Lauren + Max Step Into The Limelight | Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort And Spa | Clearwater Beach, FL

May 15, 2019

Lauren & Max

the love story | written by the bride

I apologize for the extended addition of our story in advance...but I think it's rather cute! For those of you who don't know, Max and I met in medical school. We were friends for a while but, unfortunately, we did not get together until two years after we met. We found each other attractive but, for many reasons, did not try to date for a long time.

As time went on, I dated other people but none of them worked out. Max and I became really close during this time and were talking on the phone, Facebook, etc... every night. Around the time of my birthday in October, Max wanted to ensure I had an amazing party so he planned an amazing dinner for me at Mellow Mushroom, my favorite restaurant, and invited all of our friends. He also invited me to see a scary movie at his place ("Sinister") but never really clarified that it was meant to be a "first date". I showed up wearing pajamas to the movie whereas Max had gone all out for this event and was wearing nice cologne and looked like a million bucks. I knew what was going on at that moment but I also knew I had really thrown him off by dressing like I was coming over for a nap.

As my birthday got closer, I wondered if Max would actually show up to the party after my embarrassing moment at the scary movie. He put the whole thing together but I had made it seem like I wasn't interested. To my surprise, he showed up. He greeted me wearing a very handsome plaid shirt and gave me a big hug. He didn't sit next to me, so I did what any other normal, boy-crazy girl would do, I texted him from across the table. I flirted as much as I could trying to show him I was still interested.

We started to talk a lot after that. Eventually, we watched another movie together, an event to which I showed up looking amazing and he came to the door wearing sweat pants and a dirty t-shirt (touché). I told him how I felt that night and he did the same. We started going out and two years of adventures, set backs, excitement and happiness, we got engaged.

For those of you who haven't seen the video, Max proposed in an incredible way. He saved pictures of the two of us from six months into our relationship onward and kept them on his phone. He happens to be a great guitar player and singer so he informed me that he wanted to put on a "Ten-Year Anniversary Show" with his friend, Jacob. He traveled back and forth from Gainesville several times a month for several months, an hour and a half long drive to go practice with his friend. He then rented out a church hall with a stage and invited 75 people who were close to us. We filled the house. He then proceeded to play and sing 15 of our favorite songs he had learned on the guitar. The last song was our song "Love you Like the Movies" by Anthem Lights. During this song, he jumped down from the stage, and had a powerpoint presentation go on behind him of all of our pictures together. He proposed at the end - I obviously said yes!!

From the moment I met Lauren & Max I could feel the sweet and passionate love they both possess for each other. It is undeniable…they are meant to be together. They lift each other up and support each other other through it all. I had the pleasure of following just a small portion of their medical journey as they were both matched to complete their residency at USF and Tampa General Hospital. Lauren in vascular surgery and Max in psychiatry. Just that itself is MAJOR! They both have worked intensely and tirelessly to pursue their dreams… meanwhile planning a wedding!
Ahhh… the wedding day. We LOVED being a part of such a special day. People from all over the world were present to celebrate Lauren & Max, even China. Yes! China. How absolutely amazing is that? Max’s parents who were among the travelers beamed with joy ad pride. It was a beautiful site to see.
Each moment of the day was so incredibly sweet and each detail was perfectly executed. The touches of blush and ivory were just perfection. Classic & elegant.
Thank you Lauren & Max for trusting us to capture your love story… May life bring you many many more joyous moments.

ps. fun fact: Max is probably the fastest typer in the world (no joke!) It’s incredible.

Lead Photographer | Dafne Spencer
Associate Photographer | Carlos Rello

Laila + Douglas Step Into The Limelight | Streamsong Resort | Bowling Green, FL

November 20, 2018

Michael and I hit it off instantly with Laila and Doug. This couple is down to earth, sincere, humble, hard working and honest. They met 5 years ago while Laila was managing a tanning salon and Doug kept returning for frequent tanning just to hang around Laila and ask her to go on a date with her! Their first date was at Starbucks and Laila proposed to Doug with a ring pop in their kitchen – the cutest story ever! You may see images from their engagement portrait session here. They enjoy working out, going to nice dinners, traveling, and hanging out at home with the dogs.

Their wedding was romantic, vintage and organic. Laila’s dress was a show stopper! And it was incredible to see the look of love in Doug’s eyes when he saw Laila walking down the aisle for their short and sweet ceremony. Laila wrote the ceremony herself! :) One of the best parts of the wedding day was this sweet couple spending time dancing and having fun with the people they love. Their guests felt comfortable, loved important and a part of something very special!

We really enjoyed getting to know them and capture part of their love story.

Lead Photographers | Michael + Rebecca Zoumberos

Brittany + Troy Step Into The Limelight | Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort And Spa | Clearwater Beach, FL

October 29, 2018

Brittany + Troy first met at an Army training event at Fort Dix in New Jersey. Troy caught Brittany’s eye when she observed how caring, patient and goal oriented he was. Their conversations started by discussing their awesome Army skills and then progressed to talking about their love of family, food, and future business ventures. They also discovered that they are both graduates from a Historically Black College or University!

Brittany and Troy have both been deployed, and knowing that Troy would have to leave again soon they spent every moment together traveling. While traveling, Brittany would talk about her future goals and they eventually became his as well. It was during this treasured time that Brittany knew that she wanted him to be her husband.

During one of Troy’s previous deployments Brittany wrote him a love letter to which he claimed to “never have received.” However, on April 15th, 2017 Brittany and Troy were hosting a housewarming party…Troy used this event as a platform to propose to Brittany. It wasn’t just any type of proposal, he got down on one knee and proposed to Brittany by reading her the “lost love letter” that she sent him during his deployment. Of course she said yes! Troy say’s Brittany enhances his life in every aspect. She is constantly setting goals and it is only a matter of time before she reaches them. There is nothing that she can’t do.

Even though Troy and Brittany are not from this area, they have been visiting Florida for years. They love being able to enjoy they warm weather and tropical feel during the winter months. Since they love to travel, they knew it would be great for their family as well. Brittany and Troy styled their wedding to be the epitome of black elegance with a Nubian twist and I have to admit black, royal blue, and gold never looked SO GOOD!

Congratulations Brittany + Troy, I loved hearing you say “I’m married!” to your guests. It was such a happy and heartfelt moment!

Lead Photographer | Stephanie Duffany
Associate Photographer | Alexa Rodriguez