Melanie + Zack Step Into The Limelight | Opal Sands Resort | Clearwater Beach, FL

Melanie and Zachary's love story began in 2016, during their first year of pharmacy school at the University of South Florida. As soon as they met, they felt an immediate connection, and after class, they would spend hours lost in conversation about anything and everything. It quickly became clear to them both that they had found their soulmate in each other. 

In 2020, after graduating from pharmacy school, Zachary surprised Melanie with a proposal. They celebrated their engagement with a surprise party, surrounded by their closest friends and family.

On their big day, the weather was truly perfect! A slight breeze, overcast skies, and the sound of crashing waves just a short ways away from their ceremony site. Melanie and Zack were showered with love and joy as they tied the knot to make their marriage finally official. 

The morning of, both Melanie and Zack’s moms mentioned that their wedding day has been highly anticipated for many years as they waited to finally tie the knot after finishing school. It was such an honor to witness their union and such a gorgeous celebration. 

Congrats to the Zippi’s! 

Lead Photographer | Tara Zimmerman
Associate Photographer | Gabe Caldwell

Cake | Chantilly Cakes
Caterer | Opal Sands Resort
Ceremony Site | Opal Sands Resort
DJ | DJ Cory Barron & Co.
Event Planner | Breezin’ Weddings | Anna Shvaykova
Florist | By the Bay Floral Design Studio
Reception Venue | Opal Sands Resort
Makeup Artist | Makeup by Melvin
Wedding Gown | White Magnolia Bridal

Tricia + Louis Step Into The Limelight | Sacred Heart Catholic Church | Opal Sands Resort | Clearwater Beach, FL

LOVE STORY

Their story began in 2014, during their first year of law school in Boston, Massachusetts. Tricia and Louis occasionally exchanged glances across a room with 100+ other students. Louis sat in the last row on the left side of the room, and Tricia sat in the first row on the right side. Tricia and Louis spoke for the first time after their Property Law midterm in October. They learned more about each other one Friday, after class, when their section mates gathered at Sidebar, a bar around the corner from their law school. Tricia and Louis connected after learning they were both native New Yorkers and shared similar morals and values.

Once their first-year finals had passed, Louis asked Tricia on a first date to the Museum of Fine Arts, remembering that Tricia loved art and spoke about taking an Italian Art and Architecture class in college. Tricia learned that Louis was a history major and was so impressed by the other side she saw of him.

That summer, Louis went back to New York for an internship opportunity in Manhattan while Tricia remained in Boston for her internship. When Louis completed his internship, he returned to Boston and asked Tricia to go to a rooftop pool she had wanted to try. Louis sent her a Snapchat of the Boston skyline asking, "Will you be my girlfriend? There is no better night." Tricia said yes, of course!

Tricia and Louis continued to strive and thrive in their relationship and careers, which brought them closer together. They shared many of the same goals and drive to succeed. Their partnership was founded on mutual respect, understanding, and support.

The following year, Tricia needed emergency oral surgery and was hospitalized the day before their Commercial Law final. Louis stayed by her side in her recovery room while studying for the exam. A month later, Tricia’s mom was diagnosed with a terminal illness, and Louis was unwavering in his love, patience, and understanding. Tricia's mom, unfortunately, passed away at the end of the summer. She always embraced Louis and told her nurse that they would get married one day. It meant so much to have her blessing and unconditional support.

Tricia and Louis graduated from law school in 2017 and decided to stay in Boston following graduation to pursue job opportunities and continue to build on their relationship. On the sixth anniversary of their first date, after delays due to the pandemic, Louis asked Tricia to marry him on the beach in Tulum, Mexico, which will forever hold a special place in their hearts.

After accomplishing many professional and personal goals and exploring the beautiful, historic city of Boston, Tricia and Louis decided to embark on a new adventure. In 2022, they decided to purchase a home together in Tampa, Florida, and begin the next chapter in their lives.

and OH MY GOODNESS did these two start off right!?
Their wedding celebration was one to remember!
From start to finish, we loved being able to witness Tricia & Louis’ dreams come to life. Every little details was filled with so much thought and deep meaning. Their Ceremony was lovely and it highlighted their beautiful love story with each verse and prayer. We were honored to witness Tricia & Louis expressing their love for their people throughout the day as well, with each long hug and attentive conversations with their families and friends. We ourselves even felt like part of the familia! We love how they LOVE! They ended the day with a HUGE party which included lots and lots of dancing and pure JOY! We loved being a part of their love story and we cannot wait to watch these two celebrate many more milestones together as Mr. & Mrs! Cheers to a beautiful couple ♡

