Kim and I had such a fun time during her maternity session at Lowdermilk Park in Naples, Florida! Here are a few sneak peeks - more to come soon!!!
Melia and Tommy's Wedding Photobooth Slideshow Video
Check out this fun wedding photobooth slideshow video from Melia and Tommy's recent wedding!!! So much fun! :) If you need a wedding photographer in Fort Myers or Naples, Florida definitely check out Charlotte Purdy Photography. As you can tell we have an AMAZING Photobooth!!!
Fort Myers Photographer - Same Time, Next Year at the Laboratory Theater of Florida
This past Friday I had the opportunity to watch my mother-in-law star in the amazing play called "Same Time, Next Year" that was held at the Laboratory Theater of Florida in Fort Myers Florida. Tammy Richardson did a PHENOMENAL job!!! :) So proud of her. Please see below for a few photos of her in action! If you would like to check it out go to: http://www.laboratorytheaterflorida.com/
Fort Myers and Naples Wedding Photographer - How to Save Money on Your Wedding Venue
How to Save Money on Your Wedding Venue in Southwest Florida
When planning your wedding, it is hard to believe how quickly costs can add up. After having photographed several weddings, I have learned a few tricks to save money on your wedding but still have a great event. While these tips are created with the Fort Myers and Naples bride in mind, they will still may be relevant regardless of where you live. Here are some tips on how to save money on your wedding venue for your Fort Myers or Naples, Florida Wedding.
This is a photo from a wedding that I photographed at Koreshan State Park in Estero, Florida.
- The Beach:
Residents of Fort Myers and/or Naples Florida have the wonderful benefit of living in paradise. People travel to Florida to have their weddings in our beautiful tropical environment, while we practically have the beach in our backyard. If you are a bride on a budget and you are a beach person who wouldn’t mind having your wedding outdoors, I would strongly suggest having your wedding at the beach. Before you have your wedding at the beach, make sure that you get in contact with the Clerk of Courts office (www.leeclerk.org) regarding your marriage license, and also contact the local beach officials in order to make sure that you do not need any special permits. These are the phone numbers for the various beach officials (I obtained these phone numbers from The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel Website. They have a lot of really good information regarding having your beach wedding, you should check out their website http://www.fortmyers-sanibel.com/weddings)
This is a photo from an Engagement Session I photographed in Lakes Park in Fort Myers, Florida.
- Captiva, North Captiva and Boca Grande 239-479-8585
- Fort Myers Beach 239-765-0202
- Bonita Springs 239-949-6262
- Lovers Key State Park 239-463-4588
- Sanibel Island 239-472-3700
- Backyard Wedding:
Don’t overlook having a backyard wedding. Some of the prettiest weddings that I have ever photographed have been backyard weddings. If you live in a location that has a pretty view and a large space (or have a friend or family member who does) then you should consider this as an option – just make sure you have a backup plan in case it rains (such as a tent).
This is a picture from a Elopement Session I photographed at 8th Avenue and Gulfshore Blvd. in Naples Florida.
- Government-Owned Properties (State Parks and Reception Venues):
This is actually the route I took when I got married. The local city often has beautiful buildings or properties that are donated to them, and they rent them out at a price that would be significantly cheaper than a privately-held venue. I met my husband in college and got married there, then I moved to Fort Myers, Florida. When I got married, my dream venue was actually a beautiful building that was donated to the city, and it was so cheap to rent! For six hours, it only cost $250. If a beach or backyard wedding isn’t what you are looking for, you should seriously consider going the government-owned route. Here are just a few gorgeous locations that you should consider looking into renting for your wedding day:
· Koreshan State Park and Historic Site. Located in Estero, FL this location is absolutely BEAUTIFUL for weddings. You can check out their website for information by going here: https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/Koreshan
· Buckingham Community Center: This is a beautiful ceremony/reception area that is located in Fort Myers, Florida. You can check out their website for more information by going here: http://www.leeparks.org/Facility_info?Project_num=0239
· Lakes Park: Located in Fort Myers, Florida this location has a beautiful garden, gazebo, and lodge for the reception. You can check out their website for more information by going here: http://www.leeparks.org/Facility_info?Project_num=0101
· Naples Beach at 8th Avenue South and Gulf Shore Boulevard: Located in Naples, Florida this location is absolutely stunning. It is close to downtown Naples and was recently renovated with wedding ceremonies in mind, just a heads-up, there’s no parking on this street so make sure you make prior arrangements. You can check out their website for more information by going here: http://www.naplesgov.com/index.aspx?NID=450
Depending on what look you are going for, you can definitely have a beautiful wedding that was done on a budget. I hope these tips help you with your wedding planning. As always, if you need a wedding photographer in Fort Myers or Naples, Florida do not hesitate to contact me. :) Check back for future money-saving tips!
