Carly and Philip’s Kimpton EPIC Hotel wedding in Miami was one of those days that felt beautiful, emotional, and full of so much joy from beginning to end. From my very first discovery call with Carly, I had a feeling this wedding was going to be something special. She shared so much about the vision she had for the day, the vibe she wanted her guests to feel, and the memories that mattered most to her.
A few months later, we met at the EPIC for Carly and Philip’s engagement session, and that was such a great time for all of us to connect even more. We got to have fun, laugh, and get to know each other in a more relaxed way. They were both so confident and happy during their session, and I really do feel like that made such a difference on the wedding day. There was already comfort and trust there, and that always helps everything flow in a more natural way
Getting Ready at Kimpton EPIC Hotel
The wedding day at Kimpton EPIC Hotel was beautiful from beginning to end. The girls started the morning together getting their hair and makeup done, and that part of the day was so much fun. We took some cute photos of them all together before each girl went back to her room to finish getting ready on her own. Carly stayed behind with her mom, and that’s when things shifted into a quieter and more emotional part of the morning. Her mom helped her get into her dress, and it was one of those sweet moments that just felt full of love.
At the same time, Philip was with his dad and his guys, and they were having such a good time getting ready. Phil is a hardcore UM fan, so that definitely showed up in that part of the day too. I got some fun photos of him and the guys doing the hand sign for the U, which made that whole part of the morning feel even more personal and true to him. I love those kinds of details because they make the wedding feel even more like the couple.
A Downtown Miami Wedding with the Perfect City Vibe
One of the things I loved most about this wedding was the location. I love shooting in Miami, and being right in the heart of the city gave this wedding such a fun and beautiful energy. You could see the sky, the buildings, the glass, and all of that city feel that makes Miami so special. That was part of Carly and Philip’s vision too. They wanted that Miami vibe, and being at the EPIC gave them exactly that.
Emotional First Looks and Portraits
Carly also wanted to do a few first looks, which made the day feel even more meaningful. She did a first look with her dad, one with her bridesmaids, and of course one with Philip. Each one had its own emotion, but seeing Carly and Philip see each other for the first time as bride and groom was just so beautiful. It was one of those moments that you can feel deeply while you’re photographing it. I’m not gonna lie, I was feeling it too behind the camera.
First look at Kimpton EPIC Hotel in Miami
After that, we moved into portraits and family photos. Their family photo list was a longer one, so we made really good use of the time we had and got most of those done before the ceremony. That helped the rest of the day move so smoothly, and it gave everyone a little more room to enjoy what came next.
A Beautiful Ceremony and Poolside Cocktail Hour at Kimpton EPIC
The ceremony was beautiful and full of emotion. There were moments of laughter, beautiful words, and also moments that made people tear up. It had such a lovely mix of joy and heartfelt meaning, which made it feel so personal to Carly and Philip.
After the ceremony, everyone headed to cocktail hour by the pool, and that part was just so good. Guests were able to enjoy the views of Downtown Miami and really take in the heart of the city. Since family and friends had come in from different parts of the United States to celebrate with them, it felt extra special for everyone to experience that Miami backdrop together. It was one of those parts of the day that felt both relaxed and exciting at the same time.
An Kimpton Epic Reception in the Heart of Miami
Then we headed inside for the reception, and it was such a fun night. Kelly Altier Weddings did a magnificent job bringing everything together, and the entire celebration felt beautiful, polished, and full of life. The music was amazing, the energy was high, and everyone was just having the best time. From the design to the dancing, everything came together so well.
It was one of those wedding days that honestly flew by. Not just for Carly and Philip and their guests, but even for me. That always says so much. It means the day flowed naturally, everything transitioned well, and everyone was truly present and enjoying it. Everything Carly and Philip wanted captured was captured, and that is always the goal, to preserve the memories that mattered most and tell the story of the day in a way that feels real to them.
Vendor Team
Venue: Kimpton EPIC Hotel
Planning: Kelly Altier Weddings
Photography: Claudia Amalia Photography
Videography: Miranda Kay Media
Beauty: The Clyque
Floral Design: Petal Productions
Entertainment: Mike Sipe Entertainment | DJ Ray Costa
Officiant: Cantor Debbi Ballard
Photobooth: Event Factor
Desserts: Sweet Guilt
