YOU MADE THE
BEST DECISION
YOU MADE YOUR WEDDING RAD
✹
YOU MADE YOUR WEDDING RAD ✹
We’re so stoked you chose us to capture your wedding day. Seriously, we don’t take that trust lightly—and we can’t wait to get started.
Inside this guide, you’ll find our best tips for planning a wedding that feels like you, from timelines and engagement sessions to photo tips and all the little things you may not have thought about yet.
After 500+ weddings, we’ve learned a thing or two. So if you have a question, need a second opinion, or just need someone to tell you that everything is going to be okay—we’re here for you.
Most importantly, don’t let wedding planning become your whole life. Take breaks, enjoy the engagement, and remember why you’re doing all of this in the first place.
Things We’d Tell Our Best Friends
(if they were planning a wedding)
GO UNPLUGGED
Your guests came to celebrate you, not experience your ceremony through their phones. An unplugged ceremony lets everyone stay present—and gives us a clear view of the moments you actually want documented.
No screens. No iPads in the aisle. Just your people, fully in the moment.
Trust us: your gallery will thank you.
SHOULD WE DO A FIRST LOOK?
Short answer: only if you want to.
First looks aren't required, and they're definitely not bad luck. They can, however, give you a few quiet minutes together before the whirlwind begins. You can exchange gifts, calm your nerves, take a breath, or simply enjoy seeing each other without 100 people watching.
They can also give us more time for portraits before the ceremony, which is especially helpful for later ceremonies or weddings close to sunset.
But if the idea of seeing each other for the first time walking down the aisle feels more you? Do that. There's no wrong way to do this.
ABOUT THAT WEATHER...
If you're getting married in Florida, here's your first lesson: don't let the weather app ruin your day. 😂
Florida forecasts can change dramatically throughout the day, and we'll keep an eye on things with you. If rain shows up, we'll make a plan—and if we need to pivot, we'll make it work.
If you're choosing your wedding date, October–April generally offers a better shot at cooler, drier weather, while June–September brings more heat, humidity, and the possibility of tropical weather.
Either way, we'll be prepared.
DON'T FORGET THE SAVE-THE-DATES
Save-the-dates are your guests' first glimpse of the wedding, so have a little fun with them!
We recommend sending them 6–8 months before your wedding, or 9–12 months ahead for destination weddings.
Keep it simple: your names, wedding date, location, and your wedding website if you have one. They don't need to include all the details—that's what the invitation is for.
Think of them as the trailer, not the whole movie. Give your guests a reason to get excited.
TAMPA BAY’S TOP VENDORS
We have been shooting weddings for 14+ years and have worked with hundreds of vendors. So, let us help you weed out the bad apples and choose the best of the best in the Tampa Bay Area. Be sure to browse the website to see all the different styles to help decide which works best for your style and budget. If you need a recommendation for a type of vendor not listed here, just shoot us an email.
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Wilder Mind Events
Coastal Coordinating
Chantilly Chic Celebrations
Taylor Falcon Events
Confetti Events
Events by Angela
Blue Skies Events
Carefully Curated Events -
Tampa Bay DJ Co
Grant Hemond & Associates
Total Entertainment by Matt Winter
CNERGY Band
Breezin Entertainment -
Flower Child Florist
Arms of Persephone
2Birds Events
Marigold Flower Co
Iza's Flowers
Tailored Twig
Fancy Free Nursery
Monarch Events & Design
Bloom Shakalaka -
Treasury Rentals
A Chair Affair
Kate Ryan Event Rentals
So Staged
Posy Exchange
The Revel Co
Vivant Rentals
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The White Magnolia
Isabel O'Neil Bridal
The White Closet Bridal
Malindy Elene Boutique -
Jason Sowell
Pastor Heath Weddings
Sensational Ceremonies
Pride Wedding Ceremonies -
Good Food Tampa
Olympia Catering
Salt Block Catering
Puff N Stuff
Delectables Catering -
Hands on Sweets
Chantilly Cakes
Alessi Bakery
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Style Hair & Makeup
Femme Akoi
Destiny & Light
Lasting Luxe
Glow By Natalie -
The Black Tux
Friar Tux
Generation Tux -
Eleven Note
Citrus Press Co
A&P Design Co
Sadgebrush Designs -
Pet Services: Fairytail Petcare
Bar: Tipsy Trotter
Bar: Sipping nomads
Photobooth: Wild Hearts Photobus
ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS
tips for her
Go Pro + Do a Trial
Hiring a professional hair and makeup artist makes a huge difference in how you look and feel on the big day. A trial run is a must—it helps you get comfortable with your artist and ensures the look matches your dress, vibe, and overall style. Snap a few selfies after your trial to see how everything photographs together.
