I’d been thinking about offering Christmas mini sessions for a while. I loved the idea of creating something festive and fun for families, an opportunity to create beautiful holiday portraits that capture the joy and personality of each family.


But I hadn’t quite decided what I wanted those sessions to look like.


Then, one sunny September day, while enjoying some time at the beach, I happened to turn around and notice the Australian pine trees behind me.


Something about their shape reminded me of Christmas trees.


And that’s when an idea started forming.


What if I could bring a little traditional Christmas magic to the beach?


I could already picture a cozy Christmas setting with those beautiful pines in the background. Something festive and familiar, but with a distinctly Florida twist.

Smiling family of five sits together on a sandy beach beside small decorated Christmas trees and wooden lanterns for a holiday portrait.

Then I looked back toward the ocean.


The sand, the water, the coastal breeze. All the things that make Christmas in Florida so different from the snowy Christmases so many of us, myself included, grew up with.


What about a tropical Christmas setting right on the sand?


I loved both ideas and couldn’t decide which one I liked more.


So I thought, why not do both?

Smiling family of five sits together on a wooden bench on a sandy beach beside a decorated Christmas tree and wooden lanterns.

Two Different Ways to Celebrate Christmas in Florida


For the traditional setting, I wanted something warm, cozy, and a little nostalgic. Christmas trees, lanterns, wrapped presents, and rich holiday colors, with the Australian pines providing a beautiful natural backdrop.

Family of three relaxes on a sandy beach with a wooden bench, a small Christmas tree and a wooden lantern, framed by dunes and trees.

For the tropical setting, I wanted to embrace everything that makes Christmas on the Florida coast so unique.


And when I started picturing a tropical Christmas, I just knew I had to have a teal Christmas tree. After all, what says tropical Christmas quite like a teal tree?


I was convinced there had to be one out there somewhere, and luckily, I found the perfect one!


With starfish ornaments, natural textures, and little coastal touches, I could already imagine how beautiful it would look against the sand and ocean.


Two very different settings, each with its own personality, but both inspired by the same beautiful stretch of coastline.

Smiling little boy in a teal button-up shirt sits on a woman's lap beside a decorated Christmas tree and wrapped holiday gifts.

Seeing It All Come Together

After all the planning, choosing decorations, and bringing the two ideas together, seeing both settings finally come to life through my camera was incredibly rewarding.


But what I enjoyed most was watching the families interact with them.


And let’s be honest, when you’re little, having your photograph taken isn’t always the most exciting thing in the world!


That’s why I always try to create an atmosphere where kids can just be kids. Where they can laugh, explore, move around, and let their personalities shine through.

A red-haired woman in a burgundy lace dress and a man in a cream shirt kiss a smiling young boy in red shorts outdoors.

Like a little boy breaking into an impromptu dance while his sister watches with the biggest smile. Or another little boy who couldn’t get enough of the starfish decorations.


Then there was the little boy completely fascinated by a lantern, and that sweet little girl in her beautiful velvet outfit, her tiny hands clasped together, the happiest expression on her face, and just one adorable bare foot peeking out from beneath her pants.


Those are the moments I love capturing.

Toddler in a sparkly gold outfit stands on a woven mat at the beach beside a wooden bench, mini Christmas trees, and wrapped holiday gifts.

A Little Florida Christmas Magic


What started as a simple idea while sitting on the beach became two very different Christmas settings, each with its own personality.


Seeing those ideas come to life, and watching the families enjoy them, was everything I’d hoped for.


And as for choosing between Traditional and Tropical?


I’m still not sure I could pick a favorite.


What’s your Christmas style?


Hibiscus & Palm Photography | Family and Holiday Photography on Florida’s Treasure Coast