Cape Florida Lighthouse of Key Biscayne in Miami, FL Elopement Photo Story Award

Irina & Marian are surrounded by loved ones on their most special day. Marian's best friend reads a beautiful poem in Romanian that has the couple all choked up.

They chose to celebrate their wedding day with only their closest friends and relatives, about 30 in total, some traveling all the way from Eastern Europe to make the occasion. The two were elated -- they showered one another in kisses as soon as they saw each other in the parking lot before entering the lighthouse park. 

It was such an intimate occasion and the couple so laid back - preferring candid moments to posed shots - they hardly looked at the camera whenever their friends asked for photos with them. They just kept kissing and laughing with each other.

The live musicians, the gorgeous sunlight, and the simplicity of it with the stunning backdrop of the Miami ocean were perfect for how natural and soulful this ceremony was. Even though I don't speak Romanian, I was captivated by the emotional responses of everyone and really felt how special their bond was.

Irina was given this beautiful bouquet from her best friend who made it herself.

Marian takes in the beauty of his soon-to-be wife.

After their first kiss as man and wife, Irina and Marian embrace one another and enjoy this wonderful moment.

An after-ceremony session with the couple in front of the lighthouse, where a year earlier Marian had proposed to Irina as the Miami sun was setting.