Christine + Levent Step Into The Limelight | Sandpearl Resort | Clearwater Beach, FL

A Sunset, a Second Chance, and So. Much. Love.

Some weddings are loud and lavish. Others are soft and simple. But every once in a while, you get to witness a love story that feels like the ocean breeze itself, gentle, deep, and full of life.

That was the case with this unforgettable day. I had the absolute honor of capturing a wedding that wasn’t just a ceremony, it was a celebration of reconnection, laughter, and the kind of love that makes you feel like everything is right with the world.

Lev and Chris met over 25 years ago (yes, twenty-five!), and life, as it often does, pulled them in different directions. But in 2021, as if guided by destiny (or a very persistent algorithm?), they reconnected and this time, they weren’t letting go.

Now, let’s talk about the proposal. Forget hot-air balloons or choreographed flash mobs. These two were chill. They picked out the ring together (because teamwork makes the dream work), and one night, sitting on the couch, Lev got down on one knee. Just them, their couch, and a big beautiful yes. Simple. Perfect. So them.

From the moment I met them, the energy between them was magnetic. You know that couple who finishes each other's sentences and laughs at jokes only they understand? Yep, that’s them. Whether it’s walking together, making magic with wood and lasers (yes, really!), or just bingeing game shows on the couch, they truly just love being together. It’s the kind of love that doesn’t need an audience but lucky for all of us, we got to witness it anyway.

The wedding itself? A sunset beach dream. Casual, beautiful, intimate. No glitter cannons, no drama just waves crashing, flowers dancing in the breeze, and people who really, truly love each other. The bride walked down the aisle with her 3 children at her side, Lev beaming at the end, and I swear there wasn’t a dry eye in sight. I was holding my camera but also holding back tears (spoiler: I failed. I cried too).

What made this day extra special was how it felt. Happy. Relaxed. Loved. Just like they hoped. The ocean, the warm glow of the setting sun, and the laughter of close friends and family, everything blended into the kind of atmosphere that fills your heart and makes you believe in forever.

And me? I felt honored. Not just to document their day, but to feel like part of it. I walked away not only with full memory cards but with a full heart.

Lev and Chris reminded me that love doesn’t have to be loud to be powerful. That second chances are real. And that sometimes, the most beautiful weddings are the ones where love simply speaks for itself.

Here’s to new chapters, sunsets, and soft beginnings. And to two people who fit together, just right.

Lead Photographer | Natalia Fontes
Associate Photographer | Isabella Santos

Cake |  Nothing Bundt Cakes
Caterer | Sandpearl Resort
Ceremony Site | Sandpearl Resort
DJ | Grant Hemond | Ben
Event Planner | Lemon Drops
Florist | Lemon Drops 
Hair Stylist | Art by Izzy
Make-up Artist | Art by Izzy
Reception Venue | Sandpearl Resort

Elizabeth + John Step Into The Limelight | Sirata Beach Resort | St. Pete Beach, FL

A Christ-Centered Beach Wedding | Sirata Beach Resort

As a wedding photographer in St. Pete, Florida, I have the privilege of capturing so many beautiful love stories — but Elizabeth and John’s wedding at Sirata Beach Resort was one I’ll never forget. From the very first moment I met them, I could feel that their love was rooted in something deeper — a shared calling, unwavering faith, and a sense of purpose that shaped every detail of their day.

Their story began on the cobblestone streets of Prague, where John proposed on Christmas morning just before the sunrise. It was the perfect start to a journey marked by adventure, grace, and heartfelt connection. Together, they’ve traveled across Europe, shared their passion for ministry, and now — they've said “I do” with their toes in the sand and the ocean at their backs.

Elizabeth, a proud Michigander, always dreamed of a beach wedding like the ones she grew up admiring along the Lake Michigan shoreline. And while she didn’t get Lake Michigan, she found the next best thing — the stunning Gulf Coast right here in St. Pete. It was a meaningful tribute to her roots, and a perfect match for John, a Miami native and avid diver who feels most alive by the water.

