Wedding Wish-List Wednesday: Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

As anyone who knows me can tell you, I am somewhat obsessed with Italy.  Italy is, to me, the epitome of romance, culture, and elegance.  Anything that evokes Italy catches my eye, and the beautiful Loews Portofino Bay Hotel in Orlando is no exception.  This place looks like a little bit of Italy settled right into the heart of Florida.  They bring the culture directly to you!

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is listed on 10Best.com as one of the most romantic hotels in Orlando.  Not surprising, considering its inspiration.

 

(photos courtesy of Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Orlando)

Portofino Bay Hotel believes in what is known in Italian as amore.  Their elegant Italian spaces say that, loud and clear.  Elegant, refined, and absolutely romantic.

They offer three luxurious ballroom to choose from for your wedding day, each beautiful and unique and ready to be custom-designed for the individual bride and groom's needs.

There is the Venetian Ballroom: "Soft hues line the ballroom space, which can be dressed to your preferences. Five bay windows overlook lush green foliage, and add natural light to your event."  The glittering Venetian glass chandeliers and Venetian wall sconces add that touch of Italian authenticity and create the perfect space for a large party.  I'd love to photograph a magnificent black-tie affair in this space.

Then there is the Ligurian Ballroom -- named for body of water which feeds the actual Portofino Harbor in Italy.  This ballroom has "a lively natural color palette, and is elegantly appointed with distinct crown molding, chair rails, tray ceilings and private foyer space."  Sounds fabulous to me!

And their third and grandest ballroom is the Tuscan Ballroom.  Spacious and sophisticated, this ballroom can accommodate at least 1,000 guests!  If you want an impressively large wedding, with everyone you know celebrating with you, I think this is definitely the place to do it!  "The décor features beautiful draperies, grapevine-design wall coverings, Tiffany-style chandeliers, and grand windows overlooking a small outdoor patio."  Sounds to me like this ballroom has everything.

The Portofino Bay Hotel does, of course, offer outdoor options as well.  The Villa Piazza is a versatile space on the property's lawn with views of the hotel itself as well as a simple little gazebo that can easily serve as a space for the wedding altar.

Their other outdoor option is the Citrus Piazza.  "This secluded courtyard is capped with a rustic, intricately designed gazebo and a graceful fountain. Located adjacent to the Venetian Ballroom, this space creates an easy flow from ceremony to cocktails and then to your reception."  Sounds like you even get the best of both worlds out of this space!  And I have always been a sucker for a gorgeous gazebo -- not to mention fountains, which are certainly essential in creating that true Italian feel.

I would definitely have to say that Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is a perfect option for those who, like myself, can't get enough of Italy.

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Are you planning your own Italian style wedding?  Get classic, artistic photography designed to focus on the romance of your wedding day.  Visit our website and book your wedding photos today!

Wedding Wish-List Wednesday: Atlantis Paradise Island

One of the great things about being in Florida is its proximity to the classic romantic getaway -- The Bahamas!

Today's wish-list venue is the elegant beach resort, Atlantis Paradise Island.  Just imagine having your wedding with the crystal-clear, strikingly blue waters of the Bahamas as a backdrop.  Soft white sands and a lush tropical environment offer the perfect mixture for a classic beach wedding.

(photos courtesy of Atlantis Paradise Island)

Atlantis has no shortage of fabulous beach locations to host your wedding.  In fact, most of their options are outdoor options, with only a few indoor venues -- including three ballrooms.

Their ballrooms -- the Imperial Ballroom, the Grand Ballroom, and the Crown Ballroom -- are all elegant, customizable spaces which can easily be transformed to your personal wedding vision.

But truly, why settle for an indoor space at all, when there are over 20 options for an ideal beach celebration?  After all, isn't it insulting to the Bahamas NOT to have a beach wedding?

So that is what Atlantis focuses on.  We can't waste a perfectly good beach, now, can we?

There is the beautiful West Beach, with its "breathtaking views of the Bahamian waters."

For smaller, more intimate celebrations, they have their beautiful Paradise Beach location.  "Tucked away just steps from the Reef and Cascades Pool, you'll find Paradise Beach.  Our most secluded beach location is picture perfect for an intimate sunset ceremony."  I do love a good sunset wedding.

