Photographed By Roy and Stella

Coral Gables Congregational Church  |  Biltmore Hotel Wedding

Click here to view the embedded video.

As a Bride you can see that there are so many photographers to choose from! You look at many beautiful websites, read their Blogs, get advice from your girlfriends who have been there, check out the internet reviews and ask those wedding professionals that you are working with be it a planner, catering director, or florist that have an insiders view of the best of the best! So who does a Bride choose to photograph her wedding when she herself  is a wedding professional? I can say that in the last 8 months four of those wedding professionals chose Roy Llera Photographers!

When Paola, the Catering Manager at the Four Seasons Miami asked that I be at her wedding to capture their moments ~ I was thrilled! So started a creative process that I bring with me to every wedding ~ to seize every moment as they present themselves naturally but to also craft a few special images that comes from being a visual artist.

With my partner, Stella Hernandez we knew that their were going to be opportunities for amazing images that with experience you know where you need to be. Stella was right on point as this moment unfolded ~ just love the movement of the veil, her Mom by her side making sure that everything is as perfect for her baby girl as can be, the architecture of Coral Gables Congregational Church as it frames this image so beautifully.

The joy and clarity in Marko’s eyes, the expression of wonder on the Pastors face as he listens to vows spoken, commitments made.

As a visual artist, I knew that I wanted to capture the grandeur of the Biltmore Hotel as an amazing backdrop for Paola and Marko’s wedding formals. You’re probably wondering “formals?” when you look at the next two images. I knew what I wanted to create and with a little direction and setting the mood we crafted some lovely portraits that just look like I happened upon a moment!

Now the day before the wedding, I spent some time with the guys on the golf course and I discovered an exquisite building from another time in the Biltmores history ~ I was so excited to find this jewel of a setting that I started to imagine what I would create in this setting! I knew that after the wedding that I would have about 15 minutes before we had to get to a party. We arranged for golf carts to be waiting for us and as the sun was setting together we created this and many more stunning images!

A good friend upon looking at this photograph told me that the image and especially the reflections in the water reminded him of a Monet painting. In many ways the photographs created in a lifetime is the canvas upon which a life and these amazing moments are remembered.

Now here’s a great twist to this wedding story ~ Marko created their wedding cake! Isn’t that cool! Marko is the Pastry Chef at the Four Seasons Miami ~

Special Thanks to:

Coral Gables Congregational Church

Biltmore Hotel Miami Coral Gables

Always Flowers

Utopia Video Production

So give us the opportunity to capture and create incredible wedding photographs for your forever’s!

Roy ~ Contact me!

Photographed By Roy + Stella

Temple Judea Miami Bat Mitzvah

I often write about the connection that I have with my clients as I believe in destiny. Each and every person that I meet has a purpose in my life and we are all connected. So when I met Abigail and she spoke of her passion for dance ~ ballet in particular, I shared with her my love for the art of dance and that I was for five years the photographer for the Miami City Ballet. As I photographed Abigail in a series of movements so many memories of my time with the MCB came flooding back and as I shared these images with Abby ~ she too got excited that I was hitting the movements just right.

Temple Judea is a beautiful Temple in Coral Gables and I love using their bronze front door as a setting for a lovely portrait of Abigail.

I was excited to see that those images from our portrait session were used so effectively by Petal Productions as part of the decor for her celebration!

As dance is a passion for Abby in life, I think that Dad took this to another level as he performed (lip-synched) his way into the hearts of family and friends! As a Dad, it’s not unusual that I will do something goofy with and for my kids at home but I just love the way that Abby’s Dad proudly performed for his daughter to the cheers and laughter of all those guests!

I think Mom was a little surprised too by this impromptu performance ~ I think these guys have put together a production company and are available to perform at your next event!

A special thanks to:

Robyn Bruck Designs for planning and coordinating an amazing event!

Raffi at Petal Productions for amazing decor, flowers and just the right ambiance for this party!

Thierry’s Catering for delicious food and awesome desserts!

So check out this exciting slide show and you’ll see how Abby’s family and friends celebrated and danced into each others hearts!

Click here to view the embedded video.

Dance with me!

Roy ~ Contact Me!

Written By Roy  |  Photographed By Stella

Quito, Ecuador Wedding

Life is truly filled with many surprises! And when it comes to meeting the “ONE” ~ we all at one time or another wonder when that moment arrives. I have had the delight in listening to many a beginning of a love story and it’s amazing how many unique and different ways that couples meet! From internet dating sites to being hooked up by friends or family to that moment you walk into a room and your eyes meet and there’s something about those eyes that just met yours ~

So it was for Diana and Nicholas ~ their eyes met at Blue Martini and their love story was created!

