Alicia + Kenneth Step Into The Limelight | Hilton Tampa Downtown | Tampa, FL

Alicia & Kenneth | Hilton Tampa Downtown Wedding

Alicia and Kenneth’s wedding day at the Hilton Tampa Downtown was the perfect blend of heart, elegance, and pure joy. From the moment I arrived, the energy was warm, intentional, and full of excitement—everything you hope for as a Tampa Wedding Photographer capturing a love story that’s truly meant to be.

A Love Story Rooted in Adventure

These two first met over margaritas and tacos in 2019 and quickly discovered a connection that felt effortless. Their engagement was a fairytale—Kenneth proposed in Strasbourg’s magical La Petite France during Europe’s famous Christmas markets. That romantic, storybook vibe carried beautifully into their wedding day.

A Downtown Tampa Celebration Filled With Meaning

Their intimate wedding of about 65 guests highlighted everything they love: travel, good food, great drinks, and genuine hospitality. From the fun tequila shot during their Ceremony to the table numbers inspired by destinations they’ve explored together, personal touches were woven throughout their day.

Alicia also incorporated a deeply sentimental surprise to honor Kenneth’s mother, keeping her spirit close in a heartfelt way that made the day even more meaningful.

Elegant Style With Industrial Charm

The Hilton’s downtown setting captured the timeless charm of Tampa, FL that Alicia and Kenneth adore. Candlelight, minimal florals, and soft uplighting created a warm, romantic atmosphere that complemented their elegant December celebration. Alicia looked stunning in her princess-style ball gown, and her entrance was truly one of the standout moments of the day.

Unforgettable Moments

The entire day felt lively, joyful, and unforgettable—exactly how they hoped their guests would feel. Their candid interactions and sweet glances made photographing them an absolute dream.

This Florida Bride and her groom brought so much love and authenticity to their celebration, and it was an honor to Step Into The Limelight with them.

Ready to Step Into The Limelight?

If you’re planning a Tampa Wedding and want candid, heartfelt photography that tells your story beautifully, reach out to Limelight Photography. We’d love to capture your unforgettable day.

Lead Photographer | Dafne Spencer
Associate Photographer | PJ Ricketts

Bridesmaid Dresses | Azazie 
Cake | Publix
Caterer | Hilton Tampa Downtown
Ceremony Site | Hilton Tampa Downtown
DJ | Grant Hemond and Associates, Inc.
Florist | Jennie's Flowers
Hair Stylist | Camposecco Artistry
Make-up Artist | Camposecco Artistry
Reception Venue | Hilton Tampa Downtown

Christina + James Step Into The Limelight | Hotel Haya | Tampa, FL

Christina & James’ Hallmark-Christmas Bookstore Wedding at Hotel Haya

I had the absolute joy of photographing Christina and James’ unforgettable wedding day at Hotel Haya in Ybor City, and it truly felt like stepping into a Hallmark Christmas movie—only better, because their story was real, heartfelt, and deeply personal. As a Tampa wedding photographer, I see many beautiful celebrations, but this one had a kind of cozy, nostalgic magic I’ll never forget.

A Love Story Rooted in Connection

Christina and James first met back in 2013 at work, grounding each other from the very beginning. They described themselves as opposites that perfectly complemented one another—steady, balanced, and deeply supportive. And in a beautifully modern twist, Christina proposed to James, which felt so true to who they are as a couple: thoughtful, intentional, and delightfully unique.

A Hallmark Christmas Movie… in a Bookstore

When Christina told me their wedding theme was “a Hallmark Christmas movie in a bookstore,” I instantly understood the vibe—warm, cozy, romantic, and meaningful, with soft winter tones and bookish details woven throughout. Their love of reading and travel played a huge role in shaping the aesthetic, and since their first date was in Ybor, Hotel Haya provided the perfect backdrop for their story to continue.

From the moment I stepped into the space, I felt the heart they poured into every detail.

Handmade Details That Told Their Story

This book-themed Tampa wedding overflowed with intentional, handcrafted elements:

• Bouquets made from pages of selected books, carefully hand-dyed by the bride

• A full book wall, built by the groom himself

• Custom centerpieces, all handmade from books

• Christmas touches incorporated throughout the décor

• A guest count of 65 that kept the day intimate, warm, and centered on family

Every detail carried meaning, and photographing these elements felt like photographing pieces of their history.

A Wedding Party Made of Family

One of my favorite parts of the day was witnessing how family-centered the celebration was. Their wedding party was made of their adult children—three in total between them:

• Jasper (son, 23)

• Natalli (daughter, 22)

• Rylee (his daughter, 24 and Best Woman)

Christina’s best friend, Henry walked her down the aisle, adding another layer of sentiment to the ceremony.

Getting Ready at Hotel Haya

Since everything took place at Hotel Haya, the day flowed effortlessly. Christina got ready surrounded by the women (and one son!) closest to her—Natalli, Teresa, Jasper, and Robyn.

Her balcony suite overlooking 7th Avenue created the perfect location for their first look—romantic, urban, and authentically Ybor.

