Mikele + Doug Step Into The Limelight | Yacht Starship Tampa | Tampa, FL

As a Tampa Wedding Photographer, I am always inspired by weddings that embrace simplicity and heartfelt connection — and Mikele and Doug’s beautiful brunch wedding aboard Yacht StarShip Tampa was exactly that. From the soft morning light glistening over the water to the warm, relaxed energy onboard, their celebration in Downtown Tampa felt intimate, genuine, and full of the sweetest candid moments. Step Into The Limelight with me as I reflect on their lovely day.

A Love Story Rooted in Simplicity & Connection

Mikele and Doug first met on March 25, 2017 at Uncle Fat’s — a casual encounter that blossomed into a love built on ease, laughter, and everyday togetherness. They adore simple joys like bike riding and genuinely appreciate everything about one another. When Doug proposed on February 13, 2024, sitting beside Mikele on the sofa, it was perfectly them — real, honest, and heartfelt.

A Brunch Wedding on the Water

There’s something incredibly peaceful about a morning wedding on the water. Their Yacht StarShip ceremony embraced the beautiful Florida sunshine, the glimmer of the bay, and the serene views of Tampa, FL. For a Florida Bride, it’s such a refreshing and elegant way to celebrate love.

Candid Moments Full of Morning Light

As someone passionate about Candid Photography, I adored documenting the gentle, joyful moments that unfolded throughout the day. The soft morning light wrapped around Mikele and Doug, creating beautiful, glowing images. Their closest family gathered around them, just as they hoped, making those interactions the most memorable part of their ceremony.

Every laugh, every hug, every sunlit glance felt natural and heartfelt — the type of moments that make brunch weddings so charming.

A Celebration That Felt “Special and Involved”

Mikele and Doug wanted their loved ones to feel special and involved, and the cozy, intimate brunch setting made that effortless. There was a warmth to the entire celebration that fit perfectly with who they are as a couple.

Congratulations, Mikele & Doug

Mikele and Doug — thank you for inviting us to capture such a tender, joyful morning. Your day was a reminder that simplicity, sincerity, and sunlight create the most timeless memories.

Planning a Tampa Wedding?

If you’re searching for a Tampa Wedding Photographer who specializes in candid, heartfelt storytelling — from sunrise brunch ceremonies to elegant sunset celebrations — we would love to connect with you. Step Into The Limelight and let our team beautifully capture your Tampa, FL love story.

Lead Photographer | Dafne Spencer
Associate Photographer | PJ

Caterer | Yacht StarShip Tampa
Ceremony Site | Yacht StarShip Tampa
DJ | Yacht StarShip Tampa
Event Planner | Yacht StarShip Tampa
Reception Venue | Yacht StarShip Tampa

Rachel + Christian Step Into The Limelight | The Bayou | Largo, FL

On a beautiful October afternoon, Rachel and Christian said “I do” surrounded by the serene beauty of The Bayou in Largo, Florida. Their wedding day, held on October 25th, was filled with laughter, love, and a sense of joy that could be felt from the moment the celebration began.

The Bayou provided the perfect backdrop for their celebration with its lush greenery, sparkling water views, and golden light filtering through the trees. Every detail of the day reflected the couple’s personalities, from the elegant décor to the heartfelt moments shared with family and friends.

If you’re planning your own lakeside wedding and want timeless, photojournalistic photography that captures your love story with authenticity and elegance, contact Limelight Photography today! 💛

Lead Photographer | Jackie Pizio
Associate Photographer | Josiah Bonilla

Studio 131 Steps Into The Limelight | Studio 131 | Largo, FL

Modern Romance in Burgundy & Olive at Studio 131

Studio 131 in Largo, Florida set the stage for a modern, romantic styled shoot that blended sculptural florals, candlelit tablescapes, and sleek fashion. The palette leaned into deep burgundy, olive and moss greens, warm taupe, and creamy ivory, creating an editorial look that still felt welcoming and timeless.

The Look & Feel

JoBelle Design transformed the Ballroom, Courtyard, Lounge, and waterfront spaces with burgundy anthurium, white calla lilies, trailing amaranthus, and lush greens. Olive velvet linens, clear glass, and tall tapers cast a soft glow, while a minimalist strapless gown and tailored suiting added clean, architectural lines. Every vignette—from an intimate sweetheart table to the oak-tree ceremony setting—was styled to be both photogenic and functional for a real wedding flow.

