha were made for each other.
Samantha and Patrick currently live in Atlanta – the same city where they first met. They are both big outdoorsy people so it was fitting to learn that Patrick proposed to her during a camping trip to Panther Creek which is in north Georgia. Once she said yes we all knew it was going to be an exciting year of wedding prep and events – starting with an engagement party! Their engagement party was held last month here in Miami where both sides of the family got to celebrate the newly engaged couple. It was also the perfect time to take advantage and capture some engagement photos in Samantha’s hometown. Santy was not going to pass up the opportunity!
Here in South Florida, there are so many amazing spots to take photos. Although Samantha and Patrick live in a cool city now, there is one thing that Atlanta is missing – the beach! Knowing that Samantha grew up by the coast (she is practically a mermaid), it was meaningful for her to do photos by the shore. We love the beaches in Key Biscayne for engagement sessions as it is often secluded and also offers different textures in the landscape with its rocks, mangroves, and of course the rolling waves. We had a lot of fun during their early morning shoot! Please enjoy a few of our favorites from their session and keep your eye out as we blog about part two of their engagement session in Atlanta!
WEDDING WELCOME DINNER IN CAPRI, ITALY | PETER + JOHN
For those of you who follow our photography blog, you know that we mostly showcase weddings, engagement sessions and our occasional family travel post. Today’s post hits close to my heart because it not only showcases an amazing event but it is also very personal to me. It celebrates the union of two phenomenal men that I love – my younger brother Peter and my new brother-in-law John! Santy was beyond honored to capture the multi-day events that all took place on the beautiful island of Capri, Italy.
We are excited to share highlights from their wedding day, but we thought it would be fitting to give you a peek into the events that preceded it.
We arrived in Capri by ferry where we took a cab up the mountain to the private villa we would be sharing with family for the week. This place looked like a dream! We all received the cutest welcome bags – designed by Auca Design who also designed all the invites and stationary - with all sorts of local treats and goodies inside. There was even a personalized ticket to be used for a complimentary gelato- yum! I am still reminiscing about waking up to breakfast on the terrace! The following day, Santy took advantage of the beautiful scenery at the villa to do portraits of Peter and John before heading to their welcome dinner. I may be very biased – but these two looked so handsome! They were extra dapper that day in their suits tailored by Pepi Bertini – located right here in Coral Gables, FL.
Peter and John’s welcome dinner was held the evening before the wedding and it was nothing short of spectacular! Perfectly executed by the talented team at Capri Moments, the welcome dinner took place at Ristorante Paolino Capri under a canopy of real lemon trees! Peter and John were greeted by music from a local folk band –Scialapopolo Capri - who were playing uplifting music as the couple walked into the venue. Almost eighty of us took a seat at one very long table exquisitely decorated in fresh tomatoes, herbs, daisy carnations and chili peppers! It was very Italian and very beautiful! Friends and family were treated to the most delicious Italian fare as the wine flowed. I lost count at the amount of courses served as it was all so good!
The night continued with good conversation, laughter, and then plenty of dancing! The folk band returned for an encore like no other! They performed with such gusto and enthusiasm that we were soon all on our feet ready to dance and shake our tambourines to the delightful music. It was the most perfect way to celebrate such a joyous occasion. What a beautiful display of love being love –that’s amore!
We hope you enjoy these images from Peter and John’s welcome dinner and stay tuned for more from their epic Italian wedding!
To Peter and John, we adore you! Grazie millie for trusting Photography by Santy Martinez to capture your amore.
Wedding at The Deering Estate | Miami Wedding Photographers
We just loved everything about Christine and Petr’s wedding day! As wedding photographers, we couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful fusion of two people from two wonderful backgrounds; Christine from Cuban descent and Petr from Russia. And with any union of two souls – there is the union of friends and family that make for a spectacular party! To say that we had a good time shooting their wedding day is a huge understatement!
Our day began with Christine at the historic Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables as she got ready with her parents and sister by her side. It was an intimate gathering of her immediate family as they helped their little girl get into her wedding gown. And what a wedding gown it was! Christine’s train was one of the longest and most stunning train’s we have ever seen. Seeing her dad’s face when he first saw his daughter as a bride was priceless.
The ceremony took place a short drive away at St. Brendan Catholic Church. Emotions were strong as both sides of the family witnessed the two become one during the traditional ceremony. The icing on the cake was the perfectly executed dip at the end! This was the perfect sign to all the guests that it was now time to party. As we stayed behind for family photos, the rest of the group made their way down south to the beautiful reception venue – the Deering Estate.
