Photography By Roy

Temple Judea Coral Gables The Ocean Club Wedding

I love getting to know my couples ~ how they met, fell in love, how he proposed ~ I am intrigued by love and the relationships that bond because of this magical feeling. So the opportunity to create some great images is for me an ideal time to connect with each couple that have entrusted to me their wedding memories. Below is a description of Jeremy’s guide to the perfect proposal!

Step 1: Take her to an activity that she loves (example: walking in a nearby park in the moonlight)

Step 2: Suggest they take puppies (if you don’t have puppies, you should borrow some!)

Step 3: Propose in the park with the puppies as perfectly behaved witnesses!

As described in the guide above ~ Jeremy did take Deborah for a romantic walk with the family dogs on a moonlit evening ~ something that Deborah just loved! Now imagine Jeremy’s thought process ~ ring burning a hole in his pocket ~ he’s about to ask the most important question he has ever asked to his best friend! Looking for just the right moment to look into his loves eyes, get down on one knee and ask “Will you marry me?” Deborah’s response after a little screaming and crying ~ YES!

We are so looking forward to an amazing time at their upcoming wedding at Temple Judea in Coral Gables and what I know is going to be a blast of a reception at the Ocean Club!

Check out the entire engagement session in he slide show below ~ Enjoy!

Click here to view the embedded video.

Now if those  puppies could talk…

Roy ~ Contact Me!

Photographed By Roy

First United Methodist Church Coral Gables Wedding  |  Grove Isle Reception

Mayrelis has been planning her wedding since she was 5 years old! Now this is a Bride who played wedding day with her friends and dreaming of Prince Charming on a white horse coming along and sweeping her off her feet to live happily ever after. Well as love stories go Mayrelis and Maurice could star in a Disney classic of their own!

Mayrelis took that passion and love for planning weddings to another level as she is the lead wedding coordinator at A Joy Wallace Catering, Production and Design. So you can imagine once Maurice asked the question of  marriage ~ the dreams became a reality and it has been one amazing year of loving, joy and excitement as these two started to plan their wedding together!

It’s such a thrill to capture the joys and nuances at every wedding that we photograph and I know that Mayrelis was watching whenever we had the pleasure of working together and knew early on that she had found her photographer.

Meeting Maurice and getting to make the connection with them as a couple is what an engagement session is all about ~ and it’s that established connection that will take their wedding images to another level!

So as this weekend approaches, I am excited that our Studio will be there to capture the moments as the dreams of this amazing couple come true!

Check out their dreamy engagement session with the slide show below ~

Click here to view the embedded video.

And they lived happily ever after!

Roy ~ Contact Me

Written By Roy  | Photographed By Roy, Stella, Laura + Cristobal

St Hugh Catholic Church Wedding Biltmore Hotel Coral Gables Reception

Click here to view the embedded video.

If you had 30 minutes to live and could “only” call one person? There’s a story that Father Willie of Belen shares with so many that asks that very question ~ each and every time I hear this story I get teary eyed. Who would you call? I know that Father Willie is expressing that throughout life the “one” that you will call will change over time ~ in the early years it’s a parent and as time goes on it becomes your life partner ~ but he’s also saying don’t wait to express to your loved ones those expressions of love that we all have for those in our lives.

Sunlight kisses Lilimary’s veil as she prepares for the most important moment in her life ~ the moment that Niberto lays eyes on his beautiful bride!

Dad was so cool at home as the girls prepared for the wedding ~ I have no doubt that Lilimary drew strength and calm from his presence.

So handsome is he ~ so beautiful is she ~ the ceremony was magical and as I encourage many of my couples ~ live and love the moment that you are in ~

“A daughter’s a daughter the rest of her life” You can so feel the special bond that Father and Daughter share in this image ~ I love the expression of joy on Lilimary’s brothers face ~ what a great moment!

I often ask ~ What is it about our photography that has so many Brides choosing our studio and the answer quite often is “you have a way of capturing moments that are real”. And here’s another amazing moment as Niberto hugs his sister and tears of joy in his Dad’s eyes…

A Few Details:  Wedding Venue: St Hugh Catholic Church Miami; Reception: Biltmore Hotel Miami; Wedding Dress: Chic Parisien ~ Monique Lhuillier; Tux: Ralph Lauren; Florist: Nevot Flower Design; Music Carlos Oliva and Los Sobrinos Del Juez

So think about the question one more time: You have 30 minutes to live and you can only call one person ~ Who? What would you say? Now after you have your answer call that person and tell them how you feel and then call all the other special people that you thought of and call them too ~ often ~ don’t wait!

