Lauren and Bo are such an adorable couple. From the start of our session I immediately felt their love and admiration for each other. In a few short months, they will be exchanging their I-Do’s and I am so happy for them.
Congratulations on your engagement Lauren and Bo!
Lead Photographer | Stephanie Duffany
Hair Stylist | Destiny and Light
Sarah and Joel met years ago through a mutual friend. This mutual friend Debbie ended up having the special job of marrying this beautiful couple on their wedding day.
Joel once professed his love to Sarah by folding a thousand and one paper cranes that when lit up through the middle shows their names linked with a heart. I mean, 1,001 PAPER CRANES…How sweet is that? So lining the aisle where Sarah would walk down to marry her love, were several clear vases with the paper cranes of all colors in them. There were many personal details from their time together… such as the pig statue they were awarded for being the first and only proposal at a yearly gathering, a compass with the coordinates of the park where Joel proposed and a silver ring box that held the beautiful engagement ring that belonged to Joel’s grandmother, which also has the coordinates engraved. So many sweet and beautiful details for such a sweet and beautiful couple.
Their ceremony and reception took place right in front of the large tank at the Florida Aquarium, the room is lit softly with the glow of the water tank filled with fish, sharks and stingrays as the backdrop. At the end of the ceremony they were greeted by two penguins, which stuck around for pictures with the bride and groom, wedding party and family after the ceremony.
Sarah and Joel had a wonderful night with their family and friends with dinner, dancing, cake and a photo booth.
Congratulations Sarah and Joel, what an amazing day for an amazing couple!!
Lead Photographer | Christi Curtis
Associate Photographer | Dafne Spencer
Band/DJ | DJ by CJ
Bridesmaid Dresses | Lulus
Cake | Hands on Sweets
Caterer | Aramark
Ceremony Site | Florida Aquarium
Event Planner | Days Remembered by ND
Florist | Treasured Moments Floral Designs
Reception Venue | Florida Aquarium
Videographer | Miglioranzi Media
Wedding Gown | Dream Gowns
How We Met
Brittany and Ian met through a mutual friend in their senior year of college at Florida State University’s Doak Campbell Stadium. They instantly had a connection over their shared love for professional soccer. It wasn’t until a whole two years later, however, that they reconnected. Who would have thought that a simple Facebook message in June 2014, “Are you thinking about going to the Women’s World Cup?” would lead to so much happiness, romance, love, a dog named “Doak,” and a marriage. Brittany and Ian actually shared their first year anniversary at the Women’s World Cup in Vancouver, Canada in July 2015!
The Proposal
On Father’s Day, June 19, 2016, Ian and Brittany dropped Brittany’s mom off at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport after visiting for the weekend. Brittany and Ian headed to Painting with a Twist for a fun Sunday date. When they arrived, Ian told Brittany that he had a “golf connection” with the owner of Painting with a Twist, so they got a free, private painting session. Ian had already picked out the canvas paintings that they would do: champagne glasses. Ian and Brittany of course made it into a little competition where the “best” painting would get to be hung up in their dining room/bar area (Ian’s painting won).
At the very end, the painting instructor informed Ian and Brittany that they would be playing a little game of Pictionary where the winner would get to choose any canvas painting on the wall of their choice. Brittany won the game of Pictionary and then was taken to a different room to pick out her painting. When she turned to look at the wall of paintings, only one canvas remained: “Will you marry me?” Baffled and confused, Brittany asked, “Can I pick out a different one?” Ian was already down on one knee and asked again. Her answer… “YES!” And then she yelled, “Did my mom really go home???” That moment, Brittany’s mom burst through the doors with one of Ian’s good friends, Brad, with champagne glasses and a bottle of champagne! It was the most PERFECT surprise!
The Relationship
Ian loves that she is family-first, loves kids, and loves soccer and FSU. Brittany loves that he is family and career oriented, puts up with her anal habits, loves soccer/FSU, and they can be happy together and content just doing nothing. This sweet couple enjoys binge watching Netflix shows, watching soccer, playing with Doak (their puppy) at the park, and eating out.
The Wedding
It is no surprise that Brittany and Ian chose an FSU theme with Garnet and Gold for their wedding! The wedding location at Hilton Clearwater Beach is significant for Brittany, as it is right in her backyard where she grew up. The event was semi-formal and fun. The guests felt like their were at a home away from home.
I just simply adore Brittany and her mom Gayle – we got to know each other through the planning process and felt like old friends by the day of the wedding. They are both just as organized as me (which I love!!!), so it was such a smooth day from the moment I stepped into Brittany’s suite where she was getting ready. We were ahead of schedule at one point, so Brittany and her mom were able to share an unexpected, beautiful and very meaningful moment alone. By the time Brittany’s dad Jim came in for his special moment with his beautiful daughter even I was having tears in my eyes!
I met Ian for the first moment at the ceremony. Oh what a perfect fit these two lovely people are for each other! Gayle’s brother (Uncle Ronnie) performed the wedding ceremony for Brittany’s mom and dad (his first one ever!) over 25 years ago and then also for Brittany and Ian. It was such a meaningful and beautiful ceremony under a gorgeous chuppah. The personalized vows were so touching – filled with funny and sentimental moments, and lots of talk about future babies!
