NACE Steps Into The Limelight | Jackson's Bistro | Tampa, FL

August 4, 2025

Tampa Bay NACE July Luncheon at Jackson’s Bistro

On Tuesday, July 15th, 2025, the Tampa Bay chapter of NACE came together for an inspiring July Luncheon at the stunning Jackson’s Bistro in downtown Tampa. This beautifully orchestrated event marked the swearing-in of our newly elected chapter leaders. We embraced the welcoming, fresh energy, bold ideas, and an exciting vision for the future of Tampa Bay NACE!

Guests were treated to a flavorful and elegant lunch in the heart of the city, complemented by CaraMel's Bakery’s sweet treats and stylish table settings provided by Connie Duglin Linens. The afternoon was a perfect blend of connection, celebration, and professionalism, highlighting the strength and spirit of our vibrant events community.

As the official event photographer, I had the honor of capturing the joy, unity, and pride in the room—from candid conversations and laughter to heartfelt toasts and the proud moment our new board members took their oath.

This event was a powerful reminder of what makes event professionals in Tampa Bay so exceptional: passion, collaboration, and a shared commitment to growth.

Cheers to the newly elected board and to an incredible year ahead for Tampa Bay NACE!

Lead Photographer | Dafne Spencer

Location | Jackson’s Bistro

Jessica + T.J. Step Into The Limelight | Yacht Starship | Tampa, FL

July 31, 2025

Jessica & TJ’s Romantic Wedding Afloat Tampa Bay

On July 12th, Jessica and TJ embarked on their journey of sailing to forever aboard the stunning Yacht StarShip Cruise in Tampa Bay, a wedding that blends luxury, love, and unforgettable waterfront romance.

The ceremony unfolded on the yacht’s open‑air deck, offering panoramic views of the bay, a setting ideal for a Tampa waterfront wedding. The bride’s radiant white gown fluttered in the breeze as golden hour bathed the couple in warm light; the epitome of elegance!

Jessica and TJ’s vows were heartfelt, full of genuine emotion as they declared their commitment to “sail through life together” with their families and closest friends witnessing the beginning of their forever voyage. Reception highlights included personalized toasts, a joyous first dance, and the unique charm of a yacht‑style celebration.

As Tampa wedding photographers, we especially love weddings aboard the Yacht Starship. Looking for your destination Florida wedding venue? Maybe the Yacht Starship is what you’re looking for! Additionally, if you’re looking for a Florida wedding photographer, we could be your dream team. Let’s chat today!

Lead Photographer | Jackie Pizio
Associate Photographer | Isabella Santos

Ceremony + Reception Venue | Yacht Starship

Vince + Katie Step Into The Limelight | Indian Rocks Beach | Indian Rocks, FL

July 30, 2025

A Surprise Proposal on the Shores of Indian Rocks Beach

There’s something undeniably magical about a beachside proposal, and Vince’s surprise engagement to Katie on the evening of Thursday, June 19th, was no exception. Set against the warm, golden glow of the Florida sunset, this special moment unfolded on the serene shores of Indian Rocks Beach — and it was nothing short of unforgettable.

As Katie walked along the beach, hand in hand with Vince, she had no idea what was about to happen. The gentle sound of the waves, the soft sand beneath their feet, and the pastel sky above all came together to create a picture-perfect setting.

Katie’s reaction said it all — surprise, joy, and pure love. The look in her eyes as she realized what was happening was priceless.Of course, she said yes.

The connection between Vince and Katie is undeniable. Throughout the session, they couldn’t stop smiling at each other, radiating happiness and love with every glance and gesture. It was a true honor to capture the start of this new chapter in their love story.

Photographing proposals is always a privilege, but some moments leave a lasting imprint — and this one certainly did. Congratulations to Vince and Katie on their engagement, and here’s to a lifetime of shared sunsets, laughter, and love.

Lead Photographer | Jackie Pizio

Location | Indian Rocks Beach

Jodi + Clayton Step Into The Limelight | Sugar Beach | St. Lucia

July 28, 2025

A Love That Lasts

As a St. Lucia photographer and Viceroy’s preferred vendor, I have the honor of witnessing some of life’s most beautiful love stories unfold in one of the most breathtaking places on Earth. Jodi and Clayton’s session at Sugar Beach was one of those unforgettable moments that reminded me why I do what I do.

These two have a love story that spans decades. Jodi and Clayton met nearly 30 years ago as correctional officers in Texas, but Clayton fondly recalls seeing her even earlier—during their college years in a Kroger parking lot. He says she made an impression even back then. Clearly, she never stopped making an impression.

