Tampa Wedding

Palmetto Riverside Bed and Breakfast Wedding for Melanie and Lee

December 6, 2017

We were so happy to be back to the Palmetto Riverside Bed and Breakfast to capture Melanie and Lee’s lovely wedding day. The two met in college at FSU while attending the same classes and have been together for over 7 years. Their friends and family have watched their love grow, so it was a special sight to see the two officially tie the knot.

We had beautiful weather for Mel and Lee’s big, which gave us lots of time outside for portraits in the gorgeous Florida sunshine. Melanie and Lee opted in for a first look, not only did this help any pre-wedding jitters, but also gave them some alone time together (and with us) to capture some beautiful portraits. Their personalities definitely pair well with each other, they are both funny, up for anything, and so in love. We could spend a Saturday with them all the time!

Their ceremony under the tress of the B&B was decorated with hanging lanterns and a chandelier, created a romantic atmosphere to say “I do!” The romance continued at their sunset portraits, where we ventured onto the dock and watched a stunning, Florida sunset. At their reception, guests danced the night away to, we must say, one amazing wedding band. It was even more special because Melanie’s uncle was in the band and they made sure to rock out until the end of the night. What more to keep the energy going? A donut station! Topped with coffee cream, nonetheless. Yum!

We ended the night back at our sweet, reception area and captured some nighttime portraits of our bride and groom under the glowing lights. A perfect ending to an incredible day. Congratulations to Mel and Lee, it was a pleasure to capture your sweet memories!

Special thanks to all of the amazing friendors who helped make Melanie and Lee’s wedding day so special:

Venue: Palmetto Riverside Bed and Breakfast; Makeup: Femme Akoi; Catering: Puff ‘n Stuff; Florist: 2birds; Dress: The White Magnolia; Photography: Andi Diamond Photography

Pre-register to view Mel and Lee’s wedding gallery HERE. Gallery username: MelanieLee Password: 50662GroomsLastName

Westshore Yacht Club Wedding for Brie and Sean

December 5, 2017

What a beautiful wedding day for Brie and Sean at the Westshore Yacht Club. Brie and Sean met through mutual friends in Ft. Lauderdale; after some long distance dating, Brie moved from Tampa, they got engaged, and are now happily married! Sean is originally from south Africa (yes, he has an amazing accent!) and and is a tennis pro and Brie works in IT. They now live in south Florida, coincidentally by my old home in Cooper City.

We had a great afternoon with our bride and groom getting ready. Brie had her girl squad with her to get glam, while Sean relaxed with his mom and dad. (We loved watching them help Sean get dressed!) Brie opted for something special on wedding day that was so unique, we had never seen it before…3 first looks. Her father, her brothers, and Sean all waited in anticipation to see their lovely lady. It was well worth the wait, too, as each reaction was priceless!

Their wedding day was nothing short of magical; complete with an intimate ceremony decorated in ivory and blush florals and a waterfront reception under the stars with their closest friends and family. We even chased the sun to create some gorgeous sunset portraits, complete with a blowing veil for added drama! Brie and Sean also knew they wanted a unique wedding and incorporated Sean’s South African culture into their cuisine…meat kebobs, stew, rice….it was delicious. We love when couples find special ways to add their heritage and personalities into wedding details.

After some sweet parent dances and toasts celebrating our bride and groom, guests were quick to jump on the dance floor and bust a move. Everyone helped in blessing Brie and Sean throughout the end of the evening and we could feel all of the love as everyone danced and sang. It was such a wonderful day and we were so honored to spend it with them, capturing all of their special moments.

Special thanks to the wonderful friendors who helped in making Brie and Sean’s day so special:

Tampa wedding Venue: Westshore Yacht Club; Tampa wedding Planner: Jessie; Breezin’ Entertainment; Tampa wedding Florist: Northside Florist; Tampa wedding Dress: Malindy Elene; Tampa wedding Decor: MMD Events; Tampa wedding Cake: Publix; Tampa wedding Hair and Makeup: Femme Akoi; Tampa wedding DJ: Impulse Entertainment; Tampa wedding Photographer: Andi Diamond Photography

Pre-register to view Brie and Sean’s wedding gallery HERE. Gallery username: BriennaSean Password: 50662GroomsLastName

Alex and Chad’s Downtown Tampa Wedding at the Marriott Waterside

October 24, 2017

Alex and Chad’s Tampa wedding at the Marriott Waterside was one we were counting down for; not only are they both genuine, loving people, but they are also full of fun and have great senses of humor- we knew their day would be full of laughter..and it was! First off, Alex and her beautiful bridesmaids made us feel as if we were part of the bridal party, this is something we thoroughly love, and they made us feel like one of the crew immediately when we arrived (thanks Gals!). All of Alex’s bridesmaids wore stunning, orange bridesmaids dresses, perfect for her fall theme. They were a great pop of color during bridal portraits and were a unique choice that we had never seen before! Alex looked stunning in her wedding dress. We captured some gorgeous bridal portraits and had their dog, Lily, join in as well. She is the only bride we know that would let her dog curl up in her lap with her wedding dress on! Lily is quite the dog model.

