Melissa + Brandon Step Into The Limelight | OPAL SANDS RESORT | CLEARWATER BEACH, FL

November 22, 2022 Rebecca Zoumberos

Meet the sweet couple that is Melissa & Brandon…
Brandon and Melissa met on Hinge. It was September of 2020 when they connected on the app. Brandon moved down in March at the start of the pandemic to be near his family who own a horse farm in Ocala, FL. Melissa was living in Tampa, FL. Despite the fact that they were living 100 miles from one another they somehow matched. They both ironically went to University of Miami undergrad (Brandon being a year ahead of Melissa). Brandon's Sophomore year at Miami he lived in a suite in the Pearson dorm building. They discovered that the exact suite he lived in, Melissa actually moved into the year following! Brandon and Melissa also lived in NYC at the same time as each other. Brandon says Melissa has been following him around for years but she is convinced it is the other way around :) Their first date was October 3rd of 2020 and Melissa always knew it was going to be something special.

Brandon then asked if Melissa could come to the farm because his parents farm was being featured in a local magazine and they would like Melissa to be in the photos. Melissa didn't think anything of it as this was fairly common. Well, Melissa showed up and the photographer asked (while Brandon’s parents got ready) if they could do some test shots in the garden. The next thing she knew Brandon was on one knee! As the two of them were basking in the shock, Melissa’s entire family came walking out of a near by cottage. It was absolutely beautiful. Their families had planned a beautiful dinner to follow.

Melissa and Brandon love spending time together doing things for Brandon's horse Buddy, taking golf cart rides around their neighborhood and the equestrian center, traveling, walking their dog, watching horse shows. They even joke how they just love washing the dishes together. Doing simple household things.

Both Brandon and Melissa have a love for the water. With such uncertainty in the world and travel, they wanted a destination wedding without it being too far of a destination. When they saw Opal Sands and met with Jenna, everything just felt right. Jenna made them feel like they were instantly family and showed them her love for her work and the property. There was really nothing that could compete with that.

Melissa and Brandon’s wedding was pure class and undeniable thought for meaningful tradition. We loved being able to witness Melissa and Brandon’s love for each other and their loved ones. The way they love is a true example of genuine grace for others. Melissa is the sweetest souls, she’s calm, intentional, loving and pure… Brandon beautifully complements Melissa with his confidence and presence, you can tell that Melissa feels completely secure with him. We just LOVED seeing these two together. Melissa and Brandon truly enjoyed each moment of their special day with each other and their families, it was beautiful to see them go to each table and listen to each of their guests and thank them (and vendors) throughout the day.

We wish Melissa and Brandon a lifetime of LOVE and many many more meaningful memories together מזל טוב!

Lead Photographer | Dafne Spencer
Associate Photographer | Gabe Caldwell