Jessica + Chris Step Into The Limelight | Tampa Bay Watch | Tierra Verde, FL

Jessica & Chris’ LOVE story… told by couple:

Where It Started

11 / 17 / 2018

Our first date was at the Saturday Morning Market in St. Pete, strolling booths by local artists. We initially bonded over our love of the Tampa Bay Lightning (Go Bolts!) but quickly realized we shared the same values, goals, and spirit. We were enjoying each other's company so much, the date was extended several hours as we continued to walk through downtown St. Pete.

The Proposal

10 / 27 / 2021

Chris knew he wanted to ask on their new boat on a night with a perfect sunset. His plans were delayed over a month waiting on the weather to cooperate, but it was worth the wait! He distracted Jess by telling her to look for a dolphin (she can't resist them), and when she finally turned back around, he was on one knee just before the sunset.

And YES! We ALL saw dolphins on their wedding day at Tampa Bay Watch during their sunset session… it was magical 🐬
We absolutely LOVED spending Earth Day with Jessica & Chris and just loved how they incorporated their love for nature and nature preservation on their wedding day, starting with the actual Venue, Tampa Bay Watch which inspires our youth to take care of nature and gives us all more knowledge about our planet to their party favors… which were customized-engraved glasses that their guests can keep forever! So clever!
These two make our hearts so happy just by being them… sweet in every way.
We wish Jessica & Chris many many more magical moments together and whenever I see a 🐬 I’ll think of Jessica 💛 Cheers to a beautiful couple.

Lead Photographer | Dafne Spencer
Associate Photographer | Jackie Pizio

Bar Tender | Tipsy Tampa
Bridesmaid Dresses | Azazie
Cake | Melissa Kiser
Calligrapher | Inky Fingers Calligraphy
Caterer | 3 C’s Catering
Ceremony Site | Tampa Bay Watch
DJ | Tampa Bay DJ Company
Donuts | Krispy Kreme
Event Planner | Janova Events
Florist | Leaf it to Us
Hair Stylist | Femme Akoi
Invitations | Inky Fingers Calligraphy
Make-up Artist | Femme Akoi
Photobooth | Gala Photobooth
Reception Venue | Tampa Bay Watch
Transportation | Jolley Trolley
Videographer | Contessa Films
Wedding Gown | The Dressing Room | St. Pete

Elizabeth + Nick Step Into The Limelight | Hotel Haya | Tampa, FL

Happy. Engaged. Welcomed.

Elizabeth and Nick met the old fashion way online, and had their first date on 9/6/2018.

About three years later on September 17, 2021 they did an early morning 7-mile hike in Sedona, Arizona on Devils Bridge together. This was day two of an eleven day, three state trip. Elizabeth later learned that her super punny future hubby was pulling one over on her, when he asked if she wanted to go across the street to the Mescal Trail and find the “perfect rock” to sit on and eat their lunch. There were no rocks, barely any trees. Just clay and heat. Somehow, he managed to find a rock that they attempted to squish their bottoms on together. Like usual, he gave her one of his Airpods and he had in the other. He put on her favorite – Dierks Bentley. She was unpacking their lunch, and as they were eating their wraps, staring out at an incredible view, her rubbing his back – she got super teary eyed behind her glasses. “Living” was what was playing…she said to him something along the lines of, “I know you’re going to make fun of me, but I’m secretly crying behind my glasses. We have such an awesome life, look at what we’re looking at, and it’s only day two of our trip.” She proceeded to keep eating, and then he said, “do you remember that nuclear bomb I told you that I had on you?” She couldn’t forget... He had been talking about it for years. She thought she had done something really stupid or embarrassing and he recorded her or something. Nope. He gave her his phone (that was playing the music) and he said, “go to a video from our first date.” She said, “like the anniversary of our first date four years ago, like last week?” He said, “no, our first date.” She said, “the only picture we took on our first date was one I took of the veins popping out of your temple.” So she scrolled back to September 6, 2018 – and there it was...the nuclear bomb. She hit play, Dierks stopped – and the audio was now accompanying a selfie video of Nick, on his way to their first date. PS – Nick hates taking photos, selfies, you name it. He went on to say some things along the lines of, “I have no idea why I am doing this, but I am going on a first date with this girl Elizabeth, and something just feels different about it.” He went on to say a few other things too. So now clearly, she is crying even more behind her glasses. What she doesn’t see happening in her peripheral is Nick going in their backpack, pulling out a ring box, and plopping his knee in the dirt. Apparently, he asked her to marry him, and she didn’t hear it. She wasn’t able to process what was happening. Then she heard, “was that a yes?” So of course, she said yes!! They hugged, they kissed, and she only made him take one photo! Sweaty, no makeup, private. Couldn’t have been a more perfect proposal for the two of them.

They selected Hotel Haya in Ybor City for their wedding so they could show off their town, celebrate their union, and enjoy their family and friends. A killer venue with history and charm, and they love Ybor. It was a perfect setting for their Vintage Old Florida wedding. It was classy and elegant with dark greens, citrus oranges and magnolias. 

