Erica + Justin Step Into The Limelight | Don CeSar, FL

Erica & Justin | A Classic Florida Wedding at The Don CeSar

There are some wedding days that simply feel meant to be, and Erica and Justin’s celebration at The Don CeSar was exactly that.

As the lead photographer for Limelight Photography, I had the honor of documenting a day that felt like the perfect culmination of a beautiful love story. Erica and Justin first connected in 2019 through mutual business colleagues in Tampa, Florida. After years of building a strong partnership filled with support, laughter, adventures, vacations, dog walks, and countless dinners together, their wedding day could be summed up in one word: finally.

The Don CeSar was the perfect setting for this elegant FL Wedding. Not only is it one of the most iconic venues on Florida’s Gulf Coast, but it also holds a special place in their hearts. Erica grew up just down the street, and together they have shared many memories at the historic pink palace. With its beachfront views and timeless charm, it was the ideal backdrop for a classy, tropical Florida Wedding inspired by old-school Florida elegance and a touch of Jimmy Buffett spirit.

One of my favorite parts of the day was capturing all of the genuine emotions through candid photography. From the heartfelt ceremony to the laughter shared during happy hour, every moment reflected exactly how Erica and Justin wanted their guests to feel: comfortable, happy, fun, and classy.

As the sun began to set over St. Pete Beach, the magic of the evening truly came alive. The golden light created the most stunning backdrop for portraits, making sunset one of the undeniable highlights of the day. Watching these two celebrate in a place filled with so many personal memories made every image even more meaningful.

Erica and Justin’s wedding was a beautiful reminder that sometimes the best love stories are built on friendship, support, and shared experiences. Their day was elegant, joyful, and uniquely theirs—a perfect reflection of a Florida Bride and groom who chose to celebrate where their story has grown for years.

Congratulations, Erica and Justin! Thank you for allowing us to Step Into The Limelight with you and document such an unforgettable chapter of your lives.

Planning Your Own Florida Wedding?

If you're searching for a FL Wedding Photographer who specializes in authentic storytelling, Candid Photography, and timeless wedding imagery, Limelight Photography would love to be part of your day. Whether you're a St. Pete Beach Bride, a Florida Bride, or planning a destination celebration anywhere in Florida, contact Limelight Photography and let us help you preserve every beautiful moment. #StepIntoTheLimelight ✨📸

Lead Photographer | Dafne Spencer
Associate Photographer | Josiah Bonilla

Bridesmaid Dresses | JJ House
Cake | The Don CeSar
Caterer | The Don CeSar
Ceremony Site | The Don CeSar
DJ | Grant Hemond and Associates, Inc. | Jason Tally
Event Planner | Blue Skies Events | Samantha Best 
Florist | Iza's Flowers, Inc.
Hair Stylist | Adore Bridal
Make-up Artist | Adore Bridal
Reception Venue | The Don CeSar
Wedding Gown | Emma and Grace

Sunset Wedding Photos and "When Is Golden Hour?"

As Florida wedding photographers and Florida wedding videographers, we’re constantly asked one of our favorite questions:
“When is the best time for photos?”
Our answer is almost always the same: golden hour.

There’s something really really magical that happens when the sun dips low in the sky. It’s warm, romantic, and gives every photo a softness unlike your typical afternoon sunlight. Whether you're tying the knot in a chic downtown Tampa venue, a St.Pete beachfront resort, or planning a destination wedding in the Caribbean, golden hour is the secret ingredient that takes your portraits from beautiful to breathtaking.

So… “What Is Golden Hour?”

This is a term that gets thrown around a lot, but not everyone knows what it means! Golden hour is that perfect slice of time just after sunrise or just before sunset. The sun is lower on the horizon, casting light that’s softer, warmer, and more flattering than the midday sun. For sunset portraits, golden hour typically begins 60 to 90 minutes before sunset, with the most ethereal glow in the final 30 minutes before the sun dips below the horizon.

This window of time changes slightly depending on the time of year and your location, which is why we always help our couples plan for it when building out their wedding day photography timeline.

Planning Your Golden Hour Photo Session

Here are a few tips to make the most of your golden hour photo session:

• Talk to your photographer early. We’ll help determine the exact sunset time for your date and location.

• Work it into your timeline. Even just 15–20 minutes is enough to capture memorable images — oftentimes wedding planners are already aware that their couples may want to go out for sunset portraits, but it’s good to communicate this desire with your wedding planner/coordinator directly, in addition to your photographer!

• Be flexible. Sometimes stepping away from dinner or sneaking out between reception happenings is the best way to catch that prime light.

• Trust the process. Let us guide you. No stiff posing, just the two of you being yourselves.

At Limelight Photography, we’ve had the joy of capturing golden hour moments for couples all across Florida and the Caribbean. Whether you're looking for sunset portraits that feel editorial and elegant, or something candid and carefree, we tailor each session to reflect who you are as a couple.

Let us help you plan the perfect time to chase the light—and create something truly timeless. Reach out today!

By the time golden hour arrives, most couples are relaxed, happy, and fully in the moment. Whether it's a quiet walk along the water or a joyful twirl in an open field, this time allows you to connect with each other while we document it with candid, documentary-style beauty.

📍 We are based in Florida, but available for destination weddings anywhere! ✈️
✨ Our team is composed of Florida wedding photographers, videographers, and content creators specializing in golden hour magic.

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.