June, 25th 2023

Miami, Florida

We wanted this destination engagement session in Florida to feel extra special and unique because this session was for someone special to me, my sister! Amanda (my sister) and I had been planning this session for MONTHS!! We knew we wanted to have an at home session as soon as she told me they were closing on their condo and that they would be moving in just a week before their engagement photos were scheduled. This destination session for my sister and her partner turned out even better than we imagined! Trust us, you’re gonna wanna check out the rest of this blog!

All About Amanda & Manny

Amanda and Manny were set up on a date that neither of them really knew about, think parent trap style. They spent that first date on the beach together and have been inseparable ever since. They are beyond perfect for one another and I am so so happy that the “parent trap” date worked out!

Amanda and I always joke about how we are practically the same person – we always say how similar Javi and Manny are as well! They are a bit more reserved and quiet but super artistic in so many ways and very family oriented. So much of Javi and Manny’s personalities are similar just like Amanda and I’s. I think it’s pretty unique that us sisters are drawn to the same type of person!!! Plus, we have such an amazing time when we are all together! 

I couldn’t see a more perfect match for her than Manny! They are eloping in Chiang Mai, Thailand this December and we are beyond pumped to capture their day on film and super 8! They are having a sunrise ceremony at Chai Lai Orchid, an elephant sanctuary. ✨

Traveling Engagement Photographer

Amanda and Manny’s goal was always to get some photos with the cat’s but we shifted our whole focus to an at home shoot once we confirmed they had just purchased a new home together in Florida. We knew it needed to be the main event!! But you know new homes come with new projects and we definitely had some to complete before we could get the perfect shots…

For weeks before the engagement session I was helping Amanda and Manny put together furniture for the living room. Maybe a day or so before I flew out Amanda texted me, “ I have a little project for us” with a photo  of  the living room wall with test paint colors on it. I knew we would be getting that wall painted before our session! It may have been a little stressful but man oh man it paid off, the photos in front of that green wall ended up being some of our fav’s!! Have a look for yourself below!

A Little Rain Never Hurt Anyone

It rained my ENTIRE trip to Miami but we did not let the weather stop us from creating our vision for their at home engagement photos. On the last day of my trip we said F*&% it and made it work! Amanda and Manny have a sweet tradition they do every time there is a MASSIVE  rain or thunderstorm that Javi and I just might have to steal! They make a couple of old fashions, which was the perfect addition to at home engagement photos. Their cats – Millie, Kisa, and Henry didn’t seem to mind the rain one bit and made themselves comfy in their new homes. These were some of the most well behaved cats i’ve ever worked with which made it so easy to get these photos with them!

Amanda’s Dream Notebook Moment In The Rain

Amanda and Manny wanted to do some outdoor pictures and I had found the most stunning lighthouse spot a couple months before that we were dreaming of taking photos of. Luckily the rain had stopped just long enough for us to get the photos without it pouring down on us. We really only had 15 minutes at the lighthouse before the rain became unbearable to shoot in. Amanda said she didn’t mind the rain because she got her dream “ The Notebook” photos. I totally agree, it was SO worth it!! I mean just look at these romantic photos!

This gorgeous lighthouse is located at the Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. Javi and I are already dreaming of shooting here on a sunny day.

Love From My Sister (yes, tears are entering the chat)

“Going to take a minute to brag on my sister because I am in awe at her work. Dominique did such a great job capturing our love and our personalities in these pictures. I am so proud of how much she has grown both personally and professionally, and feel blessed that she was the one to capture our engagement pictures. It makes them that much more special. To be in your early twenties and own your own company doing what you love… That’s admirable. – Amanda” 

To see their destination Thailand elopement click here: Amanda and Manny’s Destination Elopement

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Vendors:

Ring: James Allen, Insta: @jamesallenrings

Location: Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park