CLICK THIS LINK TO CHECK OUT OUR WEDDING AND ROMANCE WEBSITE.
When couples dream about a South Florida wedding, they often imagine soft sandy beaches, swaying palm trees, and elegant celebrations set against the turquoise ocean. Few venues deliver that dream as perfectly as The Palms Hotel and Spa in Miami Beach. Over the years, I’ve photographed countless weddings here, and every time I step onto the property, I’m reminded why it’s one of my favorite wedding venues in Florida.
But more than a venue spotlight, this post is also about me—Jeff Kolodny, a wedding photographer in South Florida with decades of experience capturing love stories. My journey into photography started in a darkroom when I was just a teenager, took me across Los Angeles photographing everything from Hollywood movie sets to major publications, and eventually brought me here to South Florida, where I’ve built one of the region’s most respected wedding photography brands.
If you’re considering a Palms Hotel wedding, I want to give you not only an insider’s look at the venue but also a clear picture of what makes an experienced photographer essential for your big day.
ABOVE PHOTO - "Captured at the stunning beach of The Palms Hotel and Spa, this moment of the groom lifting the bride is a timeless favorite. Achieving this pose, however, takes a bit of finesse and direction! When someone picks up another person, the natural instinct is to lean back for support, often resulting in a less-than-flattering angle where the bride’s lower half unintentionally becomes the focal point. To avoid this, I always guide the groom to lean forward slightly and adjust their head positions so their profiles are beautifully visible. It’s always a fun process, as I often step in to reposition their heads while they laugh and share a sweet moment together. These candid interactions make this shot one of my absolute favorites to capture.
When photographing couples by the ocean, I’m always on the lookout for areas that add drama and depth to the background. The unique cove on this beach provided the perfect backdrop, allowing the ocean to frame the couple beautifully without them needing to step into the water. As a photographer, I’ve learned the importance of taking my time to focus on the finer details of each image. It’s these small adjustments and thoughtful compositions that transform a simple pose into a cherished memory."
A Beach That Feels Private
Miami Beach is famous worldwide, but not every stretch of sand is created equal. One of the biggest draws of The Palms is its pristine beachfront. Unlike many public beach areas that can be crowded or littered, the beach at The Palms is remarkably clean, elegant, and peaceful.
That’s partly because the hotel is surrounded by other high-end properties, and its location makes it less accessible to the typical beach crowd. While it’s technically public, it feels intimate—perfect for a wedding ceremony where you want the ocean as your backdrop without distractions.
As a wedding photographer in South Florida, I can tell you this matters. Nothing ruins a romantic first kiss photo like random tourists wandering through the background. At The Palms, that’s rarely an issue.
Not every couple wants a sandy beach ceremony, and that’s where the lush tropical courtyard comes in. The gardens feel like a private oasis, with winding pathways, tropical flowers, and a beautiful white gazebo that has become a favorite ceremony spot for many of my couples.
I’ve photographed dozens of weddings in this exact location, and every single one feels timeless. Whether you want soft natural light filtering through the trees or a romantic evening ceremony under twinkle lights, the courtyard delivers.
Elegant Indoor Options
The Palms also has two ballrooms: one large and one more intimate. These spaces give couples flexibility depending on their guest count and style. The larger ballroom works beautifully for luxury receptions, while the smaller one is perfect for boutique weddings.
One of the things I love most about photographing weddings at The Palms Hotel in Miami Beach is the variety of backdrops the venue provides. From the pristine beach to the lush gardens and courtyards, it’s a photographer’s dream. In this particular moment, the bride and groom shared a kiss beneath an arch of palm trees and greenery—a scene that was already beautiful but became extraordinary when captured with my infrared camera.
Infrared photography is a creative technique I sometimes use to give couples something truly unique in their wedding album. Unlike traditional photography, infrared captures light beyond what the eye can see, transforming palm leaves and foliage into bright, snow-like textures. The result is a surreal, dreamlike black-and-white image where tropical Miami suddenly looks like a winter wonderland.
