My first wedding in Key West after a lot of traveling throughout Europe was a warm welcome home.  The Southernmost on the Beach was a great start to kick off the 2015 season with the sweet and photogenic newlyweds Melissa and Sean. 

This tropical wedding was full of color and sun kissed on a warm October day.  We spent the whole day with the happy couple and their families,  views of the Atlantic Ocean, and romantic vignettes for photos.  Melissa had two beautiful wedding dresses, one for the ceremony and one for reception.  I loved the sheer fabric that created a nice flowing movement.  The children played a large part of the fun and had a blast through out the whole day.   The guesthouse was a great Key's backdrop for the wedding photos.

Melissa and Sean's wedding day was colorful, loving and fun.   A perfect start to another wedding season with a great couple.  Cheers to your new life together! 

Every chance and opportunity I get to reinvent and charge myself spiritually and photographically,  I'll do just that.
This time was extra special. I had the chance to spend 3 beautiful days in a peaceful ranch outside of Steamboat Springs,  in the middle of nowhere, with Jennifer Hudson/ Thoreson fine art photographer.  Jennifer's work is published in many media outlets and exhibited in numerous galleries.  Her conceptual work is is vulnerable, touching and her openness to share with others makes her the best teacher. 

I arrived to Steamboat one day early and explored tranquil mountain views.  As a destination wedding photographer, expanding and changing with travel to different locations makes all the difference.  You see things that might be overlooked, and all those big hills, creeks, fresh air,  and mountain flowers make you say 'Ahhhh' many times. 

The next day I was picked up and we drove to Motherwell Ranch to meet 15 other talented photographers from all over the world, Jennifer and her sweet puppy Olive. 

For 3 whole days, we made hair flower crowns, dresses, brainstormed shoot ideas,  and  slept in a tent with a horn and spray against bears! 

Here she is. Soft spoken, always smiling and talented. 

Fine art portrait photographer Sue Bryce also join Jennifer's workshop and it was really a pleasure to be in the group of such talented artists. 

We also had the chance to work individually with the models and all of the props Jennifer brought.  We made including clay, volcanic ash, horse, vintage dresses and learned about printing techniques Jennifer uses for her galleries, showings and books. 

I worked with the breath taking model Bree, who was also a ballet dancer, and willing to work extra hard to get any image.  Here are few photographs I was able to take for my own   personal portfolio  of Bree. 

This handsome fella is Henry, very patient, snacking in between photo shoots. 

I hope I was able to touch your heart with these images as much as I had fun creating them.  I cannot wait for other adventures, destination weddings,  and amazing collaborations that are awaiting me.

You can take me anywhere in a plane and I will be quite happy.  Flying lifts the spirt, heightens the senses and the feeling of adventure and romance is instantly with you.   Shooting destination weddings in Key West and The Florida Keys is always especially joyful as everyone also on a vacation, on their own adventure.  Nearly everyone arrives by plane, landing on this small piece of land out in the ocean, to have their own amazing wedding experience. 

Our adventurous couple never cares where they are going, but only that they have each other. These newlyweds are styled classically, with retro elements by Star Grace Styling.  Our couple dreamed big with specific classic details, and our fearless bride rose to the occasion for this inspiring photo, rising high above the prop engine.  The airport hangar was full of romance, new plans, and the far away dreams of pilots and passengers. 

The large hangar of the Aerobatic Cabanas Family, was our location for a few hours after a torrential tropical downpour.  Our moods remained elevated, as the fresh rain cooled the air, and left us with a reflective lake on the airport runway.   The classic biplane seemed to purr behind our couple, in anticipation of her sunset flight.  

Our bride was styled part Motown, part Rockabilly, and she looked stunning riding along the Atlantic Ocean in her 1962 Ford Falcon. Fabulous hair and makeup provided by the illustrious Amanda Robinson.   Our tall, dark, and handsome groom pulling up in his muscle car made all of us a little weak in the knees. This groom was a sweetheart, and looked so dapper with his black on black classic style, on the bright red interior. 

We loved this couple! So many great romantic images from a magical evening with two beautiful lovers.  Whether it is the past or the future, the gift of flight will always inspire and amaze. Inspiration and dreams always welcome for your wedding plans,  and always remember,  "if you were born without wings, do nothing to prevent them from growing."  Coco Chanel

Key West Wedding Vendors


Photography: Weddings By Romi- Romi Burianova
Production & Videography - Marky Pierson | Wonderdog Weddings
Styling & Wardrobe -  Star Grace Styling 
MUAH - Amanda Robinson
Production Assistant - Kristi Rhodes & Jenya Evans
Stationary - Invites by Danette
Cake - Key West Cakes
Furniture - Eventfully Yours
Flowers- Flowers by Lenka
Nails - Nails by Romi
Special thanks to
Hats by Judi Bradford, Andy Thurber and Mark Hedden

I met up with Star Grace,  fashion stylist, and she made beautiful choices by picking out these dresses that complimented each other.  Lenka Dostalova arranged a stunning tropical bridal bouquet that smelled so lovely, and was exactly what I wanted.  Lenka also created angelic flowery bridesmaids halos.

