Palm trees. Summer sun. Waves crashing on the shore. Is this paradise on Earth? Pretty damn close. We had the pleasure of shooting this destination wedding at Pier Suite Events on Pensacola Beach Florida.

Crazy story, so Aaron and I took our first trip together to Pensacola back in spring 2012. So when this inquiry came about, we got butterflies with the synchronicity. We didn’t know if we would ever end up there again. It’s amazing the opportunities this career has given us and we are forever grateful. So we packed our bags and headed down to the Sunshine state once again to shoot Sean and Jissel’s dreamy beachside wedding in Pensacola.

Getting Ready: Pensacola Destination Wedding Beach House Airbnb

Sean and Jissel rented out an adorable beach house to get ready in. Pulling into the driveway, we found the groom and the groomsmen playing some basketball out front and soaking up the Florida sun.

Inside the house, I found the bridesmaids in their custom silk robes–each with their name embroidered. Finishing touches were being done to hair & makeup. I loved being able to see how the Bride’s daughter was peeking around corners and eventually came up to her to hold her hand. She was in such awe at her Mom. She looked up and said, “Mommy you look so beautiful.” It was the sweetest thing to be apart of.

After Jissel’s mom and MOH helped her slip into her dress, it was time for the first look. Down on the patio, Sean was ready and was anxiously waiting for his bride.

After the first look, we took a few minutes and walked around the beach house to let all of their emotions sink in, feeling the warm breeze as it came off the ocean. It was so nice to have this moment for just the two of them.

Wedding Party Photos: Your Ride or Die

This wedding party knew how to bring the energy. Both the bride and groom definitely had their ride or die clan next to their side. Each group bringing their own type of energy and laughter.

We know first hand how the energy of everyone can get pretty high. The laughter, the cheering, the silliness where sometimes I may need to help bring that down just a smidge so we can stay on track. Let’s face it, I’m a mom of three hooligans, and I know how to wrangle a group when I need to. To be completely honest, it’s almost always the guys! 😉 When I start to poke a little bit harder fun at them they generally are like ,”oh shit she means business” while the girls are cheering me on! All in all, we know how to be direct while also having a good time and keeping your day run smoothly.

Ceremony at Pier Suite Events with Ocean-View

Saying goodbye to the beautiful beach house, we headed to Pier Suite Events where the ceremony and reception were to be held. This event space was just absolutely beautiful with the perfect mix of modern and elegant vibes! It was the perfect size to host a Pensacola destination wedding!

As Sean and Jissel walked around their venue, we loved capturing them noticing all the little details and seeing all their hard work come to life.

With the Florida sun beating down on the venue’s deck, the ceremony began. Anticipation for Sean and Jissel to finally tie the knot was all around and everybody could not wait to let the celebration begin.

With that, Sean and Jissel said “I do” with the beautiful gulf views behind them. As they walked back up the aisle for the first time as husband and wife, they stopped to share a special moment with their son and we are so glad we were able to capture this moment. It has creeped into our all-time favorite wedding photos.

Let The Good Times Roll! A Reception We’ll Never Forget

Sean asked if we could go down to the beach to take some additional photos with his groomsmen. Beach goers were cheering, strangers were handing out beer to the group and you could clearly tell Sean was into it all. After they did the toss the groom photos as we were walking back to the reception, Sean and one of his groomsmen shotgunned some beers for some even more fun groomsmen photos!

Back at the venue, all their friends and family were congratulating Sean and Jissel! By the time the couple made their grand entrance into the reception, the celebration was well under way.

Sneaking away for a little bit, Sean and Jissel wanted to go down to the beach for some sunset photos. Walking along the beach, all of the beach-goers came up to congratulate the happy couple and it was so fun to see all the love they received from strangers on the beach! These sunset photos were absolutely magical. Sunset photos are such a great time to slow down and soak in some alone time with your spouse.

Dance Like Nobody’s Watching: Sparks Fly for this Pensacola Destination Wedding (In More Ways Than One)

Speeches were made and first dances were danced (including the sweetest dance of the bride with their son and the groom with their daughters). With that, the group hit the dance floor! Sean and Jissel had this super cool 360 photo booth to take pictures and videos in!

One thing we’ll say about this wedding: this dance floor was hoppin! We haven’t seen a dance floor this energetic at a wedding in a quiet some time. As the dancing began, someone came inside from the deck to tell us that there were fireworks across the pier. We quickly grabbed Sean and Jissel and were able to snap the picture-perfect moment as the fireworks went off behind them!

Ending off the night, the happy couple had a sparkler exit. We’re such suckers for sparkler exits because they make for such fun photos! It was such a great way to end this magical Pensacola destination wedding!

Do The Damn Thing! Have A Pensacola Destination Wedding!

If you’re reading this and you’re thinking to yourself, “UGHHHHH! I wish I could do that for my wedding!” we’re here to tell you that you ABSOLUTELY CAN! Destination weddings can be really scary to some people. You may be traveling somewhere you’ve never been before and there can be so many things that are unfamiliar! But that’s the exciting part! Take this Pensacola destination wedding as living proof that you absolutely can pull off an amazing destination wedding, especially when you have so many amazing people to support you along the way!

If you’re looking for some EPIC wedding photographers who are going to be there with you every step of the way and support you in crafting a unique wedding day that FEELS like you, you’re in luck! We’re Aaron and KC and we’d love to be a part of your special day, whether it be a destination wedding across the country or an elopement across the globe! Reach out to us HERE! We’d love to get in touch!

Craving some more destination wedding goodness? Check out this AMAZING elopement we shot in the Virgin Islands! Ready to start planning your dream wedding/elopement/destination wedding? Read our TOP FIVE TIPS TO START PLANNING YOUR DESTINATION WEDDING TODAY!

As always, stay beautiful! xoxo

Craving more from Sean + Jissel’s big day?!?! Watch their photos come to life in their wedding video down below!

DREAM TEAM OF VENDORS!

Venue: Pier Suite Events

Event Planning and Decor: DaSilva’s Event Design

Dress: Annika Bridal

Florals: Forget Me Knot Floral

DJ: South Bay Event Group