In August of 2014, Karen and Joey met through a combination of mutual friends while working at the same place. Joey quickly discovered Karens Kind and caring nature, while, Karen really enjoyed Joey’s sense of humor and how he was always making her laugh. In November, they decided to start dating.

Knowing Karens love of museums, Joey attempted to propose at The Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota, however, Karen wasn’t prepared to go to the museum because she was too hungry. Instead of going to the museum, Joey proposed to Karen with a beautiful Emerald engagement ring in the comfort of their own home.

Karen and Joey love watching TV and movies, eating out and trying new restaurants, but their favorite is to travel and visit museums. Which is where the inspiration for their wedding location came from. Not only do they have a love for downtown St Pete, they also love the beauty of the Museum of Fine Arts as well.

Joey and Karen’s wedding was not your typical wedding, there was no theme. I know that sounds strange to others, but I found it amazingly refreshing. After all, they weren’t throwing a birthday or Halloween party, it was their wedding day! They chose to incorporate details that were very unique to them. For example, they had emerald green groomsmen details and bridesmaids dresses, to showcase the engagement ring and the love of their relationship. Next, they had books as their table numbers, because they love to read. They had a Lego cake topper of a bride and groom and a thumb print guest book in the theme of the movie “UP.”

Congratulations on becoming husband and wife Karen and Joey!

Lead Photographer | Stephanie Duffany
Associate Photographer | Alexa Rodriguez

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