When I think of a perfect weekend here in Florida, being out on the water ranks high on my priority list. The beautiful Gulf Coast boasts some of the most gorgeous beaches in the world (it’s true!) along with calm, warm blue seas.

When the Godfrey Family invited me to photograph them on their beautiful motor boat on a Sunday afternoon, I was very excited! We encountered pockets of sunshine and blue skies on a windy temperamental day, and even went for a dip with their adorable new puppy, Teddy, at one of Captiva’s shorelines.

Teddy is an excellent boat dog; he didn’t make a peep during the choppy waters heading out to Sanibel and Captiva. Of course he was rewarded with little bits of lunch leftovers!

Ella and Lucas were born in the UK, where their mom and dad met and married as well. But out on the water, they both seemed like true Florida kids to me!

Teddy loved watching the sea birds, and the occasional dolphin we encountered as well!!

When the Godfreys moved to Florida, getting a boat was a priority for them, and they really enjoy their outings as a family. It’s so nice to see family time from this perspective, out on the water together.

We stopped at Gramma Dot’s for delicious ice cream on our outing, at the Sanibel Marina.

I’m pretty sure Teddy is the coolest boat dog in Florida. I was pretty much in love with him by the end of our trip!

He had no fear of the water, and happily wore his doggie life vest to go paddle boarding with Ella.

While Ella and Dad went stand up paddleboarding, Mom enjoyed a glass of rose. Guess who else was interested in the vino?

One of my favorite images from our time together! (Not the one above where Ella sprayed her dad right in the face with the fresh water shower!! Hah! I meant the one below, of course!)

Such a Florida girl! Doing gymnastics on a paddle board!

After a few hours the sea air and salt water tired everyone out, and we made the trip back to marina. It was such a pleasure photographing the Godfrey Family on their boat! I’m already looking forward to next time 🙂