Emily + Liam Step Into The Limelight | The Resort at Longboat Key Club | Longboat Key, FL

A Coastal Celebration at Longboat Key, FL

Emily and Liam’s love story began in college and came full circle on the beach, where Liam proposed and where they exchanged vows. Their wedding at Longboat Key Resort was the perfect reflection of who they are laid back, connected to the coast, and deeply in love.

The ceremony took place on the North Lawn with a view of teal waters and a soft ocean breeze. A violinist played as they walked down the aisle, adding a romantic and intimate feel to the moment.

The celebration continued at Spike ‘n Tees, an open air restaurant at The Resort at Longboat Key Club overlooking the golf course. Guests enjoyed cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, putting on the green, and rounds of beer pong while Emily and Liam mingled with friends and family.

Every detail was personal. A mini boat at the bar held custom koozies. Emily designed all the signage. Bottles of sand decorated the tables. Instead of a traditional guestbook, guests left notes in a message-in-a-bottle. These thoughtful touches gave the day its charm and character.

After dinner and heartfelt speeches, we headed back to the beach for golden hour portraits. The light was perfect. Emily and Liam were completely in the moment, taking in the view and the love surrounding them.

The night wrapped back at Spike ‘n Tees with more laughter, games, and memories made. It felt less like an event and more like the gathering of one big family; exactly how they wanted it.

Emily and Liam, thank you for letting us tell your story. Your day was beautiful, meaningful, and completely yours!

With love,
Jeff

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

Lead Photographer | Jeff Mitchell
Associate Photographer | Noelle Topa

Bridesmaid Dresses | Azazie
Cake | Cakes by Ron
Caterer | Resort at Longboat Key Club
Ceremony Site | Resort at Longboat Key Club 
Event Planner | Swanky Soiree Events | Christina
Florist | Flowers by Fudgie
Hair Stylist | POSH Bridal
Make-up Artist | POSH Bridal
Reception Venue | Resort at Longboat Key Club (Spike N Tees)
Wedding Gown | Truly Forever Bridal

Kaitlin + Graham Step Into The Limelight | The Resort at Longboat Key Club | Longboat Key, FL

Kaitlin & Graham’s Joyful, Romantic Celebration at The Resort at Longboat Key Club

From the moment I captured their engagement session, I knew Kaitlin and Graham’s wedding would be filled with laughter, heartfelt moments, and beautifully personal details. These two are best friends who bring out the joy in everyone around them — and their wedding day at The Resort at Longboat Key Club was everything a celebration should be: vibrant, meaningful, and truly unforgettable.

As a Sarasota Florida Photographer, I’ve had the honor of photographing so many incredible love stories — but Kaitlin and Graham’s is one I’ll never forget.

A Love Story Years in the Making

They first met at the University of Florida — Kaitlin was just starting her freshman year, and Graham, affectionately known as “the green guy,” was a preview staffer. One corny joke and a big smile later, and Kaitlin was hooked. Their friendship blossomed through marching band and service organizations, and after months of mutual crushes, Kaitlin finally made the first move in March of 2022. Since then, they’ve been inseparable adventure buddies — from college football games to European travels and adopting their two kittens, Clara and Luna.

The Sweetest Surprise Proposal

Longboat Key isn’t just beautiful — it’s meaningful to them both. Graham pulled off the ultimate surprise there, with a beachside proposal that caught Kaitlin completely off guard (she thought she was helping plan a dinner for him to celebrate a job offer — he had her fooled!). With champagne, family, and a perfectly timed sunset, Graham asked Kaitlin to spend forever with him. The look on her face said it all!

A Banyan Tree Ceremony & First Looks That Melted Us

Their ceremony took place under the canopy of a breathtaking banyan tree — one of the most serene, romantic spots you could imagine. With the ocean breeze and Spanish moss above, it felt sacred and magical. It was the perfect setting for the heartfelt vows they wrote for each other.

Before the ceremony, Kaitlin shared a tear-filled first look with her dad — such a powerful and emotional moment that had us all misty-eyed. Not long after, she met Graham for their first look — one of the most tender and genuine moments of the day. The way they held each other, smiled through tears, and soaked in the quiet before the festivities… it was absolute perfection.

