Katie + Josh Step Into The Limelight | TradeWinds Island Grand Resort | St. Pete Beach, FL

Katie and Josh matched on a dating app and went on their first date at Armature Works. They hit it off immediately and have been inseparable ever since. 
One day, Josh and Katie went on a walk during sunset on St. Pete Beach. To Katie’s surprise, Josh dropped down on one knee and asked her to marry him. He even hired a photographer to capture the entire thing (nice move, Josh!).
“I love his heart and his work ethic and dedication to being a dog dad (and eventual human dad)” - Katie
One of  Tara and I’s favorite moments was during the sunset session. A group of young kids were watching Katie and John take their photos. Katie looked so beautiful that I just had to ask Josh to take a step out so she could show off her dress for one photo. The kids watching came up to Josh and started asking him relationship advice. One kid asked Josh how he got a girl as beautiful as Katie. 
Men, take note:
“ You have to show her that you love her with everything you do. Whether it is opening the door for her, pulling out her chair, remembering her favorite dessert—-you have to show her that you appreciate and love her. “  - Josh.
We LOVED celebrating with Katie and Josh on their wedding day. Thank you for having us! 

Lead Photographer | Audrey Clifford
Associate Photographer | Tara Zimmerman

Bridesmaid Dresses | Azazie
Cake | TradeWinds Island Grand Resort
Caterer | TradeWinds Island Grand Resort
Ceremony Site | The Cathedral of St Jude
DJ | DJ Fits Otis
Event Planner | Driftwood Weddings and Events 
Hair Stylist | Femme Akoi
Make-up Artist | Femme Akoi
Reception Venue | TradeWinds Island Grand Resort
Videographer | Ashley Sindaco
Wedding Gown | The Dressing Room

Brooke + Colin Step Into The Limelight | Tampa Yacht & Country Club | Tampa, FL

Colin and Brooke met at Brooke’s first job out of college - Digital Mavericks. Together, they wrote/managed celebrity blogs and social media accounts. They both loved exploring new places, going on outdoors adventures and spending time together. Once their relationship grew and Colin knew she was perfect for him, Colin decided to propose to Brooke by the water, near downtown St. Pete.

Brooke Says “I love that Colin is my biggest cheerleader - my confidence has grown since knowing him due to how much he believes in me and how well he treats me. He always puts me first - making me happy is what makes him happy. He is selfless and absolutely always thinks of/puts others before himself. He is sincere, hardworking, loving, thoughtful, the best dad to our puppy and cat, and gets along well with absolutely everyone.”

Their love and passion towards each other is something you quickly pick up on since they are not afraid to get lost in each other’s presence any where they are. This translated beautifully and shined throughout their wedding day which was filled with laughter, special moments and surprise moments!

They are both Pisces and are born one day apart - the last two days of pisces which led them to want to get married somewhere close to the water.  The chose the Yacht Club because being near the water was imperative for the two. Brooke explains, “I am happiest at the beach or near water. I also love that the Yacht Club is classic and a canvas that can easily be made your own. It was convenient for all of the local people to attend there and I wanted to make things easy on everyone.”

On the wedding day, Brooke wore a gorgeous Galia Lahav gown which she looked so stunning in! Brooke mentioned to me, “My dress is one of my very favorite elements of all! It's very romantic and classy but sexy, too - it's sheer with a light nude/semi sheer lining, very very detailed - with a unique vine pattern on the sheer portion.”

The ceremony was outdoors and beautifully decorated with floral pieces on the floor that lead up to a large circular floral piece at the top of the aisle, where this pretty couple said their I-Do’s. After the ceremony, a reception hall within the Tampa Yacht & Country Club hosted a fun evening for the newlyweds and their guests. Dancing and partying was happening all through the night and Brooke and Colin, being the water signs that they are, ended the night by jumping in the pool!

It was truly such a pleasure being able to be present for this wonderful couple. I wish them the best of the best and many more years of fun and adventure together as mr. and mrs. Congratulations!!!

