Opal Sands Resort Wedding

Clearwater Beach, Florida

What a way to end wedding season 2023! Elissa & Trent’s elegant Opal Sands Resort wedding in Clearwater Beach was just perfect. This stunning venue sits right on the gulf so your beach wedding day dreams can be filled with water, sand, sailboats passing by, and maybe even some dolphins in the background.

Elissa & Trent were originally supposed to get married on Captiva Island, but a hurricane severely damaged their resort. They shifted their plans by several months and north to Clearwater where they had beautiful weather and said their vows surrounded by their family and friends. And these two have quite the family and friends! Elyssa’s wedding party was the largest I’ve ever photographed and they were all so beautiful and kind.

When I arrived to the resort on their wedding day, I walked into the bridal suite and found the girls getting ready with the hair and makeup artists. While there were so many ladies in that room, everyone was calm and having fun. I started my day photographing all of their stunning details on the balcony that overlooked the resort pool and the gulf.

Once everyone was hair and make up ready, Elyssa and her girls came out to the balcony for some photos in their matching pajamas and a champagne toast. She then got into her dress with the help of her mom and maid of honor before a fun reveal with the rest of the bridesmaids. At the same time, my second photographer was hanging with Trent and the guys while they were getting ready.

Just as the ceremony was about to start, the sun broke through and the clouds disappeared. The couple shared their vows, while perhaps shedding a tear or two, and they became husband and wife.

Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktail hour while I took the newlyweds down to the beach for some photos. I could have photographed them for hours, but we worked quickly to get the photos so that they could head to the end of cocktail hour before the reception.

Just before the grand entrance, the DJ let us know that Trent had some plans for the dance floor to be packed immediately after they were introduced. I’ve never seen this done before, but it was a blast! As the wedding party entered, they lined the dance floor and when the newlyweds entered, it became one big dance party for a few minutes before moving on to toasts and dinner.

The night ended with lots of dancing and an afterparty nearby.

Elyssa and Trent, it was such a joy to photograph your engagement session and wedding day. I hope to continue photographing the big and small moments of your lives.

Vendor Team:

Venue: Opal Sands Resort

Planner: Heather w/ Blue Skies Events

Violinist: Chris Barbosa Music

DJ: Tampa Bay DJ Co

Florals: FH Events Design

HMUA: Adore Bridal Hair & Makeup

Video: Sunshine City Films

Photo: Karen Shoufler Photography

Rentals: Kate Ryan Event Rentals