Details Full of Heart and Personality

No detail was overlooked. Graham wore a custom sage green tux (his signature color), and Kaitlin’s bridesmaids looked radiant in varying shades of soft blue — her favorite. Her gown was a dream — romantic, timeless, and perfect for the lush, coastal setting.

Their DIY touches — including custom signage, place cards, and stationery made by Kaitlin herself — added so much heart. And don’t even get me started on the kitten cocktail napkins. Clara and Luna, you were well-represented!

From their music choices (subtle nods to Star Wars, Disney, Marvel, and more!) to their signature drinks and custom vow books, the day felt like a complete expression of them.

Pure Joy from Start to Finish

This wedding was everything I love about photojournalistic photography — raw, candid moments that tell the real story. From the laughter on the dance floor to the quiet glances between them during the ceremony, every image captured something real and meaningful.

Kaitlin and Graham — thank you for letting me be part of your story. It was truly an honor to document your love and all the magic that surrounded it.

If you’re planning your own dream day and want timeless, meaningful wedding photography in Sarasota Florida, I’d be honored to help tell your love story.

✨ Let’s capture your day with heart and joy. Contact Limelight Photography!

Lead Photographer | Dafne Spencer
Associate Photographer | PJ

Bridesmaid Dresses | Revelry
Cake | Cakes by Ron
Caterer | The Resort at Longboat Key Club
Ceremony Site | The Resort at Longboat Key Club | Banyan Cove
DJ | Tampa Bay DJ Co.
Event Planner | Swanky Soiree Events 
Florist | Flowers by Fudgie
Hair Stylist | DS Hair and Makeup Creations
Invitations | The Knot
Reception Venue | The Resort at Longboat Key Club | Harbourside Ballroom
Videographer | Limelight Photography 
Wedding Gown | Calvet Couture | Eva Lendel

Allison + Garret Step Into The Limelight | Sirata Beach Resort | St. Pete Beach, FL

Allison and Garret’s wedding day was the perfect fusion of timeless tradition and carefree coastal celebration. From a classic church ceremony to a golden hour beach wedding reception, every moment was effortlessly elegant and full of personality—an unforgettable St. Pete wedding photography experience from beginning to end.

The day began with heartfelt vows at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, a stunning backdrop for their sacred ceremony. With sunlight filtering through the stained glass and emotions running high, it was a moment that beautifully grounded their day in tradition.

After the ceremony, the celebration shifted to the Sirata Beach Resort—a beloved gem for beach weddings in St. Pete. Just steps from the shoreline, this beachfront venue offered breathtaking views of the Gulf and an ideal setting for sunset portraits.

As the sun dipped low, we captured a golden hour session that radiated pure magic. With gentle sea breezes, pastel skies, and Allison’s veil catching the light just right, every photo told the story of their love with candid elegance. These golden hour portraits were a true highlight, showcasing why St. Pete wedding photography is so renowned for its natural beauty.

The reception at Sirata was a joyful blend of tropical fun and personal touches, brought to life by Driftwood Weddings and Events and a dream team of vendors. From the neutral florals by Wonderland Floral Art, to the a smooth and sweet first dance thanks to Grant Hemond & Associates’ Jason Talley, the night flowed with laughter, celebration, and love.

Lead Photographer | Jackie Pizio
Associate Photographer | Natalia Fontes 

Bridesmaid Dresses | David’s Bridal
Cake | Publix
Caterer | Sirata Beach Resort
Ceremony Site | Cathedral of St. Jude Apostle 
DJ | Grant Hemond & Associates | Jason Talley
Event Planner | Driftwood Weddings and Events | Cherish Coddington
Florist | Wonderland Floral Art
Hair Stylist | Camposecco Artistry
Invitations | Zazzle
Make-up Artist | Camposecco Artistry
Reception Venue | Sirata Beach Resort
Wedding Gown | David’s Bridal

Kara + William Step Into The Limelight | Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa | Clearwater Beach, FL

Kara & Will: From Office Flirtations to Beachfront “I Do’s” 

Some love stories begin on dating apps. Others? In the least romantic place imaginable: the workplace (who would’ve thought?!).

Back in July 2019, Kara and Will met through work in Philadelphia, and sparks flew faster than you can say “coffee break.” By August, they were officially dating and spent as much time together as possible, from beach trips along the New Jersey shore to fun dinners out. Life was sweet and carefree… until March 2020, when the world (and, well, everything else) shut down.

