elizabeth + john Step Into The Limelight | Sirata Beach Resort | St. Pete Beach, FL
Elizabeth + John | 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
Caterer | Sirata Beach Resort
Ceremony Site | Sirata Beach Resort
Content Creator | Allie Vogel | Limelight Photography
Reception Venue | Sirata Beach Resort