“Best of” 2023: Wedding Portraits

Minimalist and Modern Downtown Tampa Wedding | Tampa River Center

Katelyn and Marcus' downtown Tampa wedding featured a waterfront celebration set against the Tampa skyline, combining classic neutral flora and greenery with classic monochromatic hues for a timeless celebration along the Hillsborough River.

Known for her eye for candid snapshots and a talent for documenting each of her couple's true personalities. Amber of Amber McWhorter Photography artfully captured every detail.

“I wanted a photographer who was versatile and was able to capture genuine emotions. I chose Amber McWhorter Photography because I really liked Amber's style and editing technique. Once I met her for our engagement photos, I knew I made the right decision. Amber was so easy to work with and made us feel so comfortable,” Katelyn raved. “I also really appreciate the candid photos; Amber does an amazing job at bringing couples' personalities to life through photos. She was absolutely amazing to work with, and I look forward to working more with her in the future!”

Ceremony and Reception Venue: Tampa River Center | Florist: Lavender & Lace Wedding Florist | Cake: Publix | Harpist: Harpist Kristen Elizabeth | Rentals: Gabro Event Services | Officiant: Jake Hanlon | Invitations: Truly Engaging | Transportation: The Shoop Express | Shoe Designer: Sam Edelman | Bridesmaid Dress Shop and Designer: Revelry | Rehearsal Dinner: Casa Santo Stefano | Flower Wall: Posy Exchange

Romantic 1920s Great Gatsby Inspired Downtown St. Pete Wedding | NOVA 535

Alyssa and Michael's downtown St. Petersburg wedding was a dazzling affair, brimming with 1920s-inspired details that reflected the couple's love and dedication. From the breathtaking bridal bouquet to the stunning nighttime portraits to their grand departure in a vintage Rolls Royce, the bride and groom curated a magical December evening.

To ensure every special moment of their wedding day was captured, the couple sought a talented team for photography and videography. They found the perfect fit in Iyrus Weddings, who skillfully guided them through the day, ensuring no cherished memory went unnoticed.

“We were looking for a local wedding photographer and videographer that we could trust to capture our special day and not miss any of the details,” Alyssa explained. “Iyrus Weddings did our engagement photos, and once we finished up our engagement session, I asked Will right then and there if he could shoot and film our wedding day. Will has a way of making you feel comfortable behind the camera and guiding you through the whole process. From his great personality to his amazing work, it was very easy to choose him as our photo and video vendor. On the day of the wedding, he helped keep us on time. He truly goes above and beyond to get the perfect shot and does it like it is second nature to him. He makes you feel like you are shooting for Vogue magazine. We felt like celebrities on our wedding day. His team of videographers and editors were on it, and we got our video and photos back in less than a month!”

Planner & Florist: The Bride | Caterer: Pasta Chef Catering, LLC | Cake: Baked in the Burg | Officiant: Manny Vilaret | Invitations: Ann's Bridal Bargains, Zazzle | Transportation: Royal Transportation Group | Dress Shop and Designer: CC's Bridal Boutique | Shoe Designer: Badgley Mischka | Hair & Makeup: Say I Do Artistry | Rehearsal Dinner: 3 Daughters Brewing

Luxurious Italian-Inspired Sarasota Wedding | Powel Crosley Estate

Kallie and Domenic's glamorous waterfront Sarasota wedding was a blend of Italian romance and chic elegance, making every guest feel as if they had stepped into a picturesque scene straight out of Tuscany. 

Shannon Kelly Films played a climactic role in Kallie and Domenic's day, creating a wedding video that deviated from the conventional highlight reel. The couple wanted a film that was as unique as it was romantic, capturing the essence of their love and the electrifying atmosphere of their wedding in a style reminiscent of a cinematic movie trailer.

“We had a unique vision for our wedding video, steering clear of the traditional and sappy style. Instead, we aimed for something more ‘badass' and reminiscent of a thrilling movie trailer. Cringey or awkward voiceovers were definitely off the table; instead, we wanted a few clever sound bites that would bring laughter to everyone's lips. I recall mentioning to Shannon of Shannon Kelly Films that we wanted our video to embody the vibes of shows like Bridgerton, Succession, and The Godfather. With Shannon's exceptional talents, the resulting video surpassed all our expectations, delivering everything we could have ever wished for and more,” Kallie detailed. “At first, we were uncertain about hiring a videographer due to the additional cost and our preference for photography over video. However, choosing Shannon Kelly Films turned out to be an excellent decision. Not only was her pricing reasonable, but her portfolio spoke volumes about her talent and expertise. Moreover, her delightful personality made the entire experience enjoyable. Shannon's presence throughout the day kept us laughing and uplifted the positive atmosphere. After just one conversation with her, we knew she was the perfect fit for us.”

