Abbey + Donald Step Into The Limelight | Sunken Gardens | St. Pete, FL

There is something truly magical about a garden wedding, and Abbey and Donald’s wedding at Sunken Gardens in St. Pete, Florida, was no exception. As the sun filtered through the lush canopy of tropical greenery, these two soulmates exchanged vows surrounded by vibrant flowers, cascading waterfalls, and the love of their closest family and friends. As their wedding photographer, I had the absolute joy of capturing their day through a blend of timeless portraits and heartfelt wedding candids that perfectly reflected their love story.

Abbey and Donald are not just partners in life—they are each other’s best friends. They bring out the best in one another and share a love for running, reading, watching TV, solving puzzles, and cooking together. Their journey began at a trivia game, where their shared passion for knowledge and fun instantly connected them. It was clear from the start that they were meant to be.

From the moment I arrived, I could feel the excitement in the air. Abbey was radiant in her wedding gown, her smile glowing even brighter than the Florida sun. Donald’s anticipation was evident as he stood beneath the towering palms, waiting for that first look at his bride. When the moment finally came, it was nothing short of breathtaking—pure, unfiltered emotion as he turned around and saw Abbey for the first time. This is what I love most about wedding photography in St. Pete, Florida—these raw, authentic moments that will be treasured forever.

The ceremony took place beneath a canopy of towering trees, their branches gently swaying in the breeze as Abbey and Donald exchanged heartfelt vows. There wasn’t a dry eye in sight as they sealed their promises with a kiss, surrounded by the beauty of one of Florida’s most enchanting garden wedding venues. As a St. Pete photographer, capturing the way the sunlight danced around them in this dreamy setting was an absolute delight.

One of the most touching details of the reception was a special piece of artwork created by Donald himself. As an artist, he crafted a beautiful picture of the two of them, which was proudly displayed for their guests to admire. It was a true reflection of their love and the creativity that binds them together.

As the celebration continued, I focused on capturing the joy, laughter, and sweet in-between moments that make a wedding day unforgettable. The newlyweds twirled under the string lights during their first dance, the golden hour casting the most romantic glow around them. Their guests filled the night with laughter, heartfelt toasts, and a dance floor that stayed lively until the very last song. Every moment was a perfect testament to their love, and I was honored to document it all through my lens.

Abbey and Donald’s wedding at Sunken Gardens was a beautiful reminder of why I love photojournalistic photography—it's about preserving genuine emotions and fleeting moments in a way that tells a complete story. Their love, laughter, and undeniable connection made this day unforgettable, and I am so grateful to have been a part of it.

If you are looking for wedding photography in Clearwater, Florida, or searching for a St. Pete photographer to capture your dream wedding, I would love to tell your love story through beautiful, timeless images. Contact Limelight Photography today to learn more about our wedding photography services!

Lead Photographer | Dafne Spencer
Associate Photographer | Alayna Vance

Bridesmaid Dresses | Birdy Grey
Cake | Publix
Caterer | Amici's Catered Cuisine
Ceremony Site | Sunken Gardens
DJ | Breezin Entertainment
Event Planner | Enchanted Weddings & Events
Hair Stylist | Meghan Terbush
Invitations | The Knot
Reception Venue | Sunken Gardens
Wedding Gown | David’s Bridal

Jackie + Jared Step Into The Limelight | Marie Selby Botanical Gardens | Sarasota, FL

A Sunset Celebration of Love: Jackie & Jared’s Jewish Wedding

Some love stories feel destined, and Jackie and Jared’s is one of them. Introduced by family friends in 2022, their connection was instant rooted in laughter, shared dreams, and a deep love for nature.

On a boat near Lido Beach, with the golden sun melting into the horizon, Jared asked Jackie to be his forever. The waves whispered, the sky blushed, and with a joyful “yes,” their forever began.

Jackie loves Jared’s unwavering authenticity, while Jared adores Jackie’s kindness and the way her eyes light up with love. Together, they are home.

Under a canopy of lush greenery and endless sky, they embraced their Jewish traditions in a breathtaking garden. Surrounded by their loved ones, they vowed to walk life’s path hand in hand, as the sunset blessed their new beginning. From the sacred vows to the joyous whirlwind of traditional dances, every moment was pure romance and bliss. Laughter, love, and music filled the air, weaving memories they will cherish forever.

Jackie and Jared’s wedding was more than a day it was the beginning of a lifetime. A love as deep as the ocean, as endless as the sky, and as warm as the setting sun. To Jackie and Jared may your love always shine as brightly as the day you said “I do.”.