Their wedding was filled with intentionality and spirit. It was held on what would have been Elizabeth’s Grandma Ingersoll’s birthday — a woman who played a major role in her life and who had once gifted her a gold wedding band in hopes it would lead her to the man of her dreams. That ring, and her presence in spirit, made the ceremony even more profound.

The moment Elizabeth walked down the aisle to an instrumental version of Goodness of God, the atmosphere was drenched in love and reverence. John’s eyes welled with tears. They exchanged personal vows and sealed their union with a tender first kiss, just as the waves lapped gently behind them. As a St. Pete photographer who specializes in photojournalistic photography, I live for moments like these — raw, honest, and completely unposed.

The reception was equally joyful. Guests laughed and cried during the speeches, and everyone was stunned when Elizabeth and John performed a secretly rehearsed first dance. These two may be quiet behind-the-scenes people, but their love speaks volumes — especially when they’re twirling barefoot on the sand, beaming with joy.

Elizabeth’s DIY centerpieces added a beautiful touch to the evening, but the remembrance table truly stood out. She honored not only her grandparents, but the legacies of her great-grandparents too — including their wedding anniversaries and how many years they were married. It was a tender nod to the generations who paved the way.

As the sun dipped low behind the horizon, we snuck away for their sunset portraits — just the two of them. That quiet space, away from the crowd, allowed for some of the most intimate and emotive wedding candids of the day. The love between them was palpable, glowing just as golden as the sky around us.

Elizabeth and John’s wedding reminded me why I love capturing wedding photography in St. Pete. It’s not just about beautiful scenery or perfect lighting — though those things help! It’s about telling the stories that matter. The ones that echo long after the day is done.

To Elizabeth and John — thank you for sharing your journey and allowing me to witness a day overflowing with purpose, love, and the presence of God. May your marriage be as rich and radiant as your wedding day.

With love,
Dafne

Lead Photographer | Dafne Spencer
Associate Photographer | Isabella Santos
Content Creator | Allie Vogel | Limelight Photography 

Caterer | Sirata Beach Resort
Ceremony Site | Sirata Beach Resort 
Reception Venue | Sirata Beach Resort

Cecilia + Alfredo Step Into The Limelight | TradeWinds Beach Resort | St. Pete Beach, FL

A Love That Dove Deep (and Made a Splash at the Altar!)

Some couples just glow when they’re together. Cecilia and Alfredo? Oh, they shine. From the very first moment I met them, I could feel their connection was something truly special, fun, genuine, calm… and full of life.

They met back in 2016 during a swim competition at Regatas Club. Just a quick chat in line, but you know how fate loves to play. A few months later, they crossed paths again at another competition. Cecilia had just moved and was looking for a new club to train at (life was already nudging them together), and Alfredo helped her join Naval Swimming Club. One year later, boom! They were a couple. And honestly, from what I saw on their wedding day, they still look at each other like it’s day one.

Now listen, these two had two proposals. That’s right. The first one was sweet and thoughtful, at one of their favorite restaurants. Buuut... the place was packed, privacy was not on the menu, and to top it off, the ring didn’t fit. Classic! The second proposal? Oh, that one was straight out of a romantic movie, but better. Alfredo proposed on Cecilia’s birthday, during a swimming team tradition where someone gives a little speech before the cake. Alfredo’s speech? Full of heart. And when he popped the question, with the final, perfectly sized ring, the whole team was cheering. I mean, come on!

Fast forward to their wedding day at Tradewinds in St. Pete Beach, a dreamy destination that blended Cecilia’s elegant vision with Alfredo’s wish for something more laid-back and intimate. Honestly? It was the perfect balance. The ceremony was in the sand beautiful, full of emotion, family, and yes, a lot of laughter.

Cecilia wore the very first dress she tried on (because of course she did, she’s a woman who knows), and Alfredo kept it classic and cool with khaki pants, a crisp white shirt, and a blue blazer that popped perfectly in the golden hour light. No boutonnière. No stress. Just effortless style.