Ceremony and Reception Venue: Powel Crosley Estate | Photographer: Tiffany Maysonet Photography | Planner and Rentals: Sarasota & Tampa Wedding Gallery, Laura Snow | Florist: I I Dew Events Florals | Caterer: Milan Catering and Event Design | Cake: A Piece of Cake & Desserts | DJ: Curate Entertainment DJ Malike | Live Entertainment: Emma The Harpist | Officiant: Cory Mentzer | Invitations: Serendipity Beyond Design | Transportation: Ambassador Limousine & Sedan and Siesta Trolley, Inc | Dress Shop: One & Only Bridal | Dress Designer: Martina Liana | Shoe Designer: Badgley Mischka | Bridesmaid Dress Shop and Designer: Shona Joy | Hair & Makeup: May Paulina & Kiss and Makeup By Steph | Rehearsal Dinner: Sage SRQ | Dessert: Paciugo Gelato Caffè | Room Block: Hyatt Regency Sarasota

Elegant, Natural Pastel Dade City Wedding | Simpson Lakes

Mikaela and Johnny's Dade City wedding featured a soft and romantic palette of pastel blues, pinks, and purples, punctuated with garden-inspired florals and greenery befitting the Southern estate setting.

The Wesley Chapel bride and groom sought a picturesque venue with beautiful indoor and outdoor settings that could accommodate their 200 guests. They instantly connected with Simpson Lakes after meeting owners Caroline and Wilton, who further impressed the couple with their attention to detail and hands-on wedding day experience.

“We chose this area because it possesses so much natural ‘old' Florida beauty, something that’s hard to come by nowadays. I looked for something timeless, clean, and naturally beautiful. I wanted a venue that didn’t require a lot of decorating and that also accommodated our large guest list. Simpson Lakes had everything we searched for.” Mikaela raved. “They provided the perfect reception space to hold all of our guests and the perfect ceremony site with beautiful oak trees. We had looked at a couple of venues prior, and as soon as we toured Simpson Lakes, we knew straight away it was the one. The scenery and location sold us; it was a dream. The beautiful oak trees and acres of land really made us feel like we were not in the everyday hustle and bustle some areas of Florida bring. Caroline and Wilton were quick to answer any questions we had and were very thorough in giving a tour and helping us set up. They went beyond our expectations to make sure our day was perfect. Even when at the last minute it started raining, they quickly moved everything inside and made it look just as beautiful.”

Videographer: Albey Productions | Florist: Chalet Florist | Caterer: Savory Roots Catering and Events | Cake: Cottage Bakery | Desserts: Publix | DJ: Traveling Sound and Light | Officiant: Raymond Nalette | Dress Shop: The White Magnolia Bridal Collection Tampa | Dress Designer: Lillian West | Veil: Maggie Sottero Designs | Grooms Suit: Suitsupply- Hyde park | Bridesmaid Dress Shop and Designer: Birdy Grey | Hair & Makeup: Hayley Styles and @Beauty.By.Angelina LLC | Rehearsal Dinner: American Pizza Oven Dade City | Lighting: Kaleidoscope Events | Photo Booth: WildHearts Photo Booth Bus | Rentals: Southern Chairs

Intimate Nature-Inspired Outdoor Wedding | Mill Pond Estate

“We knew we wanted an outdoor venue, and we were very inspired by nature. I wanted lots of flowers, and Jena wanted trees on the property. We were going for an evening in the garden as our inspiration. The style seemed low-key and intimate, which is exactly what we wanted,” Rebecca shared. “I definitely felt my personality come through with the colors we chose to accent with. We chose pastel pink and sage green but really ended up incorporating lots of wildflower colors which were inspired by our wedding planner, and I absolutely fell in love with the idea. I believe the simplicity of the decor and the laid-back ambiance really reflected Jena's personality.”