Lead Photographer | Dafne Spencer
Associate Photographer | Jackie Pizio
Associate Photographer | Steven McCarthy

Bridesmaid Dresses | Azazie
Cake | Artistic Whisk 
Caterer | Opal Sands Resort
Ceremony Site | Sacred Heart Catholic Church
DJ | 5 Star Entertainment 
Event Planner | Artistry Designs Group | Barb Oehlerking
Flooring Vendor | Event Works Rentals
Florist | Artistry Designs Group | Barb Oehlerking
Hair Stylist | Femme Akoi
Invitations | Minted 
Make-up Artist | Femme Akoi
Reception Venue | Opal Sands Resort
Videographer | Voila Cinematic
Wedding Gown | Brides of Florida | Kitty Chen Couture

Photo Booth | Savoir Photo Booth

Kristy + Carter Step Into The Limelight | Opal Sands Resort | Clearwater Beach, FL

Kristy & Carter began their love story in early 2019, when they were introduced to each other by their dear friends, Chris & Emily. After several romantic dates on Downtown St. Pete (Florida), sparks flew and they continued to see each other. Once they realized they both had ridiculously good-looking dogs, it was game over. It was clear that they were very passionate about two things, work and travel. So together they built a life they loved and began traveling the world with each other.

When Carter realized Kristy was THE ONE, he surprised her with an epic proposal. Carter pretended they were going to spend his birthday weekend in Miami for a quick getaway but little did Kristy know the he was renting a Yacht and dropping to one knee in front of their closest friends. It was an easy “yes” for Kristy.

Almost one year later, they tied the knot on Clearwater Beach and celebrated their special day with their favorite people and fur babies. Their wedding was a classy, modern, coastal contemporary event, filled with so much LOVE. We loved being able to witness these two enjoy each moment and truly take in their day together. We loved how they made time to love on their guests and family and included their fur babies throughout the day. It was an unforgettable day and we wish Kristy & Carte so many more beautiful and cherished memories together as Mr. & Mrs!

Lead Photographer | Dafne Spencer
Associate Photographer | Jackie Pizio
Associate Photographer | Steven McCarthy

Band | Inpulse Entertainment 
Cake | Publix
Caterer | Opal Sands Resort
Ceremony Site | Opal Sands Resort
DJ | Inpulse Entertainment
Event Planner | Artistry Designs | Barb Oehlerking
Florist | Artistry Designs
Hair Stylist | Rachel Reumann
Invitations | Minted
Make-up Artist | Rachel Reumann
Reception Venue | Opal Sands Resort
Videographer | Hearts Video

Bliss + Rafal Step Into The Limelight | Opal Sands Resort | Clearwater, FL

Bliss & Rafal met in November of 2012 in Philadelphia, they both enjoy snowboarding, hiking, being outdoors, beaching, home DIY, reading, exploring new restaurants and bars and most of all doing anything with their dogs Olive & Juno. 

Bliss & Rafal love each others humor and the ability to challenge one another to grow…
For their romantic proposal, Rafal surprised Bliss on a hike to the acropolis in Athens, Greece with a photographer and singing guitarist (how absolutely special is that?!).

For their wedding day both Bliss & Rafal wanted their guest to feel like they were on vacation they both love the beach but didn't want to actually be in the sand because that may get uncomfortable as the night goes on so Opal Sands was the perfect location, you get the beach scenery but you are able to get married on the most perfect lawn. 

Bliss & Rafal are the last of their friends group to get married and most of them have children so they wanted them to have a child free dance party in a vacation type setting. Bliss & Rafal are mostly non-traditional and quirky and wanted everyone to have a memorable day so they only did a few of the usual wedding traditions. One tradition was a Polish Tradition that took place at the end of the first dance. The bride and groom each picked a shot glass (one had water, and one had vodka), Bliss got the vodka so tradition says she will wear the pants in their relationship! There were also fire dancers at the cocktail hour and performers for the reception for the guests to enjoy.

