4/03/24

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An incredible venue for a traditional Jewish wedding at the Bay Preserve at Osprey in Southwest Florida.

Bay Preserve at Osprey Wedding

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I believe in real moments and chasing sunsets. In the kinds of images that remind you of the joy that can be found in the simplest of moments together. I believe in images that are itching to be printed, placed in beautiful frames and hung on walls for years to come.

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Anaïs and Jason selected the gorgeous Bay Preserve at Osprey for their traditional Jewish wedding. This waterfront venue in Southwest Florida is stunning with so much to offer! It includes a bright and colorful space to get ready, an outdoor ceremony overlooking Sarasota Bay, and an open grassy area for a tented reception. Plus – when hosting your wedding here you are supporting the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Cost. It was so magical to capture their day alongside their incredible vendors!

If you are looking for a wedding venue in the Sarasota area – this is the perfect backdrop!

Bride and mom portraits for Southwest Florida wedding

Bridal portrait at Bay Preserve at Osprey wedding

Getting Ready & Portraits for Sarasota Florida Wedding

We started the day with Anaïs and Jason getting ready separately inside of the historic plantation-style home on the property. The bright walls inside really matched the Florida aesthetic and added pops of color. Once everyone was ready we headed outside on the lawn for their first look. After exchanging a private and intimate moment together, their wedding party joined us for portraits on the lawn. Everyone, including the flower girls, looked incredible! I particularly loved Anaïs’s veil with handmaid pearl details!

Flower girls at Bay Preserve at Osprey wedding

Bride and bridesmaids walking together for Southwest Florida wedding

Traditional Jewish Ceremony at Bay Preserve

It was important to Anaïs and Jason to include all of the Jewish traditions on their wedding day. Before walking down the aisle they signed the ketubah, a traditional and beautiful Jewish marital contract. It outlines what the couple owes to each other and is signed by witnesses and the rabbi. The ketubah will hang in their home after the wedding as a symbol of their marriage.

They had a perfect day for an outdoor ceremony under the palm trees. They set up a chuppah to stand under throughout their wedding ceremony. While the chuppah is a tradition it can be personalized to the couple. They chose a beautiful white birch draped in white fabric and then added pops of color with flowers. The hanging Spanish moss was the perfect way to add a touch of Florida.

Anaïs made her entrance down the aisle with both of her parents at her side, honoring another cherished Jewish tradition. During their ceremony, they had a reading of the Seven Blessings, a symbolic gesture with profound meaning. The blessings can be read in Hebrew or English. Opting for the latter, the couple chose to have the rabbi read the blessings in English to resonate with everyone present.

The ceremony concluded with the breaking of the glass symbolizing the fragility of life and the enduring strength of their union. As they walked down the aisle as husband and wife, their family and friends cheered and blew bubbles!

Traditional chuppah for Jewish wedding at Bay Preserve at Osprey

Traditional chuppah with flowers for Jewish wedding at Bay Preserve at Osprey

Bay Preserve at Osprey Wedding Reception

After the ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktail hour overlooking the water and enjoying the sunset while we snuck off to take some portraits on the dock. The wedding reception at Bay Preserve at Osprey was then held under a gorgeous tent with colorful decor! All of the tables were perfectly lined with candles and flowers.

Anaïs changed into a stunning jeweled dress as they prepared for their first dance and heartfelt speeches. Continuing to embrace their traditions, they incorporated the hora dance, a beloved tradition where the bride and groom are lifted on chairs, into the reception. Adding an unexpected twist, the bride orchestrated a group Irish dance during the reception.

With one more surprise outfit change from Anaïs, the couple spent the night on the dance floor celebrating their marriage with family and friends!

Wedding photographer for Bay Preserve at Osprey wedding

Guests enjoying cocktail hour outside at Bay Preserve at Osprey wedding

Live Illustrator in Sarasota, Florida

Anaïs and Jason hired Ella Pena as an illustrator for the day. I was so thrilled to see her because she was a past bride of mine! She created incredible illustrations for all of their guests, and, of course, for Anaïs and Jason! She recreated this amazing portrait of the two of them below. Be sure to check her out and give her a follow on Instagram at @ellapenaart!