Classic Elegance in the Heart of Tampa
They met the way so many modern love stories begin through a simple swipe on Hinge in New York City in 2022. What started as a chance connection quickly turned into something much deeper, built on laughter, kindness, and the kind of love that feels both effortless and certain. From the very beginning, their relationship was grounded in the little things: morning runs, workouts together, long walks with their dog, cooking side by side, and dreaming up their next trip. Their love grew in those ordinary moments—the quiet routines that slowly become the foundation of a life together.
For her, what stands out most is how loving, kind, and funny he is the way he makes life feel lighter and fuller at the same time. For him, it’s her generosity, sweetness, and beauty, both inside and out, that made him know she was the one. Just one week after her birthday last year, he asked the question that would change everything. Near the water, outside their favorite restaurant, in a place already filled with meaning, he got down on one knee and proposed. It was intimate, heartfelt, and perfectly them simple, beautiful, and full of love.
Their wedding day will be a reflection of that same feeling: timeless, meaningful, and deeply personal.
The celebration begins at Le Méridien Tampa, The Courthouse, where they will get ready surrounded by the people closest to them. There, they’ll share one of the most anticipated moments of the day—the first look. Not just with each other, but also a special first look with her father, a memory sure to stay close to their hearts forever.
Before heading to the ceremony, they will honor family with a traditional tea ceremony alongside his parents, adding another beautiful layer of meaning to the day.
Their ceremony will take place at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, a place filled with history and emotion. Growing up in Tampa, she attended Sacred Heart Church throughout her childhood, making it more than just a venue it is part of her story. Returning there to say “I do” feels like everything coming full circle.
Their wedding style is classic elegant, warm, and intentional. They were drawn most to the beauty of their venues, places that already hold so much significance and create the perfect setting for the beginning of this next chapter.
What makes this wedding uniquely theirs, is the people filling the room. Their guests are the heart of the celebration the family and friends who have loved, supported, and shaped their journey. More than anything, they want everyone to feel happy, comfortable, enthusiastic, and most of all, loved. From the emotional walk down the aisle to the ceremony itself, from the first dance to the cake cutting, every moment will carry its own kind of magic. A plated lunch, music, laughter, and joyful celebration will follow, creating a day that feels both intimate and unforgettable. At its core, this wedding is not just about beautiful places or elegant details t is about two people who found each other in the middle of a busy city, built a beautiful life in the quiet moments, and are now surrounded by everyone they love as they begin forever together.
As their photographer, being able to witness and document such a unique and meaningful chapter of their story has been an incredible honor for me. There is something truly special about capturing not just the big moments, but also the quiet, emotional ones in between the glances, the tears, the laughter, and the love that fills the entire day.
What touched me most deeply, though, was hearing Emily’s mother describe her. There was something so powerful in the way she spoke about her daughter, so full of pride, love, and tenderness that it stayed with me long after. It made me think about how many questions our children ask us when they are little, and how sometimes, we may only discover the answers when we watch them grow into the adults they are meant to become.
I also feel incredibly blessed to have stood beside Emily on such an important day in her life. Being able to capture every moment of someone who is clearly beautiful inside and out is something difficult to describe. Energy never lies, and Emily carries a rare kind of purity, she is truly a rare gem. Because of that, I know and witnessed how fortunate Ben is to have Emily by his side.
I wish this couple an incredible life together a life filled with abundance, joy, and deep love. May their path always cross with extraordinary people, just as they are themselves.
Every wedding is unique, but some weddings touch us in a way that stays forever. Emily and Ben’s wedding was one of those for me. It was more than beautiful, it was deeply moving, unforgettable, and truly wonderful.
Lead Photographer | Natalia Fontes
Associate Photographer | Noelle Topa
Caterer | Le Meridien
Ceremony Site | Sacred heart church
DJ | Xclusive Soundz Luxury Events
Make-up Artist | Michele Renee
Reception Venue | Le Meridien
Wedding Gown | White Magnolia
