Marissa + Brennan Step Into The Limelight | The Resort at Longboat Key Club | Longboat Key, FL

Every wedding I photograph tells its own story, but Marissa and Brennan’s Sarasota Wedding stood out in the most meaningful way from the very first moment. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of The Resort at Longboat Key Club, their day was exactly what they envisioned: beautiful, fun, heartfelt, and filled with family, music, and so much love.

Marissa and Brennan’s story began in true Philly fashion—meeting at Xfinity Live! while Marissa was celebrating her 23rd birthday. After Brennan confidently asked for her number (despite his friend striking out nearby 😄), their first date at Chickie’s & Pete’s sealed the deal, and the rest is history.

Brennan later proposed at one of their favorite beach spots in Hilton Head Island. What started as a “quick photoshoot” turned into the sweetest surprise when Marissa turned around to find their families waiting to celebrate—followed by a full-on party back at the house. That sense of togetherness carried beautifully into their wedding day.

Their love for the beach made Sarasota, Tampa, FL the perfect choice. After living in Bradenton for three years and touring nine venues, they fell head over heels for the Resort at LBK. Marissa chose her dress alongside her mom and Brennan’s mom—a moment she described as incredibly meaningful—and every detail of the day felt authentic, intentional, and so them.

From bright, summer-inspired colors to nonstop live music all weekend long, their wedding was vibrant and joyful. But what stood out most was their connection—Brennan being Marissa’s safe space, and Marissa’s endlessly kind heart that Brennan says he could talk about for hours. Capturing their candid photography moments—quiet glances, laughter, and the energy of the celebration—was such a gift.

Marissa & Brennan, thank you for trusting me and our team as your Sarasota Wedding Photographer. Your day was a perfect reflection of your love, and I’m so grateful to have documented it.

✨ If you’re a Florida Bride dreaming of a wedding filled with heart, fun, and authentic moments, we’d love for you to Step Into The Limelight with us. Reach out to Limelight Photography to begin telling your own love story.

Lead Photographer | Dafne Spencer
Associate Photographer | Noelle Topa

Band | The Life Atlantic
Cake | Cakes by Ron
Caterer | The Resort at Longboat Key Club
Ceremony Site | The Resort at Longboat Key Club | South Beach
Content Creator | Little Moments Lens
Event Planner | Swanky Soiree Events | Bailey
Florist | Sun Flowers by Elizabeth
Hair Stylist | Michele Renee The Studio
Invitations | Minted
Make-up Artist | Michele Renee The Studio
Reception Venue | The Resort at Longboat Key Club | Harbourside Ballroom
Wedding Gown | The Perfect Dress | Sarasota

Allyssa + Chris Step Into The Limelight | Zota Beach Resort | Longboat Key, FL

The sun dipped low over the Gulf as soft hues of neutral tones and desert coral painted the sky — the perfect reflection of this couple’s timeless style. Their wedding at Zota Beach Resort in Sarasota, Florida celebrated love in its purest, most effortless form: simple, heartfelt, and deeply connected.

A Love Story Rooted in Faith

Their journey began years earlier on a church retreat in high school, where friendship quietly blossomed into a forever kind of love. After years of shared memories, laughter, and adventures, he proposed during a sunset dinner cruise — the ocean breeze carrying promises of a lifetime together.

The Day They Said “I Do”

The couple envisioned a neutral, modern beach wedding — serene, refined, and free of cliché décor. Every detail reflected their love for natural beauty and effortless design. Surrounded by soft neutrals and warm coral tones, their celebration felt organic and romantic, blending seamlessly with the sand and sea.

They exchanged heartfelt vows beneath the open sky, with waves rolling gently in the background. The most emotional moment came when he first saw her walking down the aisle — the world seemed to pause as their eyes met. It was everything they had imagined and more.

Personal Touches & Unforgettable Moments

The bride’s favorite part of the day was getting ready with her bridesmaids and the walk down the aisle — a moment filled with anticipation and joy. Their DIY centerpieces added a personalized touch to the reception, where laughter, dancing, and genuine happiness filled the air. Friends and family enjoyed a night that truly embodied their wish: for everyone to have fun and feel love.

Capturing Every Detail

Limelight Photography captured every fleeting moment — from the tender anticipation of “getting ready” to the joy of dancing under the stars. Their signature blend of natural light, candid emotion, and elegant composition perfectly reflected the couple’s story and the beauty of the day.

Step Into The Limelight

If you’re dreaming of a wedding that feels timeless, natural, and uniquely you, let Limelight Photography bring your story to life. Whether it’s a beachfront ceremony, a luxury ballroom, or a romantic elopement, Limelight’s team of expert photographers and cinematographers will ensure your memories shine forever.

✨ Book your Sarasota wedding photographer today!

The vendors who brought the vision to life:

Photography | Limelight Photography
Lead Photographer | Rebecca Zoumberos
Associate Photographer | Josiah Bonilla

Venue | Zota Beach Resort
Wedding Planner | Swanky Soirée Events
Cake | Cakes by Ron
Bridesmaids Dresses | David’s Bridal

How to Plan A Florida Destination Wedding from Afar

Planning a destination wedding in Florida (or the Caribbean) while living miles, or states, away? It’s completely doable with the right team and a few smart strategies. Whether you’re dreaming of a Gulf Coast sunset ceremony or a luxurious St. Lucia beach celebration, here’s how to make the planning process smooth and stress-free.

1. Hire a Local Wedding Planner You Trust

This is step number one for a reason. A great local planner knows the best vendors, can navigate weather backups, and keeps everything moving even when you’re not there in person. We work closely with some of the best wedding planners in Tampa, Clearwater, St. Pete, and beyond. We’ve seen firsthand how much peace of mind they bring to our couples.

We have had the opportunity to work with many wedding planners throughout the last 20 years. Below are a few that we highly recommend!

• Astonishing Events

• Breezin’ Entertainment

• Brittany Bauer Events

• Coastal Coordinating

• Milan Catering and Event Design

• NK Productions

• Swanky Soiree Events

2. Book a Wedding Photographer Who’s Comfortable With Destination Couples

As Florida wedding photographers specializing in destination weddings, we know how important clear communication is, especially when you're not local. From the moment you inquire to the final gallery delivery, we prioritize getting to know you as a couple so your images reflect your love story authentically. We’ve photographed weddings across Florida and in dreamy places like St. Lucia, so we know how to roll with travel and timeline changes with grace.

3. Schedule One In-Person Trip (If You Can)

If you can fly in once before the wedding, plan a venue tour, menu tasting, hair + makeup trial, and your engagement session all during that trip. It’s a great way to build rapport with your vendor team and to feel more connected to your wedding location.

4. Plan for the Weather (Florida’s Forecast Is No Joke)

Beach ceremony in St. Pete? Garden vows in Sarasota? Make sure your vendors have a solid rain plan. Summer weddings especially need a Plan B, and we’ll work with your planner to scout the best covered or indoor options for photos that still feel magical.

6. Trust Your Vendor Team

Working with experienced local vendors means you can relax on your wedding day. From lighting timelines to photo locations, we collaborate with planners and venue coordinators to make sure nothing gets missed and that you can be present in every moment.

Planning your Florida or St. Lucia wedding from afar?

Whether you’re saying "I do" in Tampa, Clearwater, or on a white sand beach in the Caribbean, our team is here to help you capture every detail with elegance and authenticity.

Let’s start planning your dream wedding photography experience, no matter where you live.

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

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.