Classic Black and White Destination Wedding | Streamsong Resort

Seeking a wedding photographer with exceptional communication skills, Ellie and Kevin were captivated by Limelight Photography. The team's superb customer service and professional yet easy-going personalities put them at ease and made a lasting impression.

“We looked for a wedding photographer with superior communication skills. Since we were planning a destination wedding, it was important that we were able to meet virtually with our photographer to talk about what we envisioned for our wedding. Limelight Photography did a great job of this! I also looked at photography portfolios; their pictures stood out to me because of the lighting and quality,” Ellie beamed. “The quality of their pictures drew me in, but their customer service and team of photographers were what sealed the deal! The photographer, Daphne, made me feel so comfortable throughout the entire photoshoot. I do not enjoy taking pictures of myself and was super nervous about being photographed, but Daphne gave me confidence and made me laugh so that I was able to enjoy and relax during the process!”

Rehearsal Dinner, Venue, Caterer, Cake, Rentals: Streamsong Resort | Videographer: Alina Cartwright Videography | Florist: Bloom Shakalaka | DJ: Our DJ Rocks | Officiant: Jeff B | Invitations: Minted | Dress Shop and Designer: Bella Bridal | Shoe Designer: Badgley Mischka | Bridesmaid Dress Shop and Designer: Lulus

Modern Spring Ybor City Wedding | Hotel Haya

Stephanie and Josh's springtime Ybor City wedding centered around family vibes, personal memories, and romance. Nestled in the vibrant streets of Tampa's historic neighborhood, the bride and groom curated an event infused with Josh's Trinidad and Barbados heritage, Stephanie's Miami roots, and an Italian garden-inspired design.

When it came to capturing their once-in-a-lifetime moments, the Miami couple wanted a photography team that could bring their memories to life. Enter Garry and Stacy Photography Co.; not only were they familiar with the venue, but their editorial style captured the couple's vision, making the entire journey from the engagement shoot to the final gallery an unforgettable experience.

“We looked for creatives who could handle painting a cohesive image and memory of our special day! Garry and Stacy Photography Co. understood what we wanted and had worked at our venue previously. We loved working with them throughout the wedding process!” the bride gushed. “From the engagement photo shoot to the moment we received our gallery, they were so special and caring. We also felt that they never distracted us from enjoying our day.”

Videographer: Ryan Conley Film Co | Florist: Flowersmith | Cake: The Cake Girl | DJ: Tampa Bay DJ Company, Ivan Torres | Music: The SugarSax | Officiant: Sensational Ceremonies West Coast FL | Invitations: Truly Engaging | Dress Designer: Pronovias | Shoe Designer: Dior | Bridesmaid Dress Shop and Designer: Show Me Your Mumu | Hair & Makeup: Beauty Marked | Rehearsal Dinner: Rocca Tampa

Dusty Rose Downtown Tampa Wedding | Tampa River Center

“We wanted a photographer who could really capture our love for one another and the joy that surrounded the day. We didn’t want over-edited photos that took away from the colors we chose or our beautiful surroundings. Dewitt for Love's pictures are stunning! Their photos are intentional, fun, and artistic. After seeing one of their full albums, it was game over. We were sold!” the bride beamed. “When we first met the Dewitts in person for our engagement shoot, they made us feel so comfortable! It didn’t feel posed or staged, and it felt like we were on a date just hanging out on the beach (with paparazzi, haha). Brandon and Shannon are so down to earth and truly showed they cared about us. They had us laughing the whole time. On the wedding day, they were amazing! They went above and beyond to capture the day and night, and Shannon kept me calm when we started running behind schedule.”

Ceremony Venue: St Stephen Catholic Church | Reception Venue: Tampa River Center | Planner: I Choose You Events | Florist: KP Event Design | Rentals: On The Move Wedding & Event Rentals | Officiant: Father Izzie Hernandez | Invitations: Canva | Transportation: Bayside Limos of Florida | Dress Shop and Designer: The White Magnolia Bridal Collection Tampa | Shoe Designer: Vetaste | Bridesmaid Dress Shop and Designer: AZAZIE | Makeup: Makeup by Jadie | Rehearsal Dinner: Jackson's Bistro Bar & Sushi

Glamorous Black and Emerald Green Wedding Inspiration | Armature Works

With the ambiance centered around the couple's love for art, culture, and celebrating, it was important to find a videographer who would be able to capture the South Florida couple's vivacious energy. To ensure their visual arts team would seamlessly intertwine with the vision, Bre hired Priceless Studio Design at the recommendation of her photographer.

