Sara Cearnel, Owner of Little Eagle Photography. Photo Taken by MMB Photography at Castle Otttis in St. Augustine, Florida.

Meet Sara

JAcksonville Florida Wedding & Lifestyle Photographer

 

Oh hey, it’s sara.

 

 

I believe your story is meant to soar. It shouldn’t just be art in a frame like an eagle in a birdcage—stiff, static, and flightless. I want to capture the permanent heartbeat of your life.

 

A photographer in a purple blazer and jeans poses casually in a wooden director's chair against a white backdrop.

I spent years as a Sonographer by trade, finding heartbeats on a screen before they ever took their first breath. That medical precision taught me to look deeper than the surface. Today, I’m a photographer by calling, using that same intentional eye to capture the permanent heartbeat of your life.


I believe your history shouldn’t just be art in a frame, like an eagle in a birdcage—stiff, static, and flightless. It should be a visual narrative that feels alive.


My own story is a rhythmic pulse of movement and connection. As a mom of three and a military wife, I understand the weight of a 'homecoming' and the beauty of a 'departure.' From the sun-drenched coast of Northeast Florida to the familiar soil of North Carolina, my life has been built on documenting the adventures we have together.


What started with a Nikon and a desire to freeze time for my own children has grown into a mission to document yours. I know how fast the 'everyday' turns into 'history,' which is why I’m obsessed with the traces left behind—the messy, moody, and unscripted moments that define a family.


That documentary eye translates across every room I enter. I am the photographer who will spend an hour curating the perfect flat lay on your big day, and the one who will stand in the shadows of a 5,000-person festival to catch the glance no one else saw. Whether I am local in Florida, traveling out-of-state for a corporate summit, or landing internationally to document an exclusive incentive retreat, the perspective remains the same: find the art in the unrest.


Whether we are documenting a Wedding Narrative, an Event Chronicle, or a Lifestyle Chapter, my focus never shifts. I am here to build a living visual history.


We are moving forward with momentum, and the flight begins here. Let’s document the history you’re making.

Bonneville Salt Flats looking towards mountains at sunrise on Utah trip

 

 

"Life is better when you’re laughing, Love is better when it’s shared, and family is everything."

 

- my philosophy

 

2025 Fun Facts:

160+

PHOTOGRAPHY SESSIONS

From Families to Weddings, Newborn to Minis, and Seniors to Corporate Events

40

Weddings, Elopements, or Engagements!

4

Styled Shoots

#inmyweddingera

5

STATES

I traveled to North Carolina, Nashville, TN (x2). Chicago, Illinois,  Las Vegas, Nevada, and Key West, Florida for Photography

As seen in:

Framed Photographer Magazine

Premier Bride Magazine and Expos with Legacy 26 Photography!

Bloom & Bride Magazine

The Photograp[her] Magazine

Unscripted App for Photographers

Voyage Jacksonville Magazine

Vintage white Willys station wagon parked behind a white picket fence with lush green trees in the background.

Bird’s Eye View

Learn About My Travel Photography

East Coast to West Coast, Mexico to Spain! My heart beats for adventure and discovery! I find joy in embracing new cultures and creating unforgettable memories.


Join me on this journey as I capture the essence of my travels through the lens of my camera. Whether it’s a stunning sunset on the beach, the bustling energy of a big city, or an iconic place on the map, I thrive on documenting every beautiful moment.


ARE YOU PLANNING A DESTINATION WEDDING OR A FAMILY ADVENTURE? LET’S MAKE MAGIC TOGETHER! I’D LOVE TO HELP YOU FREEZE THOSEE SPECIAL MOMENTS IN TIME, WHEREVER YOUR TRAVELS TAKE YOU.

A photographer in a green winter jacket smiles warmly while holding a camera during a snowy outdoor shoot.
Vintage film camera placed next to an olive green backpack and scattered paper notes on a wooden surface.
Street art mural shows large black wings against orange wall with inspirational quote about dreams and flying in Tulum
Scenic coastal beach landscape with rocky cliffs and a lighthouse tower against a pastel sunset sky.

 

Travel Dates

 

Here are my upcoming travel plans. Let me know if you’re interested in collaborating or booking a Wedding or Lifestyle Session while I am in the area!

April 2026 -- South Carolina Wedding
June 2026 -- Corporate Event in COSTA RICA
Non-Profit Community Event on Amelia Island

 

July 2026 -- Oregon Retreat
NOn-Profit Event in Texas

 

September 2026 -- North Carolina Wedding
September/October 2026 -- SPAIn trip!

 

january 2027 -- North Carolina Mountain Wedding

 

Travel wishlist


I offer photography services in FL and NC, but here are some of the places around the world that I am dying to go to! If you want to plan a wedding/elopement or family session with me in one of these locations, I’m 100% here for it!

A large bronze eagle statue with spread wings perches atop a spherical base in a garden setting.

Countries:

Spain + New Zealand

One is my favorite place in the world and the other is the one place I’ve always wanted to travel to.

States:

New Mexico, Utah, california, washington State, Colorado, New York, Hawaii, + Virginia

Half for the adventure, half to see my loved ones, but all great locations for me to photograph YOU!

 

 

I want to shoot more in:

North Carolina

Specifically Carolina Home & Garden in Newport, The Little Chapel at Haven Ridge in Winston-Salem, The Little House in Charlotte, Pleasant Coates Farm in Benson, Gold Hill Pines Greenhouse in Gold Hill

…I’m sensing a theme here, are you?

Local Florida Wedding Venue Wishlist

 

Costal occasions

 

A romantic wedding moment outside the Crystal Occasions venue with a decorated entrance archway and greenery.

In Jacksonville Beach, Florida

I had the opportunity to Second Shoot a Wedding at this location and it was EVERYTHING! It’s perfect for intimate celebrations with a garden/greenhouse vibe.

 

Castle otttis

 

Ancient stone ruins peek through tropical palm fronds and lush vegetation against an overcast sky of Castle Otttis.

In Saint Augustine, Florida

It’s a castle! Need I say more?

 

Brick and beam

 

Historic brick building with colorful 'Welcome to Springfield' mural painted on its exterior wall and vintage street light. Brick and Beam

In Jacksonville, Florida

I loved shooting some branding/headshot minis here and I think it just has the coolest aesthetic. The industrial style with indoor and outdoor space in Downtown Jax is killer.

 

The Lightner Museum

 

Historic Lightner Museum entrance in St. Augustine with palm trees and fountain in Mediterranean-style courtyard.

In Saint Augustine, Florida

It’s Iconic. It’s Historic. I’m obsessed.

A retro pink payphone mounted on a wall with blue cactus patterned wallpaper. In San Diego, California

 

Clients, Vendors, Photographers Looking for Seconds/Associates, or Collaboration Opportunities!

 

Let's connect

Published Photographer on cover of Framed Photographer Magazine featuring toddler against mom soft natural background.
Woman in a vibrant red jumpsuit poses confidently in front of a wall display of framed photographs at Premier Bride Expo in Jacksonville, FL
Sara Cearnel owner of Little Eagle Photography portrait
Professional photographer sitting on dark velvet couch holds camera while wearing green blazer and white sneakers.