Lead Photographer | Carlos Rello
Associate Photographer | Alexa Rodriguez

Bridesmaid Dresses | Bella Bridesmaids
Caterer | Tampa Yacht & Country Club
Ceremony Site | Tampa Yacht & Country Club
DJ | Breezin Entertainment
Event Planner | Breezin Entertainment
Florist | FLORA Fine Flowers & Events
Hair Stylist | Femme Akoi Beauty Studio
Invitations | KT Janes
Make-up Artist | Jackie Riley
Reception Venue | Tampa Yacht & Country Club
Videographer | Fox Grove Films
Wedding Gown | Galia Lahav

Stephanie + Joshua Step Into The Limelight | Holy Ascension Greek Orthodox Church + Wyndham Grand Beach Resort | Clearwater, FL

Josh and Stephanie met working at North Florida Regional Medical Center in Gainesville, FL during the month of February 2016. Josh worked nights as a nurse and Stephanie worked days as a nurse. Josh proposed to Stephanie at St. Augustine near the Castillo de San Marcos. After the proposal, it began to pour rain. Josh, Stephanie, and close friends ran to the No Name Bar to seek cover from the rain and enjoyed a couple of cold Dos Equis lagers. We were able to capture some amazing images for their engagement session, including pictures in the exact spot Josh planned to propose and the spot where it actually happened! You may see some of those here

Josh loves that Stephanie is able to deal with his self-proclaimed “weirdness.” Josh shares, “I know I am an odd guy. I also love how patient she can be with me. I am amazed at how focused she is when she puts her mind to something. It is extremely difficult to change her mind. She is an extremely hard worker. She is putting herself through a lot of stress to give us both a better life in our future together.  Working full time and going to grad school at the same time is extremely difficult but she is doing it. Stephanie tells me that she loves my oddness. My quirky little dances. She likes how I motivate her to go for her dreams and goals. That I am always there to support her no matter what the circumstance is. I love how I can come home and always know that she will welcome me with a smile and a kiss. She is everything that I have ever wanted.” Awe…talk about a true romantic this just melts my heart!

Together they enjoy outdoor activities such as nature parks, adventure parks, fishing, boating, paddle boarding, swimming, concerts, football games, tailgating, and traveling. 

Josh, Stephanie, and the wedding party got ready at the Wyndham Resort in Clearwater, FL. All, except Stephanie, took the Jolley Trolley to Holy Ascension Greek Orthodox Church where the wedding ceremony will take place. Stephanie traveled with her parents and grandmother to the ceremony. Stephanie joined the gang and rode back to the Wyndham with Josh and the rest of the bridal party in the Jolley Trolley! Then we headed to the beach for sunset pictures!

Wedding location was selected in Clearwater, FL because it is close to Stephanie’s grandmother who lives in St. Petersburg, FL. Clearwater is also special to Josh because it is where he used to live. Wedding theme of dusty blue and blush pink was suggested by bridesmaid Stephanie Fitzgerald. Bride tribe went to Orlando, FL on November 25th in search of the bridal attire. Bride’s dress was found at Calvet Couture. Josh and Stephanie went to Men’s Warehouse on December 21st for the groom and groomsmen attire. Style of the wedding was traditional with a Greek theme and some Greek traditions.

Brides Bouquet: White Garden Roses, Quicksand Roses, Ocean Song Roses, White Ranunculus, Lavender, Succulents, Silver dollar Eucalyptus, Ruscus, Dusty miller (very loose and flowy, heavy greenery) 

Bridesmaids Bouquets: Quicksand/Ocean Song Roses, Succulents, Dark Purple Lisianthus, Lavender, Dusty Miller, Eucalyptus 

Sweetheart Table: Bride’s bouquet on table, along with Wisteria Backdrop mixed with Roses, Greenery, Stock, Wax Flower to go across backdrop with fabric hanging underneath.

Stephanie and Josh’s favorite part of the wedding was the reception dancing, eating good food, spending time with guests, and drinking the night away. They made their own Greek wedding favors known as a boubouniera, which consists of five  candy-coated almonds (koufeta) in a bag. The five almonds represent five wishes for the bride and groom…health, wealth, happiness, fertility, and longevity. A true highlight were the parent dances - Josh with his mom and Stephanie with her dad. You could truly feel the bond and love. 

It really was the BEST day ever!!!!

