Vanessa + Julian | Valentine's Day Elopement on Sanibel Island

I can’t think of many things better than a Valentine’s Day Elopement on Sanibel Island. This day was just SUCH a joy to photograph, and reminded me all over again why I love being a Florida wedding photographer!

Vanessa and Julian decided they wanted to elope on the beach, because walking along the beach is where they fell in love. They wanted a special evening, just for the two of them. So they had their officiant meet them (and their pup) on the sand at golden hour and said “I do”. I think we all cried!!

And the skies decided to join in the celebration and put out one of the most gorgeous displays of a stormy Florida sunset sky I’ve ever seen. Seriously, scroll to the bottom of this post so you don’t miss the epic colors and clouds!!

Before their Valentine’s Day elopement on Sanibel Island arrived I asked these two love birds to share their story with me, this is what they wrote.

We met on Bumble, and it was over before the first night was through :)

Our first date, (and the next 50 at least!) was on the beach in Miami. It's where we fell in love! We both had visited Sanibel with our families as young children, and we re-discovered Sanibel together as a couple and love the peaceful, serene, beach vibe.

Although Miami is home for both of us, it's a little too crazy for the feel we are going for with our wedding. Sanibel is our perfect happy place to tie the knot!

Vanessa is a theatre industry professional but not on stage, but rather behind the scenes. Julian proposed on stage in a theatre with just the 2 of us there; he wanted her to be the one in the spotlight for once (lol so cheesy). Julian sang and performed Our Song by Elton John on piano from the first Broadway show we saw together in New York, Moulin Rouge.

Julian has never missed one of Vanessa's opening nights, and there have been a lot in the past 6 years! He is the sweetest and most supportive partner ever. Vanessa's "showbiz" life has contributed a lot to this small, intimate elopement... I create events for other people all the time, and we both are happy to not have to put on a show for anyone but ourselves.

We are both very low-key people! Keeping the focus on our love, and laughter, and partnership :) Our marriage is a beautiful and exciting next step in our journey together.

I mean… can you GET ANY SWEETER? It’s very clear these two are simply made for each other and share the kind of love you read about in books. As their elopement photographer, it was such an honor to share this sacred space with them and help them document their connection on this special day.

I’m always down for a beach wedding, whether it’s a big day or a small elopement like this one. I loved the quiet moments between the two of them. Having their pup there to greet Vanessa as she walked down the “aisle”. Their first kiss as husband and wife! Jumping off the palm tree in joy!

The whole day was nothing but the best. These two are playful, loving, kind and honest. And I loved spending the evening hours with them, under stormy skies for their Valentine’s day elopement. I hope these photos always make you smile - congratulations Vanessa and Julian!!