Tipping Your Wedding Photography + Video Team: What to Know + How Much to Tip

As Florida wedding photographers and videographers, we get a lot of questions about… tipping! We want to share a quick etiquette guide that can clear up any awkwardness or confusion around the topic. While tipping is never expected or required, it’s always deeply appreciated as a gesture of gratitude for hard work, time, and creative care.

Below is a general guide to help you navigate tipping for your visual team, should you choose to do so.

Wedding Photographers:

Recommended Tip: $100–$300 lead photographer
Recommended Tip: $50–$150 associate photographer

Our wedding photographers exhibit extreme care, with detailed calls leading up to the wedding day, tedious prep, as well as ensuring clear communication with our clients + additional team members that will be present on the wedding day. We truly pour our hearts into the work that we do, both leading up to the big day, and on the day itself.

Wedding Videographer(s):

Recommended Tip: $100–$300 for the lead videographer
$50–$150 for an assistant, if applicable.

Very similar to our wedding photography team, our wedding videographers labor over the big and small details, ensuring that everything is seamless for our clients prior to the wedding day, as well as on the day of!

Wedding Content Creator / Social Media Coverage:

Recommended Tip: $50–$150

Our wedding content creators are working behind the scenes to capture all the Insta-worthy, behind-the-scenes goodness in real time, so that you can share it just days after your wedding day! Not only are they working the day of, but they are also stitching together footage that encapsulates your entire wedding day in videos, in addition to the behind the iPhone photos that they deliver to you.

When & How to Tip:

Tips can be delivered in cash (an envelope labeled with the individual’s name is always helpful!) or added to your final payment if you prefer to do it electronically—just let us know and we’ll make sure it’s distributed accordingly. Many couples also like to give a handwritten note or small gift with a tip—those thoughtful touches go a long way! Some photographers can accept Venmo, PayPal, Cash App, Zelle, etc. on the day of the wedding.

We recommend having a trusted point person whom can distribute the tips on the wedding day (ex: your Best Man or Maid of Honor), that way you can continue dancing the night away without worry! But if you want to be the one to tip us directly, that’s not uncommon, and we do truly appreciate the gesture. 🤍

No matter what, your trust in us means everything. We’re here to serve, create, and support you fully on your big day.

How to Plan A Florida Destination Wedding from Afar

Planning a destination wedding in Florida (or the Caribbean) while living miles, or states, away? It’s completely doable with the right team and a few smart strategies. Whether you’re dreaming of a Gulf Coast sunset ceremony or a luxurious St. Lucia beach celebration, here’s how to make the planning process smooth and stress-free.

1. Hire a Local Wedding Planner You Trust

This is step number one for a reason. A great local planner knows the best vendors, can navigate weather backups, and keeps everything moving even when you’re not there in person. We work closely with some of the best wedding planners in Tampa, Clearwater, St. Pete, and beyond. We’ve seen firsthand how much peace of mind they bring to our couples.

We have had the opportunity to work with many wedding planners throughout the last 20 years. Below are a few that we highly recommend!

• Astonishing Events

• Breezin’ Entertainment

• Brittany Bauer Events

• Coastal Coordinating

• Milan Catering and Event Design

• NK Productions

• Swanky Soiree Events

2. Book a Wedding Photographer Who’s Comfortable With Destination Couples

As Florida wedding photographers specializing in destination weddings, we know how important clear communication is, especially when you're not local. From the moment you inquire to the final gallery delivery, we prioritize getting to know you as a couple so your images reflect your love story authentically. We’ve photographed weddings across Florida and in dreamy places like St. Lucia, so we know how to roll with travel and timeline changes with grace.

3. Schedule One In-Person Trip (If You Can)

If you can fly in once before the wedding, plan a venue tour, menu tasting, hair + makeup trial, and your engagement session all during that trip. It’s a great way to build rapport with your vendor team and to feel more connected to your wedding location.

4. Plan for the Weather (Florida’s Forecast Is No Joke)

Beach ceremony in St. Pete? Garden vows in Sarasota? Make sure your vendors have a solid rain plan. Summer weddings especially need a Plan B, and we’ll work with your planner to scout the best covered or indoor options for photos that still feel magical.

6. Trust Your Vendor Team

Working with experienced local vendors means you can relax on your wedding day. From lighting timelines to photo locations, we collaborate with planners and venue coordinators to make sure nothing gets missed and that you can be present in every moment.

