Over the past year or so, I’ve come to absolutely adore photographing couples and families along the west coast of Florida—particularly Marco Island. While I’m a true Palm Beach native, there’s something different about photographing on west coast beaches (both in Florida and California) that makes my artistic soul come alive. Crisp, white sand glitters as the sun dips down over the softest crystal blue waves, providing the quintessential backdrop for a child’s laughter or a peaceful stroll at dusk.

Today, I’m bringing you a set of some of my very favorite family images. Last summer, Joey and I had the absolute privilege of meeting Brooke, Donnie, Theo, and Reese along the shores of the JW Marriott in Marco Island, Florida during their vacation. Together, Brook and I had planned an organic session brimming with the prettiest light and simplest of movements. We wanted this session to feel like them in this season of life—nothing forced or contrived.

And so we did just that.

In true Marco Island fashion, the most glowy evening light embraced us that warm summer night. As most people packed up their beach gear for the day and retreated back to their rooms, we lingered a bit longer on that magical shoreline, laughing and playing and slowing down and being fully present in each moment. The light that night was even a bit different than other times I’ve photographed on Marco Island—it possessed a truly dazzling quality I can’t quite put into words, so I guess all that is left is to show you.