Erica + Justin Step Into The Limelight | The Don CeSar | St. Petersburg, FL

Erica & Justin’s Don CeSar Engagement Session | St. Pete Beach, Florida

As a Lead Photographer with Limelight Photography, I love when an engagement session feels less like a photoshoot and more like time spent with friends—and Erica and Justin’s session at The Don CeSar was exactly that.

Erica and Justin recently made the move to Colorado, but Florida will always hold a special place in their hearts. Erica grew up in the Tierra Verde / St. Pete area, and returning to this coastline for their engagement session felt incredibly meaningful—especially since The Don CeSar is also where they’ll be saying “I do” in May 2026.

From the moment we met up, the energy was relaxed, fun, and full of laughter. They brought along their sweet pups, Stella and Riley, who absolutely stole the show. With Mom Jane there to help wrangle the dogs (a true MVP!), we were able to move seamlessly through the session while capturing genuine, joy-filled moments.

One of my favorite parts of engagement session photography is getting to truly know my couples before the wedding day—and this session gave us the perfect opportunity to do just that. We laughed, chatted about their journey together, and soaked in every bit of the magic around us. The Don CeSar’s iconic pink backdrop, paired with the soft Gulf breeze, created the most romantic setting.

And then came the sunset.

Golden light wrapped around Erica and Justin as the sky exploded into the most gorgeous hues—one of those St. Pete Beach sunsets that reminds you why this place is so special. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day, and I left feeling even more excited to photograph their wedding day in the very same spot.

Erica & Justin, thank you for trusting me and Limelight Photography to capture this season of your love. If this session was any indication, your wedding day is going to be nothing short of incredible.

✨ Planning an engagement session at The Don CeSar or in the St. Pete / Tampa Bay area?
We would love to tell your story through timeless, photojournalistic photography. Reach out to Limelight Photography to start planning your engagement session or wedding day coverage—we can’t wait to connect with you.

Lead Photographer | Dafne Spencer
Location | The Don CeSar

Marissa + Brennan Step Into The Limelight | The Resort at Longboat Key Club | Longboat Key, FL

Every wedding I photograph tells its own story, but Marissa and Brennan’s Sarasota Wedding stood out in the most meaningful way from the very first moment. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of The Resort at Longboat Key Club, their day was exactly what they envisioned: beautiful, fun, heartfelt, and filled with family, music, and so much love.

Marissa and Brennan’s story began in true Philly fashion—meeting at Xfinity Live! while Marissa was celebrating her 23rd birthday. After Brennan confidently asked for her number (despite his friend striking out nearby 😄), their first date at Chickie’s & Pete’s sealed the deal, and the rest is history.

Brennan later proposed at one of their favorite beach spots in Hilton Head Island. What started as a “quick photoshoot” turned into the sweetest surprise when Marissa turned around to find their families waiting to celebrate—followed by a full-on party back at the house. That sense of togetherness carried beautifully into their wedding day.

Their love for the beach made Sarasota, Tampa, FL the perfect choice. After living in Bradenton for three years and touring nine venues, they fell head over heels for the Resort at LBK. Marissa chose her dress alongside her mom and Brennan’s mom—a moment she described as incredibly meaningful—and every detail of the day felt authentic, intentional, and so them.

From bright, summer-inspired colors to nonstop live music all weekend long, their wedding was vibrant and joyful. But what stood out most was their connection—Brennan being Marissa’s safe space, and Marissa’s endlessly kind heart that Brennan says he could talk about for hours. Capturing their candid photography moments—quiet glances, laughter, and the energy of the celebration—was such a gift.

Marissa & Brennan, thank you for trusting me and our team as your Sarasota Wedding Photographer. Your day was a perfect reflection of your love, and I’m so grateful to have documented it.

✨ If you’re a Florida Bride dreaming of a wedding filled with heart, fun, and authentic moments, we’d love for you to Step Into The Limelight with us. Reach out to Limelight Photography to begin telling your own love story.

Lead Photographer | Dafne Spencer
Associate Photographer | Noelle Topa

Band | The Life Atlantic
Cake | Cakes by Ron
Caterer | The Resort at Longboat Key Club
Ceremony Site | The Resort at Longboat Key Club | South Beach
Content Creator | Little Moments Lens
Event Planner | Swanky Soiree Events | Bailey
Florist | Sun Flowers by Elizabeth
Hair Stylist | Michele Renee The Studio
Invitations | Minted
Make-up Artist | Michele Renee The Studio
Reception Venue | The Resort at Longboat Key Club | Harbourside Ballroom
Wedding Gown | The Perfect Dress | Sarasota

Sara + Robert Step Into The Limelight | The Don CeSar | St. Pete Beach, FL

Sara and Robert celebrated their love with a timeless and elegant wedding on December 12th at the iconic Don CeSar in St. Pete Beach, Florida. Known as the “Pink Palace,” the historic beachfront hotel provided a breathtaking backdrop for this intimate and joyful Florida wedding.

