Your Guide to Fun and Unique Engagement Photos: Advise from a Bradenton, Florida Photographer

“How can I make my engagement pictures unique?”

As a photographer who has been in the wedding industry for 8 years in the East Cost, I have seen all the classic engagement photos, and they have wowed me! But if you're here, you've likely seen the same images. You want an engagement shoot that's different, new, something that shows off your personality. And I get it! Your relationship is unique, and you want your photographs to emulate that fact.

But what can you do with your photographer to stand out? What else is there to do other than running on the beach hand in hand? (no shade to this style - these can be timeless). Let's get into the different ways to make your engagement shoot uniquely yours. 

1. Treat Your Engagement Shoot Like a Magazine Editorial.

   Engagement photos often look the same because photographers/couples all come from the same Pinterest-inspired perspective. Subconsciously, as humans, we are influenced by what we see online in the form of Instagram influencers and TikTok trends. There isn't anything wrong with this, but as someone who considers herself a non-traditional photographer in the Bradenton, Florida, area, I try to look at my shoots like an Editorial. I take inspiration from the same platforms, but I don't follow other photographers. I love following Interior design, editorial fashion brands, graphic designers, and more. Anything that's not wedding industry-related. Here's a look at some of my current favorite Pins:

Think outside the box and get playful!

2. Try Shooting In Unlikely Places. 

STOP going to popular shoot locations; instead, find spots around town that are overlooked. Think of a vacant tennis court, a gas station, or a fast-food restaurant. Here are some examples of locations I've photographed with various backdrops: 

Untraditional Engagement Ideas

You can also personalize your location to your interests. Go to your favorite restaurant, park, or store. Again, it's all about playing with concepts and breaking the rules of normality.  don't even have to go far for this. I shot this couple at their apartment complex: 

3. Try Shooting at Different Times of the Day or Night.

Speaking of breaking the rules, why does every engagement session have to be during golden hour? There's sunrise, Mid-afternoon, blue hour, and even at night! If your photographer is experienced, they'll be able to shoot any time of day or night.

For example - the night is a great time to shoot downtown in cities where there is a better concentration of lighting/neon signage. I have Anna Maria Island, Sarasota's Rosemary District, and St Petersburg close by. This lighting can look edgy or romantic, depending on the shooter's style.  

4. Do Your Engagement Shoot With Film or Polaroids.

Film is popular as we become nostalgic for the late 90s/early 2000s. As a photographer with a background in film photography, the hype lives up to its street cred. However, it can be expensive! This is why I'm now offering Polaroid-only shoots. This is a perfect option for anyone wanting an intimate, non-intimidating experience. Not to mention, polaroids are a rush! Think about it. You get to see your images develop right before your eyes. Take a look here: 

5. Pick a Capable Photographer.

There are SO many photographers online offering their photography services. However, it can be challenging to gauge a photographer's experience level based on their Instagram feed. Make sure to vet your photographer by asking to see a gallery or two they've done for past clients. Really look at their images. Do they align with your style/standard of photography? 

My business word for the year 2025 is PlAyFuL, so if you're looking for an engagement shoot that's unique, fun, and speaks to you and your partner, I'm ready to help! But what if you're still not sure what type of Engagement shoot you want? I'll help by asking questions and offering various concepts. Planning your photo shoot will be a tailored, enjoyable experience with the right photographer. Just remember to: 

Break the rules of normality, show off your personality, and have FUN.

Wedding Planning 101: Where to Start and What to Do First

Congratulations, You're engaged!

You've popped the champagne, facetimed friends and family with the news, and gushed all over social media about the love of your freaking' life. Once those happy endorphins settle, you realize you now have to plan when and what your wedding or elopement will be. Suddenly, you're at a loss for where to start; what now?! 😱 You've never gotten married before(or maybe not in the same decade), and now you're expected to orchestrate one of the most significant life events! Don't worry, babe; let's talk about how and where to start planning. 

A quick note: As a tri-state photographer for Florida, Connecticut, and California, I will focus on wedding averages from these three states. Between the three states is a fair representation of potential costs for couples. 

1. Figure Out Your Wedding Budget

Ah yes, everyone’s favorite topic! It's essential to start here, as it affects the rest of the planning process. First, let's discuss the averages for weddings in Florida, Connecticut, and California.

Average for all three states: 

Florida: $34,000

Connecticut: $44,000

California: $41,000

While the article doesn't include a guest count, I assume this average is based on a 150-person list. Speaking of guest lists, what's the average per guest in each state?

Averages per person, per state: 

Connecticut: $447 

Florida: $241

California: $395 

(while this data is based on a 66 guest count during the pandemic, the cost is in line with other statistics.) 