Build in Buffer Time
Hair and makeup always take longer than expected, so plan for at least an extra hour just in case. We’ll work with you on a timeline and let you know exactly when you should be finished so everything runs smoothly. Less stress = more fun.
Don’t Be Afraid of “Too Much”
You might feel like your makeup is heavier than usual—and that’s ok. Cameras tend to wash people out, and pros know how to balance it perfectly so you look your best on film without feeling overdone.
Lash Love
False lashes? Game changer. They make your eyes pop without feeling heavy, and you’ll barely notice they’re there. Most makeup artists offer them as an add-on—we definitely recommend saying yes.
Keep It Clean
Glowing skin starts before the big day. Drink all the water, moisturize regularly, and take care of your hands and nails. You’ll be showing off that ring a lot!
tips for him
Be Involved
Wedding planning might not be your dream hobby, but it is your wedding too. Pick a few areas you’re into—music, food, flowers—and help out with the big decisions: guest list, venue, and date. Trust us, your fiancé will appreciate it.
Keep Dating Her
If she’s hitting wedding overload, give her a break. Take her to dinner, do the dishes, plan a chill night out. Little things go a long way—and they’ll remind her why all this planning is worth it.
Honeymoon Hero
Take the lead on the honeymoon—it’s the fun part! No guest list, no formalities, just the two of you. Book early and consider the half-and-half approach: part adventure, part relaxation.
Style Tip
Match your look to the setting. A black-on-black tux on a beach? Maybe not. A tailored suit that fits well will always look sharp—and it’s worth buying one if you can. Oh, and please skip the shiny 90s vests. Just… don’t.
Accessorize
Add some personality! A cool pocket square, tie pin, fun socks, or bold shoes go a long way in making your look your own.
We have partnered with friar tux for a deal for you!
25% off any rental or purchase for your couples + their squad
One FREE fiancé(e) rental with six or more paid group orders
30% off Ringbearer rentals
Code: AB3401
Wedding trends come and go, but the best ones are the ones that actually feel like you.
We love keeping an eye on what’s fresh in the wedding world—from unexpected color palettes and fashion-forward details to new ways couples are making their celebrations more personal. Use these ideas as inspiration, not a rulebook. Take what you love, leave what you don’t, and make it your own.
We’re constantly adding inspiration to our Pinterest board, so if you’re looking for ideas, go down the rabbit hole. 😂
Follow our Pinterest board for more wedding inspiration!
Images below are sourced from Pinterest and are shared for inspiration only.
COLORS WE'RE LOVING
Orange peel · Cloud Dancer · Red Dahlia · Bright Chartreuse · Bold Blues
OUR FAVORITE TREND? DO WHATEVER MAKES YOU HAPPY!
You don't need a trendy wedding. You need a wedding that feels like you.
WHAT’S FEELING FRESH
A few things we're seeing—and loving—for 2026:
Cloud Dancer — 2026's soft, dreamy Color of the Year.
Unexpected color combinations — Bold pairings and palettes that break the rules.
One-of-a-kind accessories — Statement veils, vintage jewelry, custom shoes, and meaningful details.
Integrated florals — Installations that go beyond the bouquet and centerpieces.
Fabric + draping — Layers, movement, and dramatic texture.
Micro weddings — Smaller guest lists, bigger experiences.
Themed weddings — Build a whole world around something you love.