Amanda Robinson, make-up stylist,  created her magic with gorgeous make-up and hair stylings.  Marky Pierson our creative production guide and videographer at Wonderdog Weddings,  provided perfect timelines, and built the sets along side Kristi Rhodes and  Lea Moeller.  This team was built for smooth sailing.

The following day we started early.   We had not slept much at all.  The Summer month's weather is unpredictable in the Florida Keys, but at the same time, they provide billowing clouds that could be used as amazing backgrounds during a tropical summer wedding.  A storm rolled in around midnight, and I have never seen so much lightening on exposed piece of land.

It was a spectacular light show far from the city glow of Key West, and we had front row seats high above the mangroves.   We shared beds , some mosquito bites ( laughing - too many mosquito bites actually) and bonded over our creative collaboration.  There were so many great moments during day, and we told our stories throughout the night. 
 
The next morning the storm had passed by, and cloudy skies gave us the perfect start with our colorful props. Balloons gives me the feeling of freedom and celebration, and I loved this added splash of color. 

The ocean was peaceful, calm and flat as a glass at times.  Do you feel like you want to dip into the ocean right now? I do, every time I look at this photo below. 

By the end of the wedding photo shoot, we had the chance to photograph underwater wedding photos as well.  I'm in love with those too. Creating romantic, sensual, and dreamy images, is what shooting underwater photography is all about for me. 

Production, Videography: Marky Pierson
Styling: Star Grace
MUA/hair: Amanda Robinson
Flowers: Lenka Dostalova
Photography: Romi Burianova
Assistants, Set builders: Lea Moeller , Kristi Rhodes
Models: Jenya Evans, Meaghan McCullah, Kaylee Parker, Mila Kapriznaya, Luke Knight
Behind the scenes video  

Feel free to leave a note. xoxo

The summer solstice is here, which means to most of you that summer has arrived.  Meghan and Garrett were married on this special day in this tropical waterfront setting. 
The Key West Harbour is beautifully arranged, and is one of my favorite places for weddings in Key West. 
The location gives the wedding photographer options with a private beach, the ocean, boats in the background, and other unique details.  We had the chance to use their cute little golf carts to drive around the property in, and into the boat warehouse, where we took more photos. 
My wedding couple had their whole family, and a lot of friends to celebrate with, that made their wedding very special.  They chose Key West because Meghan grew up visiting Key West with her family,  and Key West was Meghan and Garret's first trip together as a couple for lobster mini season.  This enchanted island is their special place together.
The couple has exciting plans and travels coming up. Their honeymoon will be in the Western Caribbean Islands in December, followed up by Las Vegas and Cabo San Lucas in the spring.  What an exciting plans! Congratulations to both of you! 

Venue: Key West Harbour
Accommodation : Casa Marina
Dj: Visualize Entertainment Scott Gerke 
Bridal Shop: Blush Bridal Baton Rouge, LA
Cakes and Deserts : Croissants de France Bakery
Officiant : Father Larry Hooper 
Florist : Love in Bloom 
Hair and Make Up : Headliners Key West
Rings and Jewelry : Hannons Jewelers Baton Rouge, LA
Transportation : Key West trolley 

I met Sara and Mike on their first trip to Key West when they were planning thier wedding.  I was happy that I had a chance to collaborate with her, and I loved the amount that Sara was prepared for her big day.  She had list of people she didn't want to forget for formal shots,  which helped speed up our process on the wedding day,  and we had more time for stunning sunset wedding pictures.  This adventurous bride even attempted and succeeded in climbing onto the roof of the resort, and we had the most spectacular Key West city-view, with the sunset behind them.  What a amazing bride!! 
When I asked if she would consider getting onto the roof, her answer was, "Let's do it!".  I posted the photo on my RBP Facebook page saying 'My bride is better then yours ' ; ) , and I really meant it.  She trusted the fact that it would be amazing and worth the effort, and it absolutely was. Congratulations Sara and Mike!

Venue: The Reach Hotel, Waldorf Astoria
Florist: Milan Events
Coordinator: Simply You
Music: DeeJay Buggy, Steel Pan Solist           

Underwater photography is big passion of mine.  I get asked many times,  "Why underwater? What inspired you to shoot this way?" 

I know the answers very well.  A few years ago I saw photograph online that was taken underwater, the model was submerged in her bathing suit, and the image was so pretty and magical.   I wondered many things like,  how the model would look  with her cloths on?  With beautiful flowing dresses?  How different fabrics would look?  And how long she would be able to stay underwater?

I had borrowed a underwater video camera which was older model, still with the glass that you have to look into, so you are not seeing much at all.  My boyfriend held the camera while I was diving into the pool.  It didn't go really well at all.  I realized I'm not the best at opening my eyes, nor getting air out of my lungs in order to stay stay under.  Still, we ended up with couple of shots that I knew could be mastered if I just knew a little more. 