Average vs. Median C of weddings:

You might be thinking to yourself, “Whoa, Phoebe, that is way too much! I could never afford the cost of the average wedding 😳!” And to that, I say you don’t have to. Remember, this is an average, not the median cost.

Whatever amount you decide to spend on your wedding does not have to follow any “set guidelines” based on an average or median “cost per couple.” What does matter is that you and your partner are in synce when it comes to costs.

Before looking into vendors,

you and your partner should have a number in your mind to keep you on track. Once you've set your budget, don't hesitate to be upfront with vendors and ask questions about their packages.  

Keep in mind that almost 50% of couples go over budget with their wedding, so it's wise to have a "cost goal" and a firm number you won't go over. For example, "Our goal is to keep costs under $25,000, and our max budget is $30,000". This gives you some breathing room for unexpected expenses! 

2. Decide Between Eloping, a Micro Wedding, or a Traditional Wedding

The best part about getting married in today's internet-connected world is that there is no "right way" to get married. While you might have family expectations to contend with, you will find that there is plenty of advice, support, and representation online for going off the beaten path. It's ultimately up to you and your partner to decide what's most important to you! To help clarify your options, here's some guidelines: 

Elopements: 

This can mean anything from going to your local courthouse to tie the knot or traveling in(or out)of the country for what's called an "adventure elopement." People often use their elopement as their chance to travel to a dream destination. Elopements are frequently just the couple, but these days a small(under 10 people in my Elopement Package) group of nearest and dearest sometimes come along for the ride! 

Small Weddings: 

This is a wedding that can be local or a destination and is a small, intimate gathering of less than 50 guests. Often, the day of events is like a typical wedding, but couples have a chance to host in a smaller venue, such as a restaurant, instead of a large wedding banquet hall. Small weddings are great for couples wanting a fun party with fewer costs involved. 

Traditional Weddings: 

This is the most well-known wedding type, with an average of 150 guests. Traditional weddings usually follow a timeline of getting ready, formal pictures, ceremony, cocktail hour, reception with dances, cake cutting, dinner, and dancing. 

There is always room to start new traditions and create a unique experience for you/your guests when getting hitched, but each celebration will require a different amount of effort and/or money. Once you decide on your type of wedding, you can start on your guest list!

Personally, I offer to shoot every type of event; Find out more HERE.

3. Pick a Date & Venue

Once your guest list is figured out and you have a rough estimate of people, you're ready to start talking dates! Here are a few questions to ask each other when planning your date/venue: 

• Where are you/your guests most centrally located? 

• Do you want to travel or keep it local?

• Do you have a preferred season you'd like to get married in?

• What will your work/personal life allow for time off?

Once you have answered these questions, you can bring out your calendars and set a date. Selecting upwards of 3 potential days is helpful as you tour venues and inquire about their availability. If you're interested in a cost-effective option, ask about the venue's weekday/Sunday wedding pricing, as they're usually discounted. If you're getting married in the US, research national holidays that take place during the week and schedule your wedding the day before! 

4. Discuss Top Priorities for Your Wedding/Elopement

Now that you have a budget for your nuptials, it's time to talk about vendor priorities. You might be surprised where you and your partner align and differ! You could both write out your top 3-5 wants and discuss your choices. Ask these questions to figure out what's best for your love story: 

• What would having these vendors at my wedding/elopement look like on our day? 

• Why do I want that experience over prioritizing other vendors? 

• (If you've attended other weddings) what parts of it did you really love, and what didn't you care for? 

• Why did your partner choose something similar or different?

• Are we investing in vendors we align with, or are we doing it because of what we've been told to prioritize? 

You'd be surprised how this conversation can help you realize what truly matters to you and what's expected from the outside.

Flowers by Arms of Persephone

5. Choose Your First Vendors Based on Your Priorities 

Once you know your and your partner's main priorities, it's time to start searching for your preferred vendors. Especially if you have a specific business in mind, you'll want to reach out to them as soon as you secure a date(especially if that date is during a vendor's busy season). What if you have no idea what vendors are in your area? I suggest 1. Looking on Instagram, 2. Asking friends and family, 3. Utilizing Google search. 

As a photographer, I'm going to let you in on a secret: Wedding-specific sites/blogs are only going to show you vendors who pay to get on the front pages of those sites. The Knot has even gone as far as to swindle their clients from Macy’s to mom-and-pop shops, even if they pay to be on the top page! There isn't anything wrong with choosing a popular vendor on a "top ten list," but you could be missing out on other local vendors that are a better fit for you and your partner. 

