There’s something undeniably magical about a vintage-inspired wedding—where timeless elegance meets nostalgic charm. Nestled in the heart of Coral Gables, The Club of Knights provided the perfect backdrop for this beautifully curated celebration. From antique lace gowns to candlelit tablescapes, every detail of this wedding felt like stepping into a romantic era of the past. A beautifully restored vintage car, parked outside after the ceremony, added to the charm and made for the perfect backdrop to capture timeless portraits. Capturing the intricate details—the soft glow of chandeliers, the golden accents, and the heartfelt moments—was nothing short of enchanting.

The day started a little later than a normal wedding for us. We arrived to Loews Coral Gables hotel at around 1pm. The hotel was only about a block away from the wedding venue, and made a perfect place for the bride and groom to get ready, of course in separate rooms! We grabbed Michaelas details and found the cutest, shadow inspired spot perfect for capturing the elegance of her keepsakes. Her dress was stunning, something you might see in a wedding dress magazine if you can imagine it. She sported red bottomed heels, a perfect luxurious touch to her charming wedding. We made our way back to drop off Michaela’s details and check on how she was feeling. I love to know a brides vibe and emotion of the day because it kind of gives me a sense of what I will be dealing with. I want to make sure I bring a calm demeanor if the bride is stressed out, or a fun spirit if the bride is ready to get the party started! I think it’s important as a photographer to read the room and be able to work off of that. We left Michaela while she finished getting her glitz and glam on and went to meet up with the boys! 

We made our way to the grooms room where all of the boys were, prepped and primed with their sleek black tuxes, Stephen too with red bottomed shoes. We interviewed Stephen, got him a little emotional, and made our way to the ninth floor deck which had a super picturesque vintage vibe, perfect for capturing all of the groomsmen. We lined them up, took some serious photos, some Calvin Klein wannabe photos, some cigar photos, and some hype photos. This particular group of groomsmen was surely one of a kind with their anticipation leading up to party time getting bigger and bigger! 

Time was getting closer to this two years in the making wedding ceremony that was to unfold at sunset on February 22nd, 2025. Tensions were a bit high in the bridal suite, from last minute touches to hair and make up, figuring out the veil, and having to move rooms to get the bride dressed. I knew the clock was ticking but I wasn’t stressed. I knew with a calm demeanor and plan that I could get the perfect shots. I asked everyone else but the bride, maid of honor, and the brides mother to leave to give the bride a peaceful moment before it was time to walk to the ceremony. A quiet space with the bride helps me be intentional, which is something that is so incredibly important to me as a wedding photographer. I am able to create a lust feeling that makes the bride shine and gets her ready for the big moment, her moment. We took photo and film of her by herself in the bridal suite, and then it was off to the venue to set up. 

The ceremony began and Stephen awaited his beautiful bride. The doors swung open  and there she stood, ready to get to him. The two exchanged beautiful vows at the altar and shared the long awaited first kiss as a married couple. They made their way back down the aisle as their closest friends and family cheered them on. Hand in hand, they walked outside where a vintage Cadillac awaited them. We took photos of them and their bridal party with this rad car, images that I’m still swooning over and probably will never stop swooning over. We kept taking photos long after the sun had set, allowing us to use our flash, something that was absolutely chefs kiss with this vintage car setting. 

It was finally time for party time, something that the bride and groom waited two long years for! They had their sights set on glow sticks and a glass dance floor with a fire Dj spinning the best beats for them. The entire crowd, including us, danced and had the best time ever. Shots were taken, cannolis were eaten, and electric scooters somehow made their way on the dance floor…..DONT ASK!!!!! This wedding was nothing short of absolutely incredible and we are so happy to have been such a special part of it! Cheers to The McLaughlins!