Marisa + Jacob Step Into The Limelight | The Ringling Ca’ D'Zan Mansion | Sarasota, FL

March 27, 2020

𝐹𝓊𝓃, 𝓇𝑜𝓂𝒶𝓃𝓉𝒾𝒸, 𝒷𝑒𝒶𝓊𝓉𝒾𝒻𝓊𝓁 …

Marisa and Jacob met at The Florida State University during Fall 2012! Their sorority (Alpha Chi Omega) and fraternity (Kappa Sigma) were partners for FSU's Homecoming events. Ironically. They were both on the Homecoming Committee together. Jake was in charge of recruiting Alpha Chi and organizing all of the social events, while Marisa was in charge of building the float. Marisa claims that Jake did not show up to any Committee meetings but that will be a never ending debate! It did not quite start for them then but Jake had his eye's set on Marisa. He persistently asked Marisa's best friend about her. This made it's way full circle back to Marisa and peaked her interest! After Jake graduated from FSU in May 2014, he frequently visited for football games and their friendship rekindled. At the start of 2015, their love story officially began! They went to an FSU basketball game with friends and went out that night to celebrate the victory. Go Noles! They have not stopped talking since that day 4 and a half years ago!

Jake and Marisa travelled to San Francisco for a getaway but Jake had a secret plan. On the most perfect day of the trip, he told Marisa that he had a special lunch date planned for them. He wanted to check out the Golden Gate Bridge to take a picture and grab lunch in Sausalito. They hopped in an Uber and Marisa unknowingly blabbered away. Jake had hoped the Uber would drop them off at the top of the hill for a short walk to the observation deck but the road was blocked off. Marisa (being Marisa) huffed up the side of the hill to the top in her white jeans and bootie heels. Jake was so patient and encouraging to get her to the very top! Jake asked a random person (that happened to be decked out in photography gear) to take their picture on his cell phone. After two snaps, the random person asked if he could take some shots on his professional cameras and send them to us. He said that he frequently takes pictures of tourists! Jake was quick to say yes at this potentially odd request. Before Marisa knew it, he was down on one knee and popped the question! They have every moment leading up to and after the proposal captured by the planned photographer with a beautiful view of San Francisco.

Jake and Marisa love each other for their personalities, empathy, kindness and thoughtfulness. Together they enjoy spending time on the water and at the beach, traveling, growing the Saturday morning market, their golden doodle Brody and watching football (FSU!).

Because they love being on the water and the Ca' D'Zan's location is beautiful it was a perfect venue for their romantic, elegant wedding black-tie. Marisa has done some traveling and loved the style of the Ca' D'Zan. All colors were chosen to softly compliment the Ca' D'Zan. Oh! And The Ringling is tied to FSU and that is where they met!! Besides the ceremony where they were married in front of all their family and friends, the SUPER FUN dance party was the favorite part of their day!!!!

Bringing together their special friends and family and showcasing their love was so special. During the ceremony the eyes connecting as Marisa walked down the aisle and the first kiss were so romantic! But nothing topped when their eyes locked on each other during the “I DO!”.

Lead Photographer | Rebecca Zoumberos
Associate Photographer | Michael Zoumberos

Erica + Anthony Step Into The Limelight | Grand Plaza Hotel | St. Petersburg, FL

March 24, 2020

Erica & Anthony met through a friend (and also officiant) Erik, ten years ago.
Anthony proposed to Erica at home, they were getting ready to go out to dinner and he surprised her when he got on one knee with the kids close by (exactly how Erica wanted).

Erica loves that Anthony is honest, hard worker and makes her feel comfortable. They can always be themselves around each other and communicate through any situation. Erica loves his determination to set goals together and follow through until they are accomplished. What she loves most is how amazing he is as a father and caretaker to their family.

Anthony loves how much she makes him laugh, when she laughs… he loves her drive, even when she is exhausted she still steps up to the plate for their family. Anthony loves how supportive Erica is of his goals and hobbies. She always pushes him to be a better father and overall human being.

Erica & Anthony both enjoy parenting, eating good food, laughing, vacationing, relaxing (can we say spa day!), making coffee together and Netflixing! (yes, its a thing! lol)

For their wedding day, they wanted not just one day to celebrate but a whole trip with their family and friends to celebrate them! They love the beach and thought Grand Plaza Hotel would be the perfect place for their wedding as they live in Schenectady, New York.

They LOVE to dance and these two lit up the dance floor! It was definitely a night to remember. We enjoyed getting to know these two and their sweet boys, their wedding day was filled with lots of laughter and so many beautiful memories. We loved being there!

Erica & Anthony we wish you ALL the best in ALL you do.

