Our Top 5 Tampa Engagement Session Locations

If you’re engaged, you’re in the right place! Today we’re highlighting about our Top 5 Engagement Session locations in Tampa.

Tampa has a lot of different scenic spots, whether you want waterfront, riverfront, or beautiful greenery. We know that choosing a location can be overwhelming, so we want to help make it easier for you.

1. The University of Tampa

From the beautiful architecture to the riverside park across the street, the University of Tampa provides you with a diverse set of backgrounds without needing to travel! No wonder it’s a favorite among our clients. This campus offers a perfect blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty. Known for its iconic Moorish Revival-style architecture, including the striking minarets of Plant Hall, the University of Tampa provides a unique and romantic backdrop. The lush park on property, with its water views and serene atmosphere, adds a touch of elegance to any shoot, making it ideal for couples looking for a picturesque setting.

2. tampa river walk

The Tampa Riverwalk is known for its stunning waterfront views and has the perfect blend of natural beauty and urban charm. Stretching along the Hillsborough River, the Riverwalk provides a variety of backdrops, from serene waterside paths to vibrant cityscapes. The area is also home to popular spots like the Straz Center and the Tampa Museum of Art, which add cultural and artistic flair to your photos. At night, the Riverwalk also lights up, adding beautiful, bright colored lights to decorate the backdrop of your photos. The combination of lush green spaces, modern sculptures, and the relaxed yet energetic atmosphere makes the Riverwalk an ideal spot for Tampa engagement sessions.

3. Armature Works

Armature Works in Tampa is a trendy and versatile spot, offering a blend of industrial charm and modern style. Housed in a beautifully restored historic building, Armature Works features exposed brick walls, large windows, and a lofted, airy interior that creates a stunning backdrop for engagement photos. The building’s unique architecture is complemented by the lively atmosphere of its vibrant shops and eateries. Whether you're capturing intimate moments in front of the glass windows or enjoying the chic ambiance of the food hall, the diverse spaces within Armature Works provide endless opportunities for creative shots. The building is home to local favorites like The Canopy rooftop bar, Oak & Ola, and an array of artisan shops, all of which add character and variety to your engagement session. With its combination of modern style and historic charm, Armature Works offers a dynamic, trendy setting perfect for couples looking for a contemporary yet intimate location


4. Curtis Hixon Park

Curtis Hixon Park in downtown Tampa is an exceptional choice for sessions, offering a vibrant urban setting with a mix of modern architecture and lush green spaces. The park's wide-open spaces and beautiful landscapes create a romantic atmosphere, while the stunning city skyline adds a contemporary touch to your photos. Iconic buildings like the Straz Center for the Performing Arts and the Tampa Museum of Art make a dramatic backdrop, blending cultural landmarks with natural beauty.


5. Ybor city

Ybor City in Tampa is a vibrant and historic neighborhood that offers a unique and eclectic backdrop for engagement sessions. Known for its rich cultural heritage and charming cobblestone streets, Ybor City exudes character and old-world charm. The colorful buildings, historic architecture, and iconic wrought-iron balconies create a perfect setting for couples looking for a blend of vintage and urban vibes in their Tampa engagement photos. Landmarks like the Ybor City Museum State Park and the striking neon signs along 7th Avenue add a fun and dynamic touch to any shoot. Whether you're drawn to its lively atmosphere or its quiet, tucked-away corners, Ybor City's distinct character provides a memorable setting for your engagement session and offers a stylish contrast to more traditional wedding venues in Tampa.

At Limelight Photography, we believe that your engagement session should be as unique and special as your love story. Whether you're planning a destination wedding or looking for the perfect spot for a trendy engagement session in Tampa, the city offers an abundance of stunning locations to capture the magic of this exciting time. From the historic charm of Ybor City to the modern elegance of Armature Works, and the picturesque beauty of the University of Tampa and Curtis Hixon Park, each location provides its own distinct vibe and atmosphere. With our expertise in modern engagement sessions, we’ll guide you to the perfect setting that reflects your personal style and vision. No matter where you choose, Limelight Photography will ensure your engagement photos are timeless, beautiful, and filled with the authentic joy and love you share. Let’s create memories together that you'll treasure for a lifetime!

Looking for a wedding photographer?

