Sonya + Vardhnaan Step Into The Limelight | Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach | Clearwater Beach, FL

A Regal & Timeless South Asian Wedding in Florida: Sonya & VJ

As Florida South Asian wedding photographers, videographers, and content creators, we constantly reminded that the most powerful love stories often unfold when you least expect them—and Sonya and VJ’s celebration was a beautiful reflection of that truth. Their South Asian wedding was regal, timeless, and deeply rooted in culture, blending elegant Florida influences with meaningful Indian traditions, all surrounded by the people who matter most.

How Sonya & VJ Met

Sonya and VJ met through an online app and built their relationship long-distance. With demanding careers and busy schedules, their love grew through intentional effort and shared commitment. What began unexpectedly evolved into a partnership grounded in mutual support and growth.

The Proposal

VJ proposed while Sonya was attending a conference—though she sensed something special was coming. He asked her to dress up “to take pictures,” spent the day playfully distracting her, and then led her to a beautifully lit street where he proposed, surrounded by close family and friends. It was intimate, emotional, and perfectly aligned with who they are.

What They Love About Each Other

They bring out the best versions of one another—encouraging personal growth, celebrating ambition, and building a life side by side.

Life Together

From eating and traveling to working out and studying, Sonya and VJ truly enjoy doing everything together. Their relationship is a full partnership in every sense.

A Florida South Asian Wedding with Regal, Timeless Style

The vision for their wedding was clear: an elegant, timeless South Asian wedding in Florida that honored Sonya’s roots while celebrating their shared future. The result was a celebration that felt elevated yet welcoming, traditional yet personal—everything a modern Indian wedding strives to be.

Sangeet Night: A Signature South Asian Celebration

Sonya & VJ’s South Asian Sangeet Night unfolded beneath a glowing twilight sky, framed by tall palm trees and warm café lights. The energy was electric and intimate all at once. Sixteen high-energy Bollywood dance performances filled the evening with color, movement, and joy, as family and friends took turns lighting up the dance floor. It was the perfect prelude to their wedding day and a highlight of the full multi-day Indian wedding celebration.

Wedding Day Elegance & Tradition

Their wedding day was nothing short of breathtaking. Sonya wore richly embroidered lehengas in deep red and soft gold, layered with intricate beadwork and flowing dupattas—each look a stunning example of South Asian bridal fashion.

The ceremony took place beneath a grand white mandap adorned with ornate carvings and lush florals. The space felt sacred, serene, and deeply emotional as Sonya and VJ honored South Asian wedding traditions, family, and commitment during their ceremony. Every moment felt reverent, meaningful, and full of love.

Meaningful Moments & Lasting Memories

What made this South Asian wedding truly unique was the incredible number of friends and family who traveled to celebrate Sonya and VJ. The most memorable moments—from heartfelt speeches and choreographed dances to incredible food and drinks—were amplified by the joy of having everyone together in one place.

In just four words, Sonya and VJ wanted their guests to feel: welcomed, fed, happy, and completely partied out—and they delivered on every level.

Vendor Love & Gratitude

This South Asian wedding at the Wyndham Hotel in Florida came together seamlessly thanks to an exceptional vendor team. A special thank you to Aspara Events for their outstanding planning, calm leadership, and flawless execution, allowing the couple and their families to be fully present throughout the celebration.

Limelight Photography was honored to capture this unforgettable Indian wedding at the Wyndham Hotel—a celebration filled with culture, elegance, and heartfelt joy.

Sonya and VJ’s South Asian wedding in Florida was a true reflection of who they are: two driven individuals who found each other unexpectedly, grew together intentionally, and celebrated their love through tradition, family, and timeless elegance. It was an absolute honor to tell their story.

