If you’re looking for an Ocean Reef wedding that’s intimate, elegant, and full of heartwarming moments, Ashley and Cameron’s special day in Key Largo is the perfect inspiration. As a Key Largo wedding photographer, capturing magical moments like these in the stunning Florida Keys is what keeps me going.
This black-tie micro wedding, in particular, was everything I could’ve hoped for—elegance, intimacy, and the kind of love that lights up even the cloudiest skies.
Despite a little rain, this day turned out to be pure magic, and I’m so excited to share the story + the photos behind it!
Bubbly Beginnings (Pun intended!)
Ashley’s morning was nothing short of picture-perfect. She got ready at the charming Marlin Hotel, surrounded by her mom, sisters, and closest friends. Dressed in the cutest matching PJs, she looked completely relaxed. Just sipping her coffee while the glam team worked their magic on her hair and makeup. And then (a hundred photos later), the celebration kicked off with bubbly champagne, lots of happy wishes, and plenty of laughter.
One of the sweetest moments was her first look with her bridesmaids and mom—so many happy tears and hugs to go around. But the real tear-jerker? Her first look with her dad. Watching her dad’s face light up when he saw her in her gown was one of those moments that just sticks with you. It was heartfelt, emotional, and the perfect way to start the day.
An Intimate, Black-Tie Affair
Ashley and Cameron’s wedding wasn’t just about saying “I do.” It was about creating a moment that truly felt like them. With only their closest family and their siblings’ partners there to celebrate, it was intimate and full of heart. Like every detail had its own special meaning. And with the exclusive charm of Ocean Reef as the backdrop, it was the kind of day that sticks with you forever (seriously, how dreamy is that?).
Ashley’s sisters stood by her side as her bridesmaids in sleek black dresses that perfectly complemented the timeless black-tie theme. Cameron, on the other hand, looked every bit the dashing groom in his tailored tux. Because who says that a small wedding should mean scaling back on style?
Time to Say ‘I Do’!
The ceremony was packed with so much emotion. Honestly, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house—especially Cameron’s. The way he looked at Ashley as she walked down the aisle was enough to make anyone tear up. Their vows were so heartfelt and personal, and with their closest loved ones there and the gorgeous Ocean Reef backdrop, it was one of those moments that felt like pure magic.
Sips, Laughs, and Good Vibes!
Cocktail hour was an absolute blast! Guests enjoyed the bride and groom’s favorite cocktails, chatting and laughing as the party truly kicked off. It was a really great time to relax, celebrate, and soak in the joy of the day.
Turning Rain Into Romance
Yes, it rained during the ceremony. And yup, it could have been a total disaster. But Ashley and Cameron? They rolled with it like pros. (Honestly, rain on your wedding day feels kind of poetic, doesn’t it?) They kept their focus on what really mattered: the love they were celebrating.
Once the skies cleared, the magic really kicked in. The soft post-rain glow gave everything this dreamy, romantic vibe that you couldn’t plan if you tried.
And just when we thought the day couldn’t get any better, the most stunning golden sunset decided to show up. Talk about a picture-perfect ending!
Portraits That Speak Volumes
If there’s one thing that stole the show (aside from Ashley and Cameron’s love, of course), it was their portraits. And can I just say, these two were absolute naturals in front of the camera!
Ashley’s beautiful wedding dress flowed effortlessly with every step, while Cameron’s glances at her had us all swooning. Their chemistry was undeniable, and capturing it against Ocean Reef’s stunning backdrop was an absolute dream.
A Modern Twist
One of my favorite parts of the day? Their playful bar photos. Ashley and Cameron knew how to balance sophistication with fun, posing in their sunglasses and toasting with cocktails. And if you think about how it rained that day, those sunglasses were definitely a witty twist. Modern, chic, and oh-so-them—a reminder that your wedding can (and should) reflect your personality.
Reception Elegance
The reception decor was next-level elegant. Think white orchid arrangements, flickering candlelight, and a table setting that looked straight out of a fairytale. (Like, who wouldn’t want to sit there?)
Every detail felt so intentional, creating this cozy but classy vibe for their small-but-mighty celebration. Between the heartfelt speeches and the laughter that filled the room, it was the kind of night no one wanted to end.
Ashley and Cameron literally owned the dance floor all night—and so did their guests. With everyone’s favorite songs blasting, the party was nonstop fun, packed with dancing, laughter, and so much joy. You could basically feel the love and excitement everywhere you turned. And that cake-cutting moment? Definitely the cherry on top of an incredible day.
The Beauty of Micro Weddings
Ashley and Cameron’s day is proof that less is more. Micro weddings are all about meaningful moments with the people who matter most, and their celebration spoke volumes about this. Without the hustle and bustle of a larger guest list, they had time to soak in every detail—the love in their parents’ eyes, the laughter of their siblings, and the joy of simply being present with each other.
If you’ve been dreaming of a wedding where the focus stays on your love story, a micro wedding at Ocean Reef might just be the answer! The natural beauty of Key Largo, paired with the exclusivity of the island, creates a backdrop that’s intimate, elegant, and unforgettable.
Capturing Love as a Key Largo Wedding Photographer
Hearing how much a couple loves their photos is what makes my heart so full. Here’s what Ashley had to say about her experience:
“Claudia shot our wedding on 10-12-24. She was extremely professional and thorough. Claudia spent a lot of time with me prior to the wedding going over every detail to make sure the day ran as smooth as possible. We used her photography timeline to run the day down to the minute, and it was perfect! I absolutely love all of my photos. She captured exactly what I wanted and more. She was creative and fun with it and took control when it came to accomplishing all of the family photos we needed to get done. I would 100% recommend her and can’t wait to use her again in the near future. Love the vibe of all our photos. She captured the best angles. I’m over the moon with the pictures, which is priceless!”
I mean, can you feel the joy in her words? This is why I do what I do—capturing priceless moments and turning them into memories you’ll cherish forever.
Planning an Intimate Ocean Reef Wedding in Key Largo
If Ashley and Cameron’s wedding tugged at your heartstrings, just imagine your own Ocean Reef wedding!
Whether you’re planning an intimate micro wedding or something a little bigger, I’d love to help you capture every magical detail. My goal is to make your day as seamless as possible while delivering photos that truly tell your story.
Looking for something intimate but still full of charm? Micro weddings are my jam. They’re all about keeping the mood relaxed and meaningful, and I’m here to make sure your day feels just as special as you’ve always dreamed.
Vendor Team Shoutout
A dream day like this takes a dream team. Here’s a huge shoutout to the vendors who made it happen:
- Venue: Ocean Reef Club, Key Largo, FL
- Hotel: Marlin Hotel in Ocean Reef
- Violinist: @franklimaviolin
- Flowers: @designsbydarenda
- Hair & Makeup: @miami_makeup_hair_by_assel
- Bridal Gown: @bocaratonbridal
- DJ: @djajfalcon
Let’s create your Ocean Reef wedding together. Ready to make it happen? Reach out today, and let’s start planning your magical day!
