Laura & Ryan Step Into The Limelight | Opal Sands Resort | Clearwater, FL

The beauty of being a wedding photographer... each wedding is unique, each couple has a story, every venue is special, every mom will cry, every dad will dance... and no wedding will ever be the same as the last. Being able to capture these "once in a lifetime moments" is what makes us coming back over and over...
Laura & Ryan are far beyond average and the LOVE they share for each other was almost palpable. We all felt it, we all knew... just how much they care for each other and how they truly cherish their lives together. Each detail of their wedding day was handled with care and excellence, starting with the the mens boutonnieres made out of shells they picked out at Tarpon Springs on their last visit to Clearwater Beach { handmade by mum }. Also the "one of kind" ceremony arch, which was built by Ryan! The flowers were then added on by Iza's flowers Inc.. The "LOVE" sign was also built by the groom, perfectly executed I may add and brought down on an airplane from Illinois. { talk about dedication! }
This romantic and modern wedding was infused with touches of aqua, white, pale pinks and gold, completing Laura's peaceful beach vibe!
Laura & Ryan love to travel, enjoy water sports -really anything outdoors, and going on new adventures and did I mention Ryan is a motorcycle drag racer? Yes! He owns Flyin Ryan Racing, he is way cooler than we could even begin to imagine! And Laura... she is his manager! Talk about perfect? We LOVED meeting them and getting to see just a glimpse of how amazing they are for each other and to others. Thank you for having us!
We wish Laura & Ryan ALL the best in everything life may bring and a  HUGE congratulations! 

Lead Photographer | Dafne Spencer
Associate Photographer | Kay Kennedy

Cake | A Piece of Cake
Caterer | Opal Sands Resort
Ceremony Site | Opal Sands Resort
DJ | Grant Hemond and Associates, Inc.
Florist | Iza's flowers Inc.
Hair Stylist | Femme Akoi 
Make-up Artist | Femme Akoi
Reception Venue | Opal Sands Resort
Wedding Gown | Country Lace Bridal Shop (Bloomington, IL) | Val Stefani Dress

Anna + Tareq Step Into The Limelight | Kapok Special Events Pavilion | Clearwater, FL

Tareq + Anna officially first spoke to each other at an Arabic church party in Miami after previously seeing each other at several other family functions. In conversation they noticed that they both shared the same values and hit it off. Similarly, they are weird, unique, and silly, but always feel like they can be themselves in front of each other. Tareq + Anna are best friends.

Tareq proposed twice. The first time was unexpected, he took Anna to Louis Vuitton and picked a shoe for her to try on. Little did she know, was that he had snuck the ring inside of the shoe box. When she opened the box she saw the ring and looked at Tareq who was bent down on one knee. The second proposal was expected and formal, he asked Anna’s father for her hand surrounded by both of their families.

Tareq + Anna’s Christian Arabic wedding was magical and exotic at Kapok Special Events! They were initially drawn to this location because it reminded them of the glitz and glamour of their Arabic culture and knew immediately that this was where their Arabian Nights vision was going to come to life. Their reception was full of energy brought to life by a belly dancer, tabel drummer, Arabic dancing and dabkeh!

Congratulations to the Tareq + Anna, best friends and now HUSBAND AND WIFE!

Lead Photographer | Stephanie Duffany
Associate Photographer | Audrey Clifford

Bridesmaid Dresses | Lulus
Cake | Olympia Catering and Events
Caterer | Olympia Catering and Events
Ceremony Site | Kapok Special Events
DJ | DJ Khalil 
Florist | Rania Abboud | Flowers provided by Carstedt's
Getting Ready Location | Opal Sands Resort 
Hair Stylist | Michele Renee The Studio
Invitations | Etsy
Make-up Artist | Michele Renee The Studio
Reception Venue | Kapok Special Events
Wedding Gown | Terry Costa + The Perfect Dress 
Transportation | Advantage Limousine

Ashleigh + Jonathan Step Into The Limelight | Casa Monica Resort & Spa | St. Augustine, FL

Ashleigh & Jonathan met on Memorial Day in 2014 in Tampa Florida { how fitting huh? }.
Jonathan serves in the US Army, we thank you and honor you for your service.
This gorgeous couple enjoy exploring new places together, whether it be traveling or locally.
Ashleigh loves how hardworking, intelligent and straightforward Jonathan is, she loves him for who he is a well-raised man. Jonathan loves how Ashleigh challenges him to be better, how she supports him and always has a way of making him excited for the future.
We got to witness these two as they declared their love for each other at a very intimate and personal ceremony at Trinity Episcopal Church in St. Augustine { where Ashleigh was baptized }. The ceremony was filled with amazing stories about the couple and we and all the guests were able to feel like a part of their love story. Truly one of the most laid back yet remarkable ceremonies we've had the honor to be a part of.
Their venue, Casa Monica was breathtaking in every way { the only way St. Augustine can } and it was decorated with touches of blush, dusty blues and neutrals.
This elegant and classic wedding was the perfect fruition of Ashleigh & Jonathan's Wedding Day vision! And to be able to share these special moments with family and close friends? We couldn't have asked for more.
Congratulations to Mr. & Mrs. Eames!

