Amanda + Ryan Step Into The Limelight | St. Armands Circle & Lido Beach | Sarasota, FL

Amanda and Ryan’s story started through family and friends. Ryan’s brother began dating a girl who eventually moved to Wisconsin, and Amanda became friends with her. They met through that connection, but it wasn’t until later that friends started telling them, “You two should get together.” Eventually, they listened. Two years later, here they are.

About a year ago, Amanda and Ryan made the move to Sarasota after career opportunities brought them from Wisconsin to Florida. Now, they’re getting ready to start another chapter together, this time as husband and wife.

Their October 1st wedding will take place at the Sarasota County Historic Courthouse. Built in 1926, the courthouse features beautiful Spanish and Mediterranean Revival architecture, making it an intimate and memorable setting for their wedding day.

For their engagement session, we spent the evening around St. Armands Circle before heading over to Lido Beach. Amanda and Ryan were so easy to be around, and we had a lot of fun together throughout the session. By the time we made it to the beach, the evening light was absolutely perfect.

They’re also hoping their two dogs, a nine year old pup and a much newer addition to the family, can be part of their wedding day. It sounds like October 1st is going to be a pretty special one for this family.

We had a great time with Amanda and Ryan and can’t wait to see them again October 1st.

Lead Photographer | Jeff Mitchell

Jordan + Justin Step Into The Limelight | Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach | Tampa, FL

A Love That Found Its Perfect Time

As the ceremony began, the bridal party made their way down the aisle and the room settled into that quiet anticipation that only happens right before something meaningful begins. Then, instead of music alone, a voice filled the space.

The bride had pre-recorded a message that played just before she walked down the aisle. Her words were personal, emotional, and deeply intentional. Guests listened as her voice carried through the ceremony space, and there truly was not a single dry eye in the room. It set the tone for the entire day. This wedding was about connection, history, and a love that arrived exactly when it was meant to.

Justin and his bride first met back in 2017 through mutual friends at O’Briens. What started as friendship lasted for several years before life brought them back together again in January 2021. That reconnection changed everything. From that moment on, they were inseparable. Timing, as they both say, was everything.

The proposal reflected their relationship perfectly. Justin planned a weekend getaway to Sarasota, one of their favorite places to visit together. She had always joked that a bottle of Caymus would be the giveaway if a proposal was coming. As she stepped out of the bathroom getting ready for dinner, she saw a dozen roses and that unmistakable bottle waiting by the door. She instantly knew. When she turned around, Justin was already on one knee asking her to spend forever with him.

At the heart of their relationship is simplicity. They describe themselves as best friends who genuinely love being together, no matter what they are doing. Whether traveling, relaxing at a hotel, or spending time at the beach, their joy comes from sharing life side by side.

Their wedding reflected that same feeling. Inspired by the beach, the day was timeless, airy, bright, and effortlessly elegant. Every detail felt intentional without feeling overdone. The focus remained on experience rather than perfection.

Personal touches were woven throughout the celebration. Guests were welcomed with a “Walk Down Memory Lane” display, a custom welcome mirror, and playful bar favors featuring Velos and ZYN cans with signs reading “Vows and Velos”. The bride also designed signature drinks and created her own seating chart, adding layers of personality that made the celebration unmistakably theirs.

More than any single detail, the couple looked forward to simply being surrounded by their favorite people and finally beginning this new chapter together. One of the most anticipated moments of the day was Justin seeing his bride in her wedding dress for the first time, a moment filled with emotion and quiet excitement.

The ceremony vows became one of the most memorable parts of the day, grounding the celebration in the story they share. From there, the reception shifted into pure celebration, filled with dancing, laughter, and the kind of energy that comes when guests feel fully present and connected.

When asked how they wanted their wedding to feel, the couple answered in four words: happy, in love, engaged, relaxed.

And that is exactly what the day became. A celebration not just of a wedding, but of perfect timing, lasting friendship, and two people who found each other again when life finally aligned.

Lead Photographer | Jeff Mitchell
Associate Photographer | Adrian Nguyễn

Bridesmaid Dresses | Azazie
Cake | Publix
Caterer | Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach
Ceremony Site | Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach
DJ | Graingertainment
Florist | Sarah Rose Events
Hair Stylist |  D2 and Company
Invitations | The Knot
Make-up Artist | D2 and Company
Reception Venue | Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach
Wedding Gown | Isabel Bridal

Bella + Reed Step Into The Limelight | Sarasota Beach | Sarasota, FL

Bella & Reed’s Surprise Engagement at Sunset 🌅

Some moments are so magical that they feel like they belong in a movie. This engagement session on a Sarasota beach at sunset was one of those moments—filled with love, surprise, and the most breathtaking colors in the sky. And to make it even more fun? I had to go undercover to pull it off!

When the groom-to-be reached out to me about capturing his proposal, he had one request: Make sure she doesn’t suspect a thing! So, I came up with a plan… I would pretend to be a beach resort employee, casually strolling the shoreline while secretly keeping an eye on them. Dressed the part and blending right in, I waited for the big moment, camera in hand.

As they walked along the water, the sky transformed into a stunning canvas of pink, orange, and soft purple hues. Just as the sun kissed the horizon, he dropped to one knee. Her hands flew to her face in shock, and before he even finished asking, she was already nodding through happy tears.

From the raw emotion of the proposal to the joyful laughter that followed, I captured it all—every hug, every tear, and every moment of pure bliss. The colors of the sunset painted the perfect backdrop, making their photos feel almost dreamlike.

After the proposal, we took some more photos as they soaked in the moment. The excitement, the love, and the golden light all came together to create the most magical engagement session.

To the happy couple—thank you for letting me be part of your love story (and for trusting me in my not-so-secret disguise!). Sarasota, you outdid yourself with this sunset. 🌅💍✨

Thinking of planning a beach proposal? Let’s chat and make sure your big moment is captured beautifully! 📸💕

Lead Photographer | Carolyn Place