Sydney + Cody Step Into The Limelight | Cypress Point Park | Tampa, FL

Sydney and Cody are truly a beautiful couple, inside and out! We met at Cypress Beach for an engagement session and we had the best time. Cody had Sydney cracking up the whole session. I loved getting to witness their laughs and huge smiles! I could really tell how much they loved each other and how much fun they had together. They complement each other so well! I can’t wait for their big day at the Birchwood, May 14, 2022 ❤️

Lead Photographer | Alexa Rodriguez

Madison + Ashton Step Into The Limelight | Tampa Museum of Art | Tampa, FL

A Night At The Museum...

Happy, Energetic, Loved & Enthusiastic

Ashton and Madison met during her Sophomore year at Florida State University in Religion Class. Madison walked in the first day and thought he was cute so she sat down next to him.They started out as friends and would hangout occasionally. After 2 years of being best friends, they started dating their senior year and have been inseparable ever since.

Ashton had the ring for about a month and a half and was trying to plan where he was going to pop the question. He looked at planning a trip for them to take or locations around Tampa but couldn’t find the right opportunity. His brother plays college football in Boston, MA andMadison had never been to Boston before, so they agreed to go up together. Ashton knew

this would be the right time to ask as his family would be up there and they could all share in the moment. He planned to ask Madison in the Boston Public Gardens. His father is an avid photographer so he asked him to come up early and join them around Boston while taking photos of them and the city. Ashton’s dad was was in on the plan and knew that he had planned to ask Madison in the Public Gardens.They walked the city and eventually made it to the there. After walking around for a little while, they made their way back onto the bridge.They were getting ready to leave and Ashton’s dad decided they needed to take a few last photos. It was at this moment, Ashton got down on one knee and surprised Madison. He asked Madison to make him the happiest man by being his forever. Thankfully for him, she said YES!

What they love about each other is the ability they have to balance each other out. Madison pushes Ashton to strive for more and look to the future while Ashton calms Madison down and makes sure she enjoys the present. Ashton loves Madison’s corny sense of humor and she loves how nurturing and caring he is towards her and anyone he meets.

Together they love to travel, try new restaurants, going to wineries and breweries, working out at the gym, hanging out with family, friends and their fur “daughter” Harley.

Madison has always loved Curtis Hixon Park and love how it over looks UT. It is always so pretty around that area at night time, so it was a perfect setting for their Black Tie, very formal and elegant wedding day! They were married on the terrace over looking the water and UT.Their favorite detail of the wedding is their unique exit!They had a Grand Exit with Sparklers and then left on a water taxi boat.They took off down the Hillsborough River to dock over at the Tampa Marriott Water Street.

Madison and Ashton planned their whole wedding together and so enjoyed seeing it all come together in the end. Having Madison’s oldest brother Ryan officiate the ceremony was a true highlight of the day. (And it was a surprise to everyone!!!!). Walking down the aisle and seeing each other for the first time knowing they were about to commit to Forever was a very emotional and powerful moment. Perhaps topped only by the first kiss as husband and wife! As for the reception, being around family and friends and dancing the night away was a blast for Madison and Ashton.

Lead Photographer | Rebecca Zoumberos
Associate Photographer | Michael Zoumberos

Bridesmaid Dresses | David Bridal
Cake | Sugar Darlings
Caterer | SaltBlock Hospitality
Ceremony Site | Tampa Museum of Art
Decor Rentals | Outside The Box Rentals 
DJ | James King from Grant Hemond & Associates 
Florist | Artistic Florist of  Tampa
Hair Stylist | Ashlee Ann Hair and Makeup
Invitations | Minted.com
Make-up Artist | Ashlee Ann Hair and Makeup
Reception Venue | Tampa Museum of Art
Videographer | Ricci Ocampos Films
Wedding Gown | Lana Addison Bridal
Wedding Planner | Holly Peterson from One Fine Day Wedding & Events 

Madison + Ashton Step Into The Limelight | Downtown Tampa, FL

The Circle of Life!!!!! ⭕️ Life is so unpredictable....Michael used to train soccer kids for strength and conditioning. His FIRST ever client of his fitness career was Ryan Henriquez. Michael also trained his 8-year-old little sister Maddie for soccer ⚽️. And now 25 years later we just photographed Madison + Ashton’s engagement session 📸!!!!! 
Maddie and Ashton both work in medical sales and together they enjoy working out at the gym, going to the park with their sweet dog Harley, hanging out at breweries and wineries with friends. What a wonderful couple and we can’t for their next year at the  Tampa Museum of Art!!!!!💛💛💛

Q: Let’s start at the beginning. How did you two first meet?

