Elizabeth + John Step Into The Limelight | Sirata Beach Resort | St. Pete Beach, FL

A Christ-Centered Beach Wedding | Sirata Beach Resort

As a wedding photographer in St. Pete, Florida, I have the privilege of capturing so many beautiful love stories — but Elizabeth and John’s wedding at Sirata Beach Resort was one I’ll never forget. From the very first moment I met them, I could feel that their love was rooted in something deeper — a shared calling, unwavering faith, and a sense of purpose that shaped every detail of their day.

Their story began on the cobblestone streets of Prague, where John proposed on Christmas morning just before the sunrise. It was the perfect start to a journey marked by adventure, grace, and heartfelt connection. Together, they’ve traveled across Europe, shared their passion for ministry, and now — they've said “I do” with their toes in the sand and the ocean at their backs.

Elizabeth, a proud Michigander, always dreamed of a beach wedding like the ones she grew up admiring along the Lake Michigan shoreline. And while she didn’t get Lake Michigan, she found the next best thing — the stunning Gulf Coast right here in St. Pete. It was a meaningful tribute to her roots, and a perfect match for John, a Miami native and avid diver who feels most alive by the water.

Their wedding was filled with intentionality and spirit. It was held on what would have been Elizabeth’s Grandma Ingersoll’s birthday — a woman who played a major role in her life and who had once gifted her a gold wedding band in hopes it would lead her to the man of her dreams. That ring, and her presence in spirit, made the ceremony even more profound.

The moment Elizabeth walked down the aisle to an instrumental version of Goodness of God, the atmosphere was drenched in love and reverence. John’s eyes welled with tears. They exchanged personal vows and sealed their union with a tender first kiss, just as the waves lapped gently behind them. As a St. Pete photographer who specializes in photojournalistic photography, I live for moments like these — raw, honest, and completely unposed.

The reception was equally joyful. Guests laughed and cried during the speeches, and everyone was stunned when Elizabeth and John performed a secretly rehearsed first dance. These two may be quiet behind-the-scenes people, but their love speaks volumes — especially when they’re twirling barefoot on the sand, beaming with joy.

Elizabeth’s DIY centerpieces added a beautiful touch to the evening, but the remembrance table truly stood out. She honored not only her grandparents, but the legacies of her great-grandparents too — including their wedding anniversaries and how many years they were married. It was a tender nod to the generations who paved the way.

As the sun dipped low behind the horizon, we snuck away for their sunset portraits — just the two of them. That quiet space, away from the crowd, allowed for some of the most intimate and emotive wedding candids of the day. The love between them was palpable, glowing just as golden as the sky around us.

Elizabeth and John’s wedding reminded me why I love capturing wedding photography in St. Pete. It’s not just about beautiful scenery or perfect lighting — though those things help! It’s about telling the stories that matter. The ones that echo long after the day is done.

To Elizabeth and John — thank you for sharing your journey and allowing me to witness a day overflowing with purpose, love, and the presence of God. May your marriage be as rich and radiant as your wedding day.

With love,
Dafne

Lead Photographer | Dafne Spencer
Associate Photographer | Isabella Santos
Content Creator | Allie Vogel | Limelight Photography 

Caterer | Sirata Beach Resort
Ceremony Site | Sirata Beach Resort 
Reception Venue | Sirata Beach Resort

Olga and Matt Step Into The Limelight | Museum of Fine Arts St. Pete + North Straub Park | St. Pete, FL

A Classy St. Pete Engagement with Olga & Matt

I had the absolute pleasure of spending the afternoon with Olga and Matt for their engagement session in St. Pete, and let me just say—what a dream these two are! From the moment we met, their sweet nature and calm energy set the tone for a beautifully laid-back experience. This session was all about capturing authentic moments, subtle laughs, and the kind of connection that only true love can bring.

We kicked things off at the Museum of Fine Arts (MOFA) in downtown St. Pete. The elegant columns and timeless architecture were the perfect match for Olga and Matt’s classic black-and-white outfit styling. The atmosphere was romantic and refined—giving us that editorial feel without ever feeling posed or stiff. The best part? They made it look effortless.

Next, we strolled over to North Straub Park. With the sun beginning to dip, the soft light through the trees offered the perfect canvas for more relaxed, candid moments. This part of the session brought out their playful side—laughing, chatting, and occasionally dancing like no one was watching. It’s sessions like these that remind me why I love photojournalistic photography—it’s all about the real, unscripted joy.

Finally, we made our way to The Pier, where the breeze picked up and gave us that dramatic, windswept look. Olga and Matt were total troopers through all the walking (and trust me, it was a lot of walking!). But every step was worth it—the beautiful Marina, the water, and the emotion between these two gave us some unforgettable engagement session candids to wrap up the evening.

