Keith and Daina met on April 16, 2014 at a Tampa Bay Lightning hockey game. Diana is a teacher, and had just taken a job in Atlanta. One of her former students gifted her tickets to the game; it was Round 1, Game 1 playoffs. She went with her friend but ended up sitting next to a man and his son (Keith). Keith’s dad began cheering and shouting at some people which led to him to talking with Daina. Keith and his dad were at the game because his dad had knee surgery and had to postpone attending the game they originally were going to attend. Keith went to get drinks, and when he returned, his dad got up (mid-conversation), moved over, and told Keith to sit next to Daina! He then elbowed Keith and told him to get my number. His dad thinks he was smooth, but he was actually very loud and it was a bit embarrassing. But Daina and Keith did end up hanging out that next week, and continued to spend time together daily until Daina moved that August. After 3 years long distance, Keith proposed, and Daina moved back to St. Pete!
In March 2014, Daina’s grandmother was terminally ill. Keith knew how important she was to Daina, and while Keith had only purchased a loose diamond; he surprised Daina by flying to Alabama where Dania’s grandma was in the care of Hospice. Keith asked Dania’s dad permission to marry Daina while they were in the hospital, and told Daina’s grandmother his plans. He then “semi-proposed” by showing Daina the loose diamond. Fast forward a month, Keith suggested that they celebrate their “hockeyversary” (which was also Easter Sunday) by having a staycation. Daina knew something was suspect when he suggested they take their cat on a boat to the Marriott Waterside – next to the hockey arena – and go to Jackson’s for Easter brunch. En route to brunch, Keith tried to surprise Daina by having a photographer ask if she could take their photo for her portfolio. She ended up taking pictures as Keith got down on one knee and proposed.
Keith says: “I love how Daina cares about other people, and she is so passionate about her students. She is extremely smart and motivated and witty and always keeps me on my toes. She enjoys the outdoors and camping and boating and many other of the same things as me. She is a talented violinist and likes to get involved in the community. And she is very beautiful which never hurts.”
Daina says: “I love how Keith is an incredibly hardworking, dedicated, and loving. His support for me is endless. He is amazing with kids, and he is incredibly passionate, yet patient. He loves the outdoors and he’ll take as long as he needs to teach me new things whether boating or computing or cooking. He’s a true renaissance man!”
Together they enjoy camping, boating, fishing, movies, going out to dinner and spending time with friends. They wanted their wedding to suit their lifestyle and be fun and entertaining, but still classy. Their outdoor wedding offered guests an elegant indoor option. Their wedding was perfectly nautical, entertaining and carefree. They combined their love of “grass and water” with boats. While still incorporating their local beach/jetty for pics via first look. They incorporated things they love such as sunsets, boating, and the outdoors. They also minimized the obligations during the wedding by taking care of the traditional moments as soon as possible (cake cutting, dances, toasts), so that they were able to have much of the boat ride to just hang with the people they love. For the location, they wanted something that didn’t require a lot of extra decoration or entertainment, and felt this yacht was the perfect answer. Daina, Keith and all of their guests were happy, joyful and in awe of the beautiful day.
Lead Photographer | Michael Zoumberos
Associate Photographer | Kay Kennedy
Bridesmaid Dresses | Macy’s - Ralph Lauren
Cake | Publix - Pure Beauty 3 layers
Caterer | Sir Winston Yacht
Ceremony Site | Vinoy Park
DJ | Jim Campbell
Event Planner | Amy
Florist | Lemon Drops
Hair Stylist | Donna Camposecco
Hotel Accommodations + Getting Ready Area | The Don CeSar
Invitations | DIY by Bride
Make-up Artist | Donna Camposecco
Men’s Suits | Men’s Warehouse
Reception Venue | Sir Winston Yacht
Videographer | Petit Four Films
Wedding Gown | The White Magnolia - Paloma Blanca