Recently my partner, Stella had the experience of creating some amazing portraits of these two during this very special time in their lives and she is very excited to be photographing their wedding this coming spring in Quito, Ecuador!

So many of you that follow our Blog are engaged or about to be engaged ~ as this time of year seems to be a wonderful time to pop the question ~ “Will You Marry Me?” Have you thought about an engagement session? One, it’ll give you an opportunity to get to know your photographer and vice~versa. Two, you’re going to get a great set of images that are great for your wedding website, wedding guest-books, announcements and gifts for the parents who would no doubt love a great picture of you two without your fiances arm in the corner holding the camera as you take a self portrait!

Enjoy viewing this engaging engagement slide show below by clicking the play button ~

Click here to view the embedded video.

So with the very good possibility that you’re about to become engaged ~ what then? Enjoy the moment ~ savor the engagement experience and just enjoy being engaged ~ the planning of a wedding will follow naturally. And when you’re ready to start planning your wedding ~ give us a call! We’d love to hear about what you have planned and how we can capture every wonderful moment of this amazing experience ~ your wedding day!

Engage in LIFE!

Roy ~ Contact Me

Written By Roy  |  Photographed By Roy

St Theresa Church of the Little Flower Wedding  | Comber Hall Reception

Trust is huge in any serious relationship,  with it one can let their guard down ~ be authentic and genuine. That goes for the loving relationship we have with our parents, siblings and our “fiances”! Now imagine that trust in your wedding photographer ~ with it your images will be real. A wonderful way to build that trust is your engagement session. Not only do you get to know each other on a deeper level in conversation but the results will confirm that you have made a great choice in your wedding photographer!

We recently had a wonderful engagement session with Christie + John during their visit to Miami. During our time together I learned how they met ~ I got to observe how they “dance” together ~ those subtle nuances that allow me to capture the personality of an engaged couple. Those observations, combined with the excited reactions to their engagement images ~ create a trust in me that will translate to great photographs on their wedding day.

After Christie and John had the opportunity to view their photographs ~ “Wow! The pictures look awesome!” and I know that on the wedding day I need no introduction as the families, wedding party and friends will have already experienced our photography!

Now Christie + John will be getting married next Spring at the inspiring St Theresa Church Of The Little Flower Church in Coral Gables followed by a wonderful celebration at Comber Hall. To get a glimpse of some of the Little Flower weddings that we have photographed click St Theresa Weddings. Click Comber Hall weddings to view our recent Comber Hall experiences.

Enjoy their endearing engagement session by clicking on the slide show below:

Click here to view the embedded video.

For my partner Stella and I, we love creating images that as many of you know will bring a lifetime of reliving special moments in your lives. Photographs that will give your children, grandchildren and generations beyond a moment of reflection about who you are. What will they think? I know that if it’s an image that we have taken that they will get a glimpse of the “real ” you!

I have to share with you what Christie just wrote to me after seeing this Blog post! ~

“Roy… words can’t express how we feel about the pictures… because the pictures themselves are worth a million words! We are very fortunate to have you as our photographer to capture the “real” love that exists between John and I. You are so right, trust is so important and I have no doubt that the pictures we will have on our wedding day will be out of this world! Thanks again for everything!”

Trust us with your wedding ~ I guarantee that we will never let you down!

Roy ~ Contact Me

Written By Roy  |  Photography By Roy ~ Laura ~ Ed

St Patrick Catholic Church Miami Beach  |  Epic Hotel Miami

Those eyes!~ They are the windows to Ani’s Heart ~ A Heart that is shared with TJ’s. But back to the eyes ~ they are beautiful, expressive and I love the way Ani kept glancing at TJ throughout the ceremony. Eyes that strike at the passionate heart as does Cupid’s arrows ~ TJ never had a chance!

But then again neither did Ani ~ it is said that there is someone for every one and these two are made for each other!

You may recall the engaging engagement story that accompanied their engagement session. Hundreds of rose petals ~ chocolate kisses and an endearing proposal spelled out on the bed with more rose petals ~ I knew when they shared their love story with me that I was in for an incredible wedding experience!

So real is her smile ~ her love shining from her eyes ~ amazing!

Their wedding took place at the inspirational St Patrick Catholic Church in Miami Beach ~ just knowing that I am photographing a wedding here just gets my creative mind flowing with inspiration!

