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

Jennifer + Rodney Step Into The Limelight | The Don CeSar | St. Pete Beach, FL

A Love 44 Years in the Making and the Most Magical “I Do” at the Iconic Don Cesar.

There are weddings… and then there are weddings that feel like they were written by the universe itself. The kind that give you chills, bring tears to your eyes, and leave your heart bursting wide open. This was that kind of wedding and I, feel like the luckiest person in the world for having been part of it.

It all started at a middle school bus stop.

Boy tries to pull a silly prank on girl’s little brother.
Girl fierce, protective, unstoppable threatens to rearrange his face.
Boy, terrified (and probably a little impressed), decides to never go near her again.
Until years later, when life brings them back together at a party. And this time? He sees her for who she truly is: funny, brilliant, gorgeous and kind. That night ends with a kiss. High school dances follow. He even rocks a purple cummerbund to match her dress a true love flex if there ever was one.

But as young love often does, life takes them in different directions. She moves to Ohio, becomes a pharmacist, raises two beautiful daughters. He stays in Florida, becomes a journalist, builds a family of his own. Years pass. Decades, even. There are joys. There are heartbreaks. There is growth.

Then one day after an unimaginable loss, he reaches out to her, not just for advice, but for comfort. And what she offers isn’t just words… it’s healing. A laugh that lights up the dark. A voice that feels like home.

A James Taylor concert in Columbus becomes their second first date. And three years later, 44 years after that bus stop encounter, they’re saying “I do” at The Don Cesar, one of the most breathtaking wedding venues in the world.

And let me tell you… this place isn’t just a venue. It’s a dream.

The Don is pure magic, like stepping into a fairytale. That soft-pink palace rising above the sand, the ocean breeze, the glowing sunset that seemed like it was painted just for them. People dream of getting married here their whole lives. And watching these two soulmates tie the knot in a place so magnificent felt like witnessing a scene from a movie but better, because it was real.

I stood there with my camera, heart pounding, goosebumps on my arms, trying to hold back tears as I captured it all. The way he looked at her when she walked down the aisle. The way she laughed during their vows. The way every single guest had this look of, “We are witnessing something sacred here.”

And then… the cherry on top? Their love story, this honest, beautiful, soul-stirring journey will be published in The New York Times. Immortalized forever. Just like their love deserves to be.

To this incredible couple: You have touched everyone around you with the power of your story. You’ve reminded us that it’s never too late for love, for laughter, for butterflies, for that feeling of “home.” I wish you a life full of late-night dancing in the kitchen, shared sunrises, deep talks, and constant awe at how lucky you are to have found each other again.

Thank you for letting me, be there, not just as a photographer, but as a witness to something that felt like divine timing.

From the bottom of my heart, I wish you a forever that’s even more beautiful than this perfect day.

With love, always, Natalia

Lead Photographer | Natalia Fontes
Associate Photographer | Alayna Vance
Assistant | Isabella Santos

Bridesmaid Dresses |  Azazie
Caterer |  The Don CeSar
Ceremony Site | The Don CeSar
DJ | Ryan Fry
Florist | Jennie’s Florist
Reception Venue | The Don CeSar