When arriving to the guy’s room, Chad was just getting out of the shower…this is typical behavior for our men on wedding day and it always gives us a good laugh. He and the guys relaxed, drank some beers, and watching football on TV while getting dressed. Alex had come to the ADP studio weeks prior for a boudoir session to surprise Chad on wedding day. It’s safe to say his jaw dropped when we gifted him his album from her; it was the perfect wedding present.

Their lovely ceremony was witnessed by their closest friends and family; Chad shed some tears seeing his lovely bride walk down the aisle, it was so sweet to see the love he has for Alex. Chad, also being the jokester that he is, whipped out his cell camera when Alex got down the aisle to take a selfie with her and their guests in the crowd. Needless to say it had everyone cracking up! We were blessed with amazing, Tampa weather and captured some portraits outside with their bridal party before hopping on Chad’s family’s boat for couples portraits. Did we mention Chad was a jokester? It’s only natural for him to make funny faces when taking pictures!

At the reception, guests were quick to jump on the dance floor; they stayed there all night. The room was lit with amber up-lighting and each table had ornate, fall inspired centerpieces created by Tailored Twig– they were stunning! It was the perfect, romantic ambiance. Alex and Chad danced the night away, drank cocktails, and ate their delicious cake (Chad’s groom’s cake was a replica of his firemedic helmet). We had the best time with them, we even joked that we would be back next weekend to do it all over again! Alex and Chad, congratulations, we wish you nothing but a lifetime of love and happiness and can’t wait to watch your family grow.

Pre-register to view Chad and Alex’s wedding gallery HERE. Gallery username: ChadAlex Password: 50662GroomsLastName

Special thanks to all of the amazing Tampa wedding professionals who helped make Alex and Chad’s day so special:

Venue: Tampa Marriott Waterside; Planner: Jackie Ross, Table 6 Productions; Florist: Tailored Twig; Dress; CC’s Boutique; DJ: Grant Hemond and Associates; Lighting: The Production Crew: Hair and Makeup: KyleLynn Weddings; Rentals: Linens by the Sea; Cake: Alessi Bakery; Photographer: Andi Diamond Photography

How to Look Your Best Before Wedding Day

May 16, 2017

Over the years we have seen a lot of beautiful brides and handsome grooms on wedding day; one thing we are big believers in is preparation after the engagement that can help you look your best on the big day. Guess what? We even did the research for you! Here are some of our tips on how to look your best, not only for your significant other, but for your wedding images as well.

Manicure/Pedicure: This one should seem like a no-brainer. Keep those nails clean and polished! Not only will people be asking to see your ring after you are engaged, but this is a bi-weekly or monthly routine that will keep your nails healthy. Not to mention, we will see your nails in your wedding images. BONUS: MEN, this is for YOU too! Who says manicures/pedicures aren’t masculine? Not only do your nails look better after, but it feels amazing. Seriously, you even get a little mini massage.

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Teeth Whitening: This is for BOTH brides and grooms. It is nice to have beautiful pearly whites for all of your wedding images. It doesn’t even have to break the bank! We recommend Crest white strips for our more budget friendly couples. (Or, some visits to your dentist will do the trick, it may just cost a little more) Start this routine 3-6 months before the wedding for best results. A white smile can truly lighten and brighten any picture.

Get some rest: Yes, sleep! Sleep makes you feel better, but its importance goes way beyond just boosting your mood or banishing under-eye circles. Adequate sleep is a key part of a healthy lifestyle, and can benefit your heart, weight, mind, and more. Most healthy adults need 7.5-9 hours of sleep each night to to function at their best.

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Eat healthy: Even though it may be hard, eating healthy really does make your body and mind feel better. (Put down the donut and pick up some broccoli! Ok, maybe one donut won’t hurt..) It also helps reduce bloating, irritability, and fatigue. What else? Drinking at least a gallon of water a day helps tremendously as well.

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Get Fit: No, we are not intense workout pushers here (we love fried foods and sweets, too) but working out can help tone you up before the wedding, as well as help your posture. It also detoxifies your skin, gives your more energy, helps you lose any weight that is bothering you, and boosts endorphones- healthy and happy, win-win! Not to mention, helps with the occasional stress of wedding planning. Gym memberships can cost anywhere from $10-100 a month, no need for a trainer. But, if you need that extra motivation and accountability, a trainer may just be the right fit for you!

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Start treating your skin right: This one is important, start taking care of your skin months in advance. Cleansing and hydration is essential to clean, clear skin. A good moisturizer, hydrating serum, and facial routine will help give you picture perfect pores! Don’t forget the rest of your body- a good body scrub can smooth the rest of your skin and a good moisturizing lotion will keep it feeling like silk.