The day began with soft coastal light and a sense of excitement in the air. Sara looked like an absolute princess in her ballgown wedding dress, a show-stopping gown that perfectly matched the grandeur of the Don CeSar. Every detail,  from the flowing skirt to the classic silhouette, felt straight out of a fairytale. As she walked down the aisle, there wasn’t a dry eye in sight.

Their Don CeSar wedding ceremony was heartfelt and romantic, surrounded by close family and friends. The ocean breeze and pastel architecture of the hotel created a dreamy St. Pete Beach wedding atmosphere that felt both luxurious and deeply personal.

Following the ceremony, guests gathered for an intimate reception filled with laughter, love, and live music that set the tone for the evening. The celebration felt warm and authentic, focusing on meaningful moments rather than extravagance. From heartfelt toasts to joyful dancing, the reception reflected exactly who Sara and Robert are as a couple: happy, connected, and completely in love.

This St. Pete Beach Florida wedding was a beautiful reminder that intimate celebrations can be just as powerful as grand events. With a stunning location, live music, and genuine emotion, Sara and Robert’s Don CeSar wedding was truly unforgettable.

Lead Photographer | Jackie Pizio
Associate Photographer | Josiah Bonilla

Ceremony Venue | The Don CeSar
Reception Venue | The Don CeSar

Ashley + Anthony Step Into The Limelight | NOVA 535 | St. Pete, FL

A Winter Wedding Story Rooted in Home, Faith, and a Rose

Some love stories begin with a twist of fate. Ashley and Anthony’s began with an Instagram DM.

Although they first met back in 2018 — bumping into each other at their friend Tyler’s legendary backyard parties, holiday gatherings, and beer Olympics — the timing was never right. They were always dating other people, always crossing paths without truly connecting. Life kept placing them in the same spaces, but it wasn’t their moment yet.

Fast forward to 2023. Ashley posted a photo wearing a Panthers hockey jersey, fully committed to her South Florida team. Anthony, proudly holding onto his Tampa roots, replied with a playful “don’t forget your Tampa roots,” and that simple message opened a door neither of them expected. One conversation turned into many, and soon he asked her out — even if it meant driving all the way to Delray Beach for their very first date. That weekend together was all it took. They clicked instantly and began a long-distance love story that would last a year before Ashley finally moved back to the 727. They bought a home together… and not long after, Anthony asked a question she didn’t even need to think about.

The proposal was straight out of a movie. Ashley thought she and her mom were running errands for a family friend's confirmation party in Illinois — but when they arrived at Bull Valley Country Club, Anthony was waiting under a gazebo with a single rose in his hand. Floral arrangements surrounded him, rose petals covered the ground, and their loved ones had helped orchestrate every detail. Before getting down on one knee, he smiled and said, “Will you accept this rose?” It was the easiest yes.

Their wedding day reflects all the things they love most: family, warmth, a sense of home, and an elegant winter aesthetic that feels both romantic and timeless. They’re head over heels, a little goofy, grounded in faith, and happiest when they’re cooking together, boating, exploring new restaurants, or playing with their sweet dog, Rhae.

For their celebration, Ashley and Anthony drew inspiration from the cozy elegance of winter — warm tones, soft textures, thoughtful details, and a setting close to home. Their favorite elements? Beautiful table settings, custom signage, cupcakes, and all the special touches woven throughout their ceremony.

They’re especially excited for the moments that carry the most emotion: the entrances, the vows, the first kiss as husband and wife, and their exit. Ashley also shared that getting ready and first looks will be incredibly meaningful. At the reception, the dances, speeches, cake cutting, and possibly a champagne tower will set the tone for an unforgettable night. They’re even considering a fun twist — inviting every guest to join them for a photo at the sweetheart table during one song.

At the heart of it all, they want their guests to feel exactly what defines their relationship: loving, welcomed, fun, and elegant.

Being part of their wedding day was truly an honor. I loved witnessing every moment of their story unfold, and I’m deeply grateful they trusted me to capture such an important chapter of their lives. Ashley and Anthony, I wish you a lifetime filled with joy, laughter, and all the warmth you bring to everyone around you. May this next season of your lives be even more beautiful than the one that brought you here.

Are you planning your dream Florida destination wedding and are looking for a wedding photography, videography, or content creation team? Reach out to us today for a custom price quote!

Lead Photographer | Natalia Fontes
Associate Photographer | Noelle Topa

Ceremony Site | NOVA 535
DJ | Devon Garrett
Event Planner | NOVA 535
Hair Stylist | adorebridalhairandmakeup
Make-up Artist | adorebridalhairandmakeup
Reception Venue | NOVA 535
Videographer | Ryan Ratolo
Wedding Gown | Nikki's Glitz and Glam Boutique

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