Jacquie + Chris Step Into The Limelight | Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa | Clearwater Beach, FL

A Serendipitous Love Story: Jacquie & Chris’s Elegant Waterfront Wedding at The Hyatt Clearwater Beach

When fate writes your love story, it’s bound to be unforgettable.

For Jacquie and Chris, their journey began in the snowy chill of Rochester, NY, back in 2011. A chance game of darts during a blizzard sparked something more than just friendly competition—it was the beginning of a love story that would span over a decade. Though life led them down separate paths for nine years, fate intervened once again in 2020, reuniting them in sunny Florida. From that moment, everything felt right.

Their wedding, held on the iconic Sky Terrace of the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach, was a breathtaking celebration of second chances, heartfelt connections, and timeless romance. As Hyatt preferred vendors and trusted Clearwater Beach wedding photographers, we at Limelight Photography were honored to capture every meaningful moment of their day.

A Waterfront Celebration of Elegance and Heart

Jacquie dreamed of a beach wedding—but with Chris not being a fan of sand in his shoes, the couple found the perfect compromise: a waterfront ceremony overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. The Hyatt’s Sky Terrace, perched above the beach with sweeping views of the sunset, was a nod to one of their earliest getaways together during the pandemic—a romantic dinner at The Shore Restaurant in Clearwater Beach.

Their vision? Simple. Elegant. Romantic. And that’s exactly what they created.

From Jacquie’s stunning lace gown with delicate buttons and a flowing train to the bright, summery floral arrangements and classic emerald green accents, every detail felt personal and intentional. Chris and the groomsmen balanced the color palette with timeless elegance, adding a sense of sophistication to the relaxed beachside atmosphere.

Personal Touches and Heartfelt Moments

This wedding was filled with meaningful details that reflected Jacquie and Chris’s shared life and love:

  • A handcrafted “Something Old, New, Borrowed, and Blue” safety pin, made by Jacquie herself, attached to her bouquet.

  • Custom cocktail napkins, drink signs, and straws featuring their beloved dogs—adding a playful, personal twist to cocktail hour.

  • A violinist who serenaded guests during the ceremony and cocktail hour, elevating the romantic ambiance.

  • A heartwarming first look, emotional vows, and unforgettable first dances with their parents.

As affordable wedding photography experts in the Clearwater Beach area, we pride ourselves on capturing these fleeting, intimate moments that couples treasure for a lifetime. Jacquie and Chris’s wedding was no exception—it was a day filled with laughter, emotion, and celebration under the Florida sky.

A New Chapter Begins

What makes this love story so unique is not only how it began but how it returned—stronger, wiser, and more rooted in appreciation. Jacquie and Chris’s wedding wasn’t just a ceremony—it was a joyful reunion of souls who had been waiting for the right time.

And the result? A celebration that felt romantic, happy, and relaxed—just as they envisioned.

Planning Your Dream Wedding at the Hyatt Clearwater Beach?

Limelight Photography is proud to be among the Hyatt preferred vendors and one of the most trusted Clearwater Beach wedding photographers. Whether you're planning a sunset ceremony, a beachfront reception, or an intimate elopement, our experienced team will ensure your story is told with heart and artistry—without breaking the bank. We offer affordable wedding photography packages that never compromise on quality or care.

📸 Let’s capture your love story! Reach out today to schedule your consultation or explore our portfolio.

Limelight Photography. Romantic. Timeless. You. Preferred Vendor at the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach. Affordable Wedding Photography with Heart.

Lead Photographers | Rebecca Zoumberos + Jaclyn Pizio

Cake |  Chantilly Cakes 
DJ | Tampa Bay DJ
Event Planner | Breezin’ Weddings
Florist | Flowers by Iza
Hair Stylist | Lindsay Travis Artistry
Musician | LaRon Hearst Electric Violinist
Venue | Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach
Wedding Gown | Athena's Bridal Boutique

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!

Inquire about our services

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.