Author Made

03/24/2025

Wedding planning is basically a full-time job in and of itself. Now that Amy and I have been married for eight years (!), all I remember from our own wedding planning season is that we were able to avoid the blur of meetings, Pinterest boards, and a lot of stress by keeping it small and simple, focused on the love shared between the two of us.

Given how elaborate weddings seem to be these days, it’s no wonder that small, intimate weddings and elopements are becoming more and more popular.

So when you’re looking to say “I do” to your love while saying “no way” to all the stress and chaos of wedding planning, micro weddings or elopements may seem like a perfect solution. But what’s the difference? Should you have a micro wedding or an elopement? Which one is right for you?

Well, we've got the perfect resource for you to consider all these questions and options and hopefully find what's perfect for you ↓

What is the difference between a micro wedding and an elopement? How to plan a micro wedding or an elopement in Orlando Central Florida

03/20/2025

It's all in the details... ✨

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03/17/2025

What even is a micro wedding?

A micro wedding is an intimate celebration, typically with 50 or fewer guests. It includes the essential elements of a traditional wedding — ceremony, reception, and key moments like toasts and first dances, but on a much smaller scale.

What makes a Micro Wedding?
✨ Guest Count: Usually between 10-50 guests (sometimes even fewer).
✨ Intimate Atmosphere: Focus on close family and friends, creating a warm, personal experience.
✨ Simplified Planning: Less stress, fewer logistics, and often lower costs compared to big weddings.
✨ Unique Venue Options: More flexibility — think private estates, small gardens, restaurants, or even destination elopements with a few guests.
✨ Personal Touches: More budget per guest allows for special details like gourmet meals, custom favors, or unique entertainment.

Micro weddings are perfect for couples who want a meaningful, stress-free, and stylish celebration with their closest loved ones!

Would you consider having one?

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03/13/2025

If you're on the fence about doing first looks, we have some reasons we love them (from a photographer + videographer's perspective) :

Reason 1. You get to remember this moment for a lifetime!
We tell this to every couple, your wedding day literally is a day that flies by in an instant. Speaking of personal experience, I can’t remember much of my wedding day, but whenever I look through the pictures of me and my wife’s own wedding, I am instantly brought back to those moments. Getting a first look is a great way of capturing those emotions and ensuring that you never lose them when you flip through your album or watch the YouTube video of your wedding years later!

Reason 2. All the emotions!
I can’t begin to tell you how many emotions flow out in a first look! The moment when a groom sees his bride for the first time in the dress, with her hair done, and makeup that matches the gorgeous occasion makes most, if not all, grown men cry! It’s such a beautiful moment. The first look is one of the best ways for the couple to spend time privately without all eyes being on them.

Reason 3. More opportunities to shoot with you!
The last reason why we would recommend a first look is that this gives you more photos of you and your loved one during your big day. While it is true that you are inviting a bunch of people to join you and enjoy the day with you, the truth is - this is really about your love story. The day is focused around you!

03/06/2025

Okay, just because we can't get over that one of our weddings made it into People, we have to share one more time!

There's a reason why Julia & Michael's wedding found its way into People. With a bit of thrifting and "something borrowed", their wedding day was full of meaningful, yet budget-friendly symbols that mattered to them!

Our takeaway? With some (additional) effort and care you can pull off a wedding that is meaningful to you while being affordable. And maybe, just maybe it can also make its way to People!

Author Made Team Photographer | Angelika Krug Shannon
Author Made Team Videographer | Rob Shannon
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03/03/2025

Eloping = less stress, more love!

Skip the pressure, the guest list drama, and the overwhelming planning — eloping gives you the freedom to focus on what truly matters: YOU and YOUR love story. Whether it’s on a mountaintop, a beach, or a cozy courthouse, your wedding should be about what makes your hearts happiest.

And we're here to support you every step of the way! Take a spin around our elopement photo + video packages:
https://www.authormadephoto.com/wedding-photography-pricing-orlando

02/27/2025

Getting stressed while planning your wedding? First off - it's normal! There's lots to plan and we understand your desire for your wedding to be perfect.

We have been around the block though and have picked up a few tips to help settle the nerves and calm the stress and we have one to share (prepare yourself for a hot take):

Don't go overboard with research!

In order to save your sanity, you might want to try to take it easy with the research phase. You could spend weeks looking up every wedding venue, caterer, florist, etc. near you, and while that’s certainly an option, it probably won’t do much for your mental health. Instead, just ask around friends and family or limit yourself to your top few and make plans to visit those before continuing with further research.

It also helps to have a photographer do some of the research FOR you - which is why we’re sharing our favorites here!

What are the best wedding venues for small weddings or intimate micro weddings in Orlando and Central Florida? We're featuring our favorite unique, picturesque, and affordable wedding ceremony and reception venue locations and places to get married in Orlando, Winter Garden, Winter Park, Windermere,

02/24/2025

"We are beyond grateful that we found Michael of Author Made!