Now your engaged and your planning a wedding ~ call me I’d love to get to know you and your fiance!

Love and all things good in this New Year!

XOXO,

Roy ~ Contact Me!

Written By Roy  |  Photographed By Roy + Stella

Four Seasons Hotel Miami Wedding

“I felt a wave of emotion come over me when I saw David for our first look. It wasn’t quite like a feeling I had ever felt before—it was relief, happiness and excitement all bundled into a single moment.” ~ Jordana

A single moment~ one of so many moments. On your wedding day, you want to live in the moment but you realize that by doing so you’ll miss many other moments. That’s where we come in as experienced wedding photographers. To capture those moments that you lived and others that you’ll experience through your photographs.

I love photographing at the Four Seasons Hotel in Miami! So many amazing places to create stunning images! Would you believe that this setting is valet parking?

Jordana and David decided to have a first look and take their formals before the wedding ceremony. This way they were able to share a private moment in the beginning of what is quite an exciting day and allow some time to create some amazing wedding portraits that are forever!

“Under the chuppah, hearing words written by one another was incredibly moving. So often we say I love you or thank you, but it’s different to hear your husband’s thoughts about you and your relationship narrated in that way. While neither of us needed the validation, it felt so wonderful to hear the words spoken in front of our family and friends and feel their warmth surrounding us in return.”

The Hora is an an incredible dance that symbolically has family and friends supporting their marriage.

I love to create great images that I know will grace the albums and walls of their home forever.

A Few Details: Wedding Venue: Four Seasons Hotel Miami; Officiant: Rabbi Pam Mandel; Florist: Dalsimer; Hair/Make-up: Tatjana Terzic; Music: Private Stock; Wedding Cake: Ana Paz Cakes

Enjoy a sweet wedding slide show by clicking the play button below!

XOXO,

Roy ~ Contact Me

Written and Photographed by Roy

St. Patrick Catholic Church | Miami Beach Wedding  |  Epic Hotel Miami

Imagine it’s your one year dating anniversary and your boyfriend has a special weekend planned. First you have dinner at a favorite restaurant. You’re greeted with red roses, heart shaped confetti and a  specially printed menu that reads, “Happy Anniversary”.  So he’s doing pretty good on the romance scale but you still don’t see what’s coming. This is what Antonio (TJ) had planned for Anacristina (Ani).

After dinner, TJ had made arrangements to take Ani to a wonderful upscale beach hotel for a romantic, relaxing weekend. “When we arrived at the room, TJ let me in first and when he put the lights on all I saw were rose petals leading to the bedroom. On the bed spelled out with what I thought was like 1000 chocolate kisses was, “ANI WILL YOU MARRY ME?”

“I was in complete SHOCK! TJ held my hand and turned me around to face him, he was on one knee with my beautiful ring in his hand and  asked, “WILL YOU?” and I said, “YES!” like 1000 times and kissed him like a 1000 times.”

That moment was followed with champagne and chocolate covered strawberries and created an amazing start to the perfect weekend. I would say that TJ rocked the proposal!

Enjoy the beautiful slide show of their engagement session by clicking on the play button below:

Ani and TJ will be getting married at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Miami Beach. This is one of my favorite churches to photograph weddings at. To see more weddings that we have photographed there click: St Patrick Weddings. Their reception will be held at the Epic Hotel. I can’t wait!

A little note from Ani:  “The pictures are gorgeous and we couldn’t be happier!”

I so enjoy creating great engagement portraits during this special time in each couples lives. It gives me an opportunity to get to know each couple in a wonderful way and makes for some amazing images for “Save the Date” cards, guest books and gift portraits for parents and family.

Engaged? I think it’s time you gave me a call to see what wonderful images I can create for you!

Have a great day!