“We wanted a videographer with good quality work, lots of angles in his shots, and one with the ability to tell our story in a short video,” the bride shared. “Charles of Priceless Studio Design was able to do just that!”

Ceremony and Reception Venue: Armature Works | Photographer: Ying Photography | Planner: Joanne and Fayye from @Momentsby_JF | Florist and Decor: FH Events | Caterer: SaltBlock Hospitality | Cake (faux): @Sugarita111 | Cupcakes: Sweetie's Delights Bakery | DJ: DJ Jazzy Jeff | Live entertainment: The Stringz Attached | Officiant: Lori Morton MFT | Stationary: Kisanii Enterprises, LLC | Transportation: L3Limo | Get Away Boat: Jim Collins | Dress Shop and Designer: Pantora Bridal | Shoe Designer: Badgley Mischka | Bride's Jumpsuit: Nadine Merabi | Bridesmaid Dress Shop and Designer: Wsbfashionanddesign | Hair: Tiffany Stylez | Makeup: Xiomy Santel | Rehearsal Lunch: Maggiano's | Hostesses Dresses: Babaroni | Groom and Groomsmen Tux: Men's Wearhouse | Bridal Party Pom Poms: Darlean Woods | Reception Place Setting Names & Table Names: I do Events and More | Chocolatier: William Dean Chocolates

Tropical Peach and Pink Downtown St. Pete Wedding | The Birchwood

Seeking to capture their unique personalities, Sylvia and Joe turned to Lifelong Photography Studio for their experience and familiarity with their venue. The final product was a stunning assortment of ethereal images that beautifully captured their memorable day.

“We wanted our photos to feel bright and airy. We had a great meeting with the Lifelong Photography Studio team and knew they had a lot of experience shooting at The Birchwood. We felt confident that they'd be able to capture our day and the scenery,” Sylvia beamed. “We're so happy with our photos; we had an excellent engagement session in New York City, and our wedding photos are bright and airy like we hoped. Buffy made us feel so comfortable in front of the camera and gave great instructions for how to pose and move. They took great care to fit in all the types of photos we wanted and all the people we wanted photos with.”

Videographer: Fairytale Productions | Florist: 2Birds Events | Dessert: The Gelato Carte | Ceremony Music: Sunset Strings | Officiant: Brandi R Morris, Officiant | Invitations: Zazzle | Dress Shop: Malindy Elene Bridal Boutique | Dress Designer: Martina Liana | Shoe Designer: Steve Madden | Rehearsal Lunch:400 Beach Seafood & Tap House | Bulgarian Folkore Dancers: Sharenitsa

Romantic Rustic, Pink and Green Dade City Wedding

The bride sought a photographer who would focus on capturing the emotions of the day and the events as they unfolded rather than snapping too many images of decor. Rachel from Rachel Elle Photography channeled her years of experience and warm demeanor to help guide stylish group shots and candid images throughout the celebration.

“I loved the shots by Rachel Elle Photography,” Amber gushed. “She was also wonderful at navigating my family dynamic and accommodated my own lack of interest in the more frivolous ‘fluff' like details shots, which I really appreciated.”

“Amber and Rayon are beautiful, down to earth, and so in love,” Rachel Lee, owner of Rachel Elle Photography, beamed. “Their private estate wedding was warm and welcoming, with thoughtful touches placed throughout the family estate to ensure the guests felt comfortable and were having a wonderful time. Capturing their day and working with such an incredible couple was an absolute dream!”

Ceremony and Reception Venue: Family Home | Florist: Boho Floral | Caterer: Good Food Events + Catering | Rentals: Elite Events & Rentals, Fiestas Solutions Party Rental | Cake: The Rustic Bliss Cakery | Desserts: Desiree’s Delicacies | DJ: DJ chuckknorris | Officiant: Heanon Tate | Digital Invitations: The Knot | Transportation: Compass Limo of Tampa Bay | Dress Shop and Designer: New York Bride & Groom of Charlotte, Morilee | Shoe Designer: Badgley Mischka | Rehearsal Dinner: Green Door on 8th | Day of IV Therapy: Drip Hydration