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

Erica & Justin’s Don CeSar Engagement Session | St. Pete Beach, Florida

As a Lead Photographer with Limelight Photography, I love when an engagement session feels less like a photoshoot and more like time spent with friends—and Erica and Justin’s session at The Don CeSar was exactly that.

Erica and Justin recently made the move to Colorado, but Florida will always hold a special place in their hearts. Erica grew up in the Tierra Verde / St. Pete area, and returning to this coastline for their engagement session felt incredibly meaningful—especially since The Don CeSar is also where they’ll be saying “I do” in May 2026.

From the moment we met up, the energy was relaxed, fun, and full of laughter. They brought along their sweet pups, Stella and Riley, who absolutely stole the show. With Mom Jane there to help wrangle the dogs (a true MVP!), we were able to move seamlessly through the session while capturing genuine, joy-filled moments.

One of my favorite parts of engagement session photography is getting to truly know my couples before the wedding day—and this session gave us the perfect opportunity to do just that. We laughed, chatted about their journey together, and soaked in every bit of the magic around us. The Don CeSar’s iconic pink backdrop, paired with the soft Gulf breeze, created the most romantic setting.

And then came the sunset.

Golden light wrapped around Erica and Justin as the sky exploded into the most gorgeous hues—one of those St. Pete Beach sunsets that reminds you why this place is so special. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day, and I left feeling even more excited to photograph their wedding day in the very same spot.

Erica & Justin, thank you for trusting me and Limelight Photography to capture this season of your love. If this session was any indication, your wedding day is going to be nothing short of incredible.

✨ Planning an engagement session at The Don CeSar or in the St. Pete / Tampa Bay area?
We would love to tell your story through timeless, photojournalistic photography. Reach out to Limelight Photography to start planning your engagement session or wedding day coverage—we can’t wait to connect with you.

Lead Photographer | Dafne Spencer
Location | The Don CeSar

Sara + Robert Step Into The Limelight | The Don CeSar | St. Pete Beach, FL

Sara and Robert celebrated their love with a timeless and elegant wedding on December 12th at the iconic Don CeSar in St. Pete Beach, Florida. Known as the “Pink Palace,” the historic beachfront hotel provided a breathtaking backdrop for this intimate and joyful Florida wedding.

The day began with soft coastal light and a sense of excitement in the air. Sara looked like an absolute princess in her ballgown wedding dress, a show-stopping gown that perfectly matched the grandeur of the Don CeSar. Every detail,  from the flowing skirt to the classic silhouette, felt straight out of a fairytale. As she walked down the aisle, there wasn’t a dry eye in sight.

Their Don CeSar wedding ceremony was heartfelt and romantic, surrounded by close family and friends. The ocean breeze and pastel architecture of the hotel created a dreamy St. Pete Beach wedding atmosphere that felt both luxurious and deeply personal.

Following the ceremony, guests gathered for an intimate reception filled with laughter, love, and live music that set the tone for the evening. The celebration felt warm and authentic, focusing on meaningful moments rather than extravagance. From heartfelt toasts to joyful dancing, the reception reflected exactly who Sara and Robert are as a couple: happy, connected, and completely in love.

This St. Pete Beach Florida wedding was a beautiful reminder that intimate celebrations can be just as powerful as grand events. With a stunning location, live music, and genuine emotion, Sara and Robert’s Don CeSar wedding was truly unforgettable.

Lead Photographer | Jackie Pizio
Associate Photographer | Josiah Bonilla

Ceremony Venue | The Don CeSar
Reception Venue | The Don CeSar

Allison + Aaron Step Into The Limelight | The Don CeSar | St. Pete Beach, FL

There’s something magical about getting married by the ocean, the way the wind insists on being part of the celebration, the way the sunlight hugs every smile, and the way some couples manage to turn two ceremonies into the perfect script for a romantic comedy. That’s exactly what Allison and Aaron created: an elopement filled with laughter, unforgettable moments, and the iconic charm of The Don Cesar, where the hotel’s perfect shade of pink matched the glow these two carried all day.

There’s something magical about getting married by the ocean, the way the wind insists on being part of the celebration, the way the sunlight hugs every smile, and the way some couples manage to turn two ceremonies into the perfect script for a romantic comedy. That’s exactly what Allison and Aaron created: an elopement filled with laughter, unforgettable moments, and the iconic charm of The Don Cesar, where the hotel’s perfect shade of pink matched the glow these two carried all day.

Allison and Aaron met in college at Auburn University, of course they did. Where else would two adventurous souls who love hiking, traveling, and working out together cross paths? And after many journeys side by side, Aaron proposed on top of a mountain in Asheville, NC. Truly the perfect setting… though the real plot twist of the wedding day was him not convincing Allison to jump into the pool afterward. Allison, I’m sorry… but we need to acknowledge that would have been a legendary photo. 

