If you're looking for a Powel Crosley Estate wedding photographer, I can tell you what it's like to shoot a wedding here. I've photographed two weddings at the estate in Sarasota, Florida: Steph & Ricky’s wedding, which was my first one there, and Jane & Berkeley’s wedding, which was my second.
A lot of people search for it as Powell Crosley, with two Ls. The estate spells it with one, but if you typed it the other way, you're in the right place.
This guide covers what I learned from those two days: my favorite spots, how the light works, how both weddings were set up, and tips for your own day.
Why the Powel Crosley Estate Photographs So Well
The house is Mediterranean in style, with a tiled roof, arched doorways, a wooden balcony and cream-colored walls. In front there's a courtyard with arches and string lights. Behind the house, the lawn runs down to Sarasota Bay. So you get old-world architecture and open water in the same wedding, and everything is a short walk apart.
That mix is why the photos never look the same twice. In a few minutes I can go from a shaded archway to a wide lawn with oak trees to a tall window with warm light, without leaving the property.
The Best Wedding Photo Spots at the Powel Crosley Estate
1. The courtyard arches
The arches at the front of the house are my first stop. They give you shade, a deep frame and a lot of texture, and they work for portraits, a first look or the ceremony itself. At Steph & Ricky's wedding, columns of white roses and greenery climbed the arches. At Jane & Berkeley's we used a stone doorway with black lanterns.
2. The lawn by the water
The big lawn on the bay side is the place for wide, open portraits. The oak trees give you shade and a frame for a long veil, and the water gives you a clean horizon. It's also where I like to walk the wedding party.
3. The covered terrace and the windows
There's a covered terrace with carved wooden columns that looks out at the water. It's a good place to slow down, because the columns frame the couple and the light stays soft. Inside, tall windows let in warm light. In Jane & Berkeley's photos the sun came through the windows and turned the walls gold, and I had them stand close under her veil for a quiet moment.
4. The staircases and walkways
The outdoor stairs and the paths around the house are easy to overlook. Brick steps against cream walls look great with a long dress, and the walkways are perfect for wedding party walking shots.
Light and Timing at the Powel Crosley Estate
I checked a map before writing this. The estate is on the east shore of Sarasota Bay, so the water is to the west of the property and the sun sets over it. That means the lawn gets warm, low light in the last hour or so before sunset, like in the photo of Jane and Berkeley above, and the sky glows behind the couple.
Earlier in the day the sun is high and hard, so I use the arches, the covered terrace and the courtyard, where there's shade. When you pick a ceremony time, think about where you want to be at sunset, and leave a few minutes for portraits by the water.
Ceremony and Reception Setups I've Photographed
Steph & Ricky
Steph & Ricky's ceremony was at the arched entrance of the house, with white roses and greenery on the arches. The aisle ran across the terrace, with the water in the distance. For the reception, long tables with candles and greenery were set up inside the house, and later everyone moved out to the courtyard to dance under the string lights.
Jane & Berkeley
Jane & Berkeley's ceremony was under an arch of greenery, white roses and white drapes in front of a carved wooden door. Jane came down an aisle on the terrace, and Berkeley waited at the end with a big smile. For the reception there were tables out on the lawn, and the courtyard turned into the dance floor once the string lights were on.
Tips for a Powel Crosley Estate Wedding
Pick your ceremony time with the sunset in mind. The water is on the west side, so a late-day ceremony gives you warm light for portraits right after.
Plan portraits in two or three spots, not ten. The arches, the lawn and a window are all a few minutes apart, so you don't lose much time walking between them.
Think about your shoes. The ground goes from stone to brick to grass.
Ask about the rules early. The estate has its own rules for things like sparklers, drones, petals and when amplified music has to move indoors. Check them on the estate’s website or with their team before you plan your send-off.
Work with someone who knows the property. The estate doesn't provide wedding planners. Steph & Ricky worked with a local planner, Laura Snow.
Use the courtyard at night. The string lights turn it into a dance floor.
Real Weddings at the Powel Crosley Estate
Steph & Ricky’s Powel Crosley Estate wedding was my first wedding at the estate. It has the white roses on the arches, the candlelit tables inside and a long night of dancing in the courtyard. Planning was by Laura Snow (@laurasnowsarasota), and the wedding was featured on Wezoree.
Jane & Berkeley’s Powel Crosley Estate wedding was my second. It has parasols, golden window light and a lawn full of tables, and I photographed it in color, black and white and film. If you're curious how film fits into a wedding, read my film wedding photography guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Powel Crosley Estate?
The Powel Crosley Estate is at 8374 N. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota, Florida, on the shore of Sarasota Bay. It sits between Bradenton and Sarasota, close to the Sarasota-Bradenton airport.
How do you spell Powel Crosley Estate?
The estate spells its name with one L, Powel Crosley. Many people search for it with two Ls, so you'll see both spellings online. It's the same place.
Where can you have the ceremony at the Powel Crosley Estate?
At the two weddings I photographed, one ceremony was at the arched entrance of the house, with the aisle across the terrace, and the other was under an arch of greenery and white drapes. The estate also lists the bayside lawn, the loggia and patio, and a covered pavilion for ceremonies.
What is the best time for photos at the Powel Crosley Estate?
The last hour or so before sunset is my favorite. The water is on the west side of the property, so the lawn gets warm, low light and the sky glows behind the couple. Earlier in the day I use the arches, the covered terrace and the courtyard, where there's shade.
Can I hire my own photographer at the Powel Crosley Estate?
Yes. The estate doesn't keep a preferred vendor list and doesn't provide wedding planners, so you choose your own team. Check the estate's current rules before your wedding, since things like sparklers and drones have restrictions.
Is there an indoor option if the weather turns?
Yes. The estate lists an indoor ceremony in the Great Room or the Library, and at Steph & Ricky's wedding the reception tables were set up inside the house.
Book Your Powel Crosley Estate Wedding Photographer
If you're getting married at the Powel Crosley Estate, I'd love to hear about your plans. I'm a Miami wedding photographer who travels to Sarasota for weddings like these. Send me your date and details and I'll tell you if I'm available, or browse more of my wedding photography and read my wedding photography FAQ first.