Ari and Jake’s sailboat elopement in Tampa, Florida, on September 15th, 2024, was all this and more. It was the perfect celebration of their love for each other—and their shared passion for the ocean. Their day was truly magical, filled with tender moments, laughter, and the feeling that they were exactly where they were meant to be—in life and this place.
Getting Ready:
Ari and Jake wanted their wedding day to reflect their personalities: laid-back, intimate, and full of love. They decided to forgo the traditional getting-ready routine and instead opted for something more personal and meaningful. The morning of their elopement began on the sailboat, gently swaying in the Tampa Bay waters.
Under the deck of their boat, Ari and Jake helped each other get ready. It was a sweet and quiet moment, just the two of them, away from the world. They laughed as they adjusted ties and smoothed out dresses, pausing occasionally to soak in the day’s emotions. There were no distractions—just the soft creak of the boat and the sound of their breathing, a perfect representation of their relationship: peaceful, steady, and full of love.
This intimate start to the day set the tone for everything that followed.
The Vow:
Ari and Jake’s love story was built on a shared passion for the ocean. Both grew up with saltwater in their veins, spending weekends at the beach and summers sailing along the coast. It was no surprise that when it came time to say their vows, they chose to do it on a sailboat, surrounded by the deep blue waters they both cherished.
As the boat gently drifted along the coast of Tampa, the couple stood at the bow, with the wind in their hair and the sun on their faces. Their vows were personal and heartfelt, filled with memories of their time together and promises for the future. There was something so raw and beautiful about the simplicity of their ceremony—no elaborate setup—just the two of them, the sea, and their love. The ocean was their witness, and the horizon seemed to stretch infinitely, just like their love.
Celebration Highlights:
After the ceremony, the celebration continued on the sailboat as the sun set, casting a beautiful pink and orange glow over the water. Ari and Jake shared a first dance on the deck, and the breeze carried away their laughter. There was no band or DJ, just the sound of the waves and the wind, but it was perfect for them.
Their first dance wasn’t choreographed but didn’t need to be. It was natural and joyful, a reflection of their relationship—free-flowing and full of fun as they celebrated saying their “I do’s” with each other. Afterwards, they shared a sea-themed cake that was not only delicious but beautifully designed to match the day’s theme, with seashells and waves decorating the frosting.
They enjoy snuggling together, wrapped in a blanket, watching the sunset. It was quiet and peaceful, exactly what they had envisioned when they first dreamed of their sailboat elopement.
Ari and Jake’s Love Story:
Ari and Jake’s love is as steady and enduring as the tides. They are fun-loving romantics, adventurous, and always up for something spontaneous, but they also cherish the quiet moments together. Whether sailing on the open sea or curled up watching the sunset, they are happiest when they are together.
This sailboat elopement perfectly reflected who they are—not just as individuals, but as a couple. It was a day filled with love, laughter, and moments that will be cherished for a lifetime.
Ari and Jake’s elopement might be the perfect inspiration if you’ve ever dreamed of exchanging vows surrounded by the ocean, with the wind in your hair and the waves as your backdrop. Elopements allow for such freedom and intimacy; a sailboat setting only enhances that sense of adventure and romance.
As an adventure elopement photographer, I specialize in capturing unique moments that don’t follow the traditional path but are full of heart and authenticity. Whether it’s on a mountaintop, by a waterfall, or on a sailboat in Tampa, Florida, I’m here to document your love story in a way that’s true to who you are.
If you’re looking for a photographer who can document your day beautifully while you focus on living it, feel free to reach out via our contact form. Let’s make your wedding day unforgettable!
Vendors
Couple: Ari + Jake
Host: Yanny Mishchuk Photo
Bouquet: Stephs Rose Boutique
Dress: For Love & Lemons