My personal favorite option is the fabulous Cove Beach.   "Beyond the hustle and bustle of the resort lies Cove Beach.  Exchange your vows on soft white sands with the crystal blue waters of the Caribbean as your backdrop."  Sounds like the ultimate in romance to me.

If you don't want to get married directly on the beach itself, you can try other outdoor options offering the view without the actual sand.  You can try the Water's Edge, a more contemporary setting with a "charming seaside chapel," pavilion, and ocean-view deck looking out over palm trees and those famous waters.

There's the Baths Colonnade, a poolside venue with grand columns that comes complete with personalized uplighting, perfect for an evening reception.

And speaking of the pool, you can try Ripples.  "An enticing pool side experience perfect for large group dinners or reception style event. Dine al-fresco amongst beautiful Mayan style architecture and trickling waterfalls."

There is the Dig Deck, with its views of Paradise Lagoon.  Above that is the Royal Overlook.

Or there is the Ocean Overlook.   "Perched just above the powder white sands and crystal blue waters, Ocean Overlook provides a picturesque beach setting under a charming Gazebo."

And for those who enjoy something a little more elaborate and luxurious, there is the Royal Deck.

Atlantis Paradise Island really has everything you could possibly need for a grand beach destination wedding.  All beach weddings should be this amazing.

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Hosting your own beach wedding?  Get romantic, artistic photos to remember all the most wonderful moments of your Big Day.  Visit the website and book your wedding photography session today!

Wedding Wish-List Wednesday: Fontainebleau Miami Beach

When I think of Fontainebleau, the first thing that comes to mind is elegant French chateaus with classic architecture.

But Miami Beach's vision of Fontainebleau is rather different -- "a spectacular blend of Golden Era glamour and modern luxury."  This masterpiece of modern architecture offers a sleek, chic look with more than a dash of grandeur.  Glittering chandeliers, bold designs, and a mix of both sparkle and shine create a compelling blend of styles sure to capture the imagination.

(photos courtesy of Fontainebleau)

With a variety of customizable wedding options, the Fontainebleau is a uniquely exquisite venue.  They have multiple ballrooms featuring "floating ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and plentiful sweeping curves."  My personal favorite of these would have to be the dazzling Glimmer Ballroom.

With so much sparkle, and fantastic personalized lighting, this place is certainly eye-catching!

There is the spectacular Oasis Pool Deck, with a private island cabana surrounded by a pool.

Or for those worried about taking an accidental swim, there are beautiful lawns, perfectly manicured, complete with "tropical vistas and an oceanfront breeze."

And of course, there is always the classic route of opting for an actual beach wedding, with the Atlantic Ocean itself as a backdrop.

Whatever your pleasure, Fontainebleau will make sure you have your wedding in style!

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Every bride deserves to have her wedding memories captured and preserved in elegant style.  Come visit our website and book your photography package today!

Wedding Wish-List Wednesday: The Venetian NJ

I've been excited to start back up with my Wedding Wish-List series in the new year!  I have some great stuff coming up that I'm really looking forward to sharing with all of you.  Lots of elegance, luxury, and lavish fabulousness on the way.

As a destination photographer, I have toyed with the idea of doing a different state every week this year -- but that would honestly take up the entire year, and each state has so many great options!  I still have plenty more to explore just in Florida, and I don't want to take away from that, either.  But I will definitely be doing some research on great locations outside of the area to aim for.

I teased this on facebook the other day based on this awesome image I found on Instagram:

This is the fabulous Venetian in New Jersey.  A spectacular location if ever there was one.  I have not yet done a wedding in New Jersey, but I would take a wedding here in a heartbeat!

With rich Italian marble columns, cathedral ceilings, and elaborate chandeliers, this hotel provides a classic, timeless elegance perfect for any wedding.

There is the beautiful Grand Ballroom (of course):

This space is just lovely, isn't it?  The crystal chandeliers are gorgeous, the little nooks and corners provide details and great photo opportunities.  And I'm pretty sure that floor would be great to dance on!

But my favorite space is the Palazzo, which is featured in the Instagram shot above:

(all photos courtesy of venetiannj)

The ceiling is classically European, and that staircase is beyond gorgeous.

In addition to the on-site amenities, they can help you take care of all your other wedding needs as well, with superb vendors of all types.  You can get gorgeous professional lighting to create the perfect mood (a service I highly recommend for pretty much any wedding), fantastic wedding cakes, jewelry, limos, catering...the works.