For those of you not familiar with the Deering Estate, it is one of South Florida’s most sought after wedding venues due to its historic elegance and beautiful natural surroundings. How do you enhance an already gorgeous space? You hire Events by Gigi and her expert eye in making your vision come to life. They say it’s all in the details and Gigi always delivers. From the exquisite center pieces from Flowers by Gerardo to the spectacular dessert table from Yummi Chori. Shooting all the details at this wedding was a wedding photographers dream! They even had their own draft bar tap where guests could serve themselves. Event Factor was there to keep the party moving as always and Black and Wine showed up to add that extra excitement during the Hora Loca. Our Photo-Booth was non-stop all night as guests grabbed a prop and posed for a fun pic! Most of all, the emotions and smiles were contagious. This group really knew how to celebrate. We would like to send our warmest wishes for a life of happiness for Christine and Petr as we ask you to take a peek at their beautiful wedding photos. Enjoy!
MIAMI WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Event Planner: Events by Gigi
Church: St. Brendan Catholic Church
Reception: Deering Estate
DJ: Event Factor
Catering: Yummi Chori
Flowers: Flowers by Gerardo
Cake: Divine Delicacies
Hora Loca: Black & Wine Events
Hair & Make-up: Beauty by Renata
Wedding - Trump National Doral Miami
We are thrilled to share images from Rania and Andy’s post-wedding shoot at the Trump National Doral. If you follow our blog, you may recognize these two as we shot their wedding day back in October. It truly was an extraordinary event! The weather, however, was a bit uncooperative that day. We were not going to let a little rain (ok, a lot of rain) get in the way of delivering a beautiful finished product. We reassured the bride and groom that we would come back another day for a post-wedding shoot. We hope this helped both Rania and Andy enjoy their big day without the worry of missing out on the pretty outdoor photos they envisioned. We think it worked because we were able to capture so many beautiful moments on their big day! The getting ready, the ceremony, the dances and all of those candid smiles – we hope they enjoy looking back at those memories.
We want to let all future brides and grooms know, if it rains on your wedding day and we are unable to get those shots we both want, keep in mind there is always the option to do a post-wedding session. We know it’s not always easy to get back into the gown with full hair and makeup or suit up once more, but it’s the least we could be done to make up for inclement weather. We are so happy that Rania and Andy decided to take advantage of a post-session. We went back to the Trump National Doral on a beautiful, sunny day. Rania looked radiant once again in her bridal gown and Andy looked as sharp as ever. It really helps that the camera loves these two – almost as much as we do! It was such a great opportunity to see them again and have a little fun around this stunning property. Their smiles are contagious – we hope they make you smile too! Please join us as we once more congratulate the newlyweds!
Wedding - Kimpton EPIC Hotel - Miami
Can we take a moment to gawk at this elegant and classic wedding that recently took place at the Epic Hotel in Miami? What an event! We absolutely love shooting at this beautiful venue. The city-scape backdrop set the stage for this romantic couple as they said “I do”, ate, danced, and celebrated the night away. Everything took place at the Epic Hotel from the getting ready to the ceremony, from cocktail hour to the reception. There was such a seamless transition from one event to the next, all thanks to the amazing staff and vendors.
It was truly our privilege to spend the day with Annabelle and Abner. Such a sweet couple! We met Annabelle at one of the Epic Hotel’s conference rooms where she was surrounded by all her girls. The excitement was becoming real as she sat in the makeup chair getting dolled up by the talented Sissi Hair and Make Up . Abner was not far away as he was getting ready with his best men by his side. It wasn’t long before they were both making their way to meet their guest for the ceremony. It was so lovely! Once they made it official, it was our turn to have a little fun taking them around the property for some portraits as guests enjoyed their cocktails.
The rest of the night was as simply exquisite. The décor was on point and set the ambiance for Annabelle and Abner to enjoy their first dance under sparkling lights. The party got started with music and lighting provided by Event Factor -always professional and always a pleasure to work with. It wasn’t long before guests were striking a pose at our Photobooth. We provided all the props while their friends and family provided the smiles! Everyone was having a great time. We truly enjoyed being part of their big day and we hope you join us in wishing Annabelle and Abner a happily ever after!
WEDDING AT HOTEL COLONNADE CORAL GABLES
The Hotel Colonnade in Coral Gables is a gorgeous venue to host a wedding reception. Evidence of this is the wedding of Adrienne and Daniel which we are excited to feature today on our photography blog. Expertly executed by the talents at Events by Gigi, this event was simply stunning. We at Photography by Santy Martinez had the distinct pleasure of capturing Adrienne and Daniel’s day from start to finish. From the getting ready to the end of the night, this wedding was magical.
We started off the day with Adrienne at the Hotel Colonnade. The enthusiasm in the suite was palpable! As she and her girls got ready, Santy and I had fun shooting all the little details – the rings, the shoes, the dress! We were sure not to miss a thing. Adrienne was looking beautiful as she and her girls were getting glammed up by the Makeup by Marz team before slipping into her wedding gown. What a gorgeous bride!