Roy~ Contact Me

Photographed by Ricardo | Written by Roy

Coral Gables Congregational Ceremony | Biltmore Hotel Miami Wedding Reception

Did you know that in Norway, if a man and a woman spot a ladybug at the same time, there will be a romance between them? I think that when Carolyn gave Mike ladybug cuff links, she may have had this very thought in mind.

And romance there was at their fairy tale wedding, which took place at the wonderfully romantic Coral Gables Congregational Church.

A joyous moment, happily married and seeing all those smiling faces as they leave the altar.

Ricardo had many opportunities to capture all of the emotion and love at this wedding. Just like this image – now, that’s  hug!

Truly, Carolyn is a princess as she shares a very wonderful first dance with her prince. Love that dress!

A Few Details: Wedding Venue: Coral Gables Congregational Church; Reception: Biltmore Hotel Miami; Wedding Cake: Todo Dulces; Music: DJ Ubi

Enjoy their beautiful slide show by clicking on the play button below:

Now go with your boyfriend into the gardens and together find a ladybug. Once he proposes, give me a call!

Roy~ Contact me

Coral Gables Congregational Church | Comber Hall

You ever live a moment and later reflect back on that time and see the signs that should have told you what was coming? When Alexis asked Ashlee–why she loved him–was just that time. Only Ashlee didn’t see this sign. A sweet response and a glance away to reflect on the light as the day came to an end–Ashlee turned back “to the man that would change her life forever”.

On one knee, Alexis asked if “I would spend the rest of my life with him.” Caught completely off guard, Ashlee was in absolute shock. She actually thought this day would never come and I wonder how many of you have thought the very same way?

“I stood there, wanting to shout “YES!” but all I could say is “What is going on?”. Through the crying and shaking, I nodded my head and smiled — and with that, he put the engagement ring on my finger.”

Ashlee and Alexis will be getting married very soon at the beautiful Coral Gables Congregational Church with reception to follow at Comber Hall. I am so excited to have met this amazing couple and I am really looking forward to photographing their South Florida wedding!

Enjoy their beautiful engagement session slide show featuring beautiful Crandon Botanical garden and beach.(Click the play button below)

Ceremony to be held at Coral Gables Congregational Church

Wedding reception to take place at Comber Hall

Click to see other wonderful Coral Gables Congregational Church weddings!

And to see those receptions that took place at Comber Hall

Have a great weekend and watch out there’s an Easter Bunny running around…careful with the chocolates!

Roy- Contact me!

Alfred I DuPont Building | Wedding Ceremony and Reception

Life should be filled with sweet moments, don’t you think? I was impressed to learn that Alan proposed to Yesy in the sweetest place on earth, Hershey Pennsylvania–home of Hershey chocolates.

On their wedding day I remember that Yesy was all smiles and giggles just before their first look. “I was so excited and anxious to see Alan for the first time in my wedding dress.  Our first look was magical and unforgettable.”

The ceremony and reception took place at the historic Alfred I DuPont Building. The DuPont building is Miami’s only Art Deco skyscraper and was once a bank headquarters. Cypress ceilings, antique bank teller windows and my favorite backdrop, the immense, round door safe deposit vault make for a wedding photographers dream location!

Yesy’s description of her ceremony is great advice for every Bride. “I can’t even put into words the way I felt moments before I walked down the aisle, when I saw the  beautiful chuppah, all of my family and friends,  and my Alan waiting for me.  I remember pausing, looking around and saying to myself–grasp all of it and never forget it.”

“On our wedding day, I felt like a princess in a fairy tale.”

One of my favorite moments in any Jewish wedding is the horah – a dance of celebration. It is such an exciting exuberant expression of  joy that reflects the love and support of family and friends. Can you see how much Yesy and Alan enjoyed their horah?  — “I love, love, love going to weddings and dancing the horah, so I could not wait to get on that chair!”

A few details: Location: Alfred I Dupont Building; Wedding Dress: Priscilla Of Boston, Platinum Collection; Groom’s Tuxedo: Zegna; Caterer: Mena Catering; Florals: Vivian’s Petals; Limousine: Meilan Limousine; Wedding Cake: Ana Paz Cakes;  Coffee: Cafe A La Carte; Videography: Utopia Video

Enjoy their fantastic wedding slide show.  (Click on the play button)

“It was all so surreal I wish I  would have had a pause button so the night would have never ended.”

