Karen + Joe Step Into The Limelight | Tampa River Center | Tampa, FL

From the moment I met Karen and Joe, I could see just how perfectly they fit together—like two pieces of a puzzle that were always meant to find each other. Their engagement session photography in Tampa, FL at the beautiful Tampa River Center was filled with laughter, sweet stolen glances, and those quiet in-between moments that truly showcase their love.

Their love story is one for the books. Joe proposed to Karen in the most unforgettable way—right in the middle of a Tampa Bay Lightning game! When their faces popped up on the Kiss Cam, Karen expected nothing more than a fun, playful moment. Instead, Joe surprised her with the ultimate question, leaving her in complete shock and overwhelming joy. That kind of surprise proposal is the definition of romance, and it made their engagement session all the more special to capture.

As we walked along the Riverwalk and through the grounds of the Tampa River Center, I found myself constantly saying how much these two “fit like a puzzle.” Every hug, every smile, and every laugh flowed so naturally between them. Their chemistry made documenting this milestone effortless and beautiful.

For their session, I leaned into photojournalistic photography to capture authentic engagement session candids—moments where they weren’t posed, just living in the moment together. The backdrop of downtown Tampa added the perfect balance of modern city vibes with the serene beauty of the riverfront, making every frame timeless and full of energy.

Karen and Joe’s story is one that reminds me why I love being a Tampa, FL Photographer—capturing not just portraits, but real moments of connection that reflect a couple’s journey.

If you’re recently engaged and dreaming of your own engagement session photography in Tampa, FL, the Limelight Photography team would be honored to tell your story. Whether it’s at the Tampa River Center, along the Riverwalk, or anywhere that feels meaningful to you, we’d love to capture your love in a way that’s uniquely yours.

👉 Contact Limelight Photography today to book your engagement session and let us preserve the beautiful beginning of your forever.

Lead Photographer | Dafne Spencer

Tipping Your Wedding Photography + Video Team: What to Know + How Much to Tip

As Florida wedding photographers and videographers, we get a lot of questions about… tipping! We want to share a quick etiquette guide that can clear up any awkwardness or confusion around the topic. While tipping is never expected or required, it’s always deeply appreciated as a gesture of gratitude for hard work, time, and creative care.

Below is a general guide to help you navigate tipping for your visual team, should you choose to do so.

Wedding Photographers:

Recommended Tip: $100–$300 lead photographer
Recommended Tip: $50–$150 associate photographer

Our wedding photographers exhibit extreme care, with detailed calls leading up to the wedding day, tedious prep, as well as ensuring clear communication with our clients + additional team members that will be present on the wedding day. We truly pour our hearts into the work that we do, both leading up to the big day, and on the day itself.

Wedding Videographer(s):

Recommended Tip: $100–$300 for the lead videographer
$50–$150 for an assistant, if applicable.

Very similar to our wedding photography team, our wedding videographers labor over the big and small details, ensuring that everything is seamless for our clients prior to the wedding day, as well as on the day of!

Wedding Content Creator / Social Media Coverage:

Recommended Tip: $50–$150

Our wedding content creators are working behind the scenes to capture all the Insta-worthy, behind-the-scenes goodness in real time, so that you can share it just days after your wedding day! Not only are they working the day of, but they are also stitching together footage that encapsulates your entire wedding day in videos, in addition to the behind the iPhone photos that they deliver to you.

When & How to Tip:

Tips can be delivered in cash (an envelope labeled with the individual’s name is always helpful!) or added to your final payment if you prefer to do it electronically—just let us know and we’ll make sure it’s distributed accordingly. Many couples also like to give a handwritten note or small gift with a tip—those thoughtful touches go a long way! Some photographers can accept Venmo, PayPal, Cash App, Zelle, etc. on the day of the wedding.

We recommend having a trusted point person whom can distribute the tips on the wedding day (ex: your Best Man or Maid of Honor), that way you can continue dancing the night away without worry! But if you want to be the one to tip us directly, that’s not uncommon, and we do truly appreciate the gesture. 🤍

No matter what, your trust in us means everything. We’re here to serve, create, and support you fully on your big day.

Limelight Photography 2025 Team Retreat | Odessa, FL

This past weekend, we had the absolute JOY of hosting the entire Limelight Photography team together for our 2025 weekend retreat! With our studio manager, photographers, videographers, content creators, editors, and social media manager all together, this was the sweetest time to get to know each other better, of learning what each of our roles entails so that we can move forward more cohesively, as well as lots of team bonding.

Our hope is that with this newfound cohesion and team dynamic, we will be able to serve our couples even better, communicate within the team with consistent clarity, as well as grow even more in love with our craft.

With presentations from our leadership team, group exercises (that had so many happy tears), and time to put our learning into practice, this time together has our hearts overflowing with gratitude.

A few team members made the trek to our retreat from out of state and out of the country, making this an exceptionally special time together that we would’ve normally have on a wedding day (though wedding days are undoubtedly special for us too).

Our team doesn’t just work well together because everyone is individually gifted in the role that they fulfill, but instead, our team also works well together because it feels like a family. To have a team that is as creative, welcoming, loving, and fun as our team isn’t the norm, and we are so thankful for that.

Our hope is to host more annual retreats for our team, and with the high that comes from this past weekend, we are already thrilled for the ones to come in the future. We LOVE our Limelight family, and we hope and pray that our clients feel that same love overflowing to them on their wedding days. We truly are so so blessed!!

