Weddings – A whole new life

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

Some weddings are elegant. Some are romantic. But this one? Julie and Cody’s wedding at The Packing House at Sugarcane Farms in Crystal River, Florida was an absolute blast from start to finish. It was the perfect celebration of two adventurous souls doing things their way.

I’ve had the honor of photographing Julie’s family for nearly a decade, starting with her first daughter’s newborn session. (How is she almost eight already?) Since then, I’ve captured just about every milestone in her life. From maternity photos in a street-legal golf cart in St. Augustine to a wild airboat engagement session, to her mom’s wedding, family photos and more. Every shoot with Julie and Cody has been something fun, fresh, and full of personality.

So when she told me she was planning to wear a black wedding dress and throw a party that broke all the traditional rules, I knew it was going to be unforgettable.

First Time Shooting at The Packing House at Sugarcane Farms

This was my first time shooting a wedding at The Packing House at Sugarcane Farms, and I hope it’s the first of many. The venue is tucked away in Crystal River, FL, and it’s a true hidden gem. It blends rustic charm with natural beauty, and the entire day was filled with joyful, hyped energy. Secretly hoping these photos make it on to their gallery page of their website because I would love to book more weddings here.

The weather was breezy, and a little moody but without a drop of rain, (Thank goodness) which matched the couple’s black, beige and terracotta vibe perfectly.

Ashley, the venue owner, was amazing to work with. Such a sweetheart, that truly loves helping couples have their dream wedding days. She’s created a space that feels both down-to-earth and thoughtfully designed with eclectic, antique style. But really every vendor was a rockstar at this wedding. The hair and make up was done ahead of schedule, which always significantly impacts me. Alexis the wedding coordinator was so helpful every step of the night. It was the ideal setting for a wedding that threw tradition out the window and focused on fun.

A Wedding Full of Personality

From the moment I arrived, the entire vibe was pure fun. Julie and Cody didn’t want the traditional “white glove” wedding day – they wanted a party, an experience, and a celebration of who they are. Truly a night that friends and family will be talking about for months.

Instead of a candle-lighting or sand ceremony, these two took a shot together as their unity moment (how perfect is that?). Later, they made their grand entrance into the reception by shotgunning beers, setting the tone for one of the most energetic and laughter-filled receptions I’ve ever photographed.

And if that wasn’t enough? They each got tattoos at their wedding. Yep, you read that right. Julie now has a letter “C” and Cody has a letter “J”—a permanent, inked-in celebration of their love story.

Why I Loved Capturing This Day

As a wedding photographer in Florida, I live for weddings like this. Weddings where the couple makes the day completely their own. Weddings filled with laughter, inside jokes, belly-laughs, hugs, and a whole lot of dancing.

Julie and Cody gave me so much to work with. Candid moments happened around every corner. Friends filled the dance floor, drinks in hand, under the glow of chandeliers. The energy never dropped — just pure celebration, start to finish.

There’s something powerful about seeing a couple toss tradition to the side and celebrate in a way that actually feels like them. It’s the kind of wedding that reminds me why I do what I do.

Final Thoughts

Julie and Cody, thank you for letting me be a part of your story again. Watching your lives unfold in front of my lens over the years has been one of the biggest honors of my career. Your wedding was full of heart, joy, and completely unfiltered fun. You inspire everyone around you to live boldly and love loudly. I love you both with my whole heart and while this in some ways feels like the perfect ending to our relationship as client to photographer, I really hope it isn’t and you keep inviting me back into the legacy of your lives over and over until one of us dies. Hahah.

If you’re planning a wedding in Crystal River or anywhere in Florida, and you’re dreaming of a day that breaks the mold and truly reflects you, let’s talk. I specialize in capturing weddings that are real, raw, and anything but traditional. Whether you’re shotgunning beers at your reception or rocking a black wedding dress, I’m here for it — and ready to document every wild, emotional, unforgettable moment.

Until the next adventure,
Taylor | Wombs to weddings Photography
Florida Wedding Photographer | Crystal River, St. Augustine, and Beyond

Photographer | Wombs to weddings Photography

Venue | The Packinghouse at Sugarcane Farms, LLC

Wedding planner | Keep it Calm events (Alexis)

Dj | Elite sounds

Hair | The hair house

Make up | Alexis Young

Bakery | Jen’s sweet treats

Catering | Gourmet affair