Lead Photographers | Michael + Rebecca Zoumberos

Bridesmaid Dresses | Dalis Bridal Couture | Ocala
Cake | The Artistic Whisk
Ceremony Site | Holy Ascension Greek Orthodox Church
DJ | Grant Hemond & Associates  
Event Planner |  Elegant Affairs by Design  | Riley
Florist | Save the Date Florida  
Hair Stylist | Femme Akoi
Invitations | DIY
Make-up Artist | Femme Akoi
Photo Booth | Hipstr Photo Booth
Reception Venue | Wyndham Grand Beach Resort 
Transportation | Jolley Trolley
Tuxes | Men’s Wearhouse
Videographer | Zack Jernigan
Violinist | Chris Barbosa 
Wedding Gown | Calvet Couture Bridal

Rachel + Anthony Step Into The Limelight | The Birchwood | St. Petersburg, FL

I don’t think we ever danced so much at a wedding before! We could not stand still. The room was so alive and filled with JOY, it was contagious! 
That’s how the whole day was for these two. They beamed happiness!
Rachel & Anthony dated for 7 years before tying the knot in front of close friends and family. They enjoy cooking and traveling (always in style).
St. Paul's Catholic Church is a particularly meaningful location for Rachel as she attended elementary + middle school there and now Rachel got to marry the love of her life where so many other beautiful memories took place. Rachel loves Anthony's big heart for people and she admires his generosity and kindness. Rachel is more of a reserved gal who finds pure contentment in being genuine and loving towards others.
Rachel & Anthony’s wedding day was the epiphany of classic elegance meeting “the need to party!” Their guests enjoyed a night of dancing surrounded by glamour and long-lasting memories at the never disappointing Birchwood in downtown St. Pete.
Rachel & Anthony, we know you both will enjoy life. We wish you both ALL the dancing and “amazing culinary” life can possibly bring.

Lead Photographer | Dafne Spencer
Associate Photographer | Kara Lerchenfeld

Bridesmaid Dresses | CC’s Bridal Boutique
Cake | Sweet Divas Cakery
Caterer | The Birchwood
Ceremony Site | St. Paul's Catholic Church
DJ | First Class Entertainment
Event Planner | Crystal | Chantilly Chic Celebrations
Florist | 2Birds Events Florist
Hair Stylist | Femme Akoi
Make-up Artist | Femme Akoi
Reception Venue | The Birchwood
Videographer | Voila Cinematic
Violin + Cello | Sunset Strings
Wedding Gown | CC’s Bridal Boutique

Kristen + Eric Step Into The Limelight | Museum of Fine Arts | St. Petersburg, FL

Kristen + Eric met on a snowy night in Cape Cod, Massachusetts in 2012 and have been on many adventures together ever since. Whether it is snowboarding, cliff jumping, kayaking, hiking, they both have SO much fun together! In true adventurous fashion, Eric proposed to Kristen in a living treehouse in Burlington, Vermont! 

Recently, Kristen + Eric have started a new chapter of their lives by moving to Florida. When Kristen + Eric were deciding where to have their wedding they decided that they wanted their family to experience Florida’s tropical atmosphere, as well as, having their guests embark on an adventure of their own. It just so happens that the weather this time of year is perfect for vacations….and weddings, so there was no better time to showcase their new hometown! 

On their wedding day, the weather was perfect and with a slight breeze ensuring that their northern guests did not get too hot. The ceremony atmosphere at the Museum of Fine Arts’ garden gave a little bit of ‘old Florida’ charm as well as classic elegance. When the ceremony came to conclusion and Kristen + Eric turned to their guests to be announced as husband and wife, their guests erupted in the most exciting and heartfelt moment I have ever experienced. It was a true celebration of love!

Congratulations on becoming Mr. and Mrs. Eric + Kristen, you are one of the sweetest couples I have ever met ♥️

Lead Photographer | Stephanie Duffany
Associate Photographer | Audrey Clifford

Bridesmaid Dresses | Dessy Group
Cake | Sweet Divas Cakery
Caterer | Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg FL
Ceremony Site | Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg FL
DJ | Randy Leichman, Everlasting Sounds
Event Planner | Nancy, Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg FL
Florist | Leaf it to Us
Hair Stylist | Femme Akoi
Invitations | Minted
Make-up Artist | Femme Akoi
Reception Venue | Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg FL
Wedding Gown | Tulle