You made the
best decision!
We’re so stoked you chose us to capture your day—we don’t take that lightly. You’ve officially made a badass decision, and we can’t wait to get started.
To kick things off, dive into our Welcome Guide—packed with planning tips, engagement session inspo, timeline advice, and everything you didn’t know you needed. Bookmark it. Trust us.
We’ve captured over 300 weddings, so if you have questions, need a second opinion, or just want to vent—we’re here for it. Seriously, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Quick Pro Tips:
Feeling overwhelmed? Totally normal. Step away when you need to. Wedding planning is a marathon, not a sprint.
Lock in the big vendors first (venue, planner, florist, caterer). You’re already ahead with us on board—yay!
Don’t over-inquire. 3–4 vendor options per category is plenty.
DIY wisely. Save your sanity (and glue gun burns) for the small stuff.
At the end of the day, this is all about you two and your love story. We’re here to help make it unforgettable.
YOU MADE YOUR WEDDING RAD
☺︎
YOU MADE YOUR WEDDING RAD ☺︎
TAMPA BAY’S TOP VENDORS
We have been shooting weddings for 13+ 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
Chantilly Chic Celebrations
Taylor Falcon Events
Coastal Creative
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
Go Unplugged
We get it—everyone has a phone. But we highly recommend an unplugged ceremony. Let your guests be present, and let us capture the moment without a sea of screens. You won’t regret it.
Should We Do a First Look?
Totally up to you—but it’s no longer “bad luck,” and there are definite perks. You’ll both look your freshest, and we carve out 15 minutes of private time just for the two of you—perfect for calming nerves, exchanging gifts, or just soaking it all in.
Plus, a first look helps fit in more photos before the ceremony, especially if yours is later or close to sunset. But hey—if it’s not your vibe, that’s cool too!
About That Weather…
Florida couples: don’t become besties with the weather app. Forecasts here change by the hour, and stressing over it won’t help. Just know we’ve got it handled.
Pro tip: If you’re worried about rain, consider October–April and skip peak hurricane season.
Don’t Forget Save the Dates
Send them out 6–8 months before your wedding (9–12 for destination weddings). All you need is your names, the date, and the location. They’re less formal than invites but set the tone for your day and give guests a sneak peek of your syle.
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.
Get a FREE Virtual Style Session + 15% Individual and Group Rentals with Stitch & Tie by Friar Tux
CODE: A1187
We highly HIGHLY recommend browsing Instagram and wedding blogs for new and trendy themes for weddings because things are changing year to year. Here are some 2025-2026 Wedding trends we are seeing and loving right now to get your creative juices flowing! We also constantly pin to our Inspiration board, so check that out too!
Follow our Pinterest board for more wedding inspiration!
*photos below are sourced from Pinterest
Trendy colors for 2026: orange peel, cloud dancer, red dahlia, bright chartreuse, Blue
2026 Wedding Trends
2026 Color of the Year: cloud dancer
Intention over tradition
unexpected color combinations
one of a kind accessories
integrated floral installations
fabric / draping
Micro Weddings
Themed Weddings
Guest Dress Codes
sustainability
dinner party vibes
guest experiences
DO WHATEVER MAKES YOU HAPPY :)
Let’s Talk Traditions (Or Not)
The days of cookie-cutter weddings are long gone. These days? Anything goes. So here’s your friendly reminder: you don’t have to do anything just because it’s “tradition.”
No shade to the classics—but if something doesn’t feel like you, skip it. Mix it up, make it meaningful, or ditch it altogether. Your wedding should reflect your story, not someone else's rulebook.
Traditions We’re Totally Cool With You Skipping
• All bridesmaids or all groomsmen? Mix it up! Have a Bridesman, a Best Woman, or a Man of Honor. Your wedding party should reflect your people, not their gender.
• Being “given away”? This tradition comes from a time when brides were literally considered property (yikes). Walk with both parents, your mom, a best friend—or strut solo. Power move.
• Stark white gowns? Not your thing? Go for champagne, blush, ivory, or something bold. If it feels more you, it’s the right choice.
• Flower girls + ring bearers? We love a tiny human moment, but if it’s not for you, no stress. Try a flower grandma or a petal-throwing “flower dude” instead.
• Tightly packed ball bouquets? Say goodbye to the ‘90s prom look. Let your flowers breathe! Go for big, loose, organic-style blooms that feel natural and modern (and photograph chef’s kiss).
• Parent dances: Not everyone has that kind of relationship, and that’s okay. If it feels forced, skip it. Create a moment that does feel meaningful—whatever that looks like for you.
• Bouquet + garter toss: Let’s be real... tossing underwear at your friends is weird. Plus, with fewer single guests these days, it can feel awkward for everyone. If it’s not your vibe, cut it.
• Endless toasts: We love a good speech, but save the novel-length ones for the rehearsal dinner. On the wedding day, aim for 1–2 quick, heartfelt toasts—then let your guests get to the good stuff: food, drinks, and dancing.
• Oversized wedding parties: We get it—you’ve got a lot of besties. But unless you're planning a mega wedding, 15 people per side gets chaotic fast (and limits portrait variety). A smaller crew (think 1–5) keeps things personal and more manageable. But hey, if you want a party on each arm—we support that too.
Full coverage
No First Look Timeline
Flat lay / details
Candids & Hair and Makeup
get dressed
Separate Wedding Party Photos
Ceremony details
Ceremony
Family Formal Portraits
Wedding Party Portraits
Bride & Groom Portraits
Reception
TIMELINE EXAMPLES
templates and starting points to help understand your photography coverage
For HALF-DAY coverage, this can help determine which parts are most important for you to have covered.
full coverage
First Look Timeline
flat lay / details
Candid & Hair and Makeup
get dressed
First Look
Wedding Party Photos
Bride and