This engagement session photography in St. Pete was everything I love—authentic, timeless, and full of heart. Olga and Matt, thank you for trusting me to tell a piece of your story. I can’t wait for the wedding day!

If you're looking for engagement session photography in St. Pete or a St. Pete photographer who specializes in photojournalistic photography and capturing genuine connection, we’d love to connect with you at Limelight Photography. Reach out to us to start planning your own unforgettable session! 💛

Lead Photographer | Dafne Spencer 

Locations | Museum of Fine Arts St. Pete + North Straub Park

BreAnna + Sebastian Step Into The Limelight | Duff's Buffet | Clearwater, FL

Love on the Menu

They say the best love stories start in unexpected places. Some meet on dating apps, others at a friend’s party… but these two? They found love between the clatter of plates, the scent of garlic butter, and the glow of a kitchen stove.

He’s the chef.

She’s the waitress.

They’ve been working side by side for years, slicing, dicing, serving, laughing, and somewhere between the daily specials and late-night cleanups, their friendship began to simmer… and slowly, beautifully, it came to a boil.

Now they’re engaged, and come November, they’ll be serving up their biggest dish yet: a wedding.

So of course, when it came time for their engagement session, there was no better setting than the restaurant where it all began. I mean, why not take photos right where their love story was literally cooked up?

Let me just say, this wasn’t your average engagement shoot. There were aprons. There was flour in the air. There were moments where I swear I saw actual sparks flying, and not just from the stove. He kept sneaking glances at her while prepping vegetables, and she? She couldn’t stop smiling while handing him plates like she’s done a thousand times before, except now, every gesture felt like poetry.

They are a team, not just in the kitchen, but in life. He still cooks for her (yes, ladies, he cooks!), and she still serves him, with love in her eyes and a side of sass. Watching them together, you get it immediately, these two were made to be a pair. Like wine and pasta. Like butter and garlic. Like chef and waitress.

What touched me the most during our session wasn’t just how effortlessly they moved together, it was the way they looked at each other. Their eyes glowed like the open flame on the stove: warm, steady, full of life. And here’s the thing about eyes, they never lie.

He is patient, gentle, and a true gentleman, a rare gem in any era, but especially today.

She is extraordinary. There’s a light in her that fills the room. She’s authentic, kind, joyful, and wildly magnetic. In just a few hours, I felt like I’d known them for years. That’s how strong their energy is, it wraps around you like the smell of fresh bread out of the oven.

As a photographer, I feel so honored to have captured their story in the place where it began. This wasn’t just a session, it was a celebration of real love, of laughter in the little things, of shared dreams and late nights and “just one more bite.” It was a reminder that the best recipes are the ones written in the heart.

And in November… I’ll be back to tell the story of their wedding day. Stay tuned, I promise, it’s going to be delicious.

Lead Photographer | Natalia Fontes

Location | Duff's Buffet

Cecilia + Alfredo Step Into The Limelight | TradeWinds Beach Resort | St. Pete Beach, FL

A Love That Dove Deep (and Made a Splash at the Altar!)

Some couples just glow when they’re together. Cecilia and Alfredo? Oh, they shine. From the very first moment I met them, I could feel their connection was something truly special, fun, genuine, calm… and full of life.

They met back in 2016 during a swim competition at Regatas Club. Just a quick chat in line, but you know how fate loves to play. A few months later, they crossed paths again at another competition. Cecilia had just moved and was looking for a new club to train at (life was already nudging them together), and Alfredo helped her join Naval Swimming Club. One year later, boom! They were a couple. And honestly, from what I saw on their wedding day, they still look at each other like it’s day one.

Now listen, these two had two proposals. That’s right. The first one was sweet and thoughtful, at one of their favorite restaurants. Buuut... the place was packed, privacy was not on the menu, and to top it off, the ring didn’t fit. Classic! The second proposal? Oh, that one was straight out of a romantic movie, but better. Alfredo proposed on Cecilia’s birthday, during a swimming team tradition where someone gives a little speech before the cake. Alfredo’s speech? Full of heart. And when he popped the question, with the final, perfectly sized ring, the whole team was cheering. I mean, come on!

Fast forward to their wedding day at Tradewinds in St. Pete Beach, a dreamy destination that blended Cecilia’s elegant vision with Alfredo’s wish for something more laid-back and intimate. Honestly? It was the perfect balance. The ceremony was in the sand beautiful, full of emotion, family, and yes, a lot of laughter.

Cecilia wore the very first dress she tried on (because of course she did, she’s a woman who knows), and Alfredo kept it classic and cool with khaki pants, a crisp white shirt, and a blue blazer that popped perfectly in the golden hour light. No boutonnière. No stress. Just effortless style.