Lead Photographer | Rebecca Zoumberos
Associate Photographer | PJ Ricketts
Lead Videographer | Earl Spied
Associate Videographer | Terry Mickens
Content Creator | Allie Vogel

Content Creation | Limelight Photography 
Event Planner | Aspara Events
Hair Stylist | Michele Renee The Studio
Make-up Artist | Michele Renee The Studio
Ceremony + Reception Venue | Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach
Videographer | Limelight Photography

Lisa + Justin Step Into The Limelight | The Westin | Sarasota, FL

Some weddings stay with you long after you pack up your cameras. Lisa and Justin Pappas’ day at The Westin Sarasota is one of those, not because of excess or spectacle, but because of how grounded it felt in who they are together.

The Westin sits in Sarasota’s downtown waterfront district, a pocket of the city where a cluster of hotels rises above walkable streets and open views toward the bay. It feels modern, coastal, and calm, a fitting setting for a couple who values the quiet moments just as much as the celebrations.

I began the day with Lisa in her room, where her mom and sister were already there, sharing in those early hours that always feel a little suspended in time. The palette was clean and timeless, whites paired with soft green accents. One of the most meaningful moments of the morning happened when Lisa’s dad came into the room for a first look. The emotion was immediate and unguarded, the kind of moment that reminds you how much history lives inside a wedding day. We made a few portraits as natural light filled the room and the pace stayed unhurried.

Lisa and Justin met at work, and their relationship grew in the everyday spaces. They love being able to fully be themselves together, always having an accepting place to land. Whether it’s cooking at home, working out, or sitting outside watching the sunset with a glass of wine, their connection lives in the simple things. Justin proposed in one of those same intimate settings, on the patio of the home they share, just the two of them.

There was no first look between Lisa and Justin. Justin’s first time seeing Lisa was as she walked down the aisle. The ceremony took place on the sixth floor, overlooking downtown Sarasota. It was short, intimate, and deeply personal, centered around the vows they wrote for each other. That walk down the aisle and the words they shared became the emotional core of the entire day.

As the light shifted toward evening, we headed up to the nineteenth floor terrace for portraits. Golden hour wrapped the city in warmth, and Lisa and Justin slipped easily into their own rhythm. It felt like one of those moments they love most, quiet, connected, and unforced.

Afterward, we returned to the ceremony space for family portraits. Family was at the heart of this wedding, and the emphasis on including and honoring those closest to them made the day feel especially meaningful.

The reception unfolded with intention and ease. Lisa and Justin shared their first dance, followed by dances with their parents, a moment they had been looking forward to all day. A few heartfelt toasts followed, along with the cake cutting, bouquet and garter tosses, and then the night opened up into celebration. The dance floor stayed full, laughter filled the room, and everyone did exactly what Lisa and Justin hoped for, they simply had fun.

Elegant, simple, and honest.

Lead Photographer | Jeff Mitchell 
Associate Photographer | Aysia Pagan

Cake | Publix
Caterer | The Westin
Ceremony Site | The Westin
Florist | Flowers by Fudgie
Hair Stylist | Art by Izzy
Make-up Artist | Art by Izzy
Reception Venue | The Westin
Wedding Gown | The Perfect Dress

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

Sara + Robert Step Into The Limelight | The Don CeSar | St. Pete Beach, FL

Sara and Robert celebrated their love with a timeless and elegant wedding on December 12th at the iconic Don CeSar in St. Pete Beach, Florida. Known as the “Pink Palace,” the historic beachfront hotel provided a breathtaking backdrop for this intimate and joyful Florida wedding.

The day began with soft coastal light and a sense of excitement in the air. Sara looked like an absolute princess in her ballgown wedding dress, a show-stopping gown that perfectly matched the grandeur of the Don CeSar. Every detail,  from the flowing skirt to the classic silhouette, felt straight out of a fairytale. As she walked down the aisle, there wasn’t a dry eye in sight.

Their Don CeSar wedding ceremony was heartfelt and romantic, surrounded by close family and friends. The ocean breeze and pastel architecture of the hotel created a dreamy St. Pete Beach wedding atmosphere that felt both luxurious and deeply personal.

Following the ceremony, guests gathered for an intimate reception filled with laughter, love, and live music that set the tone for the evening. The celebration felt warm and authentic, focusing on meaningful moments rather than extravagance. From heartfelt toasts to joyful dancing, the reception reflected exactly who Sara and Robert are as a couple: happy, connected, and completely in love.

