Beyond the wedding dress, the Mares family incorporated thoughtful details that personalized their anniversary session at Matheson Hammock Park and made it truly memorable:
Claire worked with a local Miami florist to recreate her original wedding bouquet—garden roses, eucalyptus, and seasonal tropical blooms. Photographing these details 20 years later created a visual bridge between past and present. The bouquet added color and texture to the images while serving as a tangible connection to their wedding day. We captured detail shots of the flowers against the tropical foliage, creating a cohesive Miami aesthetic.
Midway through the session, they chose to re-read their original vows to each other on the beach at Matheson Hammock. I documented this private moment from a respectful distance with a 135mm lens, capturing the tears, laughter, and intimate words exchanged. These images became the emotional centerpiece of their gallery—raw, genuine, and deeply moving. Their children later told me these were the photos that made them cry happy tears.
Their three children (now teenagers) joined for the final 20 minutes of the session. Images of the complete family—from the couple who started it all to the legacy they've built—honored the full scope of their 20-year journey together. The kids initially felt awkward being photographed, but once they saw Mom in the wedding dress and Dad getting emotional, they embraced the significance of the moment. Multi-generational portraits at Matheson Hammock created a complete visual story of their family's evolution.
Ideas for personalizing your anniversary session:
The most impactful anniversary sessions are those that tell YOUR unique story—not a generic "anniversary photo shoot," but a genuine documentation of your specific journey, the inside jokes, the challenges overcome, and the love that has deepened with every passing year.
The ring that started it all 20 years ago – still shining as bright as their love
Anniversary sessions require a different approach than engagement photos or wedding day coverage. After 20 years together, couples have an ease and authenticity that can't be replicated by newlyweds—and my job is to document that genuine connection without forcing poses or artificial moments.
For the Mares family session, I used a blend of photojournalistic observation and subtle direction. Most images came from simply walking alongside them at Matheson Hammock, capturing their natural interactions—the way he guides her by the small of her back, how they still hold hands instinctively, the private jokes that make them laugh after two decades together.
My anniversary session photography approach:
The result: images that feel authentic rather than contrived, romantic without being cheesy, and sophisticated enough to display as fine art in their home. These aren't just photos—they're visual heirlooms documenting a love that has stood the test of time.
The Mares family strolling through Matheson Hammock Park's tree-lined pathways – a hidden gem in Miami
Our 90-minute session at Matheson Hammock was strategically planned to capture the park's most beautiful light. Timing is everything in South Florida photography, where harsh midday sun can be unforgiving but golden hour creates magic. Here's how we structured the Mares family anniversary session:
We started at the iconic palm-lined entrance, taking advantage of the soft, diffused light filtering through the canopy. These walking shots and embracing moments set a romantic, relaxed tone for the session. The natural archway created by the palms framed the couple beautifully, while the dappled shade prevented harsh shadows on their faces.
Moving to the secluded mangrove trail, we captured more intimate moments—close-ups of their hands (with wedding ring close-ups honoring 20 years of commitment), stolen glances, and quiet laughter. The dappled light created natural vignetting that drew focus to their connection. This private section of the park allowed them to forget the camera and simply be together.
The main event: the atoll pool at peak golden hour. Claire's wedding dress photographed spectacularly against the water, with Miami's skyline creating a stunning backdrop in the distance. We captured everything from wide environmental portraits showcasing the setting to intimate close-ups highlighting their genuine affection. The calm water of the atoll pool provided perfect reflections, doubling the visual impact of every shot.
As the sun dipped toward the horizon, we finished with silhouette shots and rim-lit portraits that will become heirloom images—the kind they'll pass down to their grandchildren as proof that love, when nurtured, only grows more beautiful with time. The dramatic Miami sunset provided the perfect cinematic ending to their session.
Session Planning Tips: For Matheson Hammock Park sessions, I recommend arriving 15 minutes early to scout the best angles based on current light conditions. Bring water (South Florida humidity is real), touch-up makeup for the bride, and comfortable shoes for walking between locations. Allow 90-120 minutes for a comprehensive anniversary session covering multiple park areas.
Candid documentary moment – the family helping Claire with her dress train, capturing authentic connection
When Claire revealed she wanted to wear her original wedding dress for this 20th anniversary session, I knew we were creating something extraordinary. There's profound emotion in seeing a bride step back into her wedding dress two decades later—not as a nostalgic costume, but as a celebration of enduring love.
The dress fit perfectly (a testament to Claire's dedication and the timeless design), and the moment she put it on, you could see 20 years of memories flooding back. Her husband's reaction when he saw her was the same mix of awe and adoration I imagine he felt on their wedding day—proof that some things only deepen with time.
We documented the dress details with the same care as a wedding day: the preserved lace, the delicate buttons, the way the fabric moved in the ocean breeze at Matheson Hammock. These images aren't just about clothing—they're about preserving a love story that spans two decades. The contrast of the pristine white dress against the tropical Miami landscape created timeless, editorial-quality portraits.