Laura + Austin Step Into The Limelight | Sacred Heart Catholic Church + Rusty Pelican | Tampa, FL

March 23, 2020

Laura and Austin found out that each other existed July 29th 2017.They had matched on Tinder and Austin sent the first message. They didn’t meet in person until August 18th 2017 at Doc B’s at International Mall after Laura had previously canceled the first date attempt. Austin proposed down byTampa Bay with their brand new puppy Mason (who they had just brought home less than 24 hours prior).Austin said he wanted to play with Mason down by the Bay and when they got down there he found a bench for them to all sit on. As they were sitting there, he said that he had bought a new collar for Mason that was too big for her now but that she would grow into and hopefully last forever. BUT...that wasn’t the only thing he wanted to last forever! ha! That’s when he got down on one knee and asked Laura to marry him. He also had a “Will you marry me?” message engraved on the new collar’s tag. Laura was so distracted with letting the puppy down that she went running to get Mason before he could get the ring on her finger. Two of their friends were there hiding to take pictures.

Laura says of Austin,“We complete each other perfectly.We are very similar in our interests/greatest pleasures/beliefs (God, family first, football, exercising, eating, wine, traveling) and also very different. Austin is much more relaxed but also very particular. Laura is a planner and more high strung. Austin prefers cold weather and Laura would take the beach any day. I love the way that Austin always knows the perfect moments to kiss/hug/tell me he loves me. I can easily tell when he is extremely passionate about anything and he always gives 100%. Austin is my other whole. He loves me immensely, even at my worst and is the most loyal person I have ever met. He cares deeply for his family and close friends and has embraced my family as his own. He is always my biggest fan and supports me through all of my crazy endeavors. I know that even though there will be hurdles to overcome, he will always be right by my side.”

Austin says,“Laura is very strong willed.When she wants to accomplish something she spearheads the opportunity. Laura also as a very soft and mothering side. Her passion and experience working with children, combined with her innate desire to love and nurture, help to showcase the wonderful mother she will be one day. I love these characteristics.”

Together they enjoy trying new restaurants or recipes at home, drinking wine, attending sporting events, traveling and shopping.

Sacred Heart Catholic Church is the first place where Austin and Laura attended mass together and they have loved being a part of the parish family and getting involved with University Dinners and meeting other new parishioners. It was wonderful incorporating so many gifts of our Lord in their photos. Austin has been confirmed into the church and he communion for the first time with wine on their wedding day - how very special!

They both love the color blue so they wanted to incorporate as much blue as possible.The men wore in navy and the bridesmaids wore shades of blue as well. Laura’s gorgeous gown was flowy and light...perfect for a Florida wedding but very unique.

Most of their wedding day was traditional, but they did want to incorporate as much football theme as they could into the day as they both love football! Everyone at the wedding felt loved, happy, included, and full (full bellies)!

Lead Photographer | Rebecca Zoumberos
Associate Photographer | Michael Zoumberos

Melissa + Kenji Step Into The Limelight | Tampa Club | Tampa, FL

March 20, 2020

Melissa & Kenji love making each other laugh… they are easy going and have the same goals in life. They are both motivated to be the best they can be for each other and their family.

{ family }
in the center of it all

They wanted a small and intimate wedding with close friends and family, laid back, personal and very classy! Tampa Club was the perfect setting for their vision to come to life! The classic creams, blush and gold were stunning and a gorgeous complement to the Tampa Club penthouse ballroom with the most beautiful views of the city of Tampa.

We so enjoyed being a part of Melissa & Kenji’s wedding day, we could feel the love and appreciation they have for everyone around them. Thank you having us and we wish you and the ones you loves ALL the best in the world.

Lead Photographer | Dafne Spencer
Associate Photographer | Kara Lerchenfeld

Linda + Steve Step Into The Limelight | St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral | Countryside Country Club | Clearwater, FL

March 18, 2020

Linda & Steve met on a dating app in 2017 and the rest is love…
They love laughing together and just being goofy (nothin’ wrong with that!) They are kind and caring to one another and they support and share the same dreams always lifting each other up on down days.

Linda & Steve enjoy boating, fishing, being around friends and family, date nights, biking down Dunedin and traveling.

Their wedding day was the epic mash up of the North East Local Greek Girl meets Southern boy… and we really enjoyed witnessing the beautiful Greek Orthodox Ceremony at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral filled with beautiful and unique moments. They later joined their families at Countryside Country Club for their reception also filled with lots of traditional Greek dancing and so much fun!

This bunch knows how to celebrate! Everyone enjoyed the night away and we are here for it!

Thank you Linda & Steve for having us… we wish you both ALL the happiness in the world.

Lead Photographer | Dafne Spencer
Associate Photographer | Audrey Clifford + Tara Zimmerman