A: Ashton and I met Sophomore year at Florida State University in Religion Class. I walked in the first day and saw him sitting down and thought to myself, he's cute so I sat down next to him. We started out as friends and would hangout occasionally. After 2 years of being best friends, we started dating our senior year and have been inseparable ever since.

Q: What makes your relationship special? Tell us some things that you both value in your time together. (example: pushing each other to new limits, love to travel, huge comic book fans, foodies, etc.) What makes your relationship unique?

A: What makes our relationship special is the ability we have to balance each other out. Madison pushes me to strive for more and look to the future while I am here to calm her down and make sure she enjoys the present. We also, love to travel, try new restaurants and love going to wineries and breweries.

Q: How did you know your partner was the one? When did you first know this in your relationship? (these may often be the same moment, but aren’t always)

A: I knew Ashton was the one on a trip to Savannah visiting his family. We were on his mother's boat and I was watching him play and love on his little brother. It was at that time, I knew I was in love with him. Ashton is just so compassionate, patient, nurturing and loving.  I knew he would not only make a great husband but an even better father to our future kids. I knew Madison was the one when we were doing long distance after college. I was living in Dallas, TX and she was in Tampa, FL. We hadn't seen each other in months and after an amazing weekend with her in Dallas, I was reminded of her smile, beauty, and her terrible dad jokes. It was so hard to see her leave and I knew that she was the one.  I didn't want to continue life without her by my side and after 10 months in Dallas, I searched and secured a job in Tampa to be with her forever.

Q: Give us all the details about the proposal. How and where did it happen? Was it a surprise? What was the planning process?

A: I had the ring for about a month and a half and was trying to plan where I was going to pop the question. I looked at planning a trip for us to take or locations around Tampa but couldn't find the right opportunity. My brother plays college football in Boston, MA and Madison had never been to Boston before so we agreed to go up together. I knew this would be the right time to ask as my family would be up there and we could all share in the moment. I planned to ask her in the Boston Public Gardens. My father is an avid photographer so I asked him to come up early and join us around Boston while taking photos of us and the city. He was in on the plan and knew that I had planned to ask her that day in the gardens. We walked the city and eventually made it to the gardens. After walking around for a little while, we made our way back onto the bridge. We were getting ready to leave and I decided we needed to take a few last photos. It was at this moment, I got down on one knee and surprised her. I asked her to make me the happiest man by being mine forever. Thankfully she said YES!

Q: We’re all about the bling… Tell us all about that ring!

A: Ashton and I were in St. Maarten on vacation and we walked into this jewelry store that was voted #1 on the island. We were looking at engagement settings for fun and I put this engagement setting on that had diamonds on the front, top and back of the band that went  half way down ring. It was at that moment I was in love with this engagement setting and Ashton was equally as excited. He always knew I wanted sparkle and for the main stone to be a radiant cut. A year after being in St. Maarten, he told me he had to go to Jacksonville for some work training but instead flew down to St. Maarteen to pick up my dream ring.

Q: What are you most excited about when it comes to your wedding planning?

A: What we are most excited about when it comes to our wedding planning is being able to visualize what our wedding day will look like. We love meeting with vendors and listening to their ideas and knowing we have the best people around us that will bring our vision to life.

Lead Photographers | Luxury Collection with Michael + Rebecca Zoumberos 
Locations | Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, Tampa Museum of Art, University of Tampa

 

Rachel + James Step Into The Limelight | Sacred Heart Catholic Church + Floridan Palace | Tampa, FL

Rachel + James met each other as teammates on the high school cross-country team. James asked Rachel to the Military Ball and the rest is history.  They usually spend their days at the beach, working out, or snuggling up on the couch with a good movie. They love each other's personalities and how they make each other laugh. 

Rachel + James ceremony location has a special meaning for them because Rachel's grandparents were married at the same church. Sacred Heart Church was decorated beautifully with sparkling Christmas lights and bright red poinsettias. The perfect backdrop for Rachel + James to say "I Do". 

Rachel + James had their reception at the historic Floridan Hotel. It was a night full of laughter, dancing and--most importantly-- love.  

Congratulations! 

Lead Photographer | Audrey Clifford
Associate Photographer | Carlos Rello

Cake | Publix
Ceremony | Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Ceremony Music | Sean M Fitzsimmons- Brown
DJ | Grant Hemond & Associates
Event Planner | Kelly Kennedy Weddings and Events | Lianna
Hair + Makeup | Lilis Hair and Make Up
Reception | Floridan Palace
Videographer | Webster Video Solutions