Is it any wonder I am eager to photograph a wedding in such a place?

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If you're planning your own destination wedding, I would love to be a part of capturing your most beautiful memories!  Visit my website and book your wedding today!

Wedding Wish-List Wednesday: Christmas Wedding

As anyone who knows me will tell you, I am a HUGE fan of Christmas!  I love it, absolutely love it.  The trees (I only get a REAL tree, thank you very much), the ornaments, the wreaths, the mistletoe, the carols...sleigh rides, hot chocolate, holiday lights, Santa Claus, greeting cards, nativities...  Oh my goodness, the list could go on.

And yet, I still have not managed to photograph a Christmas themed wedding.

This is just shameful.  I don't know how this has slipped through the cracks.

So today, I raided my Pinterest board and I thought I'd share a few (a VERY few) of my favorite ideas for Christmas weddings, and maybe one of these days some lucky bride will find me and we'll say, 'Oo, Christmas!  Isn't Christmas the best?' and we'll have way too much fun.

Try a cozy, warm, inviting setting.

Maybe with a gazebo:

 (photo courtesy of Brett Gross)

With a beautiful holiday-inspired bouquet:

And as I said, I do love ornaments!

So why not combine the ideas and use a bouquet MADE out of ornaments?!

There's some beautiful ways you can do your settings as well:

Or try this one:

(photo courtesy of Belle Photography)

And I am absolutely LOVING these holiday jars!

And then there's this truly amazing wedding cake:
(I mean, I don't think you could get any more perfect than that...)

And have some chocolate-covered strawberries as well!  Christmas is definitely the time for sweets.

And sip champagne from these awesome flutes!

I do love winter wedding themes:

And I can't quite decide WHICH of these I like best!

Or, ya know...you can just go all-out luxury and elegance to create a winter wonderland dripping in light and frost and magic:

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Hosting your own lavish winter wedding?  Get the gorgeous photos to match!  Come visit my website and set up your photography today!

Wedding Wish-List Wednesday: Eau Balm Beach Resort

"Intimate or lavish, quiet or festive -- perfect for an intimate wedding reception or a glistening ceremony..."

That is what today's Wish-List wedding venue boasts for their brides.

Florida's stunning and luxurious Eau Palm Beach Resort has it all, from three exquisite ballrooms to private ocean cabanas.

(photo courtesy of Eau Balm Beach Resort)

There's the magnificent Grand Ballroom, with its SIX Austrian crystal chandeliers -- absolutely perfect for a glittering reception to celebrate your special day on a grand scale.

Bring a little more intimacy into your celebration by choosing the smaller Plaza Ballroom.  Smaller, yes, but just as gorgeous.

Of course, this is Florida, and what Florida wedding would be complete without an ocean-front view?  To that end, Eau Palm Beach has their Ocean Ballroom -- with an oceanfront terrace looking out on the beautiful Atlantic.

If you really want to get into the beach feeling -- without that pesky sand getting everywhere -- Eau's beachfront cabanas provide a great space for an intimate and memorable wedding.  Or get married in the beautiful courtyard, with the beautiful tranquility pool.

Whatever your pleasure, Eau Palm Beach will help you customize your wedding to perfection!

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Planning your own luxury wedding in Florida?  Get beautiful photos to remember your Big Day!  Come visit my website and book today!

Today's Wish-List

As this is a holiday weekend, I shall dispense with the usual Wedding Wish-List Wednesday.

Instead, I would wish for joy to all for this Thanksgiving.  May it be a day filled with love, laughter, and family.  This is the start of a joyous season of giving, and I hope that people will take it as such.  The holiday season is honestly my favorite time of year.  And I love that it begins with a day in which we express gratitude.

I would also wish for safety for everyone traveling.  No one wants to spend their holiday in the hospital, guys!  Be courteous and cautious on the road, and remember that everyone just wants to get to their families.  Spread the love, this day should be all-encompassing.

And, in the spirit of the season, I would like to express my own gratitude.  I have so many gifts and blessings in my life.  I am surrounded by loving friends who have become like family to me.  I have a fabulous family!  And I miss them often, I don't get to see them nearly as often as I'd like.  I have a job I love, a good home, and food on the table.  I am healthy, I am happy, and I have many opportunities to do new things and enrich my life.

What are you grateful for this Thanksgiving, my friends?  And what do you wish?  Please share.