To celebrate 20 years of marriage, they traveled all the way to Saint Lucia, and it was such a joy to capture this incredible milestone. Originally scheduled for a sunset session, they quickly learned that the roads in St. Lucia—with their winding mountain passes and breathtaking cliffside views—can stretch your travel time quite a bit. With a flexible attitude and great humor, Jodi and Clayton opted to move the shoot to the following morning—and what a blessing that turned out to be.

We hiked down to the iconic Sugar Beach, nestled between the majestic Gros Piton and Petit Piton, inside a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. As a Sugar Beach photographer, I can honestly say the light here in the early morning is magic. The Pitons glowed softly in the golden hour light, the sea shimmered, and we were gifted not one, not two—but three rainbows during their session! It felt like a divine celebration of their journey and devotion.

And let me talk about style for a second—because these two showed up in serious elegance. Clayton wore a sharp baby blue suit that popped beautifully against the white sand and turquoise water. Jodi looked like a dream in a pastel ball gown, her skirt flowing in the breeze like a watercolor painting. Her crimped mermaid waves were everything—soft, romantic, and perfectly island-chic.

There’s something so special about celebrating marriage—not just the beginning of it, but the strength and connection that grows over time. Jodi and Clayton radiated that unshakable bond. Every glance, every laugh between them held the kind of love that only comes from years of growing, evolving, and choosing each other over and over again.

Whether you’re planning a St. Lucia wedding, dreaming of family portraits in Saint Lucia, or simply looking to document your love story, I’d be honored to help you tell it—beautifully, naturally, and full of heart.

Thank you, Jodi and Clayton, for sharing your story with me. Your laughter, your love, and those rainbow blessings made this session truly unforgettable.

Planning your own session at Sugar Beach or another magical island location?

As a St. Lucia photographer and preferred vendor at the Viceroy Sugar Beach Resort, I offer everything from intimate elopements and weddings to timeless family portraits in Saint Lucia. Let’s plan your adventure. Inquire today and let’s make something beautiful together!

Lead Photographer | Rebecca Zoumberos

Alyx + Jordan Step Into The Limelight | Embassy Suites Tampa Downtown | Tampa, FL

July 25, 2025

Fireworks, Faith, and Forever

Every once in a while, I meet a couple who reminds me why I fell in love with photography in the first place. Alyx and Jordan? Oh, they didn’t just remind me, they shouted it from the rooftops. Or better yet… from Disney’s Boardwalk with fireworks lighting up the sky.

Their love story began in the digital age (thank you, Hinge!), but what they’ve built is timeless. From their very first stroll around Wiregrass in Tampa, stomachs full, hearts fluttering, it was clear that God was already doing His thing. Alyx and Jordan weren’t just dating; they were becoming.

Fast forward to September 20, 2024, a magical date for an even more magical proposal. Picture this: a romantic Disney date, the sun setting behind the Epcot skyline, and Jordy pulling off the ultimate surprise on the Boardwalk. And then… as if the moment needed more sparkle… Epcot’s fireworks lit up the sky. The perfect finale to a perfect question.

What makes them so special isn’t just their dreamy love story or the fact that they are so photogenic. It’s their hearts, grounded in faith, overflowing with joy, and completely synced with each other. They’re best friends who pray together, snack together, work out (together… bless their discipline), and never stop laughing. If love had a soundtrack, theirs would be filled with laughter and worship music, with maybe a little Disney magic mixed in.

Their wedding? Oh my goodness. What. A. Celebration. The kind where you can feel the joy in the air. Where hugs are tighter, dance moves are wilder, and you can't stop smiling because everything just feels right. The day was filled with love, laughter, and a whole lot of dancing (seriously, that dance floor never stood a chance).

As a photographer, I’ve seen all kinds of weddings. But this one? It glowed, and I don’t mean just the fairy lights. I felt honored, deeply honored, to witness something so real, so faith-filled, and so fun. Alyx and Jordan made me feel not like a vendor, but like a friend, like I was meant to be part of their day.

So here’s to the Rays, to a lifetime of date nights, faith-filled adventures, joyful memories, and Disney magic. Thank you for sharing your hearts, your story, and your dances with me.

And if anyone ever says fairy tales don’t exist… just send them this blog.

With love,
Natalia Fontes
(The one behind the camera trying not to cry… again.)

Lead Photographer | Natalia Fontes
Associate Photographer | Josiah Bonilla