When researching photographers, two things really stood out to us about Author Made. The documentary style of Michael's photography is exactly what we wanted and we were thrilled to find a photographer who specializes in micro- and intimate weddings.

We opted for the 4 hour photography with added videography package. Michael was our photographer and Rob was our videographer the day of the wedding. We wanted most of our photos to be more on the candid side, but for posed photos and video shots, Michael and Rob made us feel so comfortable and gave us plenty of direction when needed.

We received our photos and video a couple of days ago, and everything represented the feelings of that day so perfectly. Every moment that was so special to us was captured in the most beautiful way and we were so excited to get to relive those moments through Micheal and Rob's work.

From the beginning of the process to the end, we knew we were in more than capable hands. Thank you so much, Michael and Rob, for your part in capturing our story and our memories on our wedding day. "

Taylor + Mitchell

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Musician | .violin
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02/20/2025

We have another charming venue highlight to share! Today, we're looking at Bella Cosa Weddings in Lake Wales, Florida.

This charming lakefront estate oozes 20th-century luxury with its sprawling grounds, signature arched veranda, towering oak trees, and scenic countryside views. It's another historic home with two outdoor wedding ceremony sites and even 11 perfectly furnished apartments to host your closest friends and family at once the party is over.

A wedding at this stately manor is sure to transport you and your guests to an otherworldly, romantic time and place.

See more at our blog post here:

Searching for the best top historic home wedding venues in or near Orlando in Central FL? We've compiled our pick for the most glamorous historic homes turned wedding venues in the Central Florida area perfect for vintage luxe fairytale weddings. From Winter Park wedding venues to downtown Orlando w

02/17/2025

When dreaming and designing your wedding day, here is one small thing that makes a big difference:

CANDLESTICKS!

This small detail adds instant romance and elegance to any tablescape. Candlesticks bring a timeless charm that elevates your decor and makes your guests feel like they’ve stepped into a fairytale. Plus at night, they create the most perfect glow to set the vibe for a truly unforgettable evening.

PS. Always be sure to check with your venue first to see what candle policy's they have in place so you don't find yourself scrambling!

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02/13/2025

If you're interested in having your wedding at an historic venue then look no further than the Capen House.

The Capen House, another treasure of Winter Park, FL, is a historic lakefront home originating from the 1880s and is regarded to be the third oldest house in the city. Moved from its original location and meticulously restored, The Capen House is now a breathtaking wedding venue showcasing Victorian-era charm with wrap-around porches, intricate woodwork, and stunning lakefront views.

The perfect spot for a intimate small wedding or large affair. See more about the venue here:

Searching for the best top historic home wedding venues in or near Orlando in Central FL? We've compiled our pick for the most glamorous historic homes turned wedding venues in the Central Florida area perfect for vintage luxe fairytale weddings. From Winter Park wedding venues to downtown Orlando w

02/10/2025

will forever be one of our favorite places to shoot. The elegance and grandeur of this cathedral is simply unmatched throughout Orlando.

Have you visited the St. James?

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Makeup | Christina Woodman
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02/07/2025

If lakeside weddings are your vibe, we want to be friends.

Weddings on a lake are, in our opinion, one of the most intimate atmospheres you could create on your wedding day. Imagine standing on the shore with your person soaking in all the heartfelt moments of your day while reflecting on your love and dreaming about the future that you have yet to experience.

It is altogether a dream.


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02/05/2025

Our micro wedding photography and videography packages are thoughtfully created for the unique needs—and budgets—of small, intimate micro weddings & elopements.

Contact us here for micro-wedding specific packages

https://www.authormadephoto.com/contact

02/04/2025

If lakeside weddings are your vibe, we want to be friends.

Weddings on a lake are, in our opinion, one of the most intimate atmospheres you could create on your wedding day. Imagine standing on the shore with your person soaking in all the heartfelt moments of your day while reflecting on your love and dreaming about the future that you have yet to experience.

It is altogether a dream.

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Rental & Decor | .eventrental
Barber | .gabby
HAMU | .salon

01/31/2025

There are a million things we love about being a team of wedding photographers + videographers, but the thing we love the most is seeing our couples be authentically *them* on their wedding day.

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01/29/2025

The Hidden Barn Venue in Apopka, Florida, is a place you have to see to believe! Located just north of Orlando, this one-of-a-kind rustic barn venue offers a truly immersive experience that will keep your guests entertained from start to finish.

We had a chance to walk around ourselves and we are in love with all the unique nooks and crannies this special venue has to offer.
Hidden Barn Venue

Check out our full recap on this venue in our latest blog post:

Are you considering getting married at The Hidden Barn Venue in Apopka, FL? What is a wedding at The Hidden Barn Venue like? If you are looking for a rustic themed indoor barn wedding in Central Florida, then you must consider The Hidden Barn Venue! This Western-themed rustic outdoor wedding ceremon

01/27/2025

Call us hopeless romantics but...

We will never get tired of sharing Lauren + Jacob's love ❤︎

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