Planning your Florida or St. Lucia wedding from afar?

Whether you’re saying "I do" in Tampa, Clearwater, or on a white sand beach in the Caribbean, our team is here to help you capture every detail with elegance and authenticity.

Let’s start planning your dream wedding photography experience, no matter where you live.

📍 We are based in Florida, but available for destination weddings anywhere! ✈️
✨ Our team is composed of Florida wedding photographers, videographers, and content creators.

Article by Tara Zimmerman from Limelight Photography — passionate about capturing the unscripted, emotional moments that tell your love story in the most genuine and heartfelt way.

Our TOP 5 Most Photographed At Venues in St. Pete

As Florida wedding photographers, there are so many amazing venues that we photograph weddings and engagements at. Our clients book beautiful venues across the state of Florida, from Sarasota, Tampa, and St. Pete, to The Keys and Marco Island!

Maybe you’re in the process of looking for your dream beach wedding venue, or are looking for some downtown destination wedding inspiration… regardless of where you’re at in the process, we want to share the TOP 5 most popular wedding venues that our couples book in St. Pete and along the gorgeous white-sands of St. Pete Beach!

The Don CeSar | St. Pete Beach

If you’ve ever driven along St. Pete Beach, you’ve probably seen The Don CeSar… it’s hard to miss! With it’s vibrant pink, The Don CeSar is extremely notable and an award-winning luxury wedding venue in Tampa Bay / Central West area of Florida.

SOME VENUE HIGHLIGHTS:

🤍 Between Ceremony and Reception site spots, this venue offers 6 locations around the property.
🤍 Some sites around the venue can hold a capacity of 250 (meaning you can invite your whole family AND all of your friends!).
🤍 The Don CeSar offers customized menu options, shuttle services for you and your guests, special room rates when you book your wedding at their location, and more!

Nova 535 | Downtown St. Pete

Located in downtown St. Pete, Nova 535 is the perfect wedding venue for those seeking a true industrial, city-chic vibe.

SOME VENUE HIGHLIGHTS:

🤍 Nova 535 offers 4 gorgeous spaces for you and your guests, including indoor and outdoor options.
🤍 Their max capacity is 490 people seated for dinner inside + out and 775 standing for cocktails inside + out,
🤍 Always hosts only one event at a time (so your event is their sole focus!).

Isla Del Sol Yacht & Country Club | St. Pete

SOME VENUE HIGHLIGHTS:

🤍 Offers all-inclusive amenities.
🤍 Their Boca Ciega Grand Ballroom accommodating up to 250 guests with panoramic bay views.
🤍 Convenient location near St. Pete Beach with access to quality accommodations for guests.

Sirata Beach Resort | St. Pete Beach

SOME VENUE HIGHLIGHTS:

🤍 Their packages include Day of Wedding Coordinator + a complimentary suite for the bride and groom on their wedding night.
🤍 Offers 5 different spaces for your event.
🤍 Offers preferred vendor recommendations to help you create the best vendor team!

St. Pete Yacht Club | Downtown St. Pete

SOME VENUE HIGHLIGHTS:

🤍 12,000+ sq ft of banquet space.
🤍 Convenient downtown St. Pete location, offering a mix of water and city views.
🤍 Historic architecture and exceptional service.

Are you looking for a St. Pete wedding photography / videography / content creation team? Contact us today!

Article by Tara Zimmerman from Limelight Photography — passionate about capturing the unscripted, emotional moments that tell your love story in the most genuine and heartfelt way.

Sunset Wedding Photos and "When Is Golden Hour?"

As Florida wedding photographers and Florida wedding videographers, we’re constantly asked one of our favorite questions:
“When is the best time for photos?”
Our answer is almost always the same: golden hour.

There’s something really really magical that happens when the sun dips low in the sky. It’s warm, romantic, and gives every photo a softness unlike your typical afternoon sunlight. Whether you're tying the knot in a chic downtown Tampa venue, a St.Pete beachfront resort, or planning a destination wedding in the Caribbean, golden hour is the secret ingredient that takes your portraits from beautiful to breathtaking.

So… “What Is Golden Hour?”

This is a term that gets thrown around a lot, but not everyone knows what it means! Golden hour is that perfect slice of time just after sunrise or just before sunset. The sun is lower on the horizon, casting light that’s softer, warmer, and more flattering than the midday sun. For sunset portraits, golden hour typically begins 60 to 90 minutes before sunset, with the most ethereal glow in the final 30 minutes before the sun dips below the horizon.

