Some love stories begin with fireworks. Chris and Carson’s began in silence, the kind the world fell into in March of 2020. They matched on Bumble the very week everything shut down. No restaurants, no dates, no plans. Just conversations that stretched for weeks, then months. Nearly three months of talking, laughing, getting to know each other deeply, before their first official date finally happened in June. By then, it already felt like something solid. And it was.
Chris would later propose at the Wescott Fountain on Florida State University’s campus while visiting Carson’s family for her dad’s birthday, a moment filled with meaning, family, and emotion. That balance of thoughtfulness and warmth defines who they are together. Chris has a way of loving that’s both playful and deeply intentional. He notices the little things, finds ways to make Carson smile, and shows love through action just as much as words. Together, they feel easy. Grounded. Joyful.
From the very first time I photographed them, that energy was undeniable, even when things didn’t go exactly as planned. During their engagement session, the Florida heat decided to remind us who’s really in charge. Out of nowhere, my nose started bleeding. For me, it was pure photographer panic. Absolute internal chaos. For Chris and Carson? Total calm. No stress, no awkwardness, just kindness and reassurance. Both of them have training for situations like that, so what felt dramatic to me was handled with complete grace on their end. By the time we wrapped up, what could have been a nightmare had already turned into laughter, and somehow became part of our shared story.
That memory followed me into the wedding day in the best way possible. Every time I stepped close to Carson’s beautiful white dress, I caught myself doing a quick mental and physical check: nose clear? all good? It was impossible to look at them without remembering that moment. What once felt desperate became funny, familiar, and oddly comforting, a reminder of how easy they are to be around and how supported I felt working with them. By the end of the day, it was just another story we were all laughing about.
Their wedding day was exactly what they envisioned: a celebration of families coming together, full of meaning and full of life. The ceremony at St. Brendan’s Catholic Church was especially emotional. Carson had loved that church since she was a little girl and always dreamed of getting married there. Walking down the aisle with her dad, exchanging vows, involving family throughout the ceremony, and hearing the priest’s homily made the moment deeply personal. The bubble exit afterward was pure joy, light, playful, and full of smiles.
The celebration continued at Clearwater Marine Aquarium, a place close to Carson’s heart and a perfect reflection of who they are as Florida natives. Their love for Florida and its wildlife was woven beautifully into the day, including a dolphin show during cocktail hour, yes, an actual dolphin show, setting the tone for a night that was anything but ordinary.
And then came the reception, the heart of the party. First dances, emotional parent dances, cake cutting, heartfelt speeches, and a dance floor that stayed full. The kids absolutely stole the show, breaking it down and keeping the energy high all night long. Laughter echoed everywhere, and the joy was contagious.
As their photographer, I felt truly honored to be part of this day. Chris and Carson’s energy is the kind that makes you feel welcome, valued, and grateful to be there. It wasn’t just about capturing moments, it was about sharing them. Their wedding wasn’t just beautiful, it was warm, joyful, and full of life.
A perfect celebration. A perfect party. And a love story that somehow survived a global shutdown, Florida heat, and one very nervous photographer and only got better because of it. ✨ Love you guys!
Are you looking for an experienced and fun Clearwater wedding photography team? Reach out to us today!
Lead Photographer | Natalia Fontes
Associate Photographer | Noelle Topa
Event Planner | Events by Marykate
Florist | Floral Design
Ceremony Site | St. Brendan’s Catholic Church
Cake | Tampa Bay Cake Company
Caterer | Puffnstuff Catering
Reception Site | Clearwater Marine Aquarium