For couples considering anniversary session attire:
Golden hour magic – the warm Miami sunset creating a natural glow and romantic atmosphere
Matheson Hammock Park offers one of Miami's most picturesque settings for anniversary sessions. The 630-acre park features a man-made atoll pool, tropical mangrove forests, and panoramic views of Biscayne Bay—creating diverse backdrops within a single location.
For the Mares family session, we focused on three key areas: the palm-lined entrance path (perfect for romantic walking shots), the atoll pool at sunset (stunning water reflections), and the mangrove trail (intimate, secluded moments). Each location provided unique lighting and atmosphere that elevated their anniversary portraits.
Best Photo Locations at Matheson Hammock Park:
Timing Recommendations: Golden hour (6:00-7:30 PM in summer, 4:30-6:00 PM in winter) provides the most flattering light for anniversary portraits. The park is popular with families during midday, so early morning (7:00-9:00 AM) or late afternoon sessions offer more privacy for couples. Weekday sessions are less crowded than weekends.
Claire's original wedding dress – preserved beautifully for 20 years and still stunning
Celebrating 20 years of love, Claire and the Mares family returned to capture their journey with a stunning anniversary photo session at Matheson Hammock Park in Miami. When a couple chooses to recreate their wedding day magic two decades later, it's not just a photo shoot—it's a love story continuing to unfold.
Claire wore her original wedding dress for this special Miami anniversary session, bringing genuine emotion to every frame. Matheson Hammock Park's tropical beach setting and iconic palm-lined paths provided the perfect backdrop for this milestone celebration. The golden hour light filtering through the mangroves created the same romantic atmosphere they experienced on their wedding day.
As a South Florida anniversary photographer, these sessions remind me why I love what I do. The Mares family's laughter, the way they still look at each other after 20 years, and Claire's decision to wear her wedding dress again—these authentic moments created images that honor both their past and their present.
Let's create stunning photos that tell your unique love story.
Award-winning wedding photography with a photojournalistic style that captures authentic moments.
View Packages & PricingAnniversary photo sessions like this one typically require 1.5-2 hour coverage and start at $850-$1,200. This includes the photography session, online gallery with high-resolution downloads, and professional editing. Sessions can be extended for multiple locations or additional family portraits. View our complete pricing.
Golden hour is ideal for anniversary sessions in South Florida—typically 1-1.5 hours before sunset (around 6:00-7:00 PM in summer, 5:00-6:00 PM in winter). This timing provides soft, warm light that's flattering and romantic. Early morning sessions (7:00-8:30 AM) also offer beautiful light with fewer crowds at popular locations.
Choose outfits that reflect your personal style and coordinate (but don't match exactly). For anniversary sessions, many couples opt for semi-formal to formal attire—consider flowing dresses, suits, or recreating your wedding day look. Solid colors and classic styles photograph beautifully. We provide a detailed style guide after booking to help you prepare.
Absolutely! Many couples include children, grandchildren, or extended family in their anniversary sessions. We typically start with couple portraits, then bring in family for group shots. Including family adds 20-30 minutes to the session and creates meaningful multi-generational portraits that become treasured family heirlooms.
Top Miami locations for anniversary sessions include Matheson Hammock Park (tropical setting with water views), Vizcaya Museum & Gardens (European elegance), Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden (lush greenery), South Pointe Park (urban skyline views), and Coral Gables' historic streets. Each location offers unique aesthetics—we help you choose based on your style preferences.
We provide a comprehensive preparation guide covering outfit selection, location details, timeline planning, and posing tips. Arrive 10-15 minutes early for touch-ups. Bring any meaningful props (wedding vows, original bouquet recreation, etc.). Most importantly, relax and focus on connecting with each other—authentic emotion creates the best photos.
Most anniversary sessions run 1.5-2 hours, allowing time for multiple poses, locations within the venue, and natural moments. This timing captures golden hour light without feeling rushed. If you're including extended family or want to visit multiple locations, we recommend 2.5-3 hours of coverage.
South Florida weather can be unpredictable. We monitor forecasts closely and suggest rescheduling for severe weather. For light rain, we have backup indoor locations or covered areas at most venues. Many parks like Matheson Hammock offer pavilions and tree coverage. We also embrace dramatic weather for unique, moody photos if you're adventurous!
Your complete edited gallery is delivered within 3-4 weeks after your session. You'll receive a private online gallery with high-resolution downloads, perfect for printing and sharing. Sneak peeks are typically shared within 48-72 hours on social media (with your permission). Rush delivery is available for special occasions.
We recommend booking 4-8 weeks in advance to secure your preferred date and golden hour timing, especially during peak season (October-May in South Florida). Last-minute bookings are sometimes available, but popular sunset time slots fill quickly. For milestone anniversaries or special dates, book 2-3 months ahead.
