W Miami & Rubell Museum Wedding

Elizabeth and Dave did two weddings. Dream Wedding #1, and Dream Wedding #2. In actuality, they did a local Toronto wedding, the slightly more “traditional” way, and a slightly more non-traditional party in Miami, Florida, where they have a part-time home set up. Being able to have the same photographer for both events was a priority for them, and they are the perfect example of why it always should be. Having done their official ceremony at home one week prior, I was already immersed into everything you need to be immersed in as a documentary photographer. Their families and friends had already embraced me, their relationship was already familiar, and with everyone at ease, the best candids moments can be captured. By the time I got to Miami, I knew we were in for one hell of a party. Likely one of the most fun ones I’ve ever had the pleasure of capturing. I still cannot believe they trusted me to be the one to do it.

The day started at the W Hotel South beach, one of chicest hotels in the area. Ahead of time, I researched possible photo ops, and immediately knew I needed to prioritise portraits in two main spots: the pool, and the tennis court. And they did not disappoint. It was sunny but breezy and not sizzling, everything you could want from Miami weather, which made the portraits and the indoor/outdoor reception so pleasant (you just never know with Florida forecasts).

After picking my jaw off the floor following their hotel portraits, we carpooled to downtown Miami to the incredibly cool Rubell Museum, where their ceremony would take place. Attached is Jon & Vinny’s, and Italian joint with its signature kelly green pizza boxes lining the walls, the perfect eclectic touch. The ceremony was officiated by a friend, with the symbolic re-exchanging of rings amongst their friends and family. The centrepiece for their “alter” - a Keith Haring piece titled (I think) The Dancing Love Heart. Precious AND cool!

What followed their ceremony is what I can only describe as an indefinite cocktail hour. Everyone mingled, drank, ate catered pizza and chicken parmigiana, laughed, and eventually, partied. No rigid structure, just a couple speeches, a champagne tower and a casual cake cutting. My kind of shindig. Also, everyone absolutely understood the assignment and came dressed in the most fabulous combination of tropical or colourful inspired fashion. I had a field day capturing candids of everyone’s attire. Speaking of, after Liz’s secondary outfit change, we wandered quickly through the now-closed museum for a few more iconic portraits. One thing about photographing in that infamous mirror room is that you will be photoshopping a few reflected versions of yourself out. Just as a heads up.

This wedding kicked off my wedding season on such an incredible high note. It was a passionate reminder from the universe that the sky really is the limit with this job, and I’m the luckiest girl to get to do it. Until we meet again, Miami!

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VENDORS:

Photography: Cara Chapman

Planner: Ro Creative CO

Bridal Dresses: Grace Loves Lace, and Cult Gaia

Ceremony Venue: Rubell Museum

Reception: Jon &Vinny’s

Makeup + Hair: The Clyque

Floral: Cloud 9

A/V: DJ Peoples

Prints: Paper Damsels

Rentals: Rumba Rentals

Film Scans: C41 Film Labs