Lead Photographer | Natalia Fontes
Associate Photographer | Jackie Pizio

Caterer |  Michaels on East
Ceremony Site | Marie Selby Gardens 
DJ | Goodley
Event Planner |  Lexi Vennetti
Florist |  Flowers by Fudgie
Hair Stylist | LH Artistry 
Make-up Artist | LH Artistry
Reception Venue | Marie Selby Gardens
Videographer | Earl Speid

Kate + Dan Step Into The Limelight | Sunken Gardens | St. Pete, FL

Some love stories start with a meet-cute, others with a grand romantic gesture. Kate and Dan's? Well, it began with a Florence and the Machine concert and the wrong Catherine. (No hard feelings though she's lovely, and they're still friends!) Fate, however, had other plans, and a few years later while working at a bar, Dan finally found himself dating the right Katherine.

Dan had it all planned out: a perfect day featuring an antique book fair, cake, and the grand finale—a stunning engagement ring. What he didn’t plan for was Kate short-circuiting the moment entirely. With the instincts of a detective (or an overenthusiastic gift opener), she guessed what was in the box, grabbed it, and opened it before Dan could get a single word out!

When asked what he loves about Kate, Dan simply responded, "None of your business!" And honestly, if that's not true love, what is? Kate, on the other hand, adores his sharp wit and sense of humor. Their dynamic is the kind that keeps everyone guessing and laughing in equal measure.

While Dan enjoys fencing (the "stabby kind," as Kate puts it) and photography, Kate prefers books, animals, and, well, unearthing history sometimes quite literally. Their adventures once led them to Mississippi, where they exhumed 4,000 corpses from an insane asylum. (Whose idea was that again?)

Kate and Dan tied the knot on 3.14.25, a subtle, yet nerdy nod to Pi Day. Their wedding was a perfect blend of Art Nouveau, Hollywood Glam, and 1930s Florida (but, as Kate emphasizes, "not the Dust Bowl"). A touch of whimsy tied it all together, making for an unforgettable celebration. And let’s not forget Dan’s impeccable sense of style, which on this special day included stunning pink flamingo hats that added an extra layer of charm to the festivities.

For Kate, the highlights of the day included quality time with family from across the country, stunning historical surroundings, and, of course, pie. Lots of pie. Oh, and marrying Dan. That part was pretty great too. But what truly made the wedding special was that every single detail of the decor was crafted by Kate herself. From the delicate florals to the charming table settings, every corner of the venue had her magical touch.

As if the day wasn’t already full of surprises, in the middle of the celebration, giant Bigfoot made a dramatic entrance, giving the guests a moment of sheer terror before laughter took over. Just another ordinary moment in the extraordinary love story of Kate and Dan!

And speaking of extraordinary, let’s take a moment to appreciate Kate on her wedding day—absolutely breathtaking, radiant, and undeniably stunning. A bride who could have stopped time with her beauty alone.

As a photographer, this wedding was an absolute delight to capture. Every moment, every laugh, every flamingo hat, and yes, even the unexpected Bigfoot, made this a day to remember. It was an honor to document such a unique and love-filled day, and I wish Kate and Dan a lifetime of blessings, joy, and endless laughter!

Looking for a team to capture your wedding day? Contact us HERE!

Lead Photographer | Natalia Fontes
Associate Photographer | Noelle Topa

Bridesmaid Dresses |  David's Bridal
Caterer | CBK Catering
Ceremony Site | Sunken Gardens
Florist | By Bride
Hair Stylist | Claire at J. Conn
Reception Venue | Sunken Gardens
Wedding Gown | David's Bridal

Alexis + Garrett Step Into The Limelight | Sunken Gardens | St. Petersburg, FL

From the moment I arrived at Sunken Gardens for Alexis and Garrett's wedding, I knew their day would be nothing short of magical. The lush greenery, blooming florals, and serene pathways provided the perfect backdrop for their romantic garden-inspired celebration. As a St. Pete photographer, capturing weddings in beautiful spaces like this is always a dream come true.

Alexis and Garrett's love story began years ago at a high school leadership conference, and their journey has been filled with adventure ever since. When Garrett proposed on top of a historic fort in the Dry Tortugas after a breathtaking seaplane ride, it was clear their love was destined for incredible heights.

On their wedding day, Alexis and Garrett's vision of a Garden Romantic, coastal, and classy theme came to life. Inspired by their love for nature and the coast, their color palette of light blues and whites perfectly complemented the garden setting. The ceremony felt deeply personal, with close friends playing significant roles. One friend officiated, while others read meaningful Bible verses and offered heartfelt prayers. These thoughtful touches made the ceremony feel intimate and warm.

The moment that truly tugged at my heart was Alexis and Garrett's first look at the altar. As Alexis walked down the aisle, Garrett's face lit up with pure joy and emotion. It's moments like these that make wedding photography in St. Pete, Florida so rewarding—capturing raw, authentic emotions that couples will treasure forever.

