Some wedding days just feel like sunshine – and that’s exactly how it was for Marissa and Randal’s Clearwater Beach wedding at Shephard’s Beach Resort. The entire day was full of laughter, genuine connection, and the kind of easygoing happiness that reminds you what love is all about.
A Destination Wedding Filled With Family and Sunshine
Marissa and Randal live in Michigan, but they dreamed of saying I do with their toes in the sand and the ocean as their backdrop. So they planned a destination wedding in Clearwater, Florida, surrounded by their closest family and friends who traveled to celebrate with them at Shephard’s Beach Resort.
To make the day even more special, their wedding date also happened to be Randal’s birthday – (26th I think but don’t quote me on that lol) talk about a perfect way to celebrate!
The Heart of Their Day: Family and Their Sweet Son Scotty
One of the sweetest parts of the day was their adorable 8-month-old son, Scotty. He was full of smiles from the moment the day began and quickly became the star of the show. Every time he giggled, or did that huge open mouth smile, everyone around him lit up. It was easy to see just how loved this little guy is. Because I honor the wishes of my clients about what not to post on social media you won’t be seeing any photos of him. But just know, there are DOZENS. And they are all So SO so cute. Hahah
From Family Photos to “I Do”
I first met Marissa and Randal a couple of years ago when they reached out for family photos at Fort Island Trail Beach in Crystal River, FL. Even back then, I could tell they were something special – a loving couple with the kind of chemistry that makes photographing them so natural and fun. Clearly, they are best friends and it’s a wonderful thing to be best friends with your spouse. It’s not happy wife, happy life. It’s happy spouse, happy house. IYKYK lol So when Marissa contacted me about capturing their wedding day, I couldn’t have been more excited.
A Celebration Full of Personality and Laughter
Randal has a personality that lights up a room. He’s definitely the class clown type, always ready with a funny face, a goofy gesture, or a playful joke that keeps everyone laughing. During their first dance, he even surprised everyone by planning a “fall” into their routine – it was classic Randal and had everyone cracking up! Pretty sure all the guests expected nothing less.
Marissa, on the other hand, was the picture of calm. She was one of the most laid-back brides I’ve ever worked with – easygoing, relaxed, and simply focused on soaking in every moment. “Just tell me what to do type” and I loved that. She fully trusted me and together, they balance each other perfectly.
The Beauty of a Beachfront Celebration
The setting at Shephard’s Beach Resort in Clearwater Beach couldn’t have been more perfect. The ocean shimmered under the afternoon sun, palm trees swayed in the gentle breeze, boats and jet skis buzzing by and the couple exchanged vows surrounded by family, laughter, and love. The Florida sunset painted the sky in warm tones, creating a breathtaking backdrop for portraits that we’ll all remember forever.
The way the light glistened through the windows during their first dance – complete with a romantic “dancing on a cloud” moment – was one of the most magical parts of the evening. Probably my favorite to photograph after the sunset photos. They skipped the usual reception games and cake-smashing traditions, choosing instead to spend the night mingling with guests, sipping drinks, and enjoying the warm Florida breeze by the fire lanterns outside. It was relaxed, joyful, and filled with so much genuine connection as they danced off and on with family all night long.
Final Thoughts
Capturing Marissa and Randal’s wedding day was such a heartwarming experience. Every smile, every laugh, every playful moment with baby Scotty told the story of a couple who truly cherishes life and each other.
Marissa and Randal, thank you for letting me and Olivia be a part of your beautiful Clearwater celebration. Here’s to a lifetime of laughter, sunshine, and sweet family memories together.
If you’re planning your own Clearwater Beach wedding or Florida destination celebration, I’d love to help you capture those once-in-a-lifetime moments with the same warmth and joy.
👉 [Inquire about your wedding photography here!]
With Love,
Taylor & Olivia | Wombs to weddings Photography
