Tami + William Step Into The Limelight | The Florida Aquarium | Tampa, FL

A Love as Unique as Mr. & Mrs. Weers’ Wedding Celebration at The Tampa Aquarium.

There are weddings that are beautiful. There are weddings that are joyful. And then… there are weddings like this one, where love, laughter, dinosaurs, and Legos come together to create absolute magic.

From the moment I met this couple, I could feel their energy, vibrant, sincere, and unapologetically authentic. Their love story started like a good rom-com (the modern kind, where the algorithm plays Cupid): they met on Facebook and were coworkers at the time, both passionate teachers. A few conversations turned into late night chats, and soon they were each other’s forever person.

Their proposal? Oh, it deserves a whole movie scene of its own. Picture this: a school parking lot, students and colleagues holding up a huge sign from below, asking one very important question. And there, with the perfect timing of a romance novelist, he drops to one knee beside her. In broad daylight. During lunch. If that doesn’t scream “teacher love story,” I don’t know what does!

Fast forward to the wedding day and wow. Let me just say, I’ve photographed many weddings, but this one? It felt like stepping into their hearts. They chose an aquarium as their venue, not just because it's stunning (which it absolutely is), but because it’s them. It was a celebration that completely tossed the “wedding rule book” overboard and said, “Let’s do this our way.”

There were no flowers, because she doesn’t like them (and honestly, who said flowers are mandatory anyway?). Instead? Seashells! There was no boring ring box, instead? A football. The card box? LEGO, of course. And the cake? Oh, the cake. Not only was it topped with dinosaurs (yes, DINOSAURS), but their four beloved pups were part of the design too. Tell me that’s not love.

But the most touching moment, and one I’ll never forget, was the first look. They chose to say their vows in that quiet, private moment, no crowd, just them. It was raw. Real. Emotional. And it reminded me of why I do what I do. To witness love that’s deep, genuine, and soul-shaking. To freeze those moments in time for people who truly see each other.

Together, they are the perfect yin to the other’s yang. They lift each other up, challenge one another to grow, and laugh a lot. From football Sundays to Hobby Lobby trips, from food tours to movie nights, their life is stitched together with the kind of joy that comes from being completely at home in someone else's presence.

As a photographer, I felt beyond honored to be part of such a day. There was so much heart, so much laughter, and such a radiant energy all around, I truly felt like I wasn’t just capturing moments, I was feeling them too. The love, the joy, the weird and wonderful details,  it was all so beautifully them, Including the sharks in the background haha.

So here’s to Mr. & Mrs. Weers, may your life together always be full of seashells, dinosaurs, and the kind of love that inspires everyone lucky enough to witness it.

With love, Natalia Fontes and Limelight.

Lead Photographer | Natalia Fontes 
Associate Photographer | Josiah Bonilla

Bridesmaid Dresses |  JJ's House
Cake |  Publix
Caterer |  The Florida Aquarium
Ceremony Site | The Florida Aquarium
DJ | Grant Hemond
Event Planner | Married by Mariella
Florist | Shellbee
Hair Stylist | Megan Nezbeth
Reception Venue | The Florida Aquarium
Wedding Gown | Once Upon A Dress

Kayla + Stephen Step Into The Limelight | The Vault | Tampa, FL

A Vintage Romance at The Vault Tampa

From the moment I arrived at The Vault, I knew Kayla and Stephen’s wedding day was going to be unforgettable. There’s something about this historic venue; tucked in the heart of Tampa’s Downtown Arts District, next to the iconic 1926 Tampa Theatre, that instantly transports you. The restored 1919 bank building, with its towering 35-foot ceilings, ornate medallions, marble floors, and sweeping views of the city skyline, offered the perfect backdrop for a celebration steeped in vintage elegance and personal meaning.

Kayla and Stephen, now officially Mr. and Mrs. Shipman, chose May 25, 2025, as their day, and it couldn’t have been more magical. Their wedding palette of sage green, eucalyptus, ivory, and gold was a seamless blend of softness and sophistication, echoing the historic charm of the venue while adding a modern, romantic touch.

They opted not to do a first look, which always makes the anticipation so much more electric. There’s a palpable shift in the room just before the bride walks in, it’s quiet, electric, and deeply emotional. When Kayla stepped into the aisle, Stephen seeing her for the first time was everything. That moment alone could’ve stopped time.

Their love story is filled with the kind of simple, meaningful moments that define true connection. Coffee dates, shared workouts, movies, cheering on their favorite teams. Stephen’s proposal at their college fountain, surrounded by family and friends, was such a perfect beginning to what would become this joyful celebration.

From the very start of the reception, the energy was unreal. During the bridal party introductions, the groomsmen came in tossing T-shirts with the couple’s cats face on them. Guests were shouting, laughing, catching shirts mid-air. It was wild in the best way. That blend of personal charm continued throughout. From handwritten letters for the seating chart, to a gallery of photos with loved ones over the years, to a surprise cheeseburger and McChicken delivery mid-party (yes, really).That’s the kind of unexpected touch that makes a night memorable. And let’s not forget the Photo Booth inside an actual vault. 

As the evening wound down, Kayla and Stephen shared a quiet final dance, just the two of them. One last, private moment before the night ended with a sparkler exit, their friends and family cheering them on as they ran down the center, still glowing from everything the day held.

It was vintage. It was vibrant. It was them.

And I’m so honored Limelight got to capture it all.

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

Lead Photographer | Jeff Mitchell
Associate Photographer | Noelle Topa

Cake |  Alessi Bakery 
Ceremony Site | The Vault
DJ | Grant Hemond and Associates 
Event Planner | Elegant Affairs by Design 
Florist | Flora Fine Flowers 
Hair Stylist | Adore Bridal Hair and Makeup 
Make-up Artist | Adore Bridal Hair and Makeup 
Reception Venue | The Vault
Photo Booth | White Tie Modern