STEPHANIE + JOSHUA STEP INTO THE LIMELIGHT | HOLY ASCENSION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH + WYNDHAM GRAND BEACH RESORT | CLEARWATER, FL

Josh and Stephanie met working at North Florida Regional Medical Center in Gainesville, FL during the month of February 2016. Josh worked nights as a nurse and Stephanie worked days as a nurse. Josh proposed to Stephanie at St. Augustine near the Castillo de San Marcos. After the proposal, it began to pour rain. Josh, Stephanie, and close friends ran to the No Name Bar to seek cover from the rain and enjoyed a couple of cold Dos Equis lagers. We were able to capture some amazing images for their engagement session, including pictures in the exact spot Josh planned to propose and the spot where it actually happened! You may see some of those here.

Josh loves that Stephanie is able to deal with his self-proclaimed “weirdness.” Josh shares, “I know I am an odd guy. I also love how patient she can be with me. I am amazed at how focused she is when she puts her mind to something. It is extremely difficult to change her mind. She is an extremely hard worker. She is putting herself through a lot of stress to give us both a better life in our future together. Working full time and going to grad school at the same time is extremely difficult but she is doing it. Stephanie tells me that she loves my oddness. My quirky little dances. She likes how I motivate her to go for her dreams and goals. That I am always there to support her no matter what the circumstance is. I love how I can come home and always know that she will welcome me with a smile and a kiss. She is everything that I have ever wanted.” Awe…talk about a true romantic this just melts my heart!

Together they enjoy outdoor activities such as nature parks, adventure parks, fishing, boating, paddle boarding, swimming, concerts, football games, tailgating, and traveling.

Josh, Stephanie, and the wedding party got ready at the Wyndham Resort in Clearwater, FL. All, except Stephanie, took the Jolley Trolley to Holy Ascension Greek Orthodox Church where the wedding ceremony will take place. Stephanie traveled with her parents and grandmother to the ceremony. Stephanie joined the gang and rode back to the Wyndham with Josh and the rest of the bridal party in the Jolley Trolley! Then we headed to the beach for sunset pictures!

Wedding location was selected in Clearwater, FL because it is close to Stephanie’s grandmother who lives in St. Petersburg, FL. Clearwater is also special to Josh because it is where he used to live. Wedding theme of dusty blue and blush pink was suggested by bridesmaid Stephanie Fitzgerald. Bride tribe went to Orlando, FL on November 25th in search of the bridal attire. Bride’s dress was found at Calvet Couture. Josh and Stephanie went to Men’s Warehouse on December 21st for the groom and groomsmen attire. Style of the wedding was traditional with a Greek theme and some Greek traditions.

Brides Bouquet: White Garden Roses, Quicksand Roses, Ocean Song Roses, White Ranunculus, Lavender, Succulents, Silver dollar Eucalyptus, Ruscus, Dusty miller (very loose and flowy, heavy greenery)

Bridesmaids Bouquets: Quicksand/Ocean Song Roses, Succulents, Dark Purple Lisianthus, Lavender, Dusty Miller, Eucalyptus

Sweetheart Table: Bride’s bouquet on table, along with Wisteria Backdrop mixed with Roses, Greenery, Stock, Wax Flower to go across backdrop with fabric hanging underneath.

Stephanie and Josh’s favorite part of the wedding was the reception dancing, eating good food, spending time with guests, and drinking the night away. They made their own Greek wedding favors known as a boubouniera, which consists of five candy-coated almonds (koufeta) in a bag. The five almonds represent five wishes for the bride and groom…health, wealth, happiness, fertility, and longevity. A true highlight were the parent dances - Josh with his mom and Stephanie with her dad. You could truly feel the bond and love.

It really was the BEST day ever!!!!

Lead Photographers | Michael + Rebecca Zoumberos