Emily and Chris traveled from Ohio to the Florida Keys with the dream of having a destination wedding that felt beautiful, meaningful, and relaxed, and Baker’s Cay in Key Largo was such a perfect place for that to come to life.
A few months before the wedding, they came down with their moms for their food tasting and to meet some of the local vendors who would be part of their day. It was so nice to meet them in person before the wedding and have that time together. We talked through the flow of the day, their photography timeline, and all the moments that mattered most to them.
We also walked around Baker’s Cay together, visited the ceremony and reception spaces, and talked through ideas for where we could take photos around the property. That time was so helpful because it gave us all a better feel for the flow of the day and helped everything come together in a way that felt smooth and well thought out.
A destination wedding at Baker’s Cay in Key Largo
When the wedding day arrived, everything moved beautifully. There were a lot of meaningful moments built into the day, including a first look with Emily’s dad, her bridesmaids, and Chris. We also made time before the ceremony for the ketubah signing, along with immediate and extended family photos, which helped the rest of the day flow with so much more ease.
One thing Emily and Chris really wanted was to actually enjoy their cocktail hour and be present with their guests, and I love that. Because we planned the timeline with intention and made room for all the important parts of the day ahead of time, they were able to join cocktail hour, greet their family and friends, and really be in that moment instead of feeling pulled in too many directions.
Making time for the moments that mattered most
And of course, we made time for sunset photos because when you are getting married in the Florida Keys, that is a must.
Sunset portraits always have a more relaxed feel to them. By then, the nerves have settled, the day is already in motion, and the couple gets a few quiet minutes together. For Emily and Chris, it ended up being one of the most exciting parts of the wedding day. https://claudiaamaliaphotography.com/guide-to-bakers-cay-wedding/
That is one of the biggest reasons I always say good communication and a thoughtful timeline matter so much. When everyone is on the same page, the day feels smoother, transitions are easier, and the couple gets to be more present instead of rushed.
Why Baker’s Cay is such a beautiful place for wedding photos
One of the things I love about photographing weddings at Baker’s Cay is how much variety the property gives you. https://claudiaamaliaphotography.com/key-largo-wedding-photographer/ Emily loved the greens around the resort, so we made sure to focus on that lush tropical feel throughout many of their portraits. Between the greenery, the waterfront, and all the beautiful little spots around the property, there are so many places to create images that feel like the Florida Keys.
Baker’s Cay gave Emily and Chris such a beautiful setting for their wedding day. There is something about it that feels so true to the Florida Keys, tropical, relaxed, and beautiful, while still feeling polished and special. It was the perfect backdrop for a day that felt meaningful, smooth, and so full of joy. https://claudiaamaliaphotography.com/key-largo-wedding-photographer/
Hiring your photographer is such a personal choice, just like choosing your flowers, your cake, or any other part of your wedding day that reflects your style. Photography should feel like you. It should reflect your personality, your connection, and the vibe of your day. And honestly, that is why it matters so much to find someone you connect with. The best images happen when couples care about photography, trust the process, and want to feel comfortable enough to just be themselves in front of the camera.
After the wedding, Emily and Chris shared the sweetest words about their experience, and it truly meant so much to me:
Claudia is unbelievable. Full stop. From the moment we hired her, there was not a single regret. She goes above and beyond in every possible way, and our wedding day truly would not have been the same without her.
Claudia spent so much time getting to know my vision through detailed calls and countless inspiration photos exchanged back and forth, ensuring she truly understood what I wanted and she absolutely nailed it. She is well-known in the Keys wedding industry and generously shared trusted recommendations across other areas of our wedding planning, which was super helpful.
We got married at Baker’s Cay, and her knowledge of the venue was unmatched. She knew it inside and out, knew exactly where to take photos for the best light and backdrops, and even had strong relationships with the staff — a true testament to how professional, personable, and respected she is.
On the wedding day, Claudia took charge seamlessly and was on top of everything while also being an absolute joy to work with. She brought the perfect balance of leadership, calm, and fun, and worked tirelessly, giving 110% from start to finish. Watching her in action was honestly incredible.
Claudia is the definition of professionalism, talent, and dedication. We are beyond grateful she documented our special day, and we could not recommend her more highly
Contact page
https://claudiaamaliaphotography.com/contact
Services page
https://claudiaamaliaphotography.com/services
Venue: Baker’s Cay Resort Key Largo
Photography: Claudia Amalia Photography
Hair and Makeup: Bellelite Beauty
Entertainment: DJ LEEOR
Florals: Ever After Florist
