I get inspired very easily by many things - movies, places I have traveled, colors, summer rains, night skies filled with stars, and dreamers that believe in magic. For quite some time I wanted to do a bridal themed photo shoot, and The Private Island of Melody Key was the greatest opportunity to do just that. The owner was more than generous, and opened his luxury destination for us to scout, and then shoot over a series of days. This beautiful secluded island is surrounded by a peaceful ocean, endless sunsets, and skies that melt into the Atlantic. The preparation took us some time, searching for creative individuals that wanted to be a part of this adventurous photo shoot. Every person contributed so much towards this project. None of this would have been possible without their energy and efforts. On a Wednesday morning with our 3 cars filled to the top with props, wardrobe, and equipment, we were on our way from Key West to Sugar Loaf Key near Mile Marker 25. We hopped on the transport boat with our local guide on our way to this tropical paradise. A short cruise later, we are on Melody Key. An island home where time stopped long ago. Everyone was very excited for the project. Models, makeup, wardrobe, and assistants set up on the main floor of the home. A bee hive of activity followed with our first shoot planned for the evenings sunset. Melody Key was the perfect location for our Tropical Bridal photo shoot. I love colors, non-traditional weddings, and props on the wedding day, so my idea was to encourage brides or just to inspire them too see possible ideas for their big day. These images could also inspire and elopement or engagement photo shoot. 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
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AuthorRomi Burianova is a visual artist and photographer based in Key West, Florida, specializing in authentic weddings, portraits, and fashion. She weaves light and emotion into timeless imagery—capturing love, beauty, and movement across oceans. Available worldwide. Explore- FAQ
- Timeline Help - Styled Photo Shoot - Investing in Wedding Photography - Maternity & Family - Maternity/Family - Key West Family - Hawaiian Family - Czech Republic - Travel In the heart of the Florida Keys, every wedding is a sun-drenched love story waiting to be told. As a seasoned Key West wedding photographer and visual storyteller, I specialize in capturing destination weddings, intimate elopements, and heartfelt portraits with authenticity and soul. Whether you’re planning a romantic Key West elopement, a full-scale Florida Keys wedding, or traveling from afar for your dream destination wedding, I’m here to preserve each fleeting moment — with a photojournalistic eye, editorial elegance, and a deep understanding of light, emotion, and place. As a published photographer, my work has been recognized for its timeless aesthetic and candid storytelling. I blend documentary honesty with curated artistry, creating imagery that feels personal, poetic, and effortlessly you. With over 16 wedding seasons behind me, and a deep local knowledge of the Keys, I offer more than photography — I provide peace of mind. From guiding you naturally through portraits to capturing spontaneous, in-between magic, I’m here to make sure your day unfolds beautifully in front of the lens. Whether you’re seeking a trusted Key West portrait photographer, a Florida Keys elopement photographer, or someone to capture your once-in-a-lifetime destination wedding, let’s create something lasting — images that carry the feeling of your love, forever framed by the sea and sky. |