Daniel was looking sharp himself as he waited for his bride at St. John Neuman Catholic Church. His eyes lit up when he saw his bride for the first time! Friends and family witnessed the couple exchange their vows in a traditional ceremony. It was such a joyous moment surrounded by loved ones!
After the ceremony, everyone headed over to the Hotel Colonnade where they enjoyed cocktails before the party. As wedding photographers, we like to sneak the couple to the reception area before guests enter the space. These are always some of our favorite photos! Adrienne and Daniel had a moment to themselves to soak it all in. The rotunda never looked so fabulous! The high floral centerpieces by W&W Flowers and Events were on point. The stage was set for a night to remember. The rest of the night was perfectly executed as they ate, danced, and fell in love all over again. We hope you join us in congratulating this wonderful couple – we wish them a lifetime of happiness!
Wedding Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
The Bonnet House located in sunny Ft. Lauderdale has become a sought out wedding venue in South Florida for its historic and extraordinary architecture and its surrounding natural beauty. Situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, the Bonnet House stands on 35 acres of lush landscaping with the feel of a tropical oasis. This is where the beautiful Emily married her now husband Matthew and we were honored to be there to capture it all!
Although Emily and Matthew live in California, they decided to celebrate their wedding among friends and family back home in Florida. This was the first time we met the couple since they booked us as their wedding photographers over the phone from across the country, but it was an instant connection! They were both so sweet and fun. Their morning started at the Ft. Lauderdale Marriot Beach Resort where they both got ready to separately head over to the venue. Once at the Bonnet House, Matthew waited with his groomsmen as Emily slipped into her wedding gown in the upstairs bridal suite surrounded by her girls. It wasn’t long before we snuck them away for their first look. Away from everyone, the two had a private moment to see each other for the first time and it was truly special!
Guests had already been trickling in and began taking their seats at the ceremony site. They were all treated to a heartfelt exchange of vows. It was beautiful! Guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the Bonnet House’s lovely courtyard before they took a seat. The reception area was all about the details! It was a stunning setting for the new husband and wife to enjoy their first dances followed by toasts to the newlyweds. The rest of the evening was full of love, laughter and dancing!
Join us as we congratulate Emily and Matthew as you enjoy this sneak peek!
Seagate Hotel Wedding
We look through these images and see joy. The kind of joy that is pure and full. Amanda and Dermot’s wedding at the Seagate Beach Club was not only gorgeous in every way – the beach views, the ocean sounds, the sunset, the décor, the dress, the everything – but it was also a wedding full of laughter, tears, dancing and more dancing! The real beauty in this wedding was in the moments – the joy!
Amanda and Dermot wanted a wedding that was fun and upbeat more than anything else, and they totally did it right! Not only did they set the mood for the evening with their constant smiles and genuine laughter, but they welcomed all of their friends and family into a laid back environment that was cozy and chic all at the same time.
It was our first time shooting a wedding at the Seagate Beach Club in Delray Beach and we were instantly impressed. Just a relatively short drive north of Miami, this venue has the kind of vibe that you dream about when planning a beach wedding in South Florida. The setting was spectacular but what really sealed it for us was the staff – so friendly and accommodating. If we felt this way as the wedding photographers, we know that the guests were equally impressed by the service.
We were happy to capture all these special moments for this special couple. After all, we strive our best to tell the couple’s love story through our lens. We hope that when you look through the following images that you can also see the joy from that day. Our greatest wish is that when Amanda and Dermot look back at these photos five, ten, or twenty years from now – that all of those emotions and feelings flood back and bring a smile to their faces!
Wedding at Trump National Doral Miami
A wedding at the Trump Doral in Miami might just be the most picturesque way to say "I do". Surrounded by lush scenery and a warm, welcoming staff, it certainly was for this happy couple! We love capturing a wedding here – between the natural beauty of the venue itself and the romantic atmosphere it provides, we could take photos all day. From an idyllic ceremony to a post-wedding photo session in a sun-dappled courtyard full of blooming foliage, a Miami Wedding at Trump Doral definitely promised memories for years to come!
For couples that have a wedding day that doesn't go as planned due to bad weather, having a post-wedding session is always a great idea! This gives the bride and groom the chance to wear their wedding attire one more time and capture beautiful images in a more relaxed atmosphere. Whether you adore your wedding photos but are unhappy with the weather effects, or you simply love the idea of wearing wedding clothes again for fabulous photo opportunities, we highly recommend this option for any couple. The unique beauty of wedding photos taken after the big day will ensure you have something spectacular to remember your special moment by!
Discover heartwarming ways to include your beloved pet in your wedding day, from thoughtful planning tips to creative photo ideas that celebrate your unique bond.