Their wedding day was everything they dreamed of: intimate, family-centered, beachy, and relaxed… well, almost relaxed. Because after any beautiful ceremony, there’s always that little adventure — and for Allison, it came in the form of the classic “real bride moment”: her dress got dirty in the car. And yes, Allison, I sincerely feel for you… but it was so worth it. Because we got the photo. And photos last forever, while wedding dresses go to the dry cleaners and return pretending nothing ever happened. Now you not only have gorgeous images, you also have a great story to tell every holiday from now on. 

The first ceremony on the beach was everything they hoped for, simple, emotional, full of salty breeze and surrounded by the people who matter most. For Allison, having her family there was the heart of everything. Then we headed to The Don Cesar for round two (yes, this wedding had chapters): private vows, deep emotion, and that perfect historic charm they love so much. Honestly, having two ceremonies is kind of like working out at the gym… just when you think you’re done, surprise, another set. 

What made this elopement so truly them? They didn’t want attention, spectacle, or anything extravagant. They wanted something real. Something intimate. Something meaningful. A small ceremony in a historic Florida beach town with charm, color, and a lot of personality, just like them.

Two ceremonies, one slightly dirty dress, countless laughs, and a love story that began in college and turned into a forever promise by the sea, right in front of the most iconic pink hotel in St. Pete.

Allison and Aaron, thank you for letting me capture and tell this beautiful story. And I promise… next time, I’ll be on Aaron’s side, cheering for the pool jump. 

Congratulations! 

With love, 
Natalia Fontes

Lead Photographer | Natalia Fontes
Associate Photographer | Jalyssa Ellis 

Ceremony Venue | The Don Cesar Hotel
Reception Venue | The Don Cesar Hotel
Hair Stylist | Adore Bridal
Make-up Artist | Adore Bridal

Danielle + David Step Into The Limelight | THE DON CESAR | ST. PETERSBURG, FL

Sincere, classy and sweet…

Danielle and David had originally prepared to tie the knot in October, until Hurricane Ian had other plans. These two were resilient with adapting to a new wedding date and keeping their focus on the happiness they would feel to finally be married and surrounded by all of the people they love most.

Danielle and David met over 10 years ago while Danielle was working at her family’s hotel… they were friends for a good handful of years and it wasn’t until a lunch date where something clicked for them. Danielle said that she thought she was in the friend-zone, but David says that she never was.

These two compliment each other beautifully, both with a love for furry friends and a passion of fostering them. Prior to their wedding, their sweet pup Bear passed away, but they honored him at their reception memory table and even had a little pin with a picture of Bear. Bear was definitely there in spirit. Together, Danielle and David also love fitness and being outdoors—which is perfect because they live in beautiful St. Pete!

Though these two have been living and loving life together for a while now, we hope that they experience nothing but sweetness in the years to come through their marriage. We are so happy for Danielle and David! Cheers!

Lead Photographer | Tara Zimmerman
Associate Photographer | Emma Hintz

Caterer | Don Cesar
Ceremony Site | Don Cesar
DJ | Norton Media
Event Planner | Melissa and Jennifer | Special Moments Event Planning 
Florist | Jean with Monarch Events and Design
Reception Venue | Don Cesar
Ceremony Music | Jade Strings

Nikki + Nick Step Into The Limelight | THE DON CESAR | ST. PETERSBURG, FL

Nick and Nikki’s story started a long time ago, before they even knew it! Nikki had a feeling she was supposed to know Nick when she saw him for the first time, and it indeed was fate since they found out Nikki’s mom was actually Nick’s gymnastics coach when he was a baby. That, along with all the other things they had in common, and they knew they were soulmates from the get-go. Their wedding day was nothing short of spectacular! The love that Nick and Nikki share is so special. They shared a private first look moment where they exchanged letters, and we could just tell how in love they are. Nick’s eyes lit up the moment he saw his beautiful bride and Nicki simply couldn’t stop smiling. The weather was absolutely amazing for their ceremony in the courtyard, followed by a live sax and an aerialist for cocktail hour and the fun didn’t even stop there! The couple hired samba dancers to perform at the reception to get the party started! Their priority was spending time with all of their family and friends and giving them a night to remember. From what everyone had to say about Nick and Nikki we just know that they have the most incredible life ahead of them. Congratulations to the new Mr. and Mrs. Ferreiro ❤️

Lead Photographer | Alexa Rodriguez
Associate Photographer | Emma Hintz

Aerialist | Tigress Entertainment
Bridesmaid Dresses | Petal and Pup
Cake | Don CeSar
Caterer |  Don CeSar
Ceremony Site | Don CeSar
DJ | Graingertainment
Event Planner | Morgan Von Blankenburg | Wildermind Events 
Florist | Save The Date Florida
Hair Stylist | Makeupmealina
Invitations | Jane Custom Gifts on Etsy
Make-up Artist | Makeupmealina
Pet Care | FairyTail Pet Care
Reception Venue | Don CeSar
Samba Dancers | Samba con Migo
Saxophonist | Sugar Sax
Videographer | Top Coast Productions
Wedding Gown | CCs Bridal Boutique