This window of time changes slightly depending on the time of year and your location, which is why we always help our couples plan for it when building out their wedding day photography timeline.

Planning Your Golden Hour Photo Session

Here are a few tips to make the most of your golden hour photo session:

• Talk to your photographer early. We’ll help determine the exact sunset time for your date and location.

• Work it into your timeline. Even just 15–20 minutes is enough to capture memorable images — oftentimes wedding planners are already aware that their couples may want to go out for sunset portraits, but it’s good to communicate this desire with your wedding planner/coordinator directly, in addition to your photographer!

• Be flexible. Sometimes stepping away from dinner or sneaking out between reception happenings is the best way to catch that prime light.

• Trust the process. Let us guide you. No stiff posing, just the two of you being yourselves.

At Limelight Photography, we’ve had the joy of capturing golden hour moments for couples all across Florida and the Caribbean. Whether you're looking for sunset portraits that feel editorial and elegant, or something candid and carefree, we tailor each session to reflect who you are as a couple.

Let us help you plan the perfect time to chase the light—and create something truly timeless. Reach out today!

By the time golden hour arrives, most couples are relaxed, happy, and fully in the moment. Whether it's a quiet walk along the water or a joyful twirl in an open field, this time allows you to connect with each other while we document it with candid, documentary-style beauty.

📍 We are based in Florida, but available for destination weddings anywhere! ✈️
✨ Our team is composed of Florida wedding photographers, videographers, and content creators specializing in golden hour magic.

Article by Tara Zimmerman from Limelight Photography — passionate about capturing the unscripted, emotional moments that tell your love story in the most genuine and heartfelt way.

The Sweetest First Look Reactions We’ve Photographed

Few moments on a wedding day are as emotional and authentic as the first look. It’s the instant all the nerves, excitement, and anticipation come rushing to the surface—and it's one of our favorite things to capture. 📸

Over the years, we’ve had the joy of photographing some truly unforgettable first look reactions. From happy tears to uncontrollable laughter, these moments are pure magic. Here’s a little glimpse into why we think first looks are such a must-have moment:

Why We Love First Looks:

• Private, Real Connection: It's a rare quiet moment just for the two of you, before the whirlwind of the day begins.

• Raw, Candid Emotions: The expressions are completely unfiltered—and they make for the most heart-melting photos.

• Eases Nerves: Sharing this moment often calms the butterflies and helps you feel more relaxed walking down the aisle.

• More Time Together: First looks allow you to spend more of your wedding day side-by-side (and sneak in extra portraits!).

Some Recent Favorite Reactions:

1. Madison + Bryan’s Soft & Sentimental Reveal

This first look moment between Madison and Bryan was soft and tender. They also did a private vow/letter reading with one another, adding event more sweetness to the moment.

2. Alexis + Garrett’s Aisle First Look — happy tears!

When Garrett spotted Alexis walking down the aisle, he had an immediate smile and happy tears in his eyes. Garrett’s love for his bride was so apparent in his reaction as her and her dad walked down the aisle together.

3. tanya + Andrew’s rooftop first look reveal

Tanya and Andrew had a beautiful rooftop first look at The Florida Aquarium, where Tanya walked up and tapped Andrew on his shoulder. Andrew turned around and was in awe of his bride and her gorgeous dress! We love a man that takes a moment to appreciate the dress. These two laughed, smiled, and cheered during their first look moment.

4. First Look fakeout!

Carolyn and Timothy’s wedding had a little surprise! In Carolyn’s place, their daughter (also the flower girl), took the bride’s place for the first look! This was such a playful moment, where everyone had a laugh and Carolyn got to share her first look spotlight with her mini-me. Carolyn was standing off to the side and Timothy then got to have his moment with his bride. Too cute!

5. Sydney + Brandon’s Movie-worthy moment

Sydney and Brandon’s first look was something out of a rom-com. The reveal had Brandon smiling big, paired with a hug that reads all of the sentimental emotions of the day. They smiles, they teared up, and they laughed. This first look moment was not only picture-perfect, but so so tender.

Watch our Behind the Scenes reel of their first look HERE!

Looking for a wedding photographer / videographer / content creator team? ⬇️

Article by Tara Zimmerman from Limelight Photography — passionate about capturing the unscripted, emotional moments that tell your love story in the most genuine and heartfelt way.