But what really made this day unforgettable was how deeply personal it all felt. Cecilia’s sister made the cake. Her brother-in-law was on music duty. Their best friend officiated the ceremony. There were no rings exchanged, just love, words from the heart, and that magical kiss before they were officially announced as husband and wife.

Their wedding wasn't about tradition. It was about them. About two people in their 50s, bringing with them a beautiful sense of maturity, deep connection, and zero tolerance for anything that didn’t feel absolutely authentic.

And oh, the moments… Alfredo’s face during the first look (I'll admit, I teared up behind my camera), the pure joy as Cecilia walked down the aisle, that quiet kiss before the big announcement, these are the kinds of moments I live to capture.

The party afterward? A full-on celebration! Apple cider, dancing, hugs that felt like home, and laughter echoing down the beach. It wasn’t just a wedding. It was a celebration of life, of second chances, of choosing love, fully and fearlessly.

As a photographer, it was such an honor to be there, to witness it, to feel it. The energy was incredible. Warm, loving, joyful. I didn’t just document a wedding, I was welcomed into a story. And I walked away not just with beautiful photos, but with a full heart and a huge smile.

Cecilia and Alfredo, thank you for letting me be part of your day. You reminded everyone around you what love looks like when it’s real, grown-up, and full of soul.

With love,

Natalia Fontes

Lead Photographer | Natalia Fontes
Associate Photographer | Adrian Nguyen

Caterer |  TradeWinds
Ceremony Site |  TradeWinds
Event Planner | Aulen Events
Florist | Luxe Memories Events
Hair Stylist | Destiny and Ligh
Make-up Artist | Destiny and Ligh
Reception Venue | TradeWinds
Wedding Gown |  Rosa Clara

Rebecca + Adam Step Into The Limelight | The Tampa Club | Tampa, FL

A Timeless Celebration Overlooking the Riverwalk

From the very first time I spoke with Rebecca and Adam, I could tell that their love story was rooted in a beautiful friendship. As the lead photographer for Limelight Photography, it was truly an honor to document their wedding day at the stunning Tampa Club, where every detail reflected their journey together.

Rebecca and Adam first met in the fall of 2015, hired fresh out of college at the same law firm. Their bond grew naturally through shared walks on Tampa’s Riverwalk — first as acquaintances, then as close friends. It was only fitting that years later, Adam proposed in that very spot, during a bike ride at sunset, overlooking the glistening bay. That same view would become the backdrop for their wedding — a heartfelt nod to their beginning.

Their wedding, rescheduled from October 2024 due to a hurricane, was well worth the wait. The Tampa Club offered the perfect vantage point: an elegant setting overlooking the city they fell in love in. The style of the day was classic, elegant, and modern — a reflection of Rebecca’s timeless taste. Her dress was a showstopper, and the blue and white florals throughout the venue added a soft and romantic touch. Their custom DIY flower arch was simple yet striking — the perfect frame for their heartfelt vows, which they wrote themselves.

From a photographer’s perspective, moments like these are everything. Their First Look was incredibly touching — filled with quiet emotion, joyful tears, and authentic connection. I leaned into a photojournalistic photography approach to truly capture the essence of these moments: the laughter between them, the tight hand squeezes, the way Adam looked at Rebecca when she wasn’t looking.

The reception was a vibrant celebration, made extra special by heartfelt toasts from friends and family — especially Krista, the maid of honor, who played a pivotal role in bringing them together. The couple’s shared love of reading, cooking, and movie nights was woven into the atmosphere, but most importantly, you could feel their joy — and that of their guests — radiating throughout the night.

What made this wedding so unique to Rebecca and Adam was how personal it was. The view, the love story, the laughter — all of it belonged to them. Capturing wedding candids throughout the evening reminded me why I love wedding photography in Tampa Florida. There's something extraordinary about documenting real love stories in the city where they began.

To Rebecca and Adam — thank you for trusting us to capture your once-in-a-lifetime day. Your kindness, warmth, and shared laughter were a joy to witness behind the lens.

If you're planning your own celebration and looking for wedding photography in Tampa Florida, let us at Limelight Photography help preserve your story with timeless elegance and heartfelt candids.

✨ Let’s make your love story last forever — contact us today.

Lead Photographer | Dafne Spencer
Associate Photographer | Isabella Santos

Bridesmaid Dresses | David's Bridal
Cake | Alessi Bakery
Caterer | The Tampa Club
Ceremony Site | The Tampa Club
DJ | Grant Hemond & Associate
Event Planner | Confetti Events | Myriam Sorrentino
Florist | Enchanted Florist of Tampa
Hair Stylist | Beautiful You Makeup and Hair
Invitations | Canva (made by bride)
Make-up Artist | Beautiful You Makeup and Hair
Reception Venue | The Tampa Club
Wedding Gown | David's Bridal