Kristy + Carter Step Into The Limelight | Opal Sands Resort | Clearwater Beach, FL

Kristy & Carter began their love story in early 2019, when they were introduced to each other by their dear friends, Chris & Emily. After several romantic dates on Downtown St. Pete (Florida), sparks flew and they continued to see each other. Once they realized they both had ridiculously good-looking dogs, it was game over. It was clear that they were very passionate about two things, work and travel. So together they built a life they loved and began traveling the world with each other.

When Carter realized Kristy was THE ONE, he surprised her with an epic proposal. Carter pretended they were going to spend his birthday weekend in Miami for a quick getaway but little did Kristy know the he was renting a Yacht and dropping to one knee in front of their closest friends. It was an easy “yes” for Kristy.

Almost one year later, they tied the knot on Clearwater Beach and celebrated their special day with their favorite people and fur babies. Their wedding was a classy, modern, coastal contemporary event, filled with so much LOVE. We loved being able to witness these two enjoy each moment and truly take in their day together. We loved how they made time to love on their guests and family and included their fur babies throughout the day. It was an unforgettable day and we wish Kristy & Carte so many more beautiful and cherished memories together as Mr. & Mrs!

Lead Photographer | Dafne Spencer
Associate Photographer | Jackie Pizio
Associate Photographer | Steven McCarthy

Band | Inpulse Entertainment 
Cake | Publix
Caterer | Opal Sands Resort
Ceremony Site | Opal Sands Resort
DJ | Inpulse Entertainment
Event Planner | Artistry Designs | Barb Oehlerking
Florist | Artistry Designs
Hair Stylist | Rachel Reumann
Invitations | Minted
Make-up Artist | Rachel Reumann
Reception Venue | Opal Sands Resort
Videographer | Hearts Video

Melissa + Brandon Step Into The Limelight | OPAL SANDS RESORT | CLEARWATER BEACH, FL

Meet the sweet couple that is Melissa & Brandon…
Brandon and Melissa met on Hinge. It was September of 2020 when they connected on the app. Brandon moved down in March at the start of the pandemic to be near his family who own a horse farm in Ocala, FL. Melissa was living in Tampa, FL. Despite the fact that they were living 100 miles from one another they somehow matched. They both ironically went to University of Miami undergrad (Brandon being a year ahead of Melissa). Brandon's Sophomore year at Miami he lived in a suite in the Pearson dorm building. They discovered that the exact suite he lived in, Melissa actually moved into the year following! Brandon and Melissa also lived in NYC at the same time as each other. Brandon says Melissa has been following him around for years but she is convinced it is the other way around :) Their first date was October 3rd of 2020 and Melissa always knew it was going to be something special.

Brandon then asked if Melissa could come to the farm because his parents farm was being featured in a local magazine and they would like Melissa to be in the photos. Melissa didn't think anything of it as this was fairly common. Well, Melissa showed up and the photographer asked (while Brandon’s parents got ready) if they could do some test shots in the garden. The next thing she knew Brandon was on one knee! As the two of them were basking in the shock, Melissa’s entire family came walking out of a near by cottage. It was absolutely beautiful. Their families had planned a beautiful dinner to follow.

Melissa and Brandon love spending time together doing things for Brandon's horse Buddy, taking golf cart rides around their neighborhood and the equestrian center, traveling, walking their dog, watching horse shows. They even joke how they just love washing the dishes together. Doing simple household things.

Both Brandon and Melissa have a love for the water. With such uncertainty in the world and travel, they wanted a destination wedding without it being too far of a destination. When they saw Opal Sands and met with Jenna, everything just felt right. Jenna made them feel like they were instantly family and showed them her love for her work and the property. There was really nothing that could compete with that.

Melissa and Brandon’s wedding was pure class and undeniable thought for meaningful tradition. We loved being able to witness Melissa and Brandon’s love for each other and their loved ones. The way they love is a true example of genuine grace for others. Melissa is the sweetest souls, she’s calm, intentional, loving and pure… Brandon beautifully complements Melissa with his confidence and presence, you can tell that Melissa feels completely secure with him. We just LOVED seeing these two together. Melissa and Brandon truly enjoyed each moment of their special day with each other and their families, it was beautiful to see them go to each table and listen to each of their guests and thank them (and vendors) throughout the day.

We wish Melissa and Brandon a lifetime of LOVE and many many more meaningful memories together מזל טוב!