I don’t use infrared for an entire wedding—your day is documented in natural color and classic black-and-white—but I love including a few special images like this. They add variety and artistry to your collection, making your album stand out from anything you’ve seen before.
At The Palms, with its gardens, palm trees, and natural arches, this style works perfectly. The couple’s joyful kiss becomes even more timeless when framed by glowing, frosted-looking leaves. It’s the kind of photo that not only documents a moment but also creates a piece of art you’ll treasure forever.
The Courtyard and Gazebo at Night
While many couples think of The Palms Hotel and Spa as the perfect Miami Beach venue for sunlit beach ceremonies or lush garden vows, the property has another secret: at night, the courtyard transforms into pure magic.
When the sun goes down, the back courtyard glows with twinkle lights and candles. The elegant gazebo, which is often used for ceremonies during the day, becomes a romantic centerpiece after dark. It almost seems to call couples over, saying, “Come inside and share a quiet moment together.”
As a wedding photographer in South Florida, I always encourage my couples to slip away for a few minutes during the reception to take advantage of this scene. Even just a short photo session in the courtyard at night can result in some of the most artistic and memorable portraits of the entire wedding day.
The staircase leading up to the gazebo is one of my favorite spots for these images. With the couple framed by soft lighting and the glow of the surrounding garden, the photographs take on a cinematic quality. Unlike daytime images, which are bright and full of energy, nighttime portraits are filled with mood and romance.
If you’re planning a Palms Hotel wedding, I highly recommend making time for a few after-dark photos. They add incredible variety to your album and give you a chance to step away together, even if only for a few minutes. These moments often become favorites—not only because of how beautiful they look, but because they capture the quiet joy of newlyweds enjoying their first night together as husband and wife.
The Palms Hotel in Miami Beach is one of my favorite places to photograph weddings because it gives couples so many ways to personalize their celebration. While many couples choose the beach, the gazebo, or one of the ballrooms, some take advantage of a less traditional but equally stunning option—the back patio.
Perched just above the courtyard and gazebo, the patio overlooks the very spot where many couples exchange vows. At the wedding featured in this photo, the bride and groom hosted their reception here only an hour after their ceremony in the gazebo below. The continuity was perfect—guests could look down from the balcony at the ceremony space while enjoying cocktails and dinner in a completely new setting.
The long banquet table was decorated with florals, candles, and oversized round decorative pieces that gave the space a chic, modern atmosphere. The natural light in the afternoon bathed everything in a warm glow, making the colors pop and giving the photos an airy, romantic feel.
For couples who don’t want a ballroom reception, the patio is the perfect solution. It has the open-air charm of a beach wedding but with a little more structure and privacy. From sweeping wide shots of the setup to intimate portraits of the couple at the head of the table, the back deck provides endless opportu
nities for creative photography.
If you’re planning a Palms Hotel wedding, don’t overlook this hidden gem. An outdoor patio reception combines elegance, intimacy, and flexibility—and it might just result in some of the most memorable photos of your entire wedding day.
Behind The Palms Hotel in Miami Beach, a charming wooden plank walkway winds its way along the coastline. Framed by weathered fences on both sides, the path feels private and secluded, with hidden openings that lead directly to the sand. This design makes the beach quieter and more intimate—usually filled with hotel guests rather than large crowds.
For this wedding picture, I guided the couple onto the walkway for a series of romantic portraits. One of my favorite captures is this dipping kiss, where the groom leans his bride gracefully back as her gown flows across the boards. Beforehand, I carefully arranged her train so it would display perfectly, adding elegance to the scene. The composition is striking: their kiss framed by their profiles, the wooden fences forming natural lines that guide the eye directly to the couple.
This photograph not only reflects the romance of the moment but also highlights the natural beauty and exclusivity that make The Palms such a sought-after Miami Beach wedding venue.
I also love photographing cocktail hours in the expansive lobby. It has high ceilings, elegant décor, and provides the perfect gathering space where I can capture genuine candid moments as your guests relax and mingle.