A Few Details: Wedding Venue: St Patrick Catholic Church Miami Beach; Reception: Epic Hotel Miami; Wedding Dress: Alfred Angelo Bridal; Planner: Vanessa ~ Karma Goddess; Transportation: Meilan Limousine; Music: Ubi’s Music Production; Cake: Ana Paz Cakes; Flowers: Flowers International; Video: Julien/Merge Studios

What was icing on the cake of this wonderful wedding was the “Day After Session” where Ani and Tj got to be Bride and Groom all over again ~ Stay tuned for the images from this session very soon.

So enjoy their amazing wedding slide show below:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Here’s looking at you!

Roy ~ Contact Me!

Photographed By Stella  |  Written By Stella

Rusty Pelican Wedding

I’ve had the joy of experiencing the love and passion many of our couples share during their engagement all the way through to their wedding day. When my best friend, Maha, became engaged to the love of her life, David, I was thrilled to be a small part of something extremely special and close to my own heart!

Being the best friend of a photographer should have its perks! I took Maha and David to Greynold’s Park in North Miami Beach, where we tailored their images to their  personalities—tranquil and sweet!

Music is such a huge part of their lives together. David being a musician himself and Maha a music connoisseur, they chose to incorporate that in their session by bringing records and a cute record player to really personalize it. Knowing them so well, I felt this really helped in making these photos even more special for them.

The day of the wedding, I was on the other side of a camera lens for a change! As Maha’s maid of honor, I got to really feel the awe and emotion I see all my clients experience and I found it really eye opening! I hope you enjoy their session!

Enjoy their beautiful engagement session in the slide show below!

Click here to view the embedded video.

Congratulations Maha and David, I can’t wait to photograph the little ones that I know are in your future!

Hugs + Kisses,

Stella

Written By Roy  | Photographed By Roy + Adriana

Omphoy Ocean Resort Wedding

Tara and David’s lives had been crisscrossing for years, with so many chance encounters it’s hard to deny that fate was trying to tell them something.  They met and chatted in the gym 4 years ago, worked down the street from one another and unknowingly attended a countless number of the same parties, dinners and concerts in between. So when the time arrived that they formally met ~ it didn’t take either very long to realize that they each had found the “one”! So after a five hour first date ~ we finally arrive at the moment that begins a journey together!

Tara quietly taking a peak at the wedding preparations outside…

There is something very special when I get to witness and capture this moment ~ the first look ~ a moment described in fairy tales, romantic movies and if a picture is worth a thousand words then we have what sums up to a wonderful short story!

All eyes on Tara as she makes her way to the Chuppah. Love the looks here…

During the ceremony, I love to look for the reactions that are taking place to the wedding story and in this moment David’s Dad and Sister are really feeling this moment as Tara and David say their vows.

The celebration was rocking here and I can guarantee that all that were present would love to party again in Palm Beach!

A Few Details: Wedding Venue: Omphoy Ocean Resort; Bridal Gown : Rivini/Chic Parisien; Florist: Daniel Events; Music: DJ Adam Lipson

Enjoy their wonderful slide show below:

Click here to view the embedded video.

So as you read Tara + David’s love story, did someone come to mind? Chances are you too have already crossed paths with the love of your life and wasn’t ready quite yet…Time to do some Facebook  searching!

Loving life!

Roy ~ Contact Me

Written By Roy  |  Photographed By Roy

Epic Hotel Miami Wedding

An engagement session gives me an opportunity to get to know each of my couples. I’ll ask about how they met, who noticed who first, the moment they sensed that this was the one and I get to see first hand how they “dance” so to speak. I listen! With all these wonderful details, I begin to understand the essence of their relationship and the love story that I must stay true to ~ Their Story!

Little did Juliana and Paul know that the lazy afternoon get together Juliana was putting together, and that Paul crashed, would change both of their lives forever. As an invite of a friend of a friend, Paul was the only person at the barbecue that Juliana had never met before. Noticing her unwavering warmth and kindness, Paul spent the rest of the afternoon trying to keep and maintain her attention.  After failed attempts at humor, a horrible Buckwheat t-shirt, and pictures of my nephews…something must have worked, because she agreed to go out on a date with him the following week.  And, as they say, the rest is history…

“I really wish I could say that I planned the perfect engagement, but alas, I cannot, so here goes the true tale of my bumbling proposal.  We took a trip to go visit my sister and those nephews in Chicago.  With rings in hand, and an inquisitive travel partner, it took the grace of God to keep Juliana out of my carry on where the rings were stashed for the weekend. ”

“Our last evening with all of us out having a good time, I saw my golden opportunity for some alone time with Juliana. I feigned tiredness and got her to go back to the house.  Too bad for me, Juliana took the bait, and promptly changed into her pajamas and crawled into bed and was half asleep before I could grab the rings out of the bag to surprise her.  Undeterred, I crawled to the side of the bed, still rummaging through my bag for the rings, and was met by Juliana’s beautiful sleepy face, one eye open, quizzically looking at me, and her telling me to stop making so much noise and to get out of her room so that she could go to bed.”