Don’t neglect your brows: Have scarce brows? Encourage growth by upping your vitamin A, C, and E intake. Also, try not to pluck or wax them for awhile. It may be difficult to shape, but this will help with hair regrowth. There are also some great salons that offer henna and natural looking tattooed brows! Too much brow? The best advice would be to see a professional that can shape your brows with waxing or threading. Or, old fashioned tweezing is an option as well- just don’t over pluck! Brows have recently become a major trend; they help define and shape your face. Don’t neglect them!

Orlando wedding photographers at Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando

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Tampa Wedding at the Grand Hyatt for Sam and EJ

April 18, 2017

Sam and EJ’s beautiful wedding day at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay was one for the ADP books! The two first met years ago through a mutual friend, hanging out in south Tampa. The two hit it off immediately and the rest is history. Ej proposal to Sam 2 1/2 years later; he had planned a beautiful date night at Ulele and EJ proposed along the riverside. Sam is very bubbly, sweet, and caring, as evidence in her dedication to the students she teaches. EJ is silly, outgoing, and had nothing but adoration for Sam. The two compliment each other perfectly and are an absolute delight to be around. Since the engagement, the two have been planning their elegant, modern weddings with a collaboration from FH Weddings and Events in Tampa, as well as Sam’s aunt and grandmother’s New York event planning company- Party Artistry. Their vision was to create a wedding grandiose and glamorous. For starters, their wedding ceremony featured an extravagant, 14×11 foot Chuppah (Jewish wedding canopy) drenched in orchids, delphinium, cherry blossom branches, amaranths, and greenery. They wanted the room to feel clean and airy, so using white florals was essential in creating this look. Candlelight was also used to add an intimate ambiance to the room. During their ceremony, EJ participated in the traditional “breaking in the glass”- in Jewish traditions that symbolizes fragility of life, the fact that whatever we see before us as whole can be broken at any moment. It calls our attention for the need to care for one another; for just as glass can be shattered with a single blow, so the grace of a marriage bond can be shattered with a single act of infidelity or repeated acts of emotional irresponsibility.

Their Tampa wedding reception was even more grand and featured a modern mix of centerpieces and decor. The 9 foot tall centerpieces and smaller, vased florals featured Hawaiian and Phalaenopsis orchids, calla lilies, peonies, roses. They were arranged in grouping to give that modern touch. Their dance floor featured a custom printed monogram on vinyl which was only highlighted by their amazing, wedding band/DJ. The reception started as an intimate, soft lit affair and transitioned to a swank party with fuchsia uplighting. Midway through the reception, the ceremony site was flipped into the “Cha-Cha lounge” for guests to relax and snack on pizza bites and chocolates, while grabbing drinks at the extended, square bar. It is safe to say the entire reception was a party; guests immediately joined the dance floor before dinner and continued to dance the night away until their sparkler exit at the end of the night. Tampa Wedding Photographers at Grand Hyatt_0001 The bride and her dad did a first look..it was very emotional. Tampa Wedding Photographers at Grand Hyatt_0015 The bride and groom also did a first look, allowing them extra time to party- while also getting out some pre-ceremony jitters. Tampa Wedding Photographers at Grand Hyatt_0024 Tampa Wedding Photographers at Grand Hyatt_0038 Tampa Wedding Photographers at Grand Hyatt_0052 The ballroom was transformed into an elegant, glamorous room for an all-out party! Tampa Wedding Photographers at Grand Hyatt_0061 Sam’s dad wrote and performed a song for his little girl! No Jewish wedding is complete without the hora! Hold on tight, EJ! Tampa Wedding Photographers at Grand Hyatt_0072

It was such an amazing wedding day and we are so honored to be a part of Sam and EJ’s special memories. They are truly the sweetest, most genuine couple and we had the best time celebrating with them. We wish them nothing but a lifetime of love and happiness and can’t wait to follow their new journey of marriage.

Pre-register to view Sam and EJ’s wedding gallery when it goes live HERE. User name: SamEJ Password: 50662GroomsLastName

Special thanks to all of the amazing and talented vendors who helped in making Sam and EJ’s wedding so beautiful:

Tampa Wedding Venue: Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay | New York/ New Jersey Event Planner: Party Artistry | Tampa Wedding Coordinator: RSBP Events | Tampa Wedding Florist/Decor/furniture/linens/uplighting/dance floor/draping: FH Weddings | Tampa Hair and Makeup: Nyoka Heath and Sally Bakalyar / Chanel | Tampa Rentals for white chiavari chairs: Signature Event Rentals | Tampa DJ: Scotty B– Eklectic Entertainment | Tampa Wedding Dress: CC’s Bridal | Tampa Judge: Honorable Frances Perone | Tampa Videographer: Lucid Productions | Tampa String Band: Nova Era | Tampa Bakery: Housewife Bakery | Tampa Wedding Photographer: Andi Diamond Photography