Take care,
Charlotte
Charlotte Purdy Photography
Sneek Peek - Jared and Lisa's Fun Bowditch Park Fort Myers Wedding!!! Fort Myers Wedding Photographer
I am so excited to share this sneak peek from Jared and Lisa's fun Bowditch Park Beach Wedding !!! :) These two are cute together and their intimate ceremony at Fort Myers Beach was both full of love and smiles. So honored to have been chosen to be their wedding photographer.
Melia and Tommy - Wedding Photographer In Fort Myers Florida
Sneak Peek of Melia and Tommy's absolutely GORGEOUS wedding in Fort Myers Florida
I Believe in Magical Moments...
I believe in magical moments. Like that moment when the bride is walking down the aisle, and her daddy cries as he is about to give her away. Or that moment when the groom brings his mother in close, while he is smiling proudly at her as he and her are spinning across the room arm and arm. Or the bride, peeking down the aisle, trying to get a glimpse of her groom. These moments linger in my memory, and cause me to smile as I capture your memories.
I have one of the best jobs in the world.
Choosing a wedding photographer is a very difficult task, because in addition to needing to have the right equipment and know-how, you also need to choose a person that you can see yourself being around (pretty much all the time) on your wedding day.
My brides and grooms become my friends. Behind each picture is a memory and behind each memory is a story – and I have the greatest honor of being chosen to tell story.
No wedding is perfect – but sometimes it is the imperfections that make a wedding the most cherished. Not because the wedding is Pinterest perfect, or because the wedding should be in the next issue of The Knot, but because it’s your story and it’s what makes your story unique.
When you are looking for a wedding photographer, one of the most important things that you need to look for is this: “Do they care?” Because a photographer who cares is much more valuable than a hundred that don’t.
Charlotte
Too Late, Mr. Frog
You’re too late Mr. Toad, she has already found her Prince Charming :)
(Pose inspired from a shot by the talented Megan Vaughan Photography)
Stephanie and Tysen's Fort Myers Engagement Session - Fort Myers Wedding Photographer
Not that long ago I had the pleasure of photographing Stephanie and Tysen. Our shoot was a blast as we explored Downtown Fort Myers during their Engagement Session. Their engagement story is so cute! Tysen surprised Stephanie by proposing to her on the Eiffel Tower. How romantic! :) Anyways, I hope you have as much fun viewing their pictures as I did taking them.
Take care,
Charlotte
Sanibel Causeway and Beach and Biker Engagement Session
"All that we love deeply becomes a part of us."
- Helen Keller
A few weeks ago Justin and I had the pleasure to photograph Lisa and Beau's Engagement Session at the Sanibel Causeway beach. Lisa and Beau are so in love and their chemistry is AMAZING :). I couldn’t have asked for a better time with them and their photos are gorgeous! I love this couple and I am excited to capture their wedding later this year. - Charlotte
Harborside Bridal Show In Fort Myers Florida - Charlotte Purdy Photography
This past Sunday was so much fun at the Harborside Bridal Show in Fort Myers, Florida. I got to meet a lot of wonderful brides planning their upcoming weddings. :) My husband helped me with setting my booth up and I got to work alongside some other wedding vendors. Here are some pictures from the show!
Below are some gorgeous props from Country Chic Event Rental! I love working with Nikki and Linda. Both are very helpful and always provide great customer service :).
Below are some of the wonderful ladies from David’s Bridal in Fort Myers
Lani Kai Island Resort was at the bridal show. I loved their booth décor!
Mmmm… Publix cakes (even though this one is fake) make me hungry.
Bed Bath and Beyond is always a good place to have your wedding registry! These girls were my booth neighbors. :)
Had a great time at the Harborside Bridal show! I always look forward to meeting future brides :) Take care! - Charlotte