I would love to have pause button for life. Until I can come up with one,  great wedding photographs will take you back so that you can pause and reflect upon what an amazing night your wedding will be all about!

Take a look at another stunning Alfred I Dupont wedding: Melissa and Xavier

Roy-Contact Me

Ritz Carlton Coconut Grove Wedding

Your wedding day,  a day that you have dreamed about all your life should be perfect. From the moment you become engaged, your dreams begin to take shape. With Vanessa and Eddie they no doubt had an edge when it came to wedding planning–anje Soirees–not only are they an expert team of event planners… one half of anje Soirees is Andi Dyal-Vanessa’s sister! We had the pleasure of photographing Andi and Michael’s wedding and when her sisters became engaged she called us!

Vanessa shared with me the impact that a love note and flowers had on her. “Eddie wrote me an incredibly touching card and sent me flowers which only made me more excited to finally call him my husband.”

Vanessa’s experience with a private first look at the beautiful Fairchild Tropical Gardens can best be described in her own words. “It was the perfect moment to see each other, one that I was looking forward to all day.”

“I truly felt like the luckiest person in the world.”

In reminiscing about the wedding reception Vanessa said “The room was filled with our closest friends and family, and it was just incredible to see the number of people who traveled from near and far to spend our special day with us.  The night was perfection, thanks to our wedding planners, band, hotel coordinator, and of course our photographer.”

A few details: Wedding Location: Ritz Carlton Coconut Grove; Wedding Planner: anje SOIREES; Ceremony Music: Encore Chamber Players; Wedding Decor: Always Flowers; Music: Junior’s Band; Wedding Cake: Todo Dulces;

Enjoy their beautiful slide show! (Click the play arrow below)

In closing Vanessa had this to say: “It is a day the two of us will never forget, and always cherish.  Truly the happiest day of our lives!”

And it was a very happy day for us as well! We loved being there on the happiest day of your lives!

Looking forward to you coming back again!

Roy – Contact me!

P.S. To see more Ritz Carlton Coconut Grove weddings click the link!

Loren shared this pearl of wisdom with me: “Its funny how when you least expect it you find your other half.”

And I love this snippet of how they met and became engaged: “We met at dinner with mutual friends. I wasn’t planning to go but decided last minute and was late as usual so there was one seat open right next to David… we immediately clicked. He was warm and so funny.”…“The night David proposed I had no idea. It was the night before New Years during a romantic dinner- he told me he couldn’t imagine starting the New Year without completely starting it together…that was how we started 2009!”

Loren and David were married at the tropical paradise that is Jungle Island in Miami surrounded by wonderfully loving family and great friends. Loren is one of four sisters that are amazingly close with a lot of terrific nieces and nephews…and David’s grandfather is his Best man…that is so cool! And get this…Rabbi Abramowitz was Loren’s parents Rabbi when they had their Bar and Bat Mitzvah’s, their wedding and the weddings of Loren’s three sisters!

Loren shared her feelings of anticipation with me as her parents escorted her down the aisle:“I remember I started to walk down the aisle and had butterflies but the minute I saw David standing at the end I was absolutely calm and couldn’t wait to get to the end of the aisle so we could begin our lives together.”

A few details: Wedding Venue: Jungle Island; Floral artistry: Petal Productions; Bridal Makeup & Hair: Tatiana Peralta; Wedding Reception music: Marcia Mitchell Music; Wedding Videographer: Senderey Video; Miami Wedding Photographer: Roy Llera Photographers

Enjoy their amazing wedding video!

To say that their wedding was a wild one would be an understatement; with music provided by none other than the Marcia Mitchell band. Marcia and her master musicians created an ambiance that could not be tamed…and when one of those gorilla’s showed up…he just made a monkey of himself.

Loren shared with me her thoughts about her wedding day: “Our wedding night was unforgettable; we danced until we literally couldn’t dance anymore. From the band to the flowers to the amazing food (including banana splits!) it was like a fairy tale. Roy and his team didn’t miss a second of the evening!”

Loren and David, on behalf of Ricardo, Stella and myself—Thank you for an amazing wedding experience. We are honored by your decision to choose only the best that Miami has to offer in wedding photography.

Have a great day and stop in again soon…we have so much to share with you!

Roy Llera – Contact Me