Building Limelight: My Journey as a Small Business Owner

Being a small business owner in the wedding industry isn’t just my job, it’s my passion. As Rebecca Zoumberos, Founder and CEO of Limelight Photography, I am privileged to lead a team of dedicated professionals who represent some of the best wedding photographers in Tampa Bay.

before limelight

Limelight Photography captured its first wedding on Valentine’s Day 2006 (a perfect day to celebrate love, right?!) aboard the Marina Jack II Yacht in Sarasota, FL. The dream, however, started years earlier. With a Bachelor’s in Advertising from the University of Florida and a Master’s in Graphic Design from the Academy of Art University, I combined my creative passion with entrepreneurial skills to bring Limelight to life.

After receiving my Masters, I found myself back in my hometown within the Tampa Area. With a couple of degrees under my belt, I began working as a Catering Sales Manager at Hilton, where I was able to master wedding logistics, timelines, and details. I later began designing wedding albums for a local photographer, as well as shadowing wedding photographers. As I gained insight into the creative and technical aspects of wedding photography, I found that it meshed well with the wedding planning knowledge I had gained from my previous position at Hilton. Things began to fall into place and the idea of Limelight Photography was born (and to this day, I remain well connected with the Hilton, as Limelight is one of their Preferred Vendors. I am so grateful for their mentorship and now their support as a preferred venue.)!

Building a trusted Company

Running a successful and honest business is both a blessing and a responsibility. Building a business from scratch was challenging, but so was building it to be one of the most credible in the area; it takes a lot of time, experience, and love! Limelight’s mission is more than simply taking stunning wedding photos, it’s to focus on creating experiences and providing a level of artistry and personalization for our couples. Over the years, my team has learned how to balance professionalism along with personality, allowing our clients to fully trust us, with both their wedding images, but also to hear them and their requests.

Empowering a Team

Providing jobs isn’t just about paychecks—it’s about fostering an environment of growth, value, and purpose. From Tampa Bay weddings, to destination celebrations in places like St. Lucia, our work connects us with couples and cultures that inspire us. I love having a team that feels like family, works in sync with one another, and has the same love and level of passion for capturing weddings.

Limelight’s Legacy

I have the utmost honor of capturing life’s most cherished milestones. Every click of the camera serves as a reminder of the love and joy we’re entrusted to document. At Limelight Photography, we don’t just take photos—we create legacies that stand the test of time. The photos that we take are the same ones that we often see shared on social media to celebrate anniversaries, memories, and other milestones. The photos that we take are also hung in the homes of so many of our couples; that is so encouraging to know and also inspiring as we go forward, constantly wanting to hone our passions of photography.

Looking back, every step—both the challenges and triumphs—has shaped Limelight into the trusted, passionate, and legacy-driven company it is today, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the journey. I am so excited to see where the next year takes us!

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Katie + Giorgio Step Into The Limelight | Powel Crosley Estate | Sarasota, FL

In September 2010, Giorgio's fraternity was hosting an event. After the event ended, there was an after party that Giorgio was going to. Katie also ended up going to this same party through some mutual friends. Later on that night, they met and it was history since.

The two officially started dating on November 12, 2010. Giorgio had invited Katie to join him in Marco Island for the weekend. He had also arranged to have dinner at Da Vinci's and then to watch the Sunset at Resident's Beach. On the beach Giorgio officially asked Katie to be his girlfriend.

Katie was just finishing up her last couple of weeks of nursing school. For the longest time, She was told they were going to go to Marco Island that weekend. Unfortunately, Katie had to cancel the plans last minute. Little did she know, Giorgio had planned to propose that weekend on April 29, 2017. Giorgio quickly figured out a backup plan. That week, Katie had officially received her first job offer as a registered nurse. Giorgio took this opportunity to plan something and told her they were going out to dinner to celebrate the new job.

That Friday before dinner, Giorgio told Katie to go to the mall and he would buy an outfit for her for dinner the next day. On the way to dinner, Giorgio told Katie they were going to some cool place for drinks. They went to Oystercatchers, which is right on the water in Tampa. Both of them ordered drinks at the bar and then Giorgio stated he wanted to go outside. Before going outside he "went to the bathroom" aka gave his phone to the hostess to take pictures. Little did Katie know, Giorgio had gone to Osytercathces the day prior to tip the hostess and to take pictures the following day.

