Embassy Suites By Hilton Tampa Downtown Convention | Styled Shoot

February 18, 2019 Rebecca Zoumberos

Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa Downtown Convention Center provides an experienced team that will tend to every detail from accommodations for your guests and rehearsal preparations to reception rooms and banquet options. Located in the heart of vibrant Downtown Tampa, your guests will be kept entertained, enjoying waterfront activities, historic Ybor City, and an immersive dining experience. Their onsite wedding consultants offer guidance through every step of the planning process, while the culinary team provides inspired cuisine specifically tailored to your special day. Visit their Web site here to get started and find out more about Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa Downtown Convention Center !

Our first model Amy is a Limelight Photography bride!

A Bit About Amy:

We had used Limelight photography for our engagement and wedding in November 2017, and we could not have loved the pictures more. It was evident to see that they captured the complete gamut of emotions we had on our special day. {Engagement session may be viewed here.} Carlos Rello photographed Amy and Aaron’s wedding at Palm Lake Christian Church and the Museum or Arts, St Pete. {Wedding images may be viewed here}. As a St. Petersburg native, I am blessed to live and work in a city that I truly love. I am a pediatric dentist, and that allows me to interact with, educate, and take care of childrens’ needs on a daily basis; it’s also how I met my husband, who is also a pediatric dentist! We love to spend our time travelling, both to our favorite places as well as exploring new places together. We also love to cheer for our beloved Gators!

Amy's Modeling Experience:When I saw Rebecca’s posting for any available brides to help model for a photo shoot, I felt like it was a no-brainer! Not only would I love the experience to have beautiful pictures taken again, but who could say no to the opportunity to look glamorous, too?

Although the day of the shoot was a chilly, Friday morning, once I arrived at the Embassy Suites in Downtown Tampa, it was nothing but so much warmth! I had the pleasure of “modeling” alongside a wonderfully sweet and beautiful woman, Ashley, who quickly turned into a friend. The staff at the Embassy, both Samantha and Dana checked on us throughout the day to make sure we had anything and everything we needed, even including a plate full of delicious desserts at the end of the photo shoot. The hair & make up duo did a fantastic job of creating very dramatic and glamorous looks for us. It really is an amazing experience to have TWO people working on you a once….talk about feeling like a celebrity!

I cannot say enough for Rebecca, our photographer. It’s incredible to watch her artistic process and creative visions for each shoot come to life. We had the best time posing all over the Embassy Suites…by the gorgeous pool, in several ballrooms, in guest suites, and outside. Rebecca’s direction as to the look and pose she wanted for a particular picture was so thorough and easy for us to follow. Honestly, it was one of the best experiences I have ever had and am truly appreciative for the opportunity to have been one of her models! Thank you, Limelight and Embassy Suites!

Breezin’ Entertainment assisted with providing Ashley, one of their very own brides, to model for the fabulous shoot!

A Bit About Ashley:

I am an optimist who is driven, motivated to succeed and see others succeed. As a people person, I believe relationships are critical to success with clients, co-workers and in one’s personal life. I'm outgoing and energetic and love getting to know others and truly believe people are inherently good-hearted.

I love being active and find that I am always choosing to be on-the-go. As a native Floridian, I love being close to the water and my favorite summer day absolutely includes going to the beach and reading a beach novel or boating. In addition to the beach, I love any type of outdoor activities including bike riding, walking along Bayshore or playing organized sports. I love a good workout and usually hit the gym at least 4 days per week.

I guess I'd consider myself a foodie and am always looking forward to new, local restaurants to try out with friends. I'm also sucker for a good food network show or a binge-worthy series. While I'm no gourmet chef, I do like to get creative in the kitchen with my cooking and baking -- so far, the hubby hasn't complained with the end results!

Ashley’s Modeling Experience:

Being part of the Embassy Suites photo shoot was SO. MUCH. FUN. At 30, you never think you'd be able to break into the modeling world (especially if this is not your main job) however, this opportunity came knocking and during a photo shoot with Limelight and the Embassy Suites of Downtown Tampa, I felt like a celebrity!

Arriving at the Embassy, Samantha, Embassy's Senior Catering Manager, greeted me and made sure the first thing we did after putting my belongings down was take a trip downstairs to Starbucks (she really knew the key to my heart-- COFFEE). This type of hospitality continued throughout the day. Between Samantha, Dana and the rest of the Embassy team, they genuinely seem to care about our well being. The team was present throughout the day to help ensure we were well fed and hydrated. They were also incredibly friendly and fun to talk with. While business was on the forefront of their mind, I felt like I had the opportunity to get to know the team and understand their vision based on the time spent together. This really helped to make shoot that much more enjoyable.

Having my hair and makeup done really helped contribute to my celebrity-like feeling. The hair and makeup team was efficient with their time and focused on what style and 'look' was going to work best for my facial structure as well as my dress. The best part was that as creatives, the HMU team selected a look that I would not have necessarily selected for myself. My favorite part was how much my eyes popped with the makeup selected. This opened my perspective to the possibilities of styles I can try within my day-to-day life.

While not a model by trade, some may be uncomfortable in front of the camera. For me, although I wouldn't consider myself shy, any potential feeling of being uncomfortable was extinguished once Rebecca with Limelight Photography began working shooting. She instantly found a way to relate to us and make us feel comfortable which is so important so that a calm and relaxed demeanor translates into the photographs. Rebecca was very professional and also made sure that she communicated what she wanted during each shoot. The best part of the whole thing was how much fun we all had together. While we had a timeline and shots that were needed, I never felt rushed nor pressured. It was an enjoyable atmosphere and a blast! I am hopeful that I have the opportunity to do it again.

Poolside Area Model #1 Amy
Pre function Area Model #2 Ashley
Bayside Ballroom Elegant Theme (light blues, grays, white) Model #1 Amy
Bayside Ballroom Rustic Theme (wood, nudes, ivory, etc) Model #2 Ashley
Gandy Ballroom Cultural/Indian Wedding (vibrant colors) Model #2 Ashley
Gandy Ballroom Garden/Earthy (netural colors) Model #1 Amy
Skyway 2 Room Ceremony Set Up Modern Theme (silver, white and blue) Model #1 Amy
SkyBridge showcases water view Model #2 Ashley
20th Floor Balcony Suite Room, gorgeous window view Model #1 Amy
Atrium view with water in background Model #2 Ashley
Staircase Model #2 Ashley
Exterior Shots: Fountain at Front Entrance w/ Sign In Background, Trolley Stop Model #1 Amy

- VENDOR LIST –