MARISA + JACOB STEP INTO THE LIMELIGHT | THE RINGLING CA’ D'ZAN MANSION | SARASOTA, FL

Marisa and Jacob met at The Florida State University during Fall 2012! Their sorority (Alpha Chi Omega) and fraternity (Kappa Sigma) were partners for FSU's Homecoming events. Ironically. They were both on the Homecoming Committee together. Jake was in charge of recruiting Alpha Chi and organizing all of the social events, while Marisa was in charge of building the float. Marisa claims that Jake did not show up to any Committee meetings but that will be a never ending debate! It did not quite start for them then but Jake had his eye's set on Marisa. He persistently asked Marisa's best friend about her. This made it's way full circle back to Marisa and peaked her interest! After Jake graduated from FSU in May 2014, he frequently visited for football games and their friendship rekindled. At the start of 2015, their love story officially began! They went to an FSU basketball game with friends and went out that night to celebrate the victory. Go Noles! They have not stopped talking since that day 4 and a half years ago!

Jake and Marisa travelled to San Francisco for a getaway but Jake had a secret plan. On the most perfect day of the trip, he told Marisa that he had a special lunch date planned for them. He wanted to check out the Golden Gate Bridge to take a picture and grab lunch in Sausalito. They hopped in an Uber and Marisa unknowingly blabbered away. Jake had hoped the Uber would drop them off at the top of the hill for a short walk to the observation deck but the road was blocked off. Marisa (being Marisa) huffed up the side of the hill to the top in her white jeans and bootie heels. Jake was so patient and encouraging to get her to the very top! Jake asked a random person (that happened to be decked out in photography gear) to take their picture on his cell phone. After two snaps, the random person asked if he could take some shots on his professional cameras and send them to us. He said that he frequently takes pictures of tourists! Jake was quick to say yes at this potentially odd request. Before Marisa knew it, he was down on one knee and popped the question! They have every moment leading up to and after the proposal captured by the planned photographer with a beautiful view of San Francisco.

Jake and Marisa love each other for their personalities, empathy, kindness and thoughtfulness. Together they enjoy spending time on the water and at the beach, traveling, growing the Saturday morning market, their golden doodle Brody and watching football (FSU!).

Because they love being on the water and the Ca' D'Zan's location is beautiful it was a perfect venue for their romantic, elegant wedding black-tie. Marisa has done some traveling and loved the style of the Ca' D'Zan. All colors were chosen to softly compliment the Ca' D'Zan. Oh! And The Ringling is tied to FSU and that is where they met!! Besides the ceremony where they were married in front of all their family and friends, the SUPER FUN dance party was the favorite part of their day!!!!

Bringing together their special friends and family and showcasing their love was so special. During the ceremony the eyes connecting as Marisa walked down the aisle and the first kiss were so romantic! But nothing topped when their eyes locked on each other during the “I DO!”.

Lead Photographer | Rebecca Zoumberos
Associate Photographer | Michael Zoumberos