A Love That Dove Deep (and Made a Splash at the Altar!)
Some couples just glow when they’re together. Cecilia and Alfredo? Oh, they shine. From the very first moment I met them, I could feel their connection was something truly special, fun, genuine, calm… and full of life.
They met back in 2016 during a swim competition at Regatas Club. Just a quick chat in line, but you know how fate loves to play. A few months later, they crossed paths again at another competition. Cecilia had just moved and was looking for a new club to train at (life was already nudging them together), and Alfredo helped her join Naval Swimming Club. One year later, boom! They were a couple. And honestly, from what I saw on their wedding day, they still look at each other like it’s day one.
Now listen, these two had two proposals. That’s right. The first one was sweet and thoughtful, at one of their favorite restaurants. Buuut... the place was packed, privacy was not on the menu, and to top it off, the ring didn’t fit. Classic! The second proposal? Oh, that one was straight out of a romantic movie, but better. Alfredo proposed on Cecilia’s birthday, during a swimming team tradition where someone gives a little speech before the cake. Alfredo’s speech? Full of heart. And when he popped the question, with the final, perfectly sized ring, the whole team was cheering. I mean, come on!
Fast forward to their wedding day at Tradewinds in St. Pete Beach, a dreamy destination that blended Cecilia’s elegant vision with Alfredo’s wish for something more laid-back and intimate. Honestly? It was the perfect balance. The ceremony was in the sand beautiful, full of emotion, family, and yes, a lot of laughter.
Cecilia wore the very first dress she tried on (because of course she did, she’s a woman who knows), and Alfredo kept it classic and cool with khaki pants, a crisp white shirt, and a blue blazer that popped perfectly in the golden hour light. No boutonnière. No stress. Just effortless style.
But what really made this day unforgettable was how deeply personal it all felt. Cecilia’s sister made the cake. Her brother-in-law was on music duty. Their best friend officiated the ceremony. There were no rings exchanged, just love, words from the heart, and that magical kiss before they were officially announced as husband and wife.
Their wedding wasn't about tradition. It was about them. About two people in their 50s, bringing with them a beautiful sense of maturity, deep connection, and zero tolerance for anything that didn’t feel absolutely authentic.
And oh, the moments… Alfredo’s face during the first look (I'll admit, I teared up behind my camera), the pure joy as Cecilia walked down the aisle, that quiet kiss before the big announcement, these are the kinds of moments I live to capture.
The party afterward? A full-on celebration! Apple cider, dancing, hugs that felt like home, and laughter echoing down the beach. It wasn’t just a wedding. It was a celebration of life, of second chances, of choosing love, fully and fearlessly.
As a photographer, it was such an honor to be there, to witness it, to feel it. The energy was incredible. Warm, loving, joyful. I didn’t just document a wedding, I was welcomed into a story. And I walked away not just with beautiful photos, but with a full heart and a huge smile.
Cecilia and Alfredo, thank you for letting me be part of your day. You reminded everyone around you what love looks like when it’s real, grown-up, and full of soul.
With love,
Natalia Fontes
Lead Photographer | Natalia Fontes
Associate Photographer | Adrian Nguyen
Caterer | TradeWinds
Ceremony Site | TradeWinds
Event Planner | Aulen Events
Florist | Luxe Memories Events
Hair Stylist | Destiny and Ligh
Make-up Artist | Destiny and Ligh
Reception Venue | TradeWinds
Wedding Gown | Rosa Clara