Jessica + Ian Step Into The Limelight | Isla Del Sol Yacht & Country Club | St. Pete, FL

“So this is love. So this is what makes life divine.” – Cinderella

Jessica and Ian radiate joy, warmth, and genuine love—not only for each other, but for everyone in their orbit. As their wedding photographer in St. Petersburg, it was an honor to document a day filled with emotion, laughter, and unforgettable personal touches.

Their love story began in the most modern way—on Hinge. But fate really stepped in when Jessica’s job happened to take her to BayCare Ballpark, where Ian worked. A flurry of phone flashlight signals and a determined best friend led to a first meeting that sealed the deal. Jessica knew right away that Ian was her person, and as they say, the rest is history.

Fast forward to a surprise Tuesday evening proposal at the beach, surrounded by friends and family, and you’ve got the beginning of a new forever. The beach has always held meaning for them—it was the backdrop of their first date and the proposal—and that coastal romance theme flowed beautifully through their Isla Del Sol wedding. With soft shades of sea glass blues, dreamy draped lighting, and the salty breeze rolling off the bay, it felt like a page out of a storybook.

Jessica walked down the aisle in a flowing boho-inspired gown, radiant and glowing, while Ian waited with a heart full of love (and maybe a few tears in his eyes). Their vows were deeply emotional—both of them wore their hearts on their sleeves, and I don’t think there was a dry eye in the crowd.

And speaking of feelings, one of my favorite wedding candids was when Jessica and her mom danced during the reception as a slideshow of memories with her father played behind them. That kind of love and legacy is what weddings are truly about.

To quote Disney:
“So this is love. So this is what makes life divine.” – Cinderella

Jessica and Ian, thank you for letting us be part of your incredible celebration. Your story is one of love, light, laughter—and just enough Baja Blast to keep things fun. Your wedding day was as magical as your love story, and I’m so grateful to have captured every heartfelt moment.

✨ If you're planning your own heartfelt, joyful day and are looking for wedding photography in St. Petersburg, we'd love to tell your story through photojournalistic photography and authentic wedding candids. Reach out to Limelight Photography—we can’t wait to meet you! ✨

Lead Photographer | Limelight Photography| Dafne Spencer
Associate Photographer | Limelight Photography | PJ
Videographer | Limelight Photography
Content Creator | Limelight Photography | Allie Vogel

Bridesmaid Dresses | Azazie
Cake | Publix 
Caterer | Isla Del Sol Yacht & Country Club
Ceremony Site | Isla Del Sol Yacht & Country Club
DJ | Boone’s Professional Events | Jeff Boone
Event Planner | Coastal Coordinating | Cayla Collins 
Florist | Beach Bloomz
Hair Stylist | Femme Akoi
Live Painter | Cherished Rain Art
Make-up Artist | Femme Akoi
Reception Venue | Isla Del Sol Yacht & Country Club
Rentals | On The Move Wedding and Events
Videographer | Limelight Photography
Wedding Gown | Truly Forever Bridal

Olga and Matt Step Into The Limelight | Museum of Fine Arts St. Pete + North Straub Park | St. Pete, FL

A Classy St. Pete Engagement with Olga & Matt

I had the absolute pleasure of spending the afternoon with Olga and Matt for their engagement session in St. Pete, and let me just say—what a dream these two are! From the moment we met, their sweet nature and calm energy set the tone for a beautifully laid-back experience. This session was all about capturing authentic moments, subtle laughs, and the kind of connection that only true love can bring.

We kicked things off at the Museum of Fine Arts (MOFA) in downtown St. Pete. The elegant columns and timeless architecture were the perfect match for Olga and Matt’s classic black-and-white outfit styling. The atmosphere was romantic and refined—giving us that editorial feel without ever feeling posed or stiff. The best part? They made it look effortless.

Next, we strolled over to North Straub Park. With the sun beginning to dip, the soft light through the trees offered the perfect canvas for more relaxed, candid moments. This part of the session brought out their playful side—laughing, chatting, and occasionally dancing like no one was watching. It’s sessions like these that remind me why I love photojournalistic photography—it’s all about the real, unscripted joy.

