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Destination engagement sessions are some of my favorites. They give the couple a chance for a romantic getaway or day trip while checking off photos on your wedding to-do list. Recently I visited Amelia Island in Florida. It is a beautiful little spot filled with luxury accommodations, delicious food, and stunning beaches, perfect for a vacation and engagement shoot.
If you are traveling to the Amelia Island area for photos, it just makes sense to spend the day enjoying the island or turning it into a mini vacay. If you want to stay overnight, I highly suggest Omni Amelia Island Resort. The grounds feature a golf course, spa, and indoor and outdoor pools, all while being right on the beach. Even if you spend a day in the area, the resort is still worth checking out for a spa day or dining at one of its ten restaurants.
I always recommend getting hair and makeup for your engagement photos. Your everyday makeup won’t appear the same way on camera as it does in real life. You have to go a little bit heavier for it to really show up in photos and make your features pop.
For hair, it is always nice to have someone else treat you to a great shampoo and a beautiful blowout; being in the Florida heat and humidity can take a toll on a hairstyle, and a professional will know the best products to use to ensure your hair is picture perfect. Brushed and Blushed is one of my favorites to recommend since they will travel to you, creating a less stressful process.
Amelia Island has no shortage of beautiful backdrops for photos! Some of my favorites are the beach, the downtown area, and the historic lighthouse. With 13 miles of uncrowded beach area, it is the perfect location for photos, along with its stunning sunrises and sunsets.
If you are looking to dust off the sand, the historic downtown Fernandina Beach is a great place to go. With a charming town and beautiful architecture, it is a fun place to get a few photos. Located on the water, of course, you can still get some gorgeous water-view photos without trekking through the sand.
Also located in Fernandina Beach is the Amelia Island Lighthouse. Filled with history and lush green surroundings, it’s another great stop during your engagement session.
No matter where my couples choose for their engagement session location, I always suggest dinner afterward. You are already dressed up, so it is a good excuse for a date night.
In the Amelia Island area, I would suggest The Boat House or the Wicked BAO. The Boat House prides itself on shareable dishes and perfectly crafted cocktails in a fun environment. Wicked Bao features authentic Asian street food featuring variations of BAO, wings, pot stickers, and spring rolls. I will let you know that both places will have a wait time for seating, but they are both so worth it.
If you decide to make it an overnight trip, you can’t miss out on Southern Donut Company. With so many flavors baked fresh each day, it is hard to pick a few.
A destination engagement shoot in Amelia Island is a great way to unwind and bask in your new role as a fiancé while connecting with your partner. If you are looking at other destinations for your engagement shoot, I suggest checking out my Louisville guide here.
Vendors:
Creative Direction: ELIZABETH MESSINA
Hair & Makeup: BRUSHED & BLUSHED
BRAND & WEB BY ASHLEY FERREIRA DESIGN
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