Early Planning, Big Dreams

Maddy reached out to me in early 2024 with the news of her wedding set for November 2025. Talk about the perfect amount of notice! When clients reach out this far in advance, it’s truly a gift. It allows us to dive deep into every detail, take the time to explore their unique vision, and really bring their dream day to life. I absolutely love getting to connect with clients who value this level of planning, as it lets us create a wedding day that is as seamless as it is unforgettable.

The Engagement Session at the Ringling Museum

Maddy and Jacob’s engagement session was nothing short of stunning. We decided to meet at the Ringling Museum, one of my all-time favorite places to capture love stories. The museum’s unique architecture, lush greenery, and historical charm add a layer of elegance to any shoot.

If you’re considering a photography engagement session at the Ringling, it’s definitely doable—there is a $300 fee required by the museum, but I promise the experience and resulting images are well worth it. The setting truly elevates each moment, and Maddy and Jacob’s session was the perfect example of that! 

Capturing Radiant Love

We started our session beneath the towering, almost hundred-year-old banyan trees, their sprawling roots and cascading branches creating a dreamy, storybook-like setting. The sunlight filtering through the leaves added a magical touch, setting the perfect tone for the rest of the shoot. Surrounded by history and nature’s beauty, every moment felt timeless. Maddy and Jacob’s love radiated as we moved from the banyans to the Ca’d’Zan, the Ringling’s Venetian Gothic mansion. This setting added a stunning view of the Sarasota Bay. 

We made our way to the museum’s iconic courtyard, where statues, arches, and pink tones frame the space, adding a classic touch to the photos. Maddy and Jacob’s connection was effortless to capture—they simply couldn’t stop smiling, and it’s clear they share something truly special. 

After capturing timeless engagement portraits at the Ringling Museum, we headed to Siesta Key Beach Access 8 for a fun and adventurous second location. Getting there was an experience in itself—we found ourselves walking through two inches of murky water, unsure of the right path, and laughing the whole way. But once we arrived, it was absolutely worth it!

Unlike the usual sunset beach sessions, we embraced the bright mid-day light, which highlighted the stunning white sand and coastal charm of Siesta Key. The real highlight? A set of sailboats resting on the shore, which we used as unique props for Maddy and Jacob to sit on and lean against, adding a laid-back, nautical touch to their gallery. To make the moment even sweeter, they brought their playful pup, Goose, who happily explored alongside them. The combination of historic elegance at the Ringling Museum and the coastal beauty of Siesta Key Beach made for the perfect engagement session, and I can’t wait to see how their love story unfolds on their wedding day.

Counting Down to Their Big Day

With now a little less than a year to go, I’m thrilled to continue working closely with Maddy and Jacob as we plan out every detail. This early planning gives us room to fine-tune, dream big, and create something magical. I can’t wait to watch these two get married! 

If you’re dreaming of a session in a location as stunning as this—or anywhere that feels special to you—let’s make it happen! Reach out, and let’s start planning your perfect engagement session or Florida wedding! 🥂✨💍