A First Look Full of Calm, Love, and Joy

Christina and James planned a full first-look session so they could enjoy their cocktail hour, and it couldn’t have been more beautiful. The balcony, the soft December light, the festive energy of Ybor below—it all blended together effortlessly.

The couple described the feeling they wanted for their wedding in four words: “calm, love and joy.”
And during their first look, that’s exactly what filled the air.

The Ceremony + Reception

Their ceremony was heartfelt and simple, wrapped in Christmas warmth and framed by their handmade book décor. They kept things untraditional—no bouquet or garter toss—choosing instead to focus on connection, conversation, and being fully present with their closest loved ones.

One moment Christina told me she most wanted documented was her daughter’s dance during the reception. Instead of giving a speech, Natalli chose to express her heart through movement, and capturing that moment was powerful and emotional.

Why This Wedding Was So Special

As someone who photographs weddings across Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg, and destination locations like St. Lucia, I’m constantly reminded of how meaningful it is to tell each couple’s story in a way that feels authentic to them. Christina and James created a wedding that reflected:

• Their shared love of books,

• Their cozy Christmas spirit,

• Their love for Ybor City,

• And the merging of their families into something whole and beautiful.

Every moment felt intentional, relaxed, and filled with sincerity.

A Tampa Wedding I’ll Always Remember

This Hotel Haya wedding in Ybor City was one of the most heartfelt celebrations I’ve photographed. Christina and James invited me into a world made of stories, love, nostalgia, and quiet joy—and it was an honor to capture it all from start to finish.

If you’re planning a Tampa wedding, a Hotel Haya wedding, or a book-themed Christmas wedding, I would love to help you bring your vision to life with warm, true-to-color, timeless images full of emotion and meaning.

Lead Photographer | Rebecca Zoumberos 
Associate Photographer | Noelle Topa 

Ceremony Site | Hotel Haya
DJ | Amplified Productions Jet Set Sounds - Michael Casola
Event Planner | Elite Wedding Planning - Rich Wiemer
Reception Venue | Hotel Haya

Crystal + Dain Step Into The Limelight | St. Petersburg Yacht Club | St. Pete, FL

This baby shower celebration at the St. Pete Yacht Club was all about capturing real moments. Crystal, the mama-to-be, requested a fully candid approach, letting the story unfold naturally without any posed shots. The space was beautifully decorated, and we began by photographing every detail before guests arrived (and oh-how cute are those details?! The yellows, the honey theme, so precious).

Once the party started, the atmosphere filled quickly with laughter, conversations, and excitement. Every guest was documented, along with group moments and sweet interactions with the future parents.

The gender reveal was the highlight of the event. One of us focused on capturing the main moment, while the other focused on the reactions, creating the perfect balance of perspectives. Our teamwork made the whole experience seamless, and the gallery reflects the joy and energy of the day. We are thrilled for Crystal and Dain to step into the role of parents.

Lead Photographer | Gui Scheffer
Associate Photographer | Noelle Topa

Venue | St. Petersburg Yacht Club

Ariel + Rodney Step Into The Limelight | Tampa Courthouse | Tampa, FL

An Intimate Tampa Courthouse Wedding

Ariel and Rodney celebrated their love with a simple and meaningful courthouse ceremony in downtown Tampa. It was one of those warm, quiet mornings where everything felt centered around the couple and their closest family members.

We started the day at the courthouse, where the focus was on documenting the small details that make these moments feel personal: the rings, the florals, and the sweet touches they chose for their day. Once Ariel arrived and the ceremony began, we captured the emotion and closeness of the moment in a space that felt intimate and heartfelt.

Afterward, we stepped outside for portraits of the newlyweds. The light, the setting, and the easy connection between them made the photos feel natural and romantic. Their immediate family and their lovely kids joined in for family portraits, creating a soft and genuine set of memories for them to look back on.

It was a simple day, but full of love, the kind of celebration that reminds you what really matters.

Lead Photographer | Gui Scheffer
Associate Photographer | PJ Ricketts

Venue | Tampa Courthouse

Stephanie + Brian Step Into The Limeilght | Sugar Beach | St. Lucia

Stephanie and Brian celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary by vacationing in beautiful Saint Lucia 🇱🇨 This wasn’t just any vacation, it was their FIRST getaway as a couple since they have been married!

Life keeps them busy between four kids and managing 40,000 head of steer 🐄 in Oklahoma! We strolled along Sugar Beach and enjoyed getting to know each other as we basked in the glory of the Pitons scraping the skies behind us. We felt God whisper in these special moments, and I loved capturing their love!

Not only was this session a beautiful moment to slow down and embrace one another and the love that they’ve cultivated over the last 10 years of marriage, but also a celebration of the happy years of marriage (and hopefully many more vacations!) to come.

As a St. Lucia photographer, I love capturing sessions here along the sands of Sugar Beach—it is always a stunning backdrop to the love between couples and families alike. Thank you to Stephanie and Brian for trusting me to capture this milestone for them!!

Lead Photographer | Rebecca Zoumberos
Location | Sugar Beach

Are you looking for a photographer to capture your St. Lucia memories?

View more of our favorite sessions from St. Lucia HERE.