I then borrowed a different camera from a friend, and had another acquaintance model for me. She was very comfortable in the water, and basically did everything I asked her to do. We had some great shots quickly and I wanted keep going.  After a few more test shoots,  I bought a bigger proffessional case for my Canon camera and from then on - we were going  to be making magic! 

My mother made great flowing dresses for me that I already used many times in other shoots,  and I learned what works and what doesn't underwater simply by trying many times over.  Models look weightless and graceful and dresses look fluid and magical.  I love the fact that water is unknown and uncontrollable element.  After this point, its safe to tell you all, I fell in love with underwater photography.

I was preparing for my first big underwater exhibition at The Studios of Key West last year and this provided a great push to complete a whole collection of underwater images.  Living in tropical Key West with access to two private pools and many others that people were so kind to let me use, made for interesting and changing underwater backdrops.  I am fortunate to have great weather almost all year long as well.  I spent a lot of time in the pool with friends and models and the beauty of sun light viewed from underwater provided the ability to see the world from a different perspective, even if for a few moments. 

I'm happy I can offer my clients something different for their Engagement, Save the Date, or Trash the Dress photography session.  Underwater shooting requires only one thing:  to feel creative.  People usually get very comfortable after a couple of submerged attempts.  I will provide you with all of the necessary items and information before the shoot, and after a couple of test shots we can easily communicate any changes or modifications we need to make.  Together we will master your underwater session into a fun and unique experience that you will never forget. 

Hello lovely Brides! Wedding details, and ideas are fun to research and exciting to plan.  This process can also be overwhelming at times.  It's ok.  Breath.   There are so many things to think about before your big day, and so much research to do, but everything always works out beautifully!   I put together a little collection for you, showing color combinations and little accents, and how they could work together.  Your wedding day is special, and nothing makes me happier then to see my brides happy and glowing on their wedding day. 

I love this combination of peach and grey, combine with blue skies and Key West sunsets, I think you can't go wrong. 

Juicy. Are you getting married in a garden setting? I think this is very lovely combination. 

Plums are in the cold range of colors, but they add richness into your wedding. 

Mint to Be. So pleasing to look at, a minty floral bouquet is just very pretty,  and  if you chose a tropical destination for your wedding, these colors are go very well with azure oceans and orange sunsets. 

How Romantic! These blush colors combine with gold accents and your white wedding gown. Can we say Ahhh to this one? 

Saphire Sky is another cool color, but looks royal and I'm in love with this wedding cake and those pretty navy blue wedding shoes. 

Are you looking for something uber special for your wedding day?  This accent color will stand out and your white wedding gown will just shine through!  I think you found your color palette. 

Green and more green. What a pretty color to add to any wedding table decoration. If you have green eyes those earnings will just makes your eyes look super amazing. 

Bridal blush and Pretty in pink!! Did you always want to add little pink into your wedding decoration but you  didn't wanted to look overdone?  I think this is the way to go.  Little accents of pink in small details, bridesmaids dresses, or on your wedding cake. 

Radiant Orchid theme color. 

Are you not afraid to add lot of brightness into your wedding day? Here are some colors that compliment each other .

Last would be beautiful winter wedding inspiration with these pretty colors that compliment each other. 

Lorna and David reserved a beautiful cottage on a private island for their intimate wedding day.  Accesible only by boat,  luxurious Sunset Key sits just off of Mallory Square in Key West Florida.   The ceremony took place at The Westin Resort's beach, followed up by a beautiful reception near the pool.  Storms passed near, and the winds were high,  but the sun shone brightly for their charming wedding day.  We captured the most beautiful sunset photos with the Bride and Groom.  If you are looking out on the horizon from Key West, the May sunsets are behind Sunset Key, so it was lovely to be firsthand for the spectacular show for our newly married couple. 

Thank you to the creative team who made this wedding so wonderful to photograph 
Venue:  Westin Resort Cottages on Sunset Key
Florist: Milan Events 
Hair + Makeup: Studio Marie Piere
Coordinator:  Simply You
Steel Drum: Duane Scott

Sunset Key Guest Cottages is a deluxe resort with 40 complete living spaces that sit on seven tropically landscaped acres of the island.

Sometimes I have to pinch myself for having a job that I absolutely love, that is my also passion, and in the place I love to live.   The other night I went out for a little night photo safari around Key West and took a couple more night photos that require a tripod and knowledge of slow shutter speed.   It is amazing how much light the camera let's in when you leave the shutter open for 30 seconds.  The image effect varies depending on light that's available at night, and certain locations or closeness to light sources.    

After a wedding, and if time and my energy allows, shooting night photography of the location is just beautiful.  It is a little sweet addition  that I like to add to wedding galleries, or wedding albums for my lovely brides.  That being said,  choose the perfect location for your wedding day for amazing night photographs like these.  I'm happy you have stopped  by at my online home.