How It Was Captured

Adrian from Limelight Photography documented the design with an eye for texture, light, and movement, highlighting the contrast between soft candlelight and bold florals. Christina of Heart & Root led her studio’s coverage and added a nostalgic spin with a vintage Super-8–style film camera (yes, the one that goes whir-whir-click). Those film snippets brought a dreamy, tactile layer to the story—proof that modern design and old-school romance play beautifully together.

Why It Inspired Couples

The design proved that couples can be bold and timeless at once: rich, moody florals grounded by natural greens; minimalist fashion balanced by romantic, candlelit atmosphere. It’s a look that translated seamlessly from indoor ballroom to outdoor ceremony, and it photographed like a dream at golden hour.

Ready to book a wedding that feels editorial yet warm? Step Into the Limelight. Let’s design your day and tell your story with style.

Lead Photographer | Adrian Nguyen

Venue | Studio 131
Florist | JoBelle Design
Photography | Limelight Photography, Heart & Root Photography
Cinematography/Content | Northwood Films | Your Wedding Day Film | Celia Rose | Zeynab
Suits | Tweeds Suitshop
Wedding Dresses | Truly Forever Bridal
Hair and Makeup | Chic Beauty by Shiva, Michele Renee The Studio
Cake | CaraMel’s Bakery
Food & Beverage | Dolce Dawn Grazing Co, Care Package Catering
Beverage/Bartenders | Hook Line & Drinker, Skirt & Sip
Entertainment | DJ Queen T, DJ HALO
Live Music | Rachel Durrum Music, Najibo Entertainment
Signage | Bliss Creative ATL
Fashion Stylist | Jessica Manges

Alyx + Jordan Step Into The Limelight | Embassy Suites Tampa Downtown | Tampa, FL

Fireworks, Faith, and Forever

Every once in a while, I meet a couple who reminds me why I fell in love with photography in the first place. Alyx and Jordan? Oh, they didn’t just remind me, they shouted it from the rooftops. Or better yet… from Disney’s Boardwalk with fireworks lighting up the sky.

Their love story began in the digital age (thank you, Hinge!), but what they’ve built is timeless. From their very first stroll around Wiregrass in Tampa, stomachs full, hearts fluttering, it was clear that God was already doing His thing. Alyx and Jordan weren’t just dating; they were becoming.

Fast forward to September 20, 2024, a magical date for an even more magical proposal. Picture this: a romantic Disney date, the sun setting behind the Epcot skyline, and Jordy pulling off the ultimate surprise on the Boardwalk. And then… as if the moment needed more sparkle… Epcot’s fireworks lit up the sky. The perfect finale to a perfect question.

What makes them so special isn’t just their dreamy love story or the fact that they are so photogenic. It’s their hearts, grounded in faith, overflowing with joy, and completely synced with each other. They’re best friends who pray together, snack together, work out (together… bless their discipline), and never stop laughing. If love had a soundtrack, theirs would be filled with laughter and worship music, with maybe a little Disney magic mixed in.

Their wedding? Oh my goodness. What. A. Celebration. The kind where you can feel the joy in the air. Where hugs are tighter, dance moves are wilder, and you can't stop smiling because everything just feels right. The day was filled with love, laughter, and a whole lot of dancing (seriously, that dance floor never stood a chance).

As a photographer, I’ve seen all kinds of weddings. But this one? It glowed, and I don’t mean just the fairy lights. I felt honored, deeply honored, to witness something so real, so faith-filled, and so fun. Alyx and Jordan made me feel not like a vendor, but like a friend,  like I was meant to be part of their day.

So here’s to the Rays, to a lifetime of date nights, faith-filled adventures, joyful memories, and Disney magic. Thank you for sharing your hearts, your story, and your dances with me.

And if anyone ever says fairy tales don’t exist… just send them this blog.

With love,
Natalia Fontes
(The one behind the camera trying not to cry… again.)

Lead Photographer | Natalia Fontes
Associate Photographer | Josiah Bonilla

Bridesmaid Dresses |   David's Bridal
Cake |  Publix
Caterer |  Embassy Suites Tampa Downtown
Ceremony Site |  Embassy Suites Tampa Downtown
DJ | Graingertainment
Event Planner | Eventfull Weddings
Florist | FH Events
Hair Stylist | Crowned by Sisi
Invitations | The Knot
Make-up Artist | By Bride
Reception Venue | Embassy Suites Tampa Downtown
Videographer | Limelight Photography
Wedding Gown |  Emelina's Bridal Boutique & Alterations
Officiant | Living by Faith