Jodie + Jim Step Into The Limelight | Sunken Gardens | St. Pete, FL

From the moment I stepped into the enchanting beauty of Sunken Gardens, I could feel the love and joy that surrounded Jodie and Jim — it was clear their wedding day would be something truly special. The lush tropical gardens, colorful blooms, and serene pathways perfectly reflected their love story — warm, genuine, and full of life.

Jodie and Jim first met back in 2009 through mutual friends when Jodie needed help with College Algebra. Even though Jim hadn’t seen an algebra equation since the year Jodie was born, he volunteered to be her tutor — and the rest is history! Fast forward to May 19, 2024, when Jim proposed aboard the Carnival Vista Cruise Line, with the help of Jodie’s best friend, Angel, who orchestrated the perfect surprise.

Their garden-style tropical theme wedding at Sunken Gardens was a dream. Inspired by their shared love for rainforests, the setting was filled with vibrant greenery and the sound of laughter echoing through the trees. One of the most touching moments of the day was when they exchanged heartfelt vows surrounded by family and friends — truly the heart of their celebration. Later, the energy shifted to pure joy as everyone hit the dance floor for an unforgettable evening of celebration.

Jodie and Jim’s connection radiated through every image — the way he looks at her, the way she smiles at him — pure magic. It was such a joy to document their story through photojournalistic photography and capture authentic wedding candids that reflect their personalities so beautifully.

Congratulations, Jodie and Jim! Your day was relaxed, full of love, and an absolute honor to capture.

For couples dreaming of a lush, romantic celebration like this one, reach out to Limelight Photography — your premier St. Petersburg Photographer specializing in timeless wedding photography in St. Petersburg. Let us capture your love story in the most authentic and beautiful way.

Lead Photographer | Dafne Spencer
Associate Photographer | Aysia Pagan
Assistant Photographer | Jalyssa Ellis

 Bridesmaid Dresses | Shein
Cake | Publix
Caterer | Olympia Catering
Ceremony Site | Sunken Gardens
DJ | DJ Cory Barron & Co., LLC.
Event Planner | Bridgett Duffey
Florist | Hayes Florist
Hair Stylist | Michele Renee The Studio
Invitations | The Knot
Make-up Artist | Michele Renee The Studio
Reception Venue | Sunken Gardens
Videographer | Limelight Photography 
Wedding Gown | Marry & Tux Shoppe Inc. 

Marisa + Jacob Step Into The Limelight | Saint Petersburg, FL

Some things are worth the wait…..like this engagement portrait session! We made the call to postpone our originally scheduled date due to inclement weather and a 90% chance of rain. So glad we made that call as we had PERFECT weather for our session with blue skies, sunshine and some clouds.

Jake and Marisa love the water and are both FSU grads. Together they enjoy going to the Saturday morning market and bicycling in downtown St. Pete so we chose to highlight some of the quintessential spots downtown into their session! Marisa grew up going to Sunken Gardens. However, it was Jake’s first time inside and that made it extra special for Marisa and Jake to share this experience together!

Jake proposed at location near and dear to my own heart….Battery Center at Golden Gate Bridge. I attended graduate school at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. Such a romantic location! And these two certainly do bring the romance! We had a wonderful time getting to know this super sweet couple. And of course I would be remiss to leave out their golden doodle Brody who made a cameo at our portrait session!

Michael and I are so excited for Marisa and Jake’s wedding next year at the gorgeous Ca D’ Zan mansion at The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art!

Lead Photographers | Rebecca + Michael Zoumberos

Location #1 | Sunken Gardens
Location #2 | Dali Museum + Mahaffey Theater
Location #3 | Straub Park

ALISON AND MICHAEL FEATURED IN THE LIMELIGHT | SUNKEN GARDENS | THE BIRCHWOOD | ST. PETERSBURG , FL

Alison and Michael had a beautiful wedding day in downtown St. Petersburg. This was an international affair with guests traveling in from across the Atlantic.  Guests joined these two in the lush scenery of Sunken Gardens for the ceremony, and then traveled to the Birchwood to continue their celebration in one of the hotels ballrooms. In Alison's words, these two met,  “At MacDintons Tampa very late one night! He stopped me as I was leaving and I gave him my phone number. Turns out, for the longest time before we went on a first date, he had me in his phone as "Cute Russian Chick"! Who knew a British accent sounded Russian?! He will never live that down! After our first sushi date, we knew there was something between us. After the first time he came to my house and met my parents, my dog crashed into his leg with such excitement and they had an immediate bond. He misses our Henry as much as I do! Six years later...the rest is history!” Their history turned into a marriage proposal that Alison said yes :)  One day… “At sunset on the beach at Tortuga Inn on Anna Maria Island. We had been going there every year since we met for Mike's birthday, and this year seemed no different so I didn't suspect a thing! He almost backed out- I was not feeling well and then a thunderstorm approached and he decided it was a bad omen! My sister Nicola, being the level-headed person she is, told him to snap out of it (ha ha!) and I'm so glad she did :) We walked down to the beach on the way to dinner and the post thunderstorm sky was so beautiful that unsuspecting me almost didn't realize that Mike was trying to propose, while I tried to take sunset photos! Oops! How could I say no to that ring?! It was stunning. My sister took discreet photos from afar and then my parents came onto the beach holding Veuve Clicquot champagne that my heavily pregnant sister had sent for the occasion. We face timed with her and my brother in law and all celebrated on the beach together as a family. It could not have been more perfect or more of a complete surprise!” It was great working with these two and congratulations to the newlyweds! :)

Lead Photographer | Ann Fuentes
Associate Photographer | Stephanie Duffany

Caterer | The Birchwood
Ceremony Site | Sunken Gardens
Reception Venue | The Birchwood