Tami + William Step Into The Limelight | The Florida Aquarium | Tampa, FL

A Love as Unique as Mr. & Mrs. Weers’ Wedding Celebration at The Tampa Aquarium.

There are weddings that are beautiful. There are weddings that are joyful. And then… there are weddings like this one, where love, laughter, dinosaurs, and Legos come together to create absolute magic.

From the moment I met this couple, I could feel their energy, vibrant, sincere, and unapologetically authentic. Their love story started like a good rom-com (the modern kind, where the algorithm plays Cupid): they met on Facebook and were coworkers at the time, both passionate teachers. A few conversations turned into late night chats, and soon they were each other’s forever person.

Their proposal? Oh, it deserves a whole movie scene of its own. Picture this: a school parking lot, students and colleagues holding up a huge sign from below, asking one very important question. And there, with the perfect timing of a romance novelist, he drops to one knee beside her. In broad daylight. During lunch. If that doesn’t scream “teacher love story,” I don’t know what does!

Fast forward to the wedding day and wow. Let me just say, I’ve photographed many weddings, but this one? It felt like stepping into their hearts. They chose an aquarium as their venue, not just because it's stunning (which it absolutely is), but because it’s them. It was a celebration that completely tossed the “wedding rule book” overboard and said, “Let’s do this our way.”

There were no flowers, because she doesn’t like them (and honestly, who said flowers are mandatory anyway?). Instead? Seashells! There was no boring ring box, instead? A football. The card box? LEGO, of course. And the cake? Oh, the cake. Not only was it topped with dinosaurs (yes, DINOSAURS), but their four beloved pups were part of the design too. Tell me that’s not love.

But the most touching moment, and one I’ll never forget, was the first look. They chose to say their vows in that quiet, private moment, no crowd, just them. It was raw. Real. Emotional. And it reminded me of why I do what I do. To witness love that’s deep, genuine, and soul-shaking. To freeze those moments in time for people who truly see each other.

Together, they are the perfect yin to the other’s yang. They lift each other up, challenge one another to grow, and laugh a lot. From football Sundays to Hobby Lobby trips, from food tours to movie nights, their life is stitched together with the kind of joy that comes from being completely at home in someone else's presence.

As a photographer, I felt beyond honored to be part of such a day. There was so much heart, so much laughter, and such a radiant energy all around, I truly felt like I wasn’t just capturing moments, I was feeling them too. The love, the joy, the weird and wonderful details,  it was all so beautifully them, Including the sharks in the background haha.

So here’s to Mr. & Mrs. Weers, may your life together always be full of seashells, dinosaurs, and the kind of love that inspires everyone lucky enough to witness it.

With love, Natalia Fontes and Limelight.

Lead Photographer | Natalia Fontes 
Associate Photographer | Josiah Bonilla

Bridesmaid Dresses |  JJ's House
Cake |  Publix
Caterer |  The Florida Aquarium
Ceremony Site | The Florida Aquarium
DJ | Grant Hemond
Event Planner | Married by Mariella
Florist | Shellbee
Hair Stylist | Megan Nezbeth
Reception Venue | The Florida Aquarium
Wedding Gown | Once Upon A Dress

Laura + Austin Step Into The Limelight | Sacred Heart Catholic Church + Rusty Pelican | Tampa, FL

Laura and Austin found out that each other existed July 29th 2017.They had matched on Tinder and Austin sent the first message. They didn’t meet in person until August 18th 2017 at Doc B’s at International Mall after Laura had previously canceled the first date attempt. Austin proposed down byTampa Bay with their brand new puppy Mason (who they had just brought home less than 24 hours prior).Austin said he wanted to play with Mason down by the Bay and when they got down there he found a bench for them to all sit on. As they were sitting there, he said that he had bought a new collar for Mason that was too big for her now but that she would grow into and hopefully last forever. BUT...that wasn’t the only thing he wanted to last forever! ha! That’s when he got down on one knee and asked Laura to marry him. He also had a “Will you marry me?” message engraved on the new collar’s tag. Laura was so distracted with letting the puppy down that she went running to get Mason before he could get the ring on her finger. Two of their friends were there hiding to take pictures.

Laura says of Austin,“We complete each other perfectly.We are very similar in our interests/greatest pleasures/beliefs (God, family first, football, exercising, eating, wine, traveling) and also very different. Austin is much more relaxed but also very particular. Laura is a planner and more high strung. Austin prefers cold weather and Laura would take the beach any day. I love the way that Austin always knows the perfect moments to kiss/hug/tell me he loves me. I can easily tell when he is extremely passionate about anything and he always gives 100%. Austin is my other whole. He loves me immensely, even at my worst and is the most loyal person I have ever met. He cares deeply for his family and close friends and has embraced my family as his own. He is always my biggest fan and supports me through all of my crazy endeavors. I know that even though there will be hurdles to overcome, he will always be right by my side.”