This St. Pete Beach Florida wedding was a beautiful reminder that intimate celebrations can be just as powerful as grand events. With a stunning location, live music, and genuine emotion, Sara and Robert’s Don CeSar wedding was truly unforgettable.

Lead Photographer | Jackie Pizio
Associate Photographer | Josiah Bonilla

Ceremony Venue | The Don CeSar
Reception Venue | The Don CeSar

Ashley + Anthony Step Into The Limelight | NOVA 535 | St. Pete, FL

A Winter Wedding Story Rooted in Home, Faith, and a Rose

Some love stories begin with a twist of fate. Ashley and Anthony’s began with an Instagram DM.

Although they first met back in 2018 — bumping into each other at their friend Tyler’s legendary backyard parties, holiday gatherings, and beer Olympics — the timing was never right. They were always dating other people, always crossing paths without truly connecting. Life kept placing them in the same spaces, but it wasn’t their moment yet.

Fast forward to 2023. Ashley posted a photo wearing a Panthers hockey jersey, fully committed to her South Florida team. Anthony, proudly holding onto his Tampa roots, replied with a playful “don’t forget your Tampa roots,” and that simple message opened a door neither of them expected. One conversation turned into many, and soon he asked her out — even if it meant driving all the way to Delray Beach for their very first date. That weekend together was all it took. They clicked instantly and began a long-distance love story that would last a year before Ashley finally moved back to the 727. They bought a home together… and not long after, Anthony asked a question she didn’t even need to think about.

The proposal was straight out of a movie. Ashley thought she and her mom were running errands for a family friend's confirmation party in Illinois — but when they arrived at Bull Valley Country Club, Anthony was waiting under a gazebo with a single rose in his hand. Floral arrangements surrounded him, rose petals covered the ground, and their loved ones had helped orchestrate every detail. Before getting down on one knee, he smiled and said, “Will you accept this rose?” It was the easiest yes.

Their wedding day reflects all the things they love most: family, warmth, a sense of home, and an elegant winter aesthetic that feels both romantic and timeless. They’re head over heels, a little goofy, grounded in faith, and happiest when they’re cooking together, boating, exploring new restaurants, or playing with their sweet dog, Rhae.

For their celebration, Ashley and Anthony drew inspiration from the cozy elegance of winter — warm tones, soft textures, thoughtful details, and a setting close to home. Their favorite elements? Beautiful table settings, custom signage, cupcakes, and all the special touches woven throughout their ceremony.

They’re especially excited for the moments that carry the most emotion: the entrances, the vows, the first kiss as husband and wife, and their exit. Ashley also shared that getting ready and first looks will be incredibly meaningful. At the reception, the dances, speeches, cake cutting, and possibly a champagne tower will set the tone for an unforgettable night. They’re even considering a fun twist — inviting every guest to join them for a photo at the sweetheart table during one song.

At the heart of it all, they want their guests to feel exactly what defines their relationship: loving, welcomed, fun, and elegant.

Being part of their wedding day was truly an honor. I loved witnessing every moment of their story unfold, and I’m deeply grateful they trusted me to capture such an important chapter of their lives. Ashley and Anthony, I wish you a lifetime filled with joy, laughter, and all the warmth you bring to everyone around you. May this next season of your lives be even more beautiful than the one that brought you here.

Are you planning your dream Florida destination wedding and are looking for a wedding photography, videography, or content creation team? Reach out to us today for a custom price quote!

Lead Photographer | Natalia Fontes
Associate Photographer | Noelle Topa

Ceremony Site | NOVA 535
DJ | Devon Garrett
Event Planner | NOVA 535
Hair Stylist | adorebridalhairandmakeup
Make-up Artist | adorebridalhairandmakeup
Reception Venue | NOVA 535
Videographer | Ryan Ratolo
Wedding Gown | Nikki's Glitz and Glam Boutique