Rita + Nicolas Step Into The Limelight | The Biltmore | Miami Coral Gables, FL

Rita and Nicholas met on eHarmony in late 2011 and exchanged several emails but eventually lost touch. They reconnected online in the fall of 2015 when they exchanged phone numbers and started to get to know each other for a while before going out on their first date.  What is so sweet about their relationship is that they are best friends. You can see they feel free to be their true selves with each other without fearing judgment. Rita loves “his soothing nature and ability to bring positivity to frustrating situations.” Nicholas loves “her sense of enthusiasm, good heart and ability to find quick solutions to problems.” They each strive to be better for the other every day. Together they love traveling, concerts, theme parks, the beach, and great food. They enjoy trivia nights and nights out with their friends and spending time with family. They love watching movies, whether at the theatre or at home. They have busy lives so they enjoy the quality time they get to spend with each other, whether it be chatting by the pool over drinks/wine, or challenging each other to a board game.

Everyone wants their wedding to be special and memorable. Those who have known Rita for a long time know that she had a hard time believing this day would ever come for her. Now that it has, her wedding was more than just special. It was inspiring and spiritual. All of their guests could feel the love they share and they knew they were witnessing God's presence in their lives.

Rita and Nicholas decided to have their wedding in the city of Miami because it marries their two favorite things: paradise and urban life. Being Cuban, Miami feels like home to Rita; and Nick's parents both grew up in Miami. Their venue, The Biltmore, is in the heart of one of the most picturesque areas, Coral Gables, and embodies both the tropical beauty of the city as well as the Spanish/Moorish influences on Cuban culture. Their wedding was elegant yet exotic, to match the venue's Moorish/Arabic atmosphere. A fun and beautiful highlight was the authentic Cuban Canasta dancer and guitarist. 

Rita’s favorite moment was walking down the aisle and seeing Nick waiting at the altar for her.  And spending time with all of their family and friends, as it was the first time both of their complete families were all together. The atmosphere was Happy, Relaxed, Romantic, and Fun.

Lead Photographers | Michael + Rebecca Zoumberos

Bridesmaid Dresses | Azazie
Cake | Elegant Temptations
Caterer | The Biltmore
Ceremony Site | Trinity Episcopal Cathedral
DJ | The Event Factor
Event Planner | Events by Zeiry
Florist | Petal Productions
Hair Stylist | Kei Pucci  
Invitations | The Invitorium
Make-up Artist | Judy Irizarry
Reception Venue | The Biltmore
Videographer | Renegade Productions
Wedding Gown | CC's Boutique

Lisa + Matthew Step Into The Limelight | Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa | Clearwater Beach, FL

Lisa and Matthew had a beautiful wedding at the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa. The couple loves to be in and by the water and really enjoy a beach setting. This is why they choose Clearwater Beach as the backdrop to their relaxed and romantic wedding. The two met over 3 years ago thru an online dating site. They enjoy being with each other and support their similar goals and dreams. During this wonderful wedding, you could just see how in love these two are with smiles from cheek to cheek and laughter throughout the day. The two were inseparable and were always holding hands. It was truly the sweetest thing to witness!

Their ceremony took place on the Terrace of the Hyatt where the two said their vows and I Do’s followed by a kiss to seal their promise. Guest from out of town joined them and witnessed love at it’s greatest! The celebration proceeded into the night with a very romantic dinner inside one of the venue’s banquet halls where the newly wed enjoyed quality time with their adored family and friends. To end the night, the couple did a butterfly release in honor and remembrance of Lisa’s father which was just unforgettable.

We wish Lisa & Matthew all the best!

Lead Photographer | Carlos Rello
Associate Photographer | Alexa Rodriguez

Bridesmaid Dresses | David's Bridal
Cake | Cakes by Nomeda
Caterer | Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach
Ceremony Site | Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach
DJ | Micah Scott | Sunshine FL DJ
Florist | Rose Garden Flowers & Gifts
Hair Stylist | Destiny & Light Hair & Makeup Group
Invitations | Minted
Make-up Artist | Destiny & Light Hair & Makeup Group
Reception Venue | Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach
Wedding Gown | Monique Lhuillier

Davina + David Step Into The Limelight | The Birchwood | St. Petersburg, FL

David and Davina met through a best friend from college, Danielle, who is David’s cousin. Davina attended the University of Notre Dame where she majored in Civil Engineering. At the time, Danielle told her that she had a cousin named David who also was a Civil Engineer. Although Danielle thought they would have a lot in common, David was a few years older and already established in his career in New Jersey. After college, Davina chose to pursue a PhD in Civil Engineering at UCF. David had moved to Tampa while she was living in Orlando. Upon graduating, Davina got a job in St. Pete. and Danielle insisted that the two should meet. They met for dinner at the Locale Market in downtown St. Pete on a Wednesday night in December 2015, and from that day on, they were inseparable.

