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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.
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.
Proximity to South Beach
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.
My Journey as a Wedding Photographer in South Florida
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.
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.
Tips for Planning Your Palms Hotel Wedding
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.
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.