Nick restored a 50-year old family ’65 Chevy that they took pics with, and used for their getaway. 

The couple incorporated citrus decoupage oyster shells for each guest, dehydrated citrus for the name cards and florals. Cocktail napkins of their pups were on the bars with cigars. 

Lead Photographers | Rebecca Zoumberos + Dafne Spencer 

Bridesmaid Dresses | Azazie
Cake | Moreno Bakery
Caterer | Hotel Haya
Ceremony Site | Hotel Haya  
DJ | Tampa Bay DJ Company - DJ Grant Lee
Hair Stylist | Adore Bridal Hair & Makeup
Make-up Artist | Adore Bridal Hair & Makeup
Reception Venue | Hotel Haya 
Rentals | Vivant Rentals and Treasury Rentals
Ring | International Diamond Center
Videographer | Meant to be Productions 

Sydney + Cody Step Into The Limelight | Red Mesa Events + The Birchwood | St. Petersburg, FL

What a day!! Sydney and Cody’s wedding was seriously one of the most perfect ones we have ever been a part of.  They met when Sydney had issues with her apartment, where Cody worked so he came to her rescue! From everyone’s recollection of the story they have been inseparable ever since and it was a joy to see their love for each other.  It was clear they had SO much love for their family too!  The hugs and tears seemed to flow throughout the entire day. We almost couldn’t hold the tears back as Sydney shared first looks with both her father and step-father, and dances with them too. And Cody’s sister walking him down the aisle and his dance with his aunt were such beautiful moments! The couple wanted classy and timeless and they definitely achieved it, every detail was planned perfectly. We just know Sydney and Cody have the most incredible future ahead and we couldn’t be happier for them 💖

Lead Photographer | Alexa Rodriguez
Associate Photographer | Steven McCarthy

Bridesmaid Dresses | David’s Bridal
Cake | Tampa Bay Cake Company
Caterer | The Birchwood
Ceremony Site | Red Mesa Events
Cold Sparklers | Tampa Bay DJ Company
DJ | Dylan with Graingertainment
Event Planner | Riley Gersch with Elegant Affairs By Design
Florist | Monarch Events and Design
Hair Stylist | Femme Akoi Beauty Studio
Make-up Artist | Femme Akoi Beauty Studio
Reception Venue | The Birchwood
Violinist | SRQ Violin
Wedding Gown | The White Magnolia Bridal Collection

Katie + Andrew Step Into The Limelight | The Rusty Pelican | Tampa, FL

Get to know Katie & Andrew…

How/when did you meet each other:: Andrew and I met in freshman year at the University of Florida. My dorm roommate and I were having a game night at my dorm . One of her friends, Joe (the best man), brought Andrew with him. We played a game called “werewolves” that showed Andrews bright and silly personality. Immediately I was interested, but Andrew was seeing someone else at the time. We had hung out many more times at mutual friend events. one day were were the only ones in the friend group, along with Monica (bridesmaid), who were 21. So naturally we went out together, just the three of us. By this point Andrew was single and Monica could sense our chemistry, so she helped set us up. A few months later, I made the big move and kissed him at midnight during a NYE party. The rest is history!

How did he propose:: After I graduated nursing school, Andrew and I Decided to take a road trip to North Carolina between our birthdays. The plan was to go hiking along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville. At the very first hike of the very first day, after walking up a mile to the top of a hill, Andrew surprised me with his proposal while posing for pictures. I had no idea, it was very sweet. We spent the rest of the trip celebrating our engagement.

What do you love about each other:: Andrew is literally my best friend. We do everything together. We share similar interests, have a lot of mutual friends and love to go on adventures. The more I got to know him, the closer we grew. He always makes me laugh, is an amazing chef, passionate and extremely smart person.

Interests/hobbies you enjoy doing together:: We enjoy playing tennis, watching movies, cooking, going out with friends, competing hard core in board games/foosball.

Two best friends got married! We LOVED being a part of Katie & Andrew’ s special day 🥰 it was a calm, serene day filled with lots of LOVE. We really enjoyed seeing these two interact with each other and their loved ones, it was such a beautiful occasion and just being able to experience so much JOY was a treat.
We wish Katie & Andrew an amazing future as Mr. & Mrs. Cheers to a wonderful couple!

Lead Photographer | Dafne Spencer
Associate Photographer | Tara Zimmerman

Bridesmaids Dresses | Azazie
Cake | Artistic Whisk
Caterer | Rusty Pelican
Ceremony Site | Rusty Pelican
Decor | On the Move Productions
DJ | Tampa Bay DJ Company
Florist | 2Birds Events
Hair Stylist | Beauty Brought Out | Julissa Badgett
Invitations | Minted
Make-Up Artist | Beauty Brought Out | Julissa Badgett
Reception Venue | Rusty Pelican
Videographer | Voila Cinematic
Voicemail Guest Book | After the Tone
Wedding Gown | Nicole Maree Bridal | Stella York