On Christmas morning, David gave Davina a present which was a beautiful piece of jewelry. He told her that he had something small to give to her later that was more of an “inside” thing. Davina was expecting it to be something silly, like a DVD of their favorite movie but later that afternoon, David asked if I wanted to have a glass of champagne out by the pool. He handed her a box that was larger than a ring box so she didn’t suspect anything and when she opened the larger box, there was a smaller box inside. David got down on one knee.

David and Davina had a romantic and elegant wedding in beautiful downtown St Petersburg. Davina wore a gorgeous gown with flowy tulle that accented her beauty while David wore a charcoal tux that added a clean and modern look. Blush, ivory and gold were the main colors of the decor of this wedding. From the bouquets, wedding stationary, center pieces and tables, it all tied in beautifully in a simple yet elegant way.

The couple chose The Birchwood to celebrate with their loved ones and it couldn't be any better! The love and affection that these too have for each other is overwhelming and sweet and they truly are made for one another. Congratulations to the newlyweds!

Lead Photographer | Carlos Rello
Associate Photographer | Alexa Rodriguez

Bridesmaid Dresses | Adrianna Papell
Cake | The Artistic Whisk
Caterer | The Birchwood
Ceremony Site | First United Methodist Church St Petersburg
DJ | Grant Hemmond
Event Planner | Days Remembered by ND
Florist | 2Birds Events
Hair Stylist | Destiny and Light Hair and Makeup
Invitations | Invitation Galleria
Make-up Artist | Destiny and Light Hair and Makeup
Reception Venue | The Birchwood
Wedding Gown | The White Magnolia Bridal Collection

Delmary + Anthony Step Into The Limelight | University of Tampa | Tampa, FL

Anthony and Delmary are such a fun loving couple! From the moment I spoke with them I could tell how much they can be themselves around one another. During their session at the University of Tampa, I could feel Anthony’s commitment to be there for Delmary and his willingness to be her knight and shining armor, a gentlemen, as well as her source of laughter. Their love stands strong just like the Brooklyn Bridge, in New York City, and now I understand why Anthony proposed to Delmary there!

Congratulations on your engagement and your upcoming wedding in Puerto Rico on January 26, 2019! 

Lead Photographer | Stephanie Duffany

Engagement Dress Code

As I’m sure you all know, wedding season is quickly approaching. Whether you’re planning the wedding or attending as a guest, it’s a busy time of year for everyone. Today I want to discuss some trends that are not only in-line with wedding dress code, but will also make for some beautiful photos. Hopefully you’ll find these tips helpful, so you’re not a stressed out bride- or groom-to-be, or one of those guests running around at the last minute trying to find the perfect outfit

Florals, Florals, Florals

Lately floral patterns have been a huge hit, and they’re also extremely popular during the height of wedding season when flowers are at peak bloom in late spring and early Summer. If you’re a female wedding guest looking for a new dress to wear, I highly recommend trying a floral maxi dress, like this one here. Not only is a maxi dress a flattering option for all body types, but it’s also comfortable for sitting through the ceremony and easy to dance in at the reception. Floral patterns are also beautiful in front of the lens, because even the most subtle pattern can stand out on camera.  

Photo by Flaunter.com on Unsplash

Let’s Talk Layers

Whether the wedding dress code is casual, semi-formal or black-tie, it’s a great time to get creative with your choices. Blazers have come a long way from your standard brown, black and gray colors. Many men opt for blazers with plaid and floral patterns, or branch out with new materials, such as linen, to elevate their formal look. Whether you’re the groom, a groomsman or a guest, you’re going to get featured in a lot of wedding photos, so be sure to have a reliable wrinkle free dress shirt that won’t bunch when you throw on your blazer. If the wedding venue is outside, a crisp button down is a great option to have on underneath. 

Photo by Men's Fashion World on Tumblr 

No White.. Ever

While you’d think people would follow this rule without question, you’d be shocked with how many wedding guests think it’s okay to wear white as their main wedding outfit color. Unless you’re a bridesmaid and bride-to-be has chosen white for you to wear, steer clear of all white at all costs. Spring and Summer add more life into our wardrobes anyways, so don’t be afraid to be bold with colors and patterns. For the women out there, test out a colorful jumpsuit to wear. For the male wedding guests, add some color with your accessories. A colorful tie or bowtie won’t just elevate your look, they’ll add a lovely pop to wedding photos as well!

Photo by Lulus

These are only a few tips and tricks to keep in mind when putting together your wedding-day look, but are hopefully some that will come in helpful, so you feel confident when stepping in front of the camera. These photos are memories that last a lifetime, so of course you want to look and feel your best. If you’re curious for more wedding photography advice, keep following my blog for more inspiration!