The reception was energetic, upbeat and started off with a bang with the traditional horah dance! We were able to sneak outside to capture the incredible sunset for bride and groom portraits – such a treat and a wonderful way to top off an incredible experience.
Brittany and Ian are so gracious and appreciative. Mom Gayle is so kind and compassionate. Even Brittany’s dad and brother came up to Michael and myself to thank us – trust me the guys usually do not pay much attention to the photographers lol. And Gayle was so kind to donate a giant bag of brand-new soccer balls to our ministry that we work with in Z’Orange, Haiti that is so beloved to us. This family will remain dear to our hearts always.
Lead Photographers | Rebecca + Michael Zoumberos
Associate Photographer | Alexa Rodriguez
Band/DJ | Serenade of Souls
Bridesmaid Dresses | David’s Bridal
Cake | Chantilly Cakes
Cake Balls | Pop Goes The Party
Caterer | Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa
Ceremony Site | Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa
Event Planner | Events By Vanessa + Confetti Events
Florist | Iza’s Flowers
Hair Stylist | Jen Kwiatek
Invitations | Janee The Paper Place
Linens | Connie Duglin Linens
Make-up Artist | Lillian Rose
Photo Booth | Snap Shot Photo Booth Memories
Reception Venue | Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa
Wedding Gown | CC’s Bridal Boutique
Oh the unpredictable Summer Days of Florida! This was one of those days, rainy and gloomy but thankfully we stuck to it and the skies cleared up right on time for me to meet Sebrina & Sean by the steps of the St. Pete Museum of Fine Arts for their engagement session. They laughed and twirled, they danced and cuddled… the perfect way to show and give love. Their big day is fast approaching and I cannot wait to see them tie the knot at Casa Lantana later this year. Congratulations to this sweet couple!
Lead Photographer | Dafne Spencer
For most weddings, I typically will write up how they met and/or engagement but for these two after photographing their engagement session and wedding, I just LOVED both of their personalities! Amanda wrote the time that Nate proposed so well and it being so interesting, fun I have to use their words to set the tone of these two wonderful individuals.
'The plan was that Amanda would pick up Nate from the airport and the two of them would travel to (Nate's) family reunion together the following day.
Under any other circumstances, Amanda would have parked the car and met Nate at baggage claim, but she was operating on very little sleep and desperately wanted to pick up Nate, get takeout and go home for the night. Amanda got Chipotle and Nate got Zaxby's - the two couldn't be happier - or so she thought.
Finally, they make it to Amanda's apartment on the south side of Jacksonville and the two enjoy their guilty pleasures while watching the BET Awards. At Nate's request, Amanda gets up to retrieve Nate's drink and as she turns around to head back to the living room, she sees Nate, only a few inches away from her, falling to the ground. As he's going down, she hears a loud shredding sound, followed by a heavy thump. Confused and concerned, she asks Nate if he's alright. Seemingly okay, Nate pulls out a red box from his pocket, but Amanda fails to notice the box because all of her attention is focused on the gaping tear in Nate's jeans. Nate managed to tear his jeans from knee to crotch as he was falling to one knee and Amanda was understandably distracted.
Despite the rough landing, Nate continued with the proposal and opened the red box and pulled out a gorgeous ring and asked Amanda to marry him. Still, till this day, Amanda has no idea what Nate said during his proposal, but she will always remember the moment Nate split his pants."
On their wedding day, there was no split pants, no extremely tired individuals but instead we beheld two awesome individuals who travelled back to Tampa (Amanda's hometown) to say their I do's! The ladies and gentlemen both were so much fun and courteous. There was a buzz of excitement as the day flowed. Their humor, fun and blending of two wonderful families ensued as Amanda walked down the outdoor staircase of the Marriott, down an elegant black and white runner to a man that stood before her beaming as he watched her. They let the day flow the way it should and took in aspects along the way. The classic look of black and white with a pinch of chartreuse and gold. The day was bright but Nate and Amanda shined even brighter! We just loved how lovely these two were! You could hear how much they were loved by their family and friends, with positivity and joy, the officiant was handpicked and made it personal, the speeches by the best man and maid of honor were thought out and original. We took a ride to University of Tampa for a few moments with the bridal party and the two, laughter and dancing on the bus brought such a fun element and memory for everyone involved. It was such a beautiful day for these two and we felt so blessed to be apart of this love and celebration. Their humor, kindness and love is one that can stand the test of time!
Please help me in congratulating Amanda and Nate! Yours was a special one, and thankyou for allowing us to document it! Here are some favorites from that day!
Photography by Limelight Photography
Photographer | Sam Farmer
Wedding Gown | YSA Makino - Kleinfeld Bridal
Hair and Makeup | Darcy Buckley and Marissa Phelps
Ceremony and Reception | Marriott Waterside Hotel and and Marina
Venue Coordinator | Jeni Wallace
Cake | Sanai Sweet Temptations
Florist | Artistry Designs Group
Band | The Black Honkeys
Event Planner | Barb with Artistry Designs Group