Lead Photographer | Dafne Spencer
Associate Photographer | Alexa Rodriguez

Cake | Creme de la Cocoa
Ceremony Site | Trinity Episcopal Parish
DJ | Y? Entertainment
Florist | Hammock Gardens
Hair Stylist | The Bardot Beauty Bar
Invitations | Minted
Make-up Artist | The Bardot Beauty Bar
Reception Venue | The Casa Monica Resort & Spa

Amanda + Kelly Step Into The Limelight | Westin Tampa Bay, Tampa FL

Amanda + Kelly met at Tampa General Hospital on their orientation day. Not knowing anyone, Amanda was watching and listening to Kelly as he was talking to others about his numerous pets. She shyly gathered her courage to join the conversation and ended up getting Kelly’s number. Since they worked different shifts, they mostly talked on the phone until slowly losing touch. Their relationship re-ignited months later when Amanda saw Kelly at work ‘on the wrong shift’ and the rest is history. 

Kelly proposed to Amanda while vacationing in California with family. He had brought her to the very edge of the coastline of La Jolla beach and asked her to marry him surrounded by an audience of seals! Romantically inspiring, Amanda + Kelly’s wedding contained traditional elements as well as containing the quintessential Florida beach vibe. Their ceremony took place at Saint Paul Catholic Church, where they had their marriage blessed by God followed by their reception at The Westin Tampa Bay. The sunlight poured in on them and their guests as they were treated to and incredible sunset view.

Congratulation’s Amanda + Kelly on your ‘Happily Ever After!’

Lead Photographer | Stephanie Duffany
Associate Photographer | Alexa Rodriguez

Bridesmaid Dresses | Nikki's Glitz and Glam
Cake | Designer Cakes & Desserts
Caterer | The Westin Tampa Bay
Ceremony Site | Saint Paul Catholic Church
DJ | Grant Hemond
Florist | Events in Bloom
Hair Stylist | Destiny & Light Hair and Makeup Group
Invitations | SuziBee Designs
Make-up Artist | Destiny & Light Hair and Makeup Group
Reception Venue | The Westin Tampa Bay
Wedding Gown | The White Closet Bridal

Rachael + Andrew Step Into The Limelight | Grand Plaza Hotel St. Pete Beach Resort | Saint Petersburg, FL

Rachael + Andrew first met when they were stationed at FE Warren AFB in Cheyenne, WY and within the first couple months of dating, they knew they had found the one. One inconspicuous night Andrew took Rachael out to a romantic dinner, when they were done, they went back home and decided to relax by the fire pit in their backyard. It was there that Andrew had asked Rachael to marry him. He didn’t need the crowd at the restaurant. He wanted this moment to be privately shared between the two of them. All proposals are special in their own right, however, Andrew included his late mother into his proposal by asking Rachael to marry him with his mother’s ring.

Andrew + Rachael have nothing but the sweetest things to say about each other:

Rachael Said:

“I love how understanding, caring and genuine Andy is. He has always been there for me and I can be myself with him, unapologetically. Andy is one of the funniest and one of the strongest willed people that I know. Even thought he doesn’t think he is, he is actually a romantic at heart and always ensures that I know how much he loves, cares, and appreciates me.”

Andy Said:

“Rachael is always there in my time of need without hesitation. She doesn’t believe this, but I need her more than she needs me. Rachael is always putting that little voice in my ear to push through everything and overcome every obstacle. She has been my rock since day one making me want to be the best person I can be for her. There’s no doubt in my mind that we make a great team. I love Rachael unconditionally and thankful every day that she is in my life.”

They selected the Grand Plaza Hotel because they wanted to incorporate traveling, the beach, and having their family together while experiencing something new. Their wedding day was full of surprises because of the rain, but they remained positive and steadfast. You could clearly see that the rain did not interfere with their happiness and were just happy to finally share their happiness with the ones that are closest to them!

Congratulations Rachael + Andrew!

Lead Photographer | Stephanie Duffany
Associate Photographer | Audrey Clifford

Cake | Goldie’s Goodies Bakery
Caterer | Grand Plaza Hotel
Ceremony Site | Grand Plaza Hotel
DJ | Bower Entertainment 
Event Planner | Crystal | Chantilly Chic Celebrations
Florist | For Better For Less Wedding Flowers
Hair Stylist | The Destiny and Light - Hair and Makeup Group
Invitations | MagnetStreet
Make-up Artist | The Destiny and Light - Hair and Makeup Group
Reception Venue | Grand Plaza Hotel