But what really made this day unforgettable was how deeply personal it all felt. Cecilia’s sister made the cake. Her brother-in-law was on music duty. Their best friend officiated the ceremony. There were no rings exchanged, just love, words from the heart, and that magical kiss before they were officially announced as husband and wife.

Their wedding wasn't about tradition. It was about them. About two people in their 50s, bringing with them a beautiful sense of maturity, deep connection, and zero tolerance for anything that didn’t feel absolutely authentic.

And oh, the moments… Alfredo’s face during the first look (I'll admit, I teared up behind my camera), the pure joy as Cecilia walked down the aisle, that quiet kiss before the big announcement, these are the kinds of moments I live to capture.

The party afterward? A full-on celebration! Apple cider, dancing, hugs that felt like home, and laughter echoing down the beach. It wasn’t just a wedding. It was a celebration of life, of second chances, of choosing love, fully and fearlessly.

As a photographer, it was such an honor to be there, to witness it, to feel it. The energy was incredible. Warm, loving, joyful. I didn’t just document a wedding, I was welcomed into a story. And I walked away not just with beautiful photos, but with a full heart and a huge smile.

Cecilia and Alfredo, thank you for letting me be part of your day. You reminded everyone around you what love looks like when it’s real, grown-up, and full of soul.

With love,

Natalia Fontes

Lead Photographer | Natalia Fontes
Associate Photographer | Adrian Nguyen

Caterer |  TradeWinds
Ceremony Site |  TradeWinds
Event Planner | Aulen Events
Florist | Luxe Memories Events
Hair Stylist | Destiny and Ligh
Make-up Artist | Destiny and Ligh
Reception Venue | TradeWinds
Wedding Gown |  Rosa Clara

Rebecca + Adam Step Into The Limelight | The Tampa Club | Tampa, FL

A Timeless Celebration Overlooking the Riverwalk

From the very first time I spoke with Rebecca and Adam, I could tell that their love story was rooted in a beautiful friendship. As the lead photographer for Limelight Photography, it was truly an honor to document their wedding day at the stunning Tampa Club, where every detail reflected their journey together.

Rebecca and Adam first met in the fall of 2015, hired fresh out of college at the same law firm. Their bond grew naturally through shared walks on Tampa’s Riverwalk — first as acquaintances, then as close friends. It was only fitting that years later, Adam proposed in that very spot, during a bike ride at sunset, overlooking the glistening bay. That same view would become the backdrop for their wedding — a heartfelt nod to their beginning.

Their wedding, rescheduled from October 2024 due to a hurricane, was well worth the wait. The Tampa Club offered the perfect vantage point: an elegant setting overlooking the city they fell in love in. The style of the day was classic, elegant, and modern — a reflection of Rebecca’s timeless taste. Her dress was a showstopper, and the blue and white florals throughout the venue added a soft and romantic touch. Their custom DIY flower arch was simple yet striking — the perfect frame for their heartfelt vows, which they wrote themselves.

From a photographer’s perspective, moments like these are everything. Their First Look was incredibly touching — filled with quiet emotion, joyful tears, and authentic connection. I leaned into a photojournalistic photography approach to truly capture the essence of these moments: the laughter between them, the tight hand squeezes, the way Adam looked at Rebecca when she wasn’t looking.

The reception was a vibrant celebration, made extra special by heartfelt toasts from friends and family — especially Krista, the maid of honor, who played a pivotal role in bringing them together. The couple’s shared love of reading, cooking, and movie nights was woven into the atmosphere, but most importantly, you could feel their joy — and that of their guests — radiating throughout the night.

What made this wedding so unique to Rebecca and Adam was how personal it was. The view, the love story, the laughter — all of it belonged to them. Capturing wedding candids throughout the evening reminded me why I love wedding photography in Tampa Florida. There's something extraordinary about documenting real love stories in the city where they began.

To Rebecca and Adam — thank you for trusting us to capture your once-in-a-lifetime day. Your kindness, warmth, and shared laughter were a joy to witness behind the lens.

If you're planning your own celebration and looking for wedding photography in Tampa Florida, let us at Limelight Photography help preserve your story with timeless elegance and heartfelt candids.

