Classic Summer Isla Bella Beach Wedding in Marathon, FL

WEDDINGS

Hailey and Rowan’s May Isla Bella Beach wedding was the perfect blend of tropical and timeless. Their coastal details felt just right—classic and timeless against the backdrop of tropical palm trees. The whole weekend had an elevated, elegant vibe, where everything felt natural but intentional. Hailey and Rowan wanted to have a fun, relaxed weekend with their favorite people while also creating beautiful events, and they pulled it off effortlessly.

From the soft, subtle decor of their welcome dinner, to the easygoing and fun setting of their pool party, and chic wedding day decor, everything was a reflection of who they are as a couple. They found that sweet spot between chic and casual, making their wedding weekend feel both intimate and memorable without feeling overdone…and having their wedding photographer capture every event on film and Super 8 allowed the couple to remember these moments forever!

Published on Carats & Cake


About The Author

Hi, I’m Rachel King – a film wedding & lifestyle (think family, branding, studio) photographer serving Baltimore, Washington, D.C., New York City, and destination. Creating a custom photography experience that makes you feel seen, have fun, and leaves you with gorgeous heirloom film photographs is always my goal. Nostalgic documentary film and crisp editorial portraits that make you feel like you’re on the cover of Vogue is my sweet spot. With over 10 years of film photography and 5 years of wedding industry experience, I’m here to share beautiful images and all the knowledge I have for a stress free and beautiful wedding or session experience.

Getting married or interested in a lifestyle session? Check out my work and reach out to learn more.

Rachel King looking at the camera in a black shirt and brown wavy hair

A Relaxed Wedding Weekend Experience at Isla Bella Beach

What made their wedding stand out was how they turned it into a full weekend experience. With a destination wedding, it’s not just about the day itself—it’s about every moment before and after. From beach hangouts to group dinners, it’s those in-between times that make the whole celebration feel more connected. That’s why capturing the entire weekend, not just the wedding day, is so important. You want to look back and remember all those casual, meaningful moments with your closest people.

As a film photographer, those natural, real moments are everything. When you choose to photograph the whole weekend, especially somewhere as stunning as Isla Bella, you’re capturing a bigger story. It’s not just about the ceremony or the portraits—it’s about the vibe of the entire Isla Bella Beach wedding that stays with you long after it’s over. You get to relive the candid laughs, the quiet walks on the beach, and the spontaneous moments that make the weekend feel so personal. Those are the memories that truly last, and having them on film keeps them feeling just as real years later.

Thursday: Welcome Cocktails

Friday: Pool Party

Wedding guests join a bride and groom at a pre-wedding pool party at Isla Bella Beach Resort
Tote bags printed with a bride and groom's names and wedding date
A wedding guest sunbathes on the whicker chairs at Isla Bella Beach Resort
People applying sunscreen poolside at Isla Bella Beach Resort
Film photos of a bride sitting on a white pool floatie tube

Friday: Welcome Dinner

Wedding guests in colorful dresses attend a welcome dinner at Isla Bella Beach Resort
A welcome dinner for wedding guests beneath the palm trees at Isla Bella Beach Resort
The sun shining through palm trees in Marathon, Florida
A wedding welcome dinner set up, with white linens, bamboo chairs, and candles
A woman sticks her hands out the convertible roof of a green PT cruiser

Saturday: Wedding Day

A flat lay of wedding invitations, bridal shoes, perfume, and a clutch in the sand at Isla Bella Beach Resort
A bride and groom get ready for their wedding ceremony at Isla Bella Beach Resort
A bride and her bridesmaids toast while getting ready for a wedding ceremony
A bride approaches a groom on the white sand beach around Isla Bella Beach Resort
A groom twirls the bride during their first look on the white sand beach in Marathon, Florida
A bride and her father stand together before walking down the aisle
A bride and groom exchange vows beside the ocean in Marathon, Florida
A bride and groom kiss at the end of their wedding ceremony surrounded by palm trees and white roses
Couple's portraits on the dock at Isla Bella Beach Resort
Film photos of a bride and groom cutting their wedding cake and pouring a champagne tower during their wedding reception
A custom hanger for a wedding dress with the bride's new last name engraved on it.
A black and white photo of a bride's strappy heels for the wedding after party
A bride reapplies her lip-liner in the bathroom mirror
Wedding guests fill the black and white dance floor at a wedding reception at Isla Bella Beach Resort

Wedding Weekend Vendors

Wedding Day:

Venue & Caterer @islabellabeachresort Photographer @rachelvkingphotography Glam @glam.makers @katehairbeauty Florist @milan_event Planner @destinationweddingstudio DJ @kissmedj Gown @newhite_bridal @lovelybridedc Jewelry @jenniferbehr @ringconcierge Suits @enzocustom Veil @tonifedericiveils Shoes @loefflerrandall Cake @uniquedlitescustomcakes Rentals @oceanbreezepartyrentals Marquee @litmarquee Signs @bluethistlestudio Lab @thefindlab

Published on Carats & Cake

Welcome Dinner:
Venue + Catering: @islabellabeachresort Hailey’s Dress: @patbo Earrings: @christienicolaides Purse: @cultgaia

Send Off Brunch:
Dress @adrianadegreas Earrings @jenniferbehr Sunglasses @isabelmarant

To see more of my work, click here! To book with me, click here!


Kind Words

“Rachel is by far the best photographer I’ve ever worked with! She’s super communicative, flexible (an extremely important factor!), filled with positive vibes, and most importantly, she is gifted.” – Dorthy + Kevin