The wedding day was a HUGE success and we loved the earthly, beachy boho style throughout the venue. We loved that the bride wore a champagne/white dress and the groom wore a champagne suit. the groomsmen wore different shades of grey suits and the bridesmaids wore shades of creme, rust, copper, sand, champagne, and gold.

Their guests traveled from all over including Poland, so Bliss & Rafal took great pride in providing a memorable and unique experience for everyone (including us!).

We so enjoyed meeting this sweet couple for their engagement session and now again for their wedding day. We wish both Bliss & Rafal all the happiness in the world. Twoje zdrowie (Cheers) to an amazing couple 🥂
Lead Photographer | Rebecca Zoumberos
Associate Photographer | Tara Zimmerman

Cake | Opal Sands Resort
Caterer | Opal Sands Resort 
Ceremony Site | Opal Sands Resort
Decor | On the Move Productions
DJ | Deacon Jones
Event Planner | Days Remembered by ND 
Fire Dancers | Street Laced Events
Florist | LC Floral Design | Lisa Clark 
Hair Stylist | Michele Renee the Studio
Invitations | bliss&bone 
Make-up Artist | Michele Renee the Studio
Reception Venue | Opal Sands Resort
Videographer | Life View Image
Wedding Gown | Bridal with Love 

Melissa + Brandon Step Into The Limelight | OPAL SANDS RESORT | CLEARWATER BEACH, FL

Meet the sweet couple that is Melissa & Brandon…
Brandon and Melissa met on Hinge. It was September of 2020 when they connected on the app. Brandon moved down in March at the start of the pandemic to be near his family who own a horse farm in Ocala, FL. Melissa was living in Tampa, FL. Despite the fact that they were living 100 miles from one another they somehow matched. They both ironically went to University of Miami undergrad (Brandon being a year ahead of Melissa). Brandon's Sophomore year at Miami he lived in a suite in the Pearson dorm building. They discovered that the exact suite he lived in, Melissa actually moved into the year following! Brandon and Melissa also lived in NYC at the same time as each other. Brandon says Melissa has been following him around for years but she is convinced it is the other way around :) Their first date was October 3rd of 2020 and Melissa always knew it was going to be something special.

Brandon then asked if Melissa could come to the farm because his parents farm was being featured in a local magazine and they would like Melissa to be in the photos. Melissa didn't think anything of it as this was fairly common. Well, Melissa showed up and the photographer asked (while Brandon’s parents got ready) if they could do some test shots in the garden. The next thing she knew Brandon was on one knee! As the two of them were basking in the shock, Melissa’s entire family came walking out of a near by cottage. It was absolutely beautiful. Their families had planned a beautiful dinner to follow.

Melissa and Brandon love spending time together doing things for Brandon's horse Buddy, taking golf cart rides around their neighborhood and the equestrian center, traveling, walking their dog, watching horse shows. They even joke how they just love washing the dishes together. Doing simple household things.

Both Brandon and Melissa have a love for the water. With such uncertainty in the world and travel, they wanted a destination wedding without it being too far of a destination. When they saw Opal Sands and met with Jenna, everything just felt right. Jenna made them feel like they were instantly family and showed them her love for her work and the property. There was really nothing that could compete with that.

Melissa and Brandon’s wedding was pure class and undeniable thought for meaningful tradition. We loved being able to witness Melissa and Brandon’s love for each other and their loved ones. The way they love is a true example of genuine grace for others. Melissa is the sweetest souls, she’s calm, intentional, loving and pure… Brandon beautifully complements Melissa with his confidence and presence, you can tell that Melissa feels completely secure with him. We just LOVED seeing these two together. Melissa and Brandon truly enjoyed each moment of their special day with each other and their families, it was beautiful to see them go to each table and listen to each of their guests and thank them (and vendors) throughout the day.

We wish Melissa and Brandon a lifetime of LOVE and many many more meaningful memories together מזל טוב!

Lead Photographer | Dafne Spencer
Associate Photographer | Gabe Caldwell

Band | Matt Winter Band
Bridesmaid Dresses | BHLDN
Cake | A Piece of Cake
Caterer | Opal Sands Resort
Ceremony Site | Opal Sands Resort
DJ | Matt Winter Band
Event Planner | Artistry Designs Group | Barb
Florist | Artistry Designs Group
Invitations | Busy Bride
Reception Venue | Opal Sands Resort
Rings | Freddy’s Jewelry
Videographer | Hearts Video
Wedding Gown | The White Closet Bridal