Wedding at The Cooper Estate - Homestead - FL - Iris + Jasen
We want to extend a huge congratulations to Iris + Jasen on their fabulous Cooper Estate Wedding in Homestead, FL. We were simply blown away with how every detail of their wedding was planned to perfection. They added just the right touches of elegance to enhance an already beautiful wedding venue. Even with all of that planning, I don’t think either one of them could have anticipated just how happy they were from the beginning to the end of their day!
We’d like to start by saying that we had been looking forward to Iris and Jasen’s wedding since the day we met with them in our Kendall studio. We felt an instant connection with this couple and were so thankful to have the opportunity to capture their sweet story. We were also excited to get to work once more at the Cooper Estate - one of the most intimate and lovely wedding venues in South Florida. Cooper Estate is an ideal location to whisk your guests into a romantic state of mind. They offer a gorgeous sunken grotto with a waterfall backdrop for the ceremony that is straight out of a fairy tale, an outdoor cocktail space surrounded by majestic trees and bistro lighting, and a rustic farmhouse that is exquisitely charming. As always, the staff at the Cooper Estate did an incredible job with the event.
The Cooper Estate boasts a lovely cottage on premise. With a private bedroom decorated in the same rustic look the venue is known for - the cottage is a great option for the bride to get ready. As photographers, we love shooting the detail shots and getting ready shots there as it offers a pretty backdrop for photographs. This was exactly the case with Iris, who used the beautiful room to slip into her gown with the help of her bridesmaids. There, she put on her shoes, earrings and touched up her makeup just before she prepared herself to walk down the aisle. All the while, Jasen was anxiously waiting to see his bride!
Often times, the bride and groom decide to do a first look - this is when the couple sees each other prior to the ceremony. Iris and Jasen decided not to do this and opted for a traditional first look instead - with a twist! As guests gathered in the grotto, the bride and groom snuck away and had a little moment where they held hands - back to back with a wall dividing the two - no peeking! This was just about the moment Jasen lost it. The happy tears flowed and we were just ecstatic to be able to witness it all with our lens. This touch gave both of them the positive energy they both needed to get through the upcoming ceremony.
And what an emotion filled ceremony it was! Iris and Jasen’s love was so apparent. When Iris started her path down the grotto steps, Jasen lost it once more. In his defense, Iris could not control the happy tears either! As previously mentioned, the ceremony setting at Cooper Estate looks like a picture in a storybook. Guests feel like they are in a different world as they witness the exchange of vows. With its waterfall trickling in the background and exotic plants peeking through the rocks, it is a picturesque and peaceful setting. We love capturing weddings here for the simple fact that it makes for stunning photos. It was the perfect spot for Iris and Jasen to say “I do”!
While their guests enjoyed cocktails, we were kept busy with the newlyweds capturing their portraits around the property. One of our favorite spots for pics at the Cooper Estate is the front of the manor. Those big wooden doors are everything! We also love taking the bride and groom into the reception space for the first time. It is always a magical moment seeing their vision come together. All the vendors did a spectacular job and makes our job just a bit easier! We made sure to capture every detail so that it will never be forgotten.
The rest of the night was their story to tell. We did not want to miss a beat -from the first dances to the cutting of the cake and all of the partying in between. The DJ was awesome and knew just the right song to keep the dancing going. Everyone was having an amazing time! The night ended with a sparkler exit as Iris and Jasen’s guest wished them a lifetime of happiness. Please join us as we wish them the same!