” I finally found the rings and pulled the box out of the bag, which, thankfully, caught her attention, and she perked up flashing that amazing smile I cannot live without.   There I was, box open, rings sparkling, waiting…time passing…and I remember thinking, “she hasn’t said yes yet “  And then it hit me, I forgot to ask her to marry me!  So, at 4AM, with Juliana in her pajamas, I asked the love of my life to marry me.  And again, as they say, the rest is history…”

Juliana and Paul are about to be married at St John The Baptist Coptic Church followed by an amazing Epic Hotel Miami wedding reception that by all indications is going to have the guest stating: “and the rest is history”!

Enjoy this lovely engaging engagement session slide show below and stay locked on our Blog for more amazing couples, their stories and awesome photographs!

Click here to view the embedded video.

Peace ~

Roy ~  Contact Me

Written By Stella  |  Photographed By Stella

Key Largo Grande Resort Wedding

There is a much to be said about “paying attention to detail.” Gina definitely paid a lot of attention to every detail of her wedding day! There was something special behind every detail and being able to capture this was one of the most fulfilling parts of the day for me! Even more so was the inclusion of Gina’s father’s wedding ring to signify the special bond they share.

Avelino received a beautiful love note from his wife-to-be along with this really unique set of cuff links. Pay close attention to the look on Avelino’s face in the slide show and you’ll see how touched he was by Gina’s thoughtful gesture!

Also uniquely different was her adorable wedding party! Watching their glowing faces as everyone was hustling around the room putting the finishing touches on was so fun. And as they watched in awe as Gina transformed into a princess, the moment seemed so magical. The children really evoked the wonderful sentimentality of innocence, which carried through onto the ceremony. I love those little girls!

Gina and Avelino had a gorgeous ceremony full of wonderful traditions and also some very heartfelt moments. Technology even had a place as Avelino’s brother-in-law held a  Mac Book that was broadcasting the wedding live to Avelino’s parents, who could not make the wedding day. Watching the ceremony in the slide show will really place you there and you’ll feel everyone’s excitement and loving thoughts!

After the wedding, our newlyweds shared a warm embrace and got to finally really take it all in as the sun was going down on the beach.

Gina and Avelino are such a vibrant couple who know what the most important things in life are: family and friends. I thoroughly enjoyed all the stories, moments, and smiles and I know you will to!

A few Details: Venue: Key Largo Grande Resort & Beach Club; Officiant: Rev. Eddie Rodriguez; Flowers: Ocean Florist; Music: Omni Music; Wedding Cake: Cake Designs By Edda

Enjoy the wonderful slide show of an amazing wedding below:

Click here to view the embedded video.

P.S. We just received an enthusiastic email from Gina our Bride “Thank you soooooooooooooooooooooo much for sending this.  You made my weekend!

Working with Stella was amazing!  You could not have chosen a more suitable person to cover our wedding…I loved loved her and her energy!  Now, after seeing this, what we all felt is confirmed !”

Have a great weekend!

Stella ~  Contact Me

Written By Roy  |  Photographed By Roy

Spanish Monastery Wedding

May and Angel are engaged to be married and their wedding is this weekend! But before that we had a great time getting to know each other! At the same time I happened to capture the essence of this couple in a great series of engagement portraits ~

These two love to ride and I thought that it would be a great idea to bring the bike along!

We then took off to the beach. They love the ocean and it seemed like a perfect romantic setting for these two!

The day turned into evening and we decided that a great finish to our session would be a spectacular image with Miami’s skyline as the ideal backdrop!

Enjoy their amazing engagement slide show and stay tuned for their wedding day to be featured on our Blog very soon!

Click here to view the embedded video.

They loved their photos and we created an incredible guest book for their guest to sign at the wedding! By the way, they’ll be getting married at the historic Spanish Monastery! Click  Spanish Monastery weddings to view another wedding  that we photographed at this beautiful venue!

Have a great weekend!

XOXO,

Roy ~ Contact Me