Paige + Anthony Step Into The Limelight | Hotel Haya | Ybor, FL

A Timeless Celebration at Hotel Haya

Limelight Photography had the privilege of capturing Paige and Anthony’s wedding day—a beautiful love story that began in 2015 when they met while working at Johns Hopkins Hospital. On her birthday, Anthony brought her cake during her lunch break, a thoughtful gesture that marked the start of their journey together.

Years later, Anthony proposed at Ballast Point, a location tied to their shared love for Tampa. Under the backdrop of the stunning skyline, he got down on one knee and asked Paige to marry him—a moment as heartfelt as their connection.

Their wedding at Hotel Haya perfectly captured their shared story. The couple fell in love with Tampa, and the venue’s bricks—sourced from Baltimore, where they first met—were a meaningful detail. Paige and Anthony kept the vibe classic and cool, with personal touches like DIY decor and signage.

From the emotional walk down the aisle to the lively dance party at the reception, every moment was filled with joy and laughter. The couple’s favorite part? That unforgettable moment right after saying "I do" and celebrating surrounded by loved ones.

As Tampa wedding photographers and proud Hotel Haya Preferred Vendors, Limelight Photography loves capturing weddings that reflect the unique love and personality of every couple.

💍 Planning your big day? Explore our wedding photography packages and let us help you preserve every magical moment. Book Limelight Photography today and make your Tampa wedding unforgettable! 🌟

Lead Photographer | Rebecca Zoumberos
Associate Photographer | Alayna Vance

Bridesmaid Dresses |  Show Me Your Mumu
Caterer |  Flor Fina, Hotel Haya
Ceremony Site | Hotel Haya
DJ | DJ Matt Dodge
Event Planner | Seashine Weddings 
Invitations | Zazzle 
Reception Venue | Hotel Haya
Wedding Gown | Magnolia Laine Bridal 

Sabine + John Step Into The Limelight | Hunter's Green Country Club | Tampa, FL

Sabine + John’s Elegant Celebration | Tampa Palms Wedding Photos

Love, laughter, and an elegant celebration—Sabine and John’s wedding at Hunter’s Green Country Club was the perfect reflection of their journey together. As Tampa wedding photographers, we were honored to capture the joy and beauty of their day, preserving these memories for a lifetime.

A Love Story Worth Celebrating

Sabine and John’s wedding wasn’t just about one perfect day; it was a celebration of their journey together and the future they’re building. Their wedding embodied elegance, love, and a sense of ease, ensuring that every guest felt welcomed and at home.

Honoring Haitian Heritage

Both Sabine and John are of Haitian heritage, and it was such a joy to witness how beautifully their culture was woven throughout the day—from the music and dancing to the language and energy of their friends and family. I even got to use the two Creole phrases I know—“vinny” (come here), which came in handy with the kids, and “sak pase?” (what’s up?), which always brought a smile and the cheerful response, “n'ap boule!”

As someone who has done mission work with children in Haiti, this day felt deeply personal. I haven’t been able to return for the past three years due to travel restrictions and safety concerns, so being surrounded by Haitian culture and joy again truly felt like going home.

The First Look & Emotional Moments

One of the most anticipated moments of the day was the first look. Sabine and John couldn’t wait to see each other for the first time, a moment filled with raw emotion and pure joy. As they locked eyes, the love and excitement for the day ahead were undeniable.

A Stunning Ceremony at Hunter’s Green Country Club

Nestled in the heart of Tampa Palms, Hunter’s Green Country Club provided the perfect backdrop for their ceremony. The couple exchanged heartfelt vows, surrounded by their closest family and friends. Walking down the aisle and saying “I do” were moments they’ll cherish forever.

An Unforgettable Reception & Dancing the Night Away

With DJ Ritchy Mix setting the perfect tone for the evening, the reception was all about celebration and fun. The energy on the dance floor was absolutely infectious. I especially loved spending time with the kids—letting them take turns photographing with my camera added such a special, playful moment to the night. From the elegant décor to the delicious cuisine, every detail reflected Sabine and John’s vision.

Personal Touches & DIY Details

Adding a unique touch, the couple created personalized gift bags for their guests, making everyone feel extra special. Every element of their wedding reflected their thoughtful and elegant style.

Capturing Tampa Palms Wedding Photos

From romantic portraits around Hunter’s Green Country Club to emotional moments throughout the ceremony and reception, their wedding gallery tells the story of a day filled with love, laughter, and elegance. As experts in Tampa wedding photography, we loved documenting every detail of this unforgettable day.

A Wedding to Remember

Sabine and John’s wedding day was everything they hoped for—elegant, joyful, and filled with cultural pride. It was truly an honor to capture such a heartfelt celebration, and I’ll always remember the warm smiles, lively energy, and shared laughter that made this day feel so special.

Planning Your Own Tampa Wedding?

If you're searching for affordable wedding packages and expert Tampa wedding photography, we'd love to be part of your special day! Contact us today to discuss how we can capture your love story.

Preferred Wedding Vendors at Hunter’s Green Country Club

Sabine and John partnered with some of the best Hunter’s Green Country Club Preferred Vendors to bring their dream wedding to life:

Lead Photographer | Rebecca Zoumberos
Associate Photographer | Noelle Topa

Wedding Planner | CoraMarie Events
Florist| FauxReal Flowers
Bridal Gown | CC’s Bridal Boutique
Bridesmaids Dresses | Azazie
Cake | Central Sweets Cakes 
Makeup Artist | Dollface Jenn
Videographer | Limelight Photography
Invitations | Shutterfly
Venue | Hunter’s Green Country Club