Destination Wedding on Gasparilla Island a.k.a. Boca Grande, FL

What better way to close out the 2011 wedding season than with a gorgeous destination wedding on tropical Gasparilla Island (a.k.a.  Boca Grande), Fl?  Liz and Ryan’s wedding was beautiful, simple, sweet and just plain fun. 

How did I end up at this wedding in Florida you may wonder? Well the story starts with the fact that Liz and I went to 5th grade together and we were buddies for that year. Yup, just 5th grade – she moved in and I moved out the next year. Fast forward a couple decades and Liz and I found each other again while I was photographing her friends wedding here in Buffalo. Liz and I recognized each other immediately! Fast forward a couple more years and there I was at her destination wedding on Gasparilla Island.

Liz’s family actually owns a home in the Boca Grande area, just over the bride from Gasparilla Island where the wedding was held. Liz has always loved visiting the area so when it came time to get married, she knew this was the place. We started the day at Liz’s parents beautiful condo overlooking the islands and gorgeous southwestern Florida blue waters.

wedding dress and jewelry displayed before destination wedding on Gasparilla Island Boca Grande, FL
shoes and rings displayed before wedding on Gasparilla Island Boca Grande, FL
shoes and rings displayed before wedding on Gasparilla Island Boca Grande, FL
bridesmaid helps bride get ready in condo before destination wedding on Gasparilla Island Boca Grande, FL
bridesmaids help bride get ready for destination wedding on Gasparilla Island Boca Grande, FL
bride poses for portrait with colorful coral inspired flowers before destination wedding on Gasparilla Island Boca Grande, FL
bride and groom exiting church after destination wedding ceremony on Gasparilla Island Boca Grande, FL
bride and groom exiting church on golf cart after destination wedding ceremony on Gasparilla Island Boca Grande, FL
bride and groom exiting church on golf cart after destination wedding ceremony on Gasparilla Island Boca Grande, FL
wedding party poses for photographer under banyan trees  after destination wedding ceremony on Gasparilla Island Boca Grande, FL
wedding party poses for photographer under banyan trees  after destination wedding ceremony on Gasparilla Island Boca Grande, FL
groom kisses brides hand under banyan trees after destination wedding ceremony on Gasparilla Island Boca Grande, FL
bride and groom kiss under banyan trees after destination wedding ceremony on Gasparilla Island Boca Grande, FL
bride and groom hold hands under banyan trees after destination wedding ceremony on Gasparilla Island Boca Grande, FL
bride and groom smile at each other on beach after destination wedding ceremony on Gasparilla Island Boca Grande, FL
bride and groom hold hands and smile on beach after destination wedding ceremony on Gasparilla Island Boca Grande, FL
bride and groom smile for photographer on beach after destination wedding ceremony on Gasparilla Island Boca Grande, FL
wedding party smiles for photographer on boardwalk at beach after destination wedding ceremony on Gasparilla Island Boca Grande, FL
wedding decor on beach during destination reception on Gasparilla Island Boca Grande, FL
wedding decor on beach during destination reception on Gasparilla Island Boca Grande, FL
sunset from beach during destination reception on Gasparilla Island Boca Grande, FL
maid of honor delivers toast during destination reception on Gasparilla Island Boca Grande, FL
best man delivers toast during destination reception on Gasparilla Island Boca Grande, FL
bride and groom dance during destination reception on Gasparilla Island Boca Grande, FL
father and bride dance during destination reception on Gasparilla Island Boca Grande, FL
groom and mother dance during destination reception on Gasparilla Island Boca Grande, FL
guests dance during destination reception on Gasparilla Island Boca Grande, FL
wedding band performs during destination reception on Gasparilla Island Boca Grande, FL
guests dance during destination reception on Gasparilla Island Boca Grande, FL
guests jump in pool during destination reception on Gasparilla Island Boca Grande, FL
guests jump in pool during destination reception on Gasparilla Island Boca Grande, FL

The biggest thanks to Liz and Ryan for having me document this beautiful wedding day. It was such an honor to be part of! Can’t wait to see what the future holds for you two.

Extra thanks to these amazing venues and vendors who helped make the day what it was!

Reception: Gasparilla Inn and Club

Ceremony: Boca Grande Lighthouse Church

Flowers: Blue Pagoda and Evolution Orchids

If you or someone you know is planning a wedding, please have them contact me here!

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