6. Tune Out People and Social Media

This is often a draining part of planning your wedding/elopement. Loved ones, while excited for you and well-intentioned, can sometimes have strong opinions about how your day "should" look and who "should" be invited. This is often based on expectations and maintaining traditions. So ask yourself, "Are these traditions meaningful to me?" "Will I be sad if x person isn't invited?" If the answer is no, then you have no obligation to change your plans. 

This can be challenging if your family is offering to help pay(especially for weddings). However, you are ultimately the decider of your day, and sometimes, that means setting boundaries with family or refusing financial help if it's putting too much stress on you.  

Another aspect is social media pressure. Scrolling through Pinterest for five minutes, it's easy to start feeling like you're missing out or not doing enough. Platforms such as TikTok and Instagram are designed to make you feel like less and want more. So please utilize muting accounts, unfollowing content creators, or even uninstalling apps that make you feel less than.

I hope this helps jump-start your wedding or elopement journey on a positive note! Remember, this day is about focusing on your love and those who love you; the rest is just details. Interested in getting to know my photography process for your big day? Reach out below to chat! 

Your Ultimate Guide to Eloping on Anna Maria Island: Tips, Venues, and Vendors

Why Elope on Anna Maria Island?

Ever Wish You Could Get Married on a Small Island? No big crowds, only you and your closest loved ones? The beach at your back and palm trees swaying in the breeze as you say your nuptials? Well, have I got the spot for you!

Why People Choose Anna Maria Island for Their Destination Elopement

Anna Maria Island is one hour south of Tampa, Florida, on the Gulf Coast of Mexico. It’s known for its seven miles of beach, small-town vibes, and quaint, idyllic attractions. Over the last 15 years, it has transformed from a sleepy island to a metropolis of visitors and businesses. While developers have also discovered AMI, this island still maintains a "small island charm" you can immerse yourself in.

But wait, wasn't Anna Maria Island in the line of Helene & Milton's path? Yes, sadly, it was. However, as I post this on November 28th, the water has turned back into its beautiful light aqua. Businesses and rentals alike are opening back up every week! While cleanup on the Island is ongoing, Anna Maria has already opened its roads and beaches for the public.

Now, Let's discuss the charms that Anna Maria Island offers prospective Wedding/Eloping couples!

Reasons to Elope on Anna Maria Island

A Small Guest List Makes Eloping Easier

Eloping on a small Island means a small guest list (if any). Having a destination elopement is a great way to let your friends and family down easy about not being invited to your elopement. Family politics can be challenging, but what's easy is escaping to a small island to relax and enjoy the whole experience with the people you choose.

Anna Maria Island has Rentals Options

Since you're keeping your elopement small, your rental choices on the Island are wide open! A small business such as Lizzie Lu's Island Retreat offers homes that accommodate anywhere from 1 to 5 bedrooms (most are pet-friendly)! One fun option is renting bigger homes close together, such as The Sand Castle and Southern Bell Duo. The Sand Castle is a historic house built in the 1920s and was repaired to its former glory in 2015. It's a beautiful photo-op. Southern Bell, the Sand Castle's modern beach house neighbor, holds upwards of 8 people. Both offer spacious rooms and private heated pools. These homes are two doors away from local beach access.

You Can Have a Beach Ceremony on AMI

With the Island just a rock's skip away, why not have a unique wedding ceremony right by the ocean! But what about seating? As long as your guests are able-bodied, you can have them stand. Want your guests to feel cozy and upscale? Picnic rentals such as Sandy Toes, Posh Picnic Co., and Sunshine Concierge Partners offer picnic rentals that are equipped to accommodate each guest. You could also make it casual by having your guests bring beach chairs/towels.

Easy Transportation Around Anna Maria Island

One unglamorous thing AMI deals with is traffic, but have no fear! The Island has options to get around. Especially if you elope before March, the Island is still technically in its "off-season" (this is a good thing regarding island traffic). Once the busy season hits (March-July), it's best to rent an e-bike or go-cart/Gem car. Want to get really acquainted with Island time? Take the local free trolley that runs through the island morning, noon, and night. Want to party it up and get a lil' wild? The Monkey Bus is a taxi service that allows drinking on board while providing music and karaoke! (I can personally attest this is a highlight of the Island!).

How Eloping on Anna Maria Island Supports Local Recovery

Eloping on AMI means you're giving local businesses and employees a chance to recover after a dismal experience. While you enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime trip, you will do so while supporting hurricane victims, thus helping the Island get back on its sandy, shoeless feet. Now THAT'S a good use of your money.