Guest dress codes — Make your guests part of the aesthetic.
Sustainability — Vintage, local, reusable, and intentional choices.
Dinner party vibes — Long tables, candlelight, incredible food, and intimate energy.
Guest experiences — Give your people something they'll actually remember.
LET'S TALK TRADITIONS
(or lack there of)
The days of cookie-cutter weddings are long gone. These days? Anything goes.
Consider this your friendly reminder: you don't have to do something just because it's “traditional.” No shade to the classics—but if something doesn't feel like you, skip it. Change it. Make it meaningful. Or ditch it completely.
Your wedding should reflect your story—not someone else's rulebook.
TRADITIONS YOU'RE TOTALLY ALLOWED TO SKIP
THE BRIDAL PARTY RULEBOOK
Bridesman? Best Woman? Man of Honor? Mix it up. Your wedding party should be made up of your people, regardless of gender.
BEING “GIVEN AWAY”
Walk with both parents, one parent, a best friend, someone special—or walk in solo. There's no required escort.
THE WHITE DRESS
White isn't mandatory. Champagne, ivory, blush, color, prints, separates, suits—we've seen it all. Wear what makes you feel incredible.
FLOWER GIRLS + RING BEARERS
Love a tiny human moment? Do it. Don't? Skip it. Flower grandma, flower dude, your dog, or nobody at all—we support the chaos.
PARENT DANCES
Not every family looks the same. If a traditional parent dance doesn't feel right, create a different moment—or skip it altogether.
BOUQUET + GARTER TOSS
If tossing flowers and underwear at your friends isn't exactly your idea of a good time, you're allowed to pass. 😂
THE ENDLESS TOASTS
We love a good speech. We don't love watching dinner get cold. Keep speeches short, heartfelt, and intentional so everyone can get back to eating, drinking, and dancing.
THE GIANT WEDDING PARTY
You can have 1 person standing beside you or 15. There's no magic number. Choose the people who genuinely belong there.
BOTTOM LINE:
Tradition is optional. Meaning isn't. Keep the things that matter, ditch the things that don't, and build a wedding that feels like the two of you.
HOW THE DAY CAN FLOW
No two wedding days are exactly alike—and that’s the point. Here are a few examples of how a full day can flow with plenty of time for photos, people, partying, and the unexpected moments we love most.
NO FIRST LOOK — FULL-DAY COVERAGE
Details + Flat Lay — Invitations, rings, shoes, florals, and the little things that tell your story
Getting Ready — Hair + makeup, candids, and all the behind-the-scenes moments
Getting Dressed — Final touches, buttoning up, putting on the dress, and those just-before-the-ceremony moments
Separate Wedding Party Photos — Bride + bridesmaids and groom + groomsmen separately
Ceremony Details — Empty-venue photos and final touches before guests arrive
Ceremony — The big moment!
Family Formals — Immediate family portraits
Wedding Party Portraits — Everyone together
Couple Portraits — Just the two of you
Reception — Entrance, dinner, toasts, dances, cake, and all the celebrating
Quick note: With no first look, most of your formal portraits happen after the ceremony, so having a little breathing room between the ceremony and reception is especially helpful.
FIRST LOOK — FULL-DAY COVERAGE
Details + Flat Lay — Invitations, rings, shoes, florals, and all the little details
Getting Ready — Hair + makeup, candids, and behind-the-scenes moments
Getting Dressed — Final touches and those last few moments before the first look
First Look — A private moment together before the ceremony
Wedding Party Portraits — Everyone together while everyone is fresh
Couple Portraits — Plenty of time for portraits of just the two of you
Ceremony Details — Final photos of the space before guests arrive
Ceremony — The big moment!
Family Formals — Immediate family portraits after the ceremony
Sunset Portraits — A few quiet minutes together during golden hour
Reception — Entrance, dinner, toasts, dances, cake, and the party
Why we love a first look: It gives you more breathing room throughout the day and lets us knock out a big portion of your portraits before the ceremony. That means more time to actually enjoy your cocktail hour and your peopleafterward.