Finally, we made our way to The Pier, where the breeze picked up and gave us that dramatic, windswept look. Olga and Matt were total troopers through all the walking (and trust me, it was a lot of walking!). But every step was worth it—the beautiful Marina, the water, and the emotion between these two gave us some unforgettable engagement session candids to wrap up the evening.

This engagement session photography in St. Pete was everything I love—authentic, timeless, and full of heart. Olga and Matt, thank you for trusting me to tell a piece of your story. I can’t wait for the wedding day!

If you're looking for engagement session photography in St. Pete or a St. Pete photographer who specializes in photojournalistic photography and capturing genuine connection, we’d love to connect with you at Limelight Photography. Reach out to us to start planning your own unforgettable session! 💛

Lead Photographer | Dafne Spencer 

Locations | Museum of Fine Arts St. Pete + North Straub Park

Cecilia + Alfredo Step Into The Limelight | TradeWinds Beach Resort | St. Pete Beach, FL

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

Our TOP 5 Most Photographed At Venues in St. Pete

As Florida wedding photographers, there are so many amazing venues that we photograph weddings and engagements at. Our clients book beautiful venues across the state of Florida, from Sarasota, Tampa, and St. Pete, to The Keys and Marco Island!

Maybe you’re in the process of looking for your dream beach wedding venue, or are looking for some downtown destination wedding inspiration… regardless of where you’re at in the process, we want to share the TOP 5 most popular wedding venues that our couples book in St. Pete and along the gorgeous white-sands of St. Pete Beach!

The Don CeSar | St. Pete Beach

If you’ve ever driven along St. Pete Beach, you’ve probably seen The Don CeSar… it’s hard to miss! With it’s vibrant pink, The Don CeSar is extremely notable and an award-winning luxury wedding venue in Tampa Bay / Central West area of Florida.

SOME VENUE HIGHLIGHTS:

🤍 Between Ceremony and Reception site spots, this venue offers 6 locations around the property.
🤍 Some sites around the venue can hold a capacity of 250 (meaning you can invite your whole family AND all of your friends!).
🤍 The Don CeSar offers customized menu options, shuttle services for you and your guests, special room rates when you book your wedding at their location, and more!

Nova 535 | Downtown St. Pete

Located in downtown St. Pete, Nova 535 is the perfect wedding venue for those seeking a true industrial, city-chic vibe.

SOME VENUE HIGHLIGHTS:

🤍 Nova 535 offers 4 gorgeous spaces for you and your guests, including indoor and outdoor options.
🤍 Their max capacity is 490 people seated for dinner inside + out and 775 standing for cocktails inside + out,
🤍 Always hosts only one event at a time (so your event is their sole focus!).

Isla Del Sol Yacht & Country Club | St. Pete

SOME VENUE HIGHLIGHTS:

🤍 Offers all-inclusive amenities.
🤍 Their Boca Ciega Grand Ballroom accommodating up to 250 guests with panoramic bay views.
🤍 Convenient location near St. Pete Beach with access to quality accommodations for guests.

Sirata Beach Resort | St. Pete Beach

SOME VENUE HIGHLIGHTS:

🤍 Their packages include Day of Wedding Coordinator + a complimentary suite for the bride and groom on their wedding night.
🤍 Offers 5 different spaces for your event.
🤍 Offers preferred vendor recommendations to help you create the best vendor team!

St. Pete Yacht Club | Downtown St. Pete

SOME VENUE HIGHLIGHTS:

🤍 12,000+ sq ft of banquet space.
🤍 Convenient downtown St. Pete location, offering a mix of water and city views.
🤍 Historic architecture and exceptional service.

Are you looking for a St. Pete wedding photography / videography / content creation team? Contact us today!

Article by Tara Zimmerman from Limelight Photography — passionate about capturing the unscripted, emotional moments that tell your love story in the most genuine and heartfelt way.