While most couples dreaded lockdown, Kara and Will found a silver lining: more time together. They escaped the walls of quarantine by heading to Will’s parents’ new house in Siesta Key, Florida, soaking up the sun and creating memories with family. Later, they traded the beach for the woods at Will’s Uncle John’s cozy cabin in Georgia. Turns out, surviving a global pandemic together is a pretty solid relationship test and they passed with flying colors.

Fast forward to April 2023, when life threw them the sweetest curveball: Kara found out she was pregnant! In December 2023, they welcomed their beautiful baby girl, Isla Marie Anderson, into the world. Kara, ever patient (and maybe a little too patient), waited for the next big step… the ring!

Finally, in March 2024, surrounded by Disney magic, Will got down on one knee and popped the question at their hotel in Disney World. After years of love, adventures, and diaper changes, Kara got her fairytale moment and of course, she said yes!

Choosing where to tie the knot was easy. Kara had been vacationing in Clearwater, Florida, since she was a kid, and the Hilton on the beach holds a special place in her heart. Their wedding is set to reflect their style: modern, simple, and full of meaning with the ocean as their backdrop and the people they love most by their side.

For Kara and Will, it’s not just about a beautiful wedding it’s about celebrating all they’ve built together: a relationship that survived work stress, a pandemic, and new parenthood. It’s about the beach, the laughter, the patience, and the little girl who now fills their hearts.

From office flirtations to Disney proposals, from sandy beach walks to raising Isla, Kara and Will’s love story is proof that sometimes, the best things come when you least expect them and sometimes, they arrive with a side of Mickey Mouse ears.

Lead Photographer | Natalia Fontes
Associate Photographer | Jackie Pizio

Caterer |  The Hilton
Ceremony Site | The Hilton
Event Planner | The Hilton
Florist | Lou’s Florist
Hair Stylist | Beautiful You Makeup and Hair 
Reception Venue | The Hilton
Wedding Gown | Ever After Bridal (West Chester, PA)

Tonya + Chris Step Into The Limelight | Yacht Starship | Tampa, FL

Tonya & Chris – A Yacht Wedding Full of Love, Laughter, and a Little Bit of Wobble

Some love stories feel like poetry. Tonya and Chris? They’re a whole playlist, romantic, joyful, and impossible not to dance along with.

These two had known each other for years through their children, but it wasn’t until May 2022 that the universe decided to give their story the spotlight. Thanks to some well-placed friends, they reconnected and quickly became inseparable. From concerts to traveling adventures and quiet days just enjoying each other's company, their journey since that first date on May 21, 2022, has been full of unforgettable moments.

They made it official (and tear-jerkingly sweet!) on November 25, 2023, surrounded by family and friends when Chris popped the question. And let me tell you, their destination wedding aboard a yacht on April 26, 2025, was nothing short of magical.

Photographing their wedding was an absolute dream although I’d be lying if I said I didn’t almost fall over at least five times thanks to the gentle, rocking of the boat! But hey, I survived with my gear intact and a heart full of joy.

The energy that day was contagious. Everyone had a glow, a sparkle in their eyes that said, “These two are something special.” Even the sunset seemed to agree it showed off with such beauty and harmony that it felt like the sky was serenading us with the most beautiful love song ever written.

And then there’s her gaze oh, the way Tonya’s eyes light up when she looks at Chris. That kind of sparkle can’t be faked. It’s the kind of look that says, “There you are. My person.” Watching her look at him was like watching love itself unfold pure, honest, and beautiful beyond words.

And then came the moment: Tonya and Chris’s private last dance. Just the two of them swaying gently as the boat rocked and the stars peeked out above it was pure magic. As a photographer, I get to witness a lot of beautiful things, but this moment? This one will stay with me.

I’m beyond grateful to have been a part of their big day. Tonya and Chris, thank you for trusting me to capture your love, your laughter, and yes, even my almost-slips onboard!

Wishing you a lifetime of happiness, spontaneous adventures, and sunsets that keep singing your song.

Lead Photographer | Natalia Fontes 
Associate Photographer | Noelle Topa 

Caterer | Yacht Starship
Ceremony Site | Yacht Starship
Event Planner | Yacht Starship
Reception Venue | Yacht Starship