The reception was an absolute highlight of the evening. Guests laughed, mingled, and celebrated while surrounded by coastal-inspired decor and charming personal details. Each table displayed photos of the couple throughout their relationship, while signature cocktails added a fun, personalized touch. Alexis's DIY signs added warmth and sentimentality, including a touching tribute table titled "The Loves That Came Before Us," featuring wedding photos from past generations. These thoughtful details made the entire evening feel incredibly special.

The toasts from friends and family were filled with love, humor, and heartfelt memories, perfectly reflecting Alexis and Garrett's fun-loving and adventurous personalities. I couldn’t help but smile behind my camera, knowing these were the unforgettable moments they'd look back on with joy.

Alexis and Garrett’s wedding was a true testament to love, family, and the beauty of shared experiences. From their heartfelt vows to the joyful celebration with loved ones, every moment felt meaningful and special. As a photographer specializing in photojournalistic photography, capturing their story in candid, authentic moments was an absolute honor.

If you're dreaming of wedding photography in Clearwater, Florida or a St. Pete photographer to document your special day, Limelight Photography would be thrilled to capture your unforgettable moments. Reach out to us today to start planning your perfect wedding photography experience!

Lead Photographer | Dafne Spencer
Associate Photographer | Josiah Bonilla

 Cake | Publix
Caterer | Amici's Catered Cuisine
Ceremony Site | Sunken Gardens
DJ | Joe Farren Live Music + DJ Services
Florist | Jennie's Flowers
Invitations | by Bride
Painter | Event Painting by Jamie | Jamie Pogue
Reception Venue | Sunken Gardens
Videographer | Diego Stewart Films

Jennifer + Mike Step Into The Limelight | Paradise Spring | Lithia, FL

In 2016 Mike stumbled across Jenn's Twitch stream because she was playing his favorite game, The Last of Us. They became fast friends and spent countless hours hanging out and gaming together online. While spending their anniversary in St. Augustine, they were taking a walk through the beautiful historic town. Everything just felt right so Jenn knelt down and asked the question!

“I love Mike's good heart, how he cares so much about others and the loving way he treats animals too. I love his sense of humor and how well it meshes with my own. I love his never-ending enthusiasm for life, always coming up with new fun things to do and never letting us fall into routine. I love how sensitive and romantic he is, he's so loving and always surprising me with small gestures. I love how supportive he is of my passions and dreams, he is very involved in my stream and always rooting for me. He has never missed one of my shows.I love his problem-solving mind, he's not one to give up on any problem, he'll always think of a solution and work to fix it. I love his voice, his laugh, his face, everything about him.” - Jenn

“Falling in love with Jenn happened in an instant. She always brings the best version of myself out of me in every situation and always makes me look inside of myself and think about things from a different perspective. There's never ever enough time in a day to spend with her and I'm constantly looking for new things to do and experience with her. She makes me laugh all the time, makes my heart race and melt all at once. She has the kindest heart I've ever known and an unrivaled sense of empathy. Just seeing her face makes me smile and I feel so lucky and special to be able to share my time and my life with her and to watch her grow into an even more wonderful person every single day.” - Mike

Together they enjoy gaming, watching movies, going on walks, playing card games, binging TV shows on Netflix, going to restaurants, going to Disney and visiting Connecticut.

Jennifer and Mike wanted somewhere quiet and filled with nature away from the normal tropical and beach-type areas and venues so commonly found in Florida. Their wedding day outfits matched the overall color palette of their wedding and fell in line with the nature-infused and floral theme.

They selected all of the designs and details about their ceremony and reception. They compromised along the way to make sure the day was special and meaningful to both of them. Just knowing that their wedding is a culmination of both of their efforts and creativity made this day special and unique to them. The wedding vows, the first kiss the food and seeing all of their friends and family there to support them and their life together and share their special moments with them was beautiful to witness. 

All of their hard work and planning came together to create a beautiful and enchanting scene with the floral decorations, the ceremony area in the secret garden and for their reception on the Villa patio. The entire day was a romantic and intimate escape to a secret garden surrounded by family and loved ones to celebrate the partnership they share. They wedding was nature-infused, rustic-filled and lush with flowers and trees….A tucked away fantasy.

Lead Photographer | Rebecca Zoumberos
Associate Photographer | Michael Zoumberos

Bridesmaid Dresses | Mori Lee | Athena’s Bridal Boutique
Cake | Hands on Sweets
Caterer | Vesh  
Ceremony Site | The Secret Garden at Paradise Spring  | Love Lee Lane + Ashley Hinton Moody
DJ | Grant Hemond & Associates
Event Planner | La Niña Event Planning & Design
Florist | 2birds Events
Hair + Makeup | Elena Joseph Hair & Makeup Designer
Invitations | Minted
Officiant | A Wedding with Grace | Grace Felice
Reception Venue | The Patio at Paradise Spring
Videographer | Fox Grove Films
Wedding Gown | Truly Forever Bridal