Austin says,“Laura is very strong willed.When she wants to accomplish something she spearheads the opportunity. Laura also as a very soft and mothering side. Her passion and experience working with children, combined with her innate desire to love and nurture, help to showcase the wonderful mother she will be one day. I love these characteristics.”

Together they enjoy trying new restaurants or recipes at home, drinking wine, attending sporting events, traveling and shopping.

Sacred Heart Catholic Church is the first place where Austin and Laura attended mass together and they have loved being a part of the parish family and getting involved with University Dinners and meeting other new parishioners. It was wonderful incorporating so many gifts of our Lord in their photos. Austin has been confirmed into the church and he communion for the first time with wine on their wedding day - how very special!

They both love the color blue so they wanted to incorporate as much blue as possible.The men wore in navy and the bridesmaids wore shades of blue as well. Laura’s gorgeous gown was flowy and light...perfect for a Florida wedding but very unique.

Most of their wedding day was traditional, but they did want to incorporate as much football theme as they could into the day as they both love football! Everyone at the wedding felt loved, happy, included, and full (full bellies)!

Lead Photographer | Rebecca Zoumberos
Associate Photographer | Michael Zoumberos

Bridesmaid Dresses | Adrianna Papell, Amsale, Joanna August, and Hayley Paige
Cake | Elise’s Pieces
Caterer | Rusty Pelican
Ceremony Site | Sacred Heart Catholic Church
DJ | Frank Lebano & Co. DJs
Florist | Arlene Floral & Event Designer
Hair Stylist | RACHELartistry
Invitations | Minted
Make-up Artist | RACHELartistry
Reception Venue | Rusty Pelican
Videographer | Fox Grove Films
Wedding Gown | Enaura

Melissa + Kenji Step Into The Limelight | Tampa Club | Tampa, FL

Melissa & Kenji love making each other laugh… they are easy going and have the same goals in life. They are both motivated to be the best they can be for each other and their family.

{ family }
in the center of it all

They wanted a small and intimate wedding with close friends and family, laid back, personal and very classy! Tampa Club was the perfect setting for their vision to come to life! The classic creams, blush and gold were stunning and a gorgeous complement to the Tampa Club penthouse ballroom with the most beautiful views of the city of Tampa.

We so enjoyed being a part of Melissa & Kenji’s wedding day, we could feel the love and appreciation they have for everyone around them. Thank you having us and we wish you and the ones you loves ALL the best in the world.

Lead Photographer | Dafne Spencer
Associate Photographer | Kara Lerchenfeld

Cake | Publix
Caterer | Tampa Club
Ceremony + Reception | Tampa Club
DJ | Andrew Gonzalez
Event Planner | Confetti Events | Claire
Florist | Northside Florist, Inc.
Hair + Make-up | Brides by Kelly Anne + Co. | Amber
Wedding Gown | Stella York

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

Emily + Vinny | Step Into The Limelight | Rialto Theater | Tampa, FL

I love me some Emily & Vinny ♥️
I first met Emily during a styled shoot for Milan Catering. Emily is a wedding planner and we clicked right away as we worked together during the session. At that point I could not have imagined I would be photographing her very own special moments as a stunning bride.
I met Vinny during their engagement session along with their cute lil pup Pim… it was so nice getting to know the one who swept Emily off her feet and let me tell you… even though they met on Tinder (ha!) they are absolutely perfect for each other. Emily has such a natural way of being calm in the middle uncertainties (honestly, no one would ever know anything unplanned is happening!) She just has a way of gently fixing a situation and moving things along… Vinny on the hand NEEDS his Emily by his side. He makes her smile (constantly!) and Emily is able to truly enjoy each moment with him. They compliment each other beautifully. She plans, he smiles and melts her heart ♥️
Their wedding day was incredibly beautiful… the bright reds and golds made it so classic! The rustic feel of the venue made it so glam and gave us all Old Hollywood. Each little detail was carefully thought out and the end result was just gorgeous in every way.
I am still in awe that I was trusted to photograph Emily & Vinny’s dream wedding.
I wish you both ALL good things… cheers to many beautiful memories together!

Lead Photographer | Dafne Spencer
Associate Photographer | Kara Lerchenfeld

Band | NoFilter
DJ | Breezin' Entertainment and Productions
Bridesmaids Dresses | AZAZIE
Cake | Jessica da Silva Valdez
Caterer | Milan Catering and Event Design
Ceremony + Reception | Rialto Theatre
Event Planner | Sarasota & Tampa Wedding Gallery | Laura Snow
Florist | Oneco Florist
Getting Ready Location | Aloft Tampa Downtown
Hair + Makeup | Femme Akoi Beauty Studio
Invitations | Zola
Wedding Gown | The Dressing Room - St Pete