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)

Lauren + Donavan Step Into The Limelight | HILTON CLEARWATER BEACH RESORT & SPA | CLEARWATER BEACH, FL

Lauren was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee. She is the only daughter of Robin and Fred Dillon. Lauren has one younger brother, Joseph. Lauren went to school at Harpeth Valley, Bellevue Middle, Hillsboro high, Western Kentucky University. Lauren currently works as a technician at an outpatient clinic at a hospital.

Donavan was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee. He is the only child of Monica and Ken Hibbitt. Donavan went to school at Harpeth Valley, Bellevue Middle, and Hillwood High. Donavan is currently pursuing his own business.

Lauren and Donavan met as teenagers at a bonfire in Nashville over ten years ago. Years passed and they reconnected in 2016. They started to date in July of 2016 and moved in together right away.

Lauren & Donavan enjoy traveling together and exploring new cities and views. They also enjoy amusement parks and thrill rides, and try to go at least once a year to a park. They have two dogs, Rascal and Lady. Lady is always by Donavan’s side while Rascal is always by Lauren’s side.

In July of 2020, Donavan proposed on Lauren family farm and they both have been enjoyed creating the wedding they have always envisioned.

Lauren & Donavan’s wedding day was absolutely stunning, from the gorgeous classic florals, Lauren’s vintage style dress to the most perfect sunset… it was all pure beauty!

We are honored to know Lauren & Donavan, they KNOW how to love and we are here for it!
We wish both Lauren & Donavan a lifetime of happiness 💙

Lead Photographer | Dafne Spencer
Associate Photographer | Miranda Gates

Caterer | Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa
Ceremony Site | Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa
Florist | Iza’s Flowers
Hair Stylist | Femme Akoi + Michele Renee The Studio
Invitations | TheKnot
Makeup | Femme Akoi + Michele Renee The Studio
Reception | Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa
Wedding Gown | Winnie Couture


Michelle + Max Step Into The Limelight | Hilton Clearwater Beach | Clearwater, FL

Michelle and Max met through mutual friends that were dating at the time. Michelle had a Christmas party and he came with one of her best friend's boyfriend. Max surprised Michelle in front of his house with roses for the proposal! Then they had their family and best friends in the backyard immediately following. Later all their closest friends came over for a party. They love how much fun they have together.  They are always laughing and being goofy. They both love lazy days and being with out families. They enjoy watching movies and relaxing. They also love to be with their close family and friends.

Their wedding was stage as a relaxed Family Vacation!! They decided on Clearwater after vacationing there about a year ago. They have always wanted a destination wedding. This was the only time all their favorite family and friends were able to vacation together.  They wanted everyone to have an excuse for a beach getaway. They just wanted everyone to relax and get away from the craziness of the world.

The wedding was semi-formal but had totally laid back feel. The dancing was a highlight of the evening!! It was stress-free and a total party for everyone! To personalize their day, they created some of our own center-pieces and decorations.

Lead Photographer | Rebecca Zoumberos
Associate Photographer | Michael Zoumberos

Bridesmaid Dresses | Azazie
Cake | Kristen Marie Cake
Caterer | Hilton Clearwater Beach
Ceremony Site | Hilton Clearwater Beach
DJ | Grant Hemond
Florist | Iza’s Flowers
Hair Stylist | Michele Renee The Studio
Invitations | Etsy
Make-up Artist | Michele Renee The Studio
Reception Venue | Hilton Clearwater Beach
Wedding Gown | Jenna in White

Jaclyn + Matt Step Into The Limelight | Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa | Clearwater Beach, FL

What an incredible celebration we had with Jaclyn and Matt!

Jaclyn and Matt met in vet school at Oklahoma State University through mutual friends. Jaclyn was finishing up her first year, and Matt was finishing up his third year at the time. Matt proposed while they were in Florida for Christmas in 2019. Jaclyn recently joined Matt in Sioux City, Iowa where they are practicing small animal medicine together {from http://jaclynandmatthew.minted.us}

They both share a love for animals, adventure, the outdoors and they both have a goofy sense of humor and love to make each other laugh. They enjoy boating, fishing and working on their house together.

Jaclyn grew up in Florida and is a true Florida girl at heart. She loves everything about the beach so it was fitting to have a ceremony right on the sand and a lovely outdoor venue. The outfits were simple yet elegant. The girls chose their own dresses to make sure everyone felt like their best self and beautiful on the big day.

Hilton Clearwater Beach was the perfect setting to tie up their beach theme wedding - which by the way, we LOVED the driftwood ceremony arch created by the father of bride Bill, it made it all come together beautifully! Clearwater Beach never disappoints when it comes to blue skies and sandy feet, not to mention the ever-so-gorgeous sunsets. Jaclyn & Matt's special day was full of family, friends and love and it was an honor to capture these special moments.

Congratulations to Jaclyn & Matt!

#SandalsOnForSamuelsons

Lead Photographer | Audrey Clifford
Associate Photographer | Kara Lerchenfeld

Ceremony + Reception | Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa
DJ | Grant Hemond and Associates, Inc.
Event Planner | Beyond Floral | Nini
Florist | Beyond Floral
Hair + Makeup | Pretty P Styles | Priscilla Daugherty
Invitations | Minted

Mary & Brent Step Into The Limelight | Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa | Clearwater Beach, FL

Mary and Brent had always wanted to have a beach wedding. With enough effort and planning, Mary and Brent had their dream wedding at the Hilton Clearwater Beach. The two got ready at the Hilton and wanted to do a first touch before the ceremony which was the sweetest moment early in the day. It was time for the ceremony and just like they wanted, it happened on the beach, under a bamboo and floral wedding arch. The couple said their I-Do’s and it was off to party! A tent was located right by the beach which held their reception. This would give them and their guest the full beach experience. String lights lit the reception area and love and happiness filled the area. It was truly an amazing event filled with laughs and pure joy. Congratulations to the newlyweds!!!

Lead Photographer | Carlos Rello
Associate Photographer | Alexa Rodriguez

Band | Matt Winter Band
Bridesmaid Dresses | Adrianna Papell
Caterer | Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa
Ceremony + Reception | Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa
Hair + Makeup | Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa
Wedding Gown | The Blushing Bride | Naama & Anat