Katie was so confused as to why Giorgio wanted to go outside especially since it was the first hottest and most humid day of the season (about 95 degrees out). He said “come here I want to show you the view”.

As they were walking to the water, Katie could not even figure out what was happening until She turned her head and Giorgio was on one knee asking marry Katie!!!

What an amazing day we had with Katie and Giorgio in mid March 2019. Their ceremony and reception was fully decorated with floral and green foliage. Katie wore a stunning gown that made her look spectacular. Giorgio wore a blue suit that made him look sharp. The two said their I-Do’s at the Powel Crosley Estate in Sarasota FL. It was a great wedding day for the two fully of laughter and dancing. Congratulations to the newlyweds!!!

Lead Photographer | Carlos Rello
Associate Photographer | Alexa Rodriguez

Bridesmaid Dresses | Showmeyourmumu
Cake | Olympia Catering
Caterer | Olympia Catering
Ceremony Site | Powel Crosley Estate
DJ | DJ Cory Barron
Event Planner | Kimberly Hensley Events
Hair Stylist | Style Hair & Make up
Make-up Artist | Style Hair & Make up
Reception Venue | Powel Crosley Estate
Videographer | Tampaniac Pictures
Wedding Gown | The Bride

Rachel + Anthony Step Into The Limelight | The Birchwood | St. Petersburg, FL

I don’t think we ever danced so much at a wedding before! We could not stand still. The room was so alive and filled with JOY, it was contagious! 
That’s how the whole day was for these two. They beamed happiness!
Rachel & Anthony dated for 7 years before tying the knot in front of close friends and family. They enjoy cooking and traveling (always in style).
St. Paul's Catholic Church is a particularly meaningful location for Rachel as she attended elementary + middle school there and now Rachel got to marry the love of her life where so many other beautiful memories took place. Rachel loves Anthony's big heart for people and she admires his generosity and kindness. Rachel is more of a reserved gal who finds pure contentment in being genuine and loving towards others.
Rachel & Anthony’s wedding day was the epiphany of classic elegance meeting “the need to party!” Their guests enjoyed a night of dancing surrounded by glamour and long-lasting memories at the never disappointing Birchwood in downtown St. Pete.
Rachel & Anthony, we know you both will enjoy life. We wish you both ALL the dancing and “amazing culinary” life can possibly bring.

Lead Photographer | Dafne Spencer
Associate Photographer | Kara Lerchenfeld

Bridesmaid Dresses | CC’s Bridal Boutique
Cake | Sweet Divas Cakery
Caterer | The Birchwood
Ceremony Site | St. Paul's Catholic Church
DJ | First Class Entertainment
Event Planner | Crystal | Chantilly Chic Celebrations
Florist | 2Birds Events Florist
Hair Stylist | Femme Akoi
Make-up Artist | Femme Akoi
Reception Venue | The Birchwood
Videographer | Voila Cinematic
Violin + Cello | Sunset Strings
Wedding Gown | CC’s Bridal Boutique

Vanessa + Anthony Step Into The Limelight | White Chapel & Harbor Hall | Palm Harbor, FL

What a beautiful day it was with these two amazing, and joyful individuals that said their I-Do’s at the White Chapel & Harbor Hall in palm Harbor. Vanessa and Anthony met online back in November of 2015. They agreed to go on a date and ever since, they have been inseparable! Together, they have bonded over their shared love of food and wine. They enjoy eating, playing board games, traveling, puzzles, being around friends and watching hockey together. 

These two love birds could not stop staring at each other on their wedding day. Laughter and smiles lasted throughout the entire day between the two and it set the joyful and fun mood for everyone around them. Their decor was Navy blue with blue orchids laid all around the venue. Their cake was also covered with orchids and looked spectacular.

Such a great way to start the year. Congratulations to the newlyweds!!!

Lead Photographer | Carlos Rello
Associate Photographer | Alexa

Bridesmaid Dresses | David’s Bridal
Cake | A Piece of Cake & Desserts
Caterer | Amici’s Catered Cuisine
Ceremony Site | White Chapel & Harbor Hall
DJ | Elite Entertainment DJs
Hair Stylist | LDM Beauty Group
Make-up Artist | LDM Beauty Group
Reception Venue | White Chapel & Harbor Hall