Journal and Imagery by Sarasota Wedding Photographers Popping Champaign Photography.
Some love stories start with a grand gesture. Others begin at the door of a college bar—just like Emily and Riley’s. He was a bouncer. She was a regular. The sparks had been building for a while, but their real connection happened on a New Year’s Eve when he wasn’t working and they finally had the chance to talk, uninterrupted. That night, something shifted.
Fast forward to a warm Sarasota morning, and their story unfolded into something intimate and deeply personal: a relaxed, tropical elopement filled with bold florals, cake by the bay, and the kind of quiet joy you can only find in a day that’s completely your own.
Just the Two of Them (…and Me, with a Camera!)
Emily and Riley planned their wedding day to feel effortless. No guests. No stress. Just meaningful moments and photographs they could share with the people they love.
We started the day at Aloft Sarasota, where they got ready in the same room, helping one another with final touches. But the first look? That happened on the rooftop, with the Sarasota skyline behind them. Riley turned and saw Emily holding her bouquet—vibrant Birds of Paradise and pincushions in tones of orange and green—and was completely still as his eyes welled up with tears. It was this moment that made it all feel real, and he knew that she was about to be his wife!
From Courthouse Vows to Rooftop Toasts
With no timeline to rush them, we took our time and moved through downtown Sarasota with ease. We started at the Sarasota Courthouse, where a mystery officiant helped them officially tie the knot. It was short, heartfelt, and exactly what they’d hoped for.
From there, we explored downtown Sarasota, dancing in front of classic buildings and swinging in the shade under the most beautiful pink flowers, while Emily and Riley gazed into each other’s eyes. Then it was off to Bayfront Park, where Emily and Riley cut into their cake from Cakes by Ron, laid on their blanket in the grass, laughed, and toasted with champagne by the water.
To end the portrait adventure, we made our way to the Ritz-Carlton, taking a few quiet, romantic portraits outside before heading back to the hotel. That evening, they had plans for a private candlelit dinner—because as big foodies, a slow meal together was just as much a part of the celebration as the ceremony itself.
Weddings Don’t Have to Be Big to Be Beautiful
Emily and Riley’s day was proof that your wedding doesn’t have to follow a script to be meaningful. Whether it’s walking to the courthouse instead of down an aisle, skipping the guest list, or simply spending the day wandering around your favorite city—what matters is that it feels like you.
And I feel so lucky I got to witness and preserve a day this honest and full of love.
The Couple: Emily + Riley
BEHIND THE SCENES OF THEIR SPECIAL DAY:
Photography / Popping Champaign Photography
Locations / Aloft Sarasota, Sarasota Courthouse, Bayfront Park, The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota
Bride’s Dress / For The Bride Boutique (Ft. Myers, FL)
Bride’s Accessories / Banana Republic earrings, Charles & Keith heels
Groom’s Suit / The Tuxxman
Florals / Sue Ellen’s Floral Boutique
Cake / Cakes by Ron
Hair & Makeup / Posh Bridal Team
