We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day for Shayla and Tony’s Clearwater Beach wedding. Most would think the weather the day after Christmas would be a little chilly (yes, even in Florida), but we lucked out with clear skies and 80 degree weather. We started the day off at Shayla and Tony’s beautiful waterfront condo, where the girls calmly got ready and prepared for the day. Earlier that morning, the group had gone out on the beach to draw a huge heart in the sand where the nuptials would be taking place. We could see it from the balcony’s condo- adorned with lovely, fresh flowers.
Tony and Shayla opted for a “first- look” before their wedding ceremony; Tony was in awe of his bride-to-be, while Shayla complimented Tony and his dapper attire. We also determined that Tony is quite the jokester! His witty remarks and sarcasm had Shayla laughing the whole evening, we loved seeing them giggle together.
It was truly a special day, not only to become man and wife, but to also join both of their families together. Tony’s twin daughters, his son, and Shayla’s son were all important bridal party members that day. They watched as their parents said “I do” inside the heart on the beach and Tony surprised Shayla by singing “All of Me” by John Legend (he has a set of pipes!).
As the sun started to set, their family and closest couple of friends sat at a table on the beach and had a beautiful dinner to celebrate. It was so surreal and intimate. We had the most amazing sunset that night, which was the perfect ending to such a memorable day. Congrats Shayla and Tony, we are so honored to have spent the day with you at your Clearwater Beach wedding!
Special thanks to all of the talented wedding professionals who helped make their day so beautiful:
Tampa Wedding Florist: Belle Fleur Studio; Tampa Wedding Dress: The White Magnolia; Tampa Menswear: Men’s Warehouse; Tampa Bridesmaids Dresses: Adrienne Papell; Tampa Hair and Makeup: DB Studios; Tampa Violinist: Wright Violinist; Tampa Catering: Whole Foods; Tampa Wedding Photographer: Andi Diamond Photography
To pre-register to view Shayla and Tony’s wedding gallery, click HERE.
Tony took me to find the perfect wedding dress at White Magnolia, while I was trying on dresses he found this beautiful book of wedding pictures and said to me, “look at how beautiful this photographers work is”. Finding Andi was the easiest part of planning our wedding. She made everything easy. Our wedding was really about family and adding a special meaning back into Cheistmas for me, (you’ll have to wait for that story until later). I didn’t have a wedding coordinator, and Andi helped me with EVERYTHING! I really don’t know what I would have done without her. She was flexible about every aspect from price, to timing. Then, the day of the wedding Tony and I were full of excitement. We went out at Sunrise and made the heart in the sand and filled it with shells we had picked up from walks on the beach the past 2 years. We prayed and then separated for the day. All of the kids came and Tony spent the day with them in the library on the first floor. Andi arrived and I felt so relieved, she took control, had a vision, my vision, for our pictures, and I totally relaxed and she took it from there. Her assistant had worked at white magnolia, she helped me put my dress on, they were both amazing. I wanted to see Tony before we got married. Although we choose to make it about the kids, I wanted him to see what a princess he made me feel like that day (and really every day). I wanted him to put the beautiful pearl necklace on me that he bought months earlier. And I wanted a few minutes alone together in our Beachhouse because it’s a very special retreat for the two of us. Andi did everything I asked her to do, she is an incredible listener. Some brides have themes to their weddings, our theme was love, joy, and family. It was really a beautiful sunny day, it was also hot! And a little buggy, Andi never complained. She was there for hours capturing our day. Tony and I had chosen the bible readings for the kids, but I had no idea he was going to sing to me. I walked onto the beach determined to not cry in front of everyone. It was hard, Tony knew that so he kept it just light enough so I wouldn’t (yes, that’s how well he knows me). Andi came to me with the best idea of all after the ceremony, she suggested we let everyone cool off in the Beachhouse for an hour or so before the beautiful sunset dinner we had planned. Perfect idea, the kids were hot and thirsty, she had every good idea in the book that afternoon. She didn’t leave until the last sunset picture was perfect and I’m so thankful for her. AND, she didn’t make me wait a month for the teaser pics, she started sending them to me right away, so sweet of her, I mean it was the Holiday for her and her family also. She’s an amazing woman besides being a fabulous photographer, if you’re getting married you need to have Andi Diamond capture your wedding, you will love her. Tony and I have been partners through many challenges together, looking at our Wedding pictures has really given us both great happiness. Thank you Andi!!
Beautiful photography, you do great work.