Best Food and Wedding Vendors on Anna Maria Island

Top Vendors for Eloping on Anna Maria Island

AMI has highly recommended local wedding vendors that provide beautiful/modern options to its islanders. Salon Salon does hair and nail services in a Chic salon atmosphere right on the Island! Local Bradenton, FL, florist Kinspoke provides romantic and earthy floral designs. Cheesecake Cutie desserts have vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free options, all while maintaining delicious quality. Want food to be catered at your wedding? Los Chiludos serves mouth-watering Mexican cuisine. Are you looking to have a private dinner out? The Beach House Waterfront Restaurant and Sandbar Restaurant offer spaces for you to host your party while offering fresh local dishes with a sunset view.

Where to Eat on Anna Maria Island During Your Elopement

If you choose to go out for most meals, you are going to eat well! Spots like Skinnys, Ginny and Jane E’s, The Donut Experiment, and Gelato Go are classic food visits for a day out on the town. Are you looking for a night out? Stop by The Doctors Office for cocktails and The Shore for an upscale yet relaxed restaurant experience. Want something novel and laidback? The Daiquiri Deck is a frozen drink heaven with frozen cocktaails like "Banana Slider" and "Electric Lemonade."

The Natural Beauty of Anna Maria Island for Eloping

There is also beauty in the broken, imperfect parts of the Island. As a photographer who considers herself non-traditional, I find the changed landscape compelling for unique and thought-provoking imagery. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and this unique Island deserves appreciation for its valiant attempt to restore it and its inhabitants so far. Life is messy, love is messy, and natural disasters are messy. What's truly beautiful about life is celebrating love no matter the circumstances. The Island is still a unique place; it just needs visitors who love it as is.

Hire a Local Photographer for Your Anna Maria Island Elopement!

If you were to hire me (for the love of Florida, do this!), you would have a local guide who has ties to this lovely Island. I can also direct you to neighboring cities like Sarasota & St Petersburg that offer excellent day trip and night-out options.

Reach out here to contact Phoebe C. Photography for your custom wedding photography package, and look here for starting prices for your wedding/elopement day. I look forward to hearing from you and hopefully seeing you enjoy Anna Maria Island life! Long live AMI. 🌺

The Charms and Perks of Choosing a Non-Traditional Wedding Venue: A Look Inside Metro Bis Restaurant in Simsbury, CT

The Un-traditional Wedding Venue:

In front of 40 friends, family, and their dog Drax, Jessie and Austin married at Metro Bis Restaurant in Simsbury, Connecticut. This New England venue is considered "Untraditional" for weddings as it is a multi-use space. Let's talk about what there is to love about un-traditional venues and what this one offers New Englanders!

Overall, there are so many reasons to love un-traditional wedding venues, let's talk about it using Metro Bis as an example:

It's easier to book your dream wedding date.

Austin and Jessie decided to get married in a short time frame(we're talking under 5 months), and Metro Bis had availability at the height of the October wedding season, which in New England is as rare as a high-end steak dinner.

While keeping in mind that the availability of a venue changes month to month, Metro Bis isn't exclusively geared toward weddings. Thus, it's still more likely that you can find dates in your preferred wedding season.

It's perfect for micro weddings with its intimate, smaller setting.

While we all love getting together with our extended families and hometown friends during the holidays, it's only sometimes financially viable to invite 150+ people to a wedding. A smaller venue is a way to keep your guest list to your closest people.

If you're already planning a mico wedding(50 or fewer guests), many of the venues you would inquire about will likely be TOO spacious. A venue with excess space can leave guests feeling awkward(think about walking across a big, open floor as everyone watches you enter the bathroom).

On the flip side,

A small space with good mood lighting feels cozy and inviting while still accommodating a decent number of people. But what if you need more room to get down on the dance floor? In my experience as a wedding photographer of 12 years, The typical dancefloor provided at weddings is more significant than it needs to be. Guests typically aren't on the floor all at once, and many will skip dancing altogether. "But Phoebe, my people like to get down and be funky with it!" Honestly? Same! Get a few people to move tables and BAM, you have room for grandma to cut up that proverbial rug alongside your 4-year-old niece. Everyone gets to party!

Another big plus of a smaller venue? It's cost-effective.

Of course, the number of guests you invite to your wedding is the main reason for having more wedding costs, but evenwith a moderate (65-100) guest list, you can find venues, such as Metro Bistro Restaurant, that can accommodate your guests with a unique experience while keeping money in your pocket.

A non-traditional space feels less stuffy and formal.

