Golden Hour Couples Photoshoot in Siesta Key, Florida

Three of my favorite things…

One — that golden hour glow. Two — the ocean. and Three — being behind the lens photographing a couple so in love. Lucky for me, this night had it all. 

I spent time this winter in Florida, much of it in Siesta Key and Santa Rosa Beach, and both immediately became special places in my heart. As a Colorado-based wedding photographer, I’ve captured it all between the mountains, the pine trees and aspens, downtown Denver, and the red rocks in Colorado Springs… but photographing in the warm weather in the winter — especially a picturesque and romantic setting like the sunset on the beach — I was so eager to create.

Between the vast shoreline and the crystal blue waters of the gulf, Siesta Key makes for an iconic backdrop for your most photographable moments. And as you’ll see with these shots of Gianna and AJ, it’s truly picture perfect at any time of day. 

The Setting: Siesta Beach, Siesta Key Florida 

Siesta Key is off the west coast of Florida outside Sarasota. As a barrier island, it’s known for its wide sandy beaches and warm gulf breezes. Siesta Beach is the most popular beachfront on Siesta Key, open to the public and enjoyed by many all year long. 

As a photographer at Siesta Beach, the setting couldn’t be more dreamy for photos. The powder-white sand reflects light perfectly. And the soft pastels of the sky at sunset are different every night, making each photoshoot here unique. 

Couples year-round choose to have a Siesta Key Beach Wedding, and I can absolutely see why its backdrop makes for an ideal wedding celebration. Check out this site for Siesta Key Beach Wedding packages to explore Siesta Key for your wedding day!

But let’s not forget to mention, Siesta Key is more than just a pretty beach. With tons of cozy rentals right by the water, Siesta Key makes for a perfect vacation if you’re craving relaxed island vibes. With plenty of nearby restaurants, there’s no shortage of places you can go to enjoy your beachside getaway. 

Siesta Key is family-friendly, couple-friendly, and is just peaceful enough to make everyone feel at ease during a photo shoot. That’s exactly why I could capture G + AJ so authentically for their sunset session at Siesta Beach. 

Golden Hour Magic: Sunset Photoshoot in Siesta Key 

While spending a few months as a photographer in Siesta Key this winter, I connected with Gianna on Instagram threads.

I’ve said it before, but I’m always in awe about how many amazing, beautiful inside and out people I’ve met in person and connected with virtually through Instagram, including these two. It makes me so incredibly happy to do what I love wherever I go!

About a week after we connected, we met for sunset photos on Siesta Beach. G + A are already married, but they were excited for some updated couples shots to capture their love for each other and a beach close to home. 

I was swooning over the glowy, golden light and soft waves as their backdrop. I captured stunning sun bursts when we were taking photos near the water. This golden hour light at Siesta Beach created the perfect romantic and dreamy vibe.

I took a mix of digital and film photos, which is something my clients are always excited about when shooting with me. 

G + A’s laughter, love, candid snuggles, and bare feet in the ocean waves are some of the moments I live for documenting. After the sun dropped below the horizon, we got a few more shots in the tall grass away from the water before night fell over the beach. 

I’m obsessed with capturing couples in a place that’s truly meaningful to them, and the magic of their love is seen so effortlessly in these shots. I’m forever grateful to these two, and all my couples, for trusting me to document their love story. 

Looking for a Siesta Key Photographer? 

Gianna and AJ’s couples session is one of the many opportunities I’ve had to document love near the ocean. And although I primarily have been a Colorado-based wedding photographer, every time I take photos on the beach (like the mountains), I feel so at peace and connected to my work. 

If you’re in love with of the setting of these couples photos like I am, consider booking your own sunset golden hour photoshoot in Florida! I’m always available for travel for photo sessions, and of course, weddings, as long as it fits in my schedule.

I’m now traveling across the country — and even internationally to photograph weddings, elopements, engagements, and more. So are you ready to book your beach session? Connect with me on my website or on Instagram to see if we’re the perfect fit!

Let’s chat and preserve your special moments, beach front and beyond.