Christina & James’ Hallmark-Christmas Bookstore Wedding at Hotel Haya
I had the absolute joy of photographing Christina and James’ unforgettable wedding day at Hotel Haya in Ybor City, and it truly felt like stepping into a Hallmark Christmas movie—only better, because their story was real, heartfelt, and deeply personal. As a Tampa wedding photographer, I see many beautiful celebrations, but this one had a kind of cozy, nostalgic magic I’ll never forget.
A Love Story Rooted in Connection
Christina and James first met back in 2013 at work, grounding each other from the very beginning. They described themselves as opposites that perfectly complemented one another—steady, balanced, and deeply supportive. And in a beautifully modern twist, Christina proposed to James, which felt so true to who they are as a couple: thoughtful, intentional, and delightfully unique.
A Hallmark Christmas Movie… in a Bookstore
When Christina told me their wedding theme was “a Hallmark Christmas movie in a bookstore,” I instantly understood the vibe—warm, cozy, romantic, and meaningful, with soft winter tones and bookish details woven throughout. Their love of reading and travel played a huge role in shaping the aesthetic, and since their first date was in Ybor, Hotel Haya provided the perfect backdrop for their story to continue.
From the moment I stepped into the space, I felt the heart they poured into every detail.
Handmade Details That Told Their Story
This book-themed Tampa wedding overflowed with intentional, handcrafted elements:
Bouquets made from pages of selected books, carefully hand-dyed by the bride
A full book wall, built by the groom himself
Custom centerpieces, all handmade from books
Christmas touches incorporated throughout the décor
A guest count of 65 that kept the day intimate, warm, and centered on family
Every detail carried meaning, and photographing these elements felt like photographing pieces of their history.
A Wedding Party Made of Family
One of my favorite parts of the day was witnessing how family-centered the celebration was. Their wedding party was made of their adult children—three in total between them:
Jasper (son, 23)
Natalli (daughter, 22)
Rylee (his daughter, 24 and Best Woman)
Christina’s best friend, Henry walked her down the aisle, adding another layer of sentiment to the ceremony.
Getting Ready at Hotel Haya
Since everything took place at Hotel Haya, the day flowed effortlessly. Christina got ready surrounded by the women (and one son!) closest to her—Natalli, Teresa, Jasper, and Robyn.
Her balcony suite overlooking 7th Avenue created the perfect location for their first look—romantic, urban, and authentically Ybor.
A First Look Full of Calm, Love, and Joy
Christina and James planned a full first-look session so they could enjoy their cocktail hour, and it couldn’t have been more beautiful. The balcony, the soft December light, the festive energy of Ybor below—it all blended together effortlessly.
The couple described the feeling they wanted for their wedding in four words: “calm, love and joy.”
And during their first look, that’s exactly what filled the air.
The Ceremony + Reception
Their ceremony was heartfelt and simple, wrapped in Christmas warmth and framed by their handmade book décor. They kept things untraditional—no bouquet or garter toss—choosing instead to focus on connection, conversation, and being fully present with their closest loved ones.
One moment Christina told me she most wanted documented was her daughter’s dance during the reception. Instead of giving a speech, Natalli chose to express her heart through movement, and capturing that moment was powerful and emotional.
Why This Wedding Was So Special
As someone who photographs weddings across Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg, and destination locations like St. Lucia, I’m constantly reminded of how meaningful it is to tell each couple’s story in a way that feels authentic to them. Christina and James created a wedding that reflected:
Their shared love of books,
Their cozy Christmas spirit,
Their love for Ybor City,
And the merging of their families into something whole and beautiful.
Every moment felt intentional, relaxed, and filled with sincerity.
A Tampa Wedding I’ll Always Remember
This Hotel Haya wedding in Ybor City was one of the most heartfelt celebrations I’ve photographed. Christina and James invited me into a world made of stories, love, nostalgia, and quiet joy—and it was an honor to capture it all from start to finish.
If you’re planning a Tampa wedding, a Hotel Haya wedding, or a book-themed Christmas wedding, I would love to help you bring your vision to life with warm, true-to-color, timeless images full of emotion and meaning.
Lead Photographer | Rebecca Zoumberos
Associate Photographer | Noelle Topa
Ceremony Site | Hotel Haya
DJ | Amplified Productions Jet Set Sounds - Michael Casola
Event Planner | Elite Wedding Planning - Rich Wiemer
Reception Venue | Hotel Haya