✨ Let’s make your love story last forever — contact us today.

Lead Photographer | Dafne Spencer
Associate Photographer | Isabella Santos

Bridesmaid Dresses | David's Bridal
Cake | Alessi Bakery
Caterer | The Tampa Club
Ceremony Site | The Tampa Club
DJ | Grant Hemond & Associate
Event Planner | Confetti Events | Myriam Sorrentino
Florist | Enchanted Florist of Tampa
Hair Stylist | Beautiful You Makeup and Hair
Invitations | Canva (made by bride)
Make-up Artist | Beautiful You Makeup and Hair
Reception Venue | The Tampa Club
Wedding Gown | David's Bridal

Catherine + John Step Into The Limelight | Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa | Clearwater Beach, FL

Catherine & John’s Elegant Clearwater Beach Wedding

As a Clearwater Beach Photographer, every wedding I photograph carries its own story—one that's deeply personal, shaped by love, resilience, and joy. Catherine and John’s wedding day at the stunning Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa was the perfect blend of heart and celebration, with their story inspiring every moment I had the honor of capturing.

When I first met Catherine and John, I was struck by their natural ease with one another—built on a foundation of friendship and years of shared memories. Their love story began back in 2015, when Catherine was introduced as the new Head Cheerleading Coach at Dedham High. John, a coach himself, saw her and confidently told his colleagues, “I’m going to marry that girl.” Fast forward through team events, heartfelt chats, and one fateful fence “estimate,” and that bold prediction became a beautiful reality.

Their connection blossomed through the quiet, cozy nights of the pandemic—board games, stories, laughter, and dogs by their side. And when John proposed at the very same kitchen island where so many of those memories were made, it felt like the perfect full-circle moment.

Their wedding was more than just a celebration of love; it was a tribute to resilience, to family, and to the unwavering support they've given one another. Catherine and John have both experienced deep loss in their lives, including the recent passing of Catherine’s father this spring. Yet, their day was a radiant reflection of joy, hope, and legacy—filled with meaningful touches like memorial chair covers, personal photos, and a heartfelt officiation by John’s uncle.

The setting? A dream. Clearwater Beach offered the perfect canvas for timeless wedding photography in Clearwater Beach. From the soft sea breeze during their private vow exchange to golden-hour portraits along the shoreline, every detail was infused with emotion and elegance. Their wedding style was classic and clean, echoing the simplicity and depth of their bond.

Some of my favorite moments to photograph were their wedding candids—the unfiltered laughter, loving glances, and spontaneous dance moves that speak louder than words. As a photojournalistic photographer, those are the memories I live for. Their first dance, the speeches from loved ones, and the joy that radiated from each guest—those were the highlights that brought the story of their day to life.

What made this wedding truly unique was its intimacy. It was a deeply personal celebration that brought Catherine’s beloved vacation spot to life for John's family and united two close-knit groups into one joyful gathering. And with fun, custom DIY touches like signature cocktails named after their dogs—Tito, Jackson, and Jameson—this day felt unmistakably them.

Catherine and John, thank you for inviting us into your journey and trusting us to preserve it. Your wedding was a testament to real love—the kind that grows stronger through life’s challenges and shines even brighter because of them.

If you’re looking for timeless, heartfelt wedding photography in Clearwater Beach that captures your story with photojournalistic photography and authentic wedding candids, Limelight Photography would be honored to be part of your day.

Let’s create something unforgettable together—reach out to Limelight Photography today to begin your journey with a Clearwater Beach photographer who tells your love story through every frame. Contact us HERE.

Lead Photographer | Dafne Spencer
Associate Photographer | Isabella Santos

Bridesmaid Dresses | Azazie
Cake | Publix
Caterer | Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa 
Ceremony Site | Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa
DJ | Grant Hemond & Associates
Florist | 2Birds Events
Hair Stylist | Femme Akoi
Invitations | Zazzle
Make-up Artist | Femme Akoi
Reception Venue | Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa 
Videographer | Limelight Photography
Wedding Gown | Alexandra's Boutique