Lead Photographer | Dafne Spencer
Associate Photographer | Gabe Caldwell

Band | Matt Winter Band
Bridesmaid Dresses | BHLDN
Cake | A Piece of Cake
Caterer | Opal Sands Resort
Ceremony Site | Opal Sands Resort
DJ | Matt Winter Band
Event Planner | Artistry Designs Group | Barb
Florist | Artistry Designs Group
Invitations | Busy Bride
Reception Venue | Opal Sands Resort
Rings | Freddy’s Jewelry
Videographer | Hearts Video
Wedding Gown | The White Closet Bridal

Amber + Tyler Step Into The Limelight | St. Raphael’s Catholic Church + The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club | St. Petersburg, FL

Amber and Tyler had the most amazing day ever! They got married at the beautiful St. Raphael Catholic Church in St. Pete, and I don’t think we’ve ever seen such emotion! Both the bride and groom totally broke down in tears as they saw each other and met at the altar. Truly one of the sweetest moments ever. Their ceremony was followed by cocktail and reception at the Vinoy. Boy was it cold but this couple made the best of it! They got to snuggle up nice and close so we could capture these amazing photos for them. After they braved the weather it was time to party! It was so evident how much everyone loved and cared about the couple when all 3 people toasting got choked up. Their sweet words just enforced what we already knew: that Amber and Tyler were made for each other. From then on the couple didn’t leave the dance floor for the rest of the night, dancing and celebrating with their loved once! It was one of the most fun crowds we’ve seen. We are so glad you guys found each other and know you have the most incredible future ahead of you! Congratulations to the newlyweds ❤️ 

Lead Photographer | Alexa Rodriguez
Associate Photographer | Tara Zimmerman

Bridesmaid Dresses |  David’s Bridal
Cake |  Hands on Sweets
Caterer |  The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club
Ceremony Site | St. Raphael’s Catholic Church
DJ | Breezin Entertainment
Florist | 2Birds Events
Hair Stylist | Beauty Marked
Invitations | Elegant Wedding Invites
Make-up Artist | Beauty Marked
Reception Venue | The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club
Videographer | Hearts Video
Wedding Gown | Frontroom Couture

Hannah + Tony Step Into The Limelight | The Don CeSar | St. Petersburg, FL

After six years and an extra long engagement due to COVID, Hannah and Tony are finally MARRIED! Hannah and Tony met through mutual friends. They love binge watching shows, hiking, going to concerts, traveling, walking their pup Phin and cheering on their favorite team, the Yankees.

One day, Tony surprised Hannah by posted all of their love notes, pictures, memories and more all over their house. He also surprised her by going down on one knee and asking her to marry him. She said yes and he later surprised her at their favorite local bar with all of their loved ones.

Tony and Hannah said their “I Dos’ at the beautiful Don CeSar. It was a joyful day full of amazing views, laughter, loving family and friends. Tara, Steven and Audrey loved getting to know this couple and being a part of their big day. Congrats! 

Lead Photographer | Audrey Clifford
Associate Photographer | Tara Zimmerman

Bridesmaid Dresses | Azazie
Cake | Don CeSar
Caterer | Don CeSar
Ceremony Site | Don CeSar
DJ |  Grant Hemond
Florist | Iza’s Flowers
Hair Stylist | Don CeSar
Invitations | Shutterfly
Make-up Artist | Don CeSar
Reception Venue | Don CeSar
Videographer | Hearts Video
Wedding Gown | Lovely Boutique

Lauren + Dan Step Into The Limelight | TradeWinds Island Grand Resort | Saint Petersburg, FL

Lauren & Dan met at a kick off event for their MBAs at Rice University and hatted off immediately!
These two truly compliment each other… she’s the planner and he is the spontaneous one. #balance
They enjoy smoking cigars, running, hiking, watching shows, listening to audiobooks and photography…

Dan is quite the photographer! He shoots and she models ❤ and what a true beauty she is!
We loved capturing Lauren & Dan’s coolness together, they just ooze “chill”.  We had the most amazing sunset and their love for each other naturally shined through. We loved how they soaked in each moment of the day together and enjoyed their time with family and close friends.
We will call this day… chill and classy with a modern twist. From Lauren’s stunning lace and open back dress, to the classic parasol with an ever so modern geode cake. Each detail came together perfectly ❤
We wish Lauren & Dan all things nerdy and beautiful… Congratulations!

Lead Photographer | Dafne Spencer
Associate Photographer | Kara Lerchenfeld

Bridesmaid Dresses | Azazie
Cake | The Artistic Whisk
Caterer | TradeWinds Island Grand Resort
Ceremony Site | TradeWinds Island Grand Resort
DJ | Expert Productions
Event Planner | Driftwood Weddings and Events | Cherish & Tori
Florist | Etsy
Hair Stylist | Michele Renee the Studio
Invitations | Basic Invite
Make-up Artist | Michele Renee the Studio
Reception Venue | TradeWinds Island Grand Resort
Videographer | Hearts Video
Wedding Gown | Unbridaled