First Look at The Palms
The first look is one of the most powerful moments on a wedding day, and at The Palms Hotel in Miami Beach it feels even more meaningful. Instead of waiting until the ceremony, many couples now choose to share this emotional moment privately before walking down the aisle. It’s a time filled with anticipation, joy, and often happy tears — all unfolding in a setting as beautiful as The Palms.
In this photograph, the groom stands quietly, facing the camera, his gaze lowered in thought as he prepares to see his bride for the very first time. Just behind him, the bride waits with a radiant smile, bouquet in hand, ready for her groom to turn and meet her eyes. The contrast between his nervous anticipation and her glowing excitement creates a story within the frame — a story of love, expectation, and the start of something unforgettable.
Click these links below to check out some of my "First Look" moment!
First Look with the bride's father.
A moment a father will never forget.
The first look offers more than just emotion. For many couples, it also brings practical benefits. By arranging portraits, bridal party photos, and family pictures before the ceremony, the schedule becomes more relaxed. After exchanging vows, the newlyweds can enjoy their cocktail hour without feeling rushed or pulled away for photographs. This balance of planning and emotion is why so many modern couples choose to embrace the first look.
At The Palms, the tropical gardens and serene spaces around the hotel provide the perfect setting for this tradition. Every corner of the property offers a unique backdrop that enhances the intimacy of the moment. Whether it’s framed by palm trees, vibrant greenery, or the sound of the ocean nearby, the atmosphere adds a natural elegance to each image.
This photograph captures all of that — a quiet pause, a joyful smile, and a setting that makes the first look at The Palms truly unforgettable.
The Palms is only minutes away from South Beach. For couples and guests who want to celebrate in style, it’s the perfect blend: serenity for your wedding, and excitement just around the corner. It’s common for couples to host their wedding here, then plan after-parties or next-day brunches in the heart of South Beach.
#WeddingPhotographerInSouthFlorida #MiamiBeachWedding #SouthBeachWedding #MiamiWeddingPhotographer #SouthFloridaWedding #BridalPartyGoals#WeddingPartyVibes #BridesmaidsAndGroomsmen #WeddingSquad #CelebratingLove #MiamiBeachWedding, #WeddingPhotographerInSouthFlorida, #LifeguardTowerWedding, #SouthBeachWedding
One of the best parts of being a wedding photographer in South Florida is the chance to use the unique backdrops that make this area so special. Miami Beach, and particularly South Beach, is famous for its brightly colored lifeguard towers. Each one is designed differently, painted in bold, vibrant shades that stand out against the ocean and sky. They have become true icons of the Miami shoreline and a favorite setting for unforgettable wedding portraits.
For this wedding. picture, the ceremony ended just as the afternoon gave way to evening, and the timing was perfect. After exchanging vows at The Palms Hotel, the couple and their wedding party walked down to one of the nearby lifeguard stations. Because lifeguards leave their posts after 5 p.m., the towers become available for photos — offering a rare opportunity to use them as part of the wedding day story.
The bridal party gathered at the tower, dressed in their formal gowns and tuxedos, creating a striking contrast with the playful, brightly painted backdrop. The scene was lively, joyful, and distinctly Miami. As dusk settled in, the light became softer and more romantic, adding to the beauty of the portraits. And then, as if timed by nature itself, a rainbow appeared in the sky, arching behind the group.
The result was a photograph that captured everything at once: the joy of the celebration, the vibrant energy of Miami Beach, and the unexpected magic of the rainbow. It’s moments like these that make South Florida such a remarkable place for wedding photography. The combination of natural beauty, cultural icons, and spontaneous surprises ensures that no two weddings look the same — and every couple’s story feels truly unique.
The First Look at The Palms
Every wedding has defining moments, and one of the most powerful is the first look. At a recent wedding at The Palms in South Florida, I photographed a sequence that perfectly captured the magic of this unforgettable tradition.
The story unfolds across three images. In the first, the groom looks toward the camera, with his bride waiting just behind him. His expression reflects anticipation, the calm before the reveal. In the second photo, the bride twists slightly, glancing toward the camera as the groom faces forward, unaware of what’s coming. This middle frame builds anticipation, showing the suspense that leads into the big moment.
Finally, the third image captures the groom’s expression the instant he sees his bride for the first time. His joy and emotion are undeniable, and the photo is made even more powerful by the bride’s shoulder and headpiece in the frame, giving perspective and context.
This sequence at The Palms illustrates why the first look has become one of the most cherished traditions in modern weddings. It allows couples to experience an intimate moment away from the crowd while still creating unforgettable photographs.
As a South Florida wedding photographer, I strive to go beyond posed pictures and capture stories that couples will treasure forever. This first look sequence is the perfect example of how a wedding at The Palms can combine romance, elegance, and raw emotion into a series of photos that truly tell a story.
From Darkroom Beginnings to Theater Photography
My love for photography started early. In high school, I spent countless hours in the darkroom, experimenting with film, developing prints, and learning how to tell stories through images. I was also deeply involved in theater, where I worked on stage lighting and photography. My school was fortunate to have a robust theater photography program, which gave me hands-on experience that most aspiring photographers never get.
Adelphi University – Building a Foundation
When it came time for college, there was no question what I wanted to pursue. I attended Adelphi University as a photography and communications major. My studies included black-and-white and color printing, video production, film, and every aspect of communication media.
Those years solidified my technical knowledge while fueling my passion. I immersed myself in the work of legends like Gary Bernstein and Herb Ritts, studying how they used light and composition to create emotion.
Los Angeles – Baptism by Fire
By my junior year, I knew I needed to see Los Angeles for myself. That’s where so many of my photography heroes were based. When I arrived, I was blown away. Camera stores lined Ventura Boulevard, and commercial studios and wedding labs were everywhere.
But I quickly realized I was out of my league. Los Angeles was filled with photographers whose technical mastery and creative artistry were far beyond what I had achieved so far. So, I took the humble path.
I got a job at a prestigious photo lab, where I learned everything about printing and production. I also sought out the best wedding photographers in the area and offered to work for free just to learn. For over a year, I worked alongside some of LA’s most respected professionals, absorbing everything I could.
Wearing Many Hats in Photography
My career in LA became incredibly diverse. I worked as:
Those years gave me a rare perspective: I wasn’t just trained in weddings, I was trained in high-pressure environments where precision mattered. Whether documenting a fire scene, capturing candid celebrity moments, or managing the unpredictable flow of a wedding day, I learned how to think fast, adapt instantly, and never miss a shot.
As a South Florida wedding photographer, I love being in a location where so many different cultures and traditions come together. On any given weekend, I could be photographing a traditional Jewish wedding, a Latin fiesta, a beachside destination wedding, or a blend of them all. This diversity makes my work endlessly exciting and allows me to capture celebrations that are as unique as the couples themselves. The Hora Loca at this Palms Hotel wedding was a perfect example of why I love what I do. The energy was contagious, the dance floor was packed, and the photos came out alive with color, laughter, and joy—exactly how every couple wants to remember their wedding day.
Relocating to South Florida.
In 2003, I moved to South Florida. At first, I wasn’t sure if I’d make it in this market, so I kept my LA studio while renting an apartment in Fort Lauderdale. I spent years flying back and forth, photographing weddings on both coasts.
Slowly but surely, my reputation grew. Couples in Florida began to recognize my style—emotional, timeless, detail-oriented—and today I’m proud to say I’ve become one of the most sought-after wedding photographers in South Florida.
Why Hire Me for Your Palms Hotel Wedding
With so many photographers out there, why choose me? Here are a few reasons.
Decades of Experience
I’ve photographed over 2,000 weddings. That’s thousands of first kisses, first dances, and unforgettable moments. Experience gives me foresight—I can anticipate when the flower girl will make a funny face, or when dad is about to tear up during his speech.
Mastery of Light and Timing
South Florida has tricky light. The sun is harsh at midday, and beach weddings can create strong shadows. Because I’ve spent years shooting here, I know how to manage these challenges—using reflectors, off-camera lighting, and timing strategies to make sure your photos look gorgeous.
Professionalism You Can Trust
I arrive early. I bring backup gear. I know the venue inside and out. There’s no situation I haven’t faced before. When you hire me, you don’t have to worry—I’ll get the shot, no matter what.
Storytelling Approach
Your wedding is a story, and I see myself as the storyteller. Every detail matters: the dress, the décor, the look in your eyes as you walk down the aisle. My couples often say their favorite photos aren’t just the posed portraits—they’re the unexpected candid shots that captured the real emotions of the day.
Reviews and Reputation
If you’d like proof, just check my reviews on WeddingWire and Google. Couples consistently describe me as professional, reliable, creative, and deeply passionate about what I do.
The volume of positive reviews keeps growing because I truly care about each couple. To me, you’re not just another client—you’re someone trusting me with one of the most important days of your life. That’s an honor I never take lightly.
Here's a link to my Google Reviews
Here is a link to my Wedding Wire reviews.
There’s something timeless about black and white wedding photography. At The Palms Hotel in Miami Beach, every corner of the property offers beauty, but the lobby has a special kind of elegance. That’s why I chose to capture this bridal portrait in black and white—it highlights the fine architectural details and places all the focus on the bride’s graceful presence.
One of the things I love most about photographing at The Palms is the variety of settings. From the dramatic front doors to the lush gardens and beachside views, this venue offers endless backdrops. But sometimes, the quiet moments indoors create the most powerful images.
This photograph reminds us that while color brings vibrance, black and white brings emotion and timelessness. It freezes a moment and allows the story to shine in its purest form
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why should I hire a South Florida wedding photographer instead of someone from outside the area?
A: A local South Florida wedding photographer knows the best venues, lighting conditions, and hidden photo opportunities unique to the region. From Miami Beach to Boca Raton, experience in the area helps create photos that truly reflect the local beauty.
Q: What makes wedding photography at The Palms Hotel in Miami special?
A: The Palms Hotel offers lush gardens, ocean views, and elegant spaces that create stunning backdrops for weddings. A professional South Florida wedding photographer can take full advantage of this unique setting to capture both romantic portraits and candid, emotional moments.
Q: Do you capture traditional portraits as well as creative, artsy photos?
A: Yes. My approach blends classic, timeless wedding photography with creative storytelling and artistic techniques. That means you’ll have a complete collection—posed family portraits as well as candid, emotional, and artsy images that highlight the romance of the day.
Q: How far in advance should we book our wedding photographer in South Florida?
A: Popular venues like The Palms, Vizcaya, and The Breakers often book quickly, and so do photographers. To ensure availability, couples should ideally book their South Florida wedding photographer 9–12 months in advance.
Q: What is included in your wedding photography services?
A: Every couple receives personalized coverage, high-resolution edited images, and the option for engagement sessions, albums, and wall art. Whether at The Palms or another South Florida wedding venue, my goal is to deliver photography that feels authentic, emotional, and unforgettable.
Final Thoughts
The Palms Hotel and Spa is one of the crown jewels of South Florida wedding venues. Whether you say “I do” with your feet in the sand, beneath the garden gazebo, or in one of the elegant ballrooms, your day will be magical.
But even the most beautiful setting needs the right storyteller. That’s where I come in. If you’re planning a Palms Hotel wedding and want a photographer who has decades of experience, a passion born in a darkroom, and the professionalism to ensure no moment is missed, I’d love to be part of your day.
Call or Text me and let's talk wedding!
Your wedding deserves more than just snapshots. It deserves art, emotion, and timeless storytelling. That’s what I deliver, and it’s why couples continue to trust me as their wedding photographer in South Florida.
Your dream Miami Beach wedding deserves to be captured perfectly. Let me turn every magical moment at The Palms Hotel into timeless memories. Call or text me today at 954-560-1533 to book your consultation and start planning your unforgettable wedding photography experience!