While most of us love to dress up for an event, sometimes a large-scale venue can make you subconsciously feel out of place. But change the location to something like a charming historic building with an art-centered design, and you'll likely feel quickly at home and excited to engage with your fellow guests. Extra points if your non-traditional venue has a mix of indoor and outdoor spaces like Metro Bis.

More about Metro Bis Restaurant: Charming, Historical, Accommodating

Owned and run by Chef Christopher Prosperi, Metro Bis is a designated American restaurant inside the historic Ensign Parish House. The building has its original floor plan on the ground level, meaning there are differently sized rooms perfect for private events and weddings. The building's basement is home to Rhenium Salon & Spa, which offers another multi-service space for yoga, massage, skin treatments, hair styling, and more(um, when can I go?!). Metro Bis owns and operates seven rooms for rent; one room, the Ensign House Room, resides on the top floor of Metro Bis, and the others are just 2 minutes down the road at the Powder Forrest Guest House. At an average cost of $180 a night for each room, these quaint accommodations are competitive with surrounding hotel deals. (I would personally choose to stay in room 4) With all these accommodations paired with a romantic Fall setting, Metro Bis is a unique choice for any non-traditional wedding in New England.

As a photographer who grew up in New England,

I offer travel savings for couples who book me for this and other Connecticut venues. Look HERE to see more about my wedding offerings! Ready to book?

Waterfront Romance: Getting Engaged at the Beach House Restaurant on Anna Maria Island

The Setup:

In September of this year, Evan planned to bring his girlfriend, Alexandra(Allie), to The Beach House Waterfront Restaurant for a dinner with both of their parents. But this wasn't just any dinner, oh no! THIS would be Allie's surprise wedding proposal celebration! Being from Cleveland, Ohio, Evan and Allie have loved getting away to Anna Maria Island for the tropical views and precious family time.

The Plan:

Evan reached out, and we hatched a plan for me to photograph the moment while hidden in plain sight. I arrived at Holmes Beach early and sat down to "read" my book Tacky by Rex King(highly suggest). Did I read? Nope. I was too focused on the overtly obvious ruckus of a boombox down the beach. I also noticed a friendly but clueless family of fishers getting closer and closer to me, ensuring they'd be in the background of this pivotal moment for eternity. As special as that sounded, I moved my post down the beach about 18 feet while texting Evan updates of my whereabouts...but too late! He was walking down as clearly as my nearsighted eyes allowed with his beautiful girlfriend. It was my time to shine as my character of "book reader extraordinaire."

The Moment:

Allie and Evan stopped close by me, and Allie looked my way("KEEP YOUR HEAD DOWN PHOEBE"), I told myself as I quickly looked away from this stunning couple. I became too good at my disguise as Evan got down on his knee with his emerald cut ring from Premiere Dimond Source the next time I dared to look up(AHH). I lunged into my bag, grabbed my trusty Canon camera, and leaped into action with as much gracefulness as a baby giraffe. Thank God E+A were too busy being in love to notice. Suddenly, the music ceased to exist, and the fishermen became a blurry background as Allie accepted Evan's proposal with a smile. As they say, the rest is history(although so much is still to come). The night was a great success, and I was thrilled to revel in the happiness of this moment with Evan and Allie. Read more about this iconic couple below from Evan’s point of view!

More about Allie & Evan:

“Evan, how did you and Allie first meet?”

"Allie and I met at our last job...On her first day on the job, she came up to me, shook my hand, and introduced herself as Allie. That was really all we said before we got to know each other. I was very intimidated by her the way she confidently carried herself. I would tell my other co-workers how she was the most beautiful person I had ever seen in my life and that I wanted to marry her before I even spoke to her. We eventually started talking, and I would go way out of my way to invite her to Browns tailgates and downtown to hang out with her (just about anything to get to spend time with her and any excuse to be with her). I not only loved how beautiful she was but also the most caring, intelligent, compassionate, and funny she was."

“Tell me more about how you two fit into one another's lives.”

“she is truly beautiful inside and out...I always thought to myself and told my siblings that there had to be something about her that wasn't right because everything felt so good, almost too good! My siblings also started to spend time with her who all adore her for who she is. I met her family very early on and absolutely love them...Her dad and I love to spend time together and have very similar hobbies and the same sense of humor... We are both extremely close with our families and love spending time with one another. Hence why I wanted both sets of parents to be down here(for the proposal)."

“What are you two like as a couple?”

"We are both social butterflies, rarely sitting around at home. We love spending quality time with each other, going on walks, and spending time with friends and family... I feel like we both met at the most perfect time, and everything felt right and was perfect how we met and got along. She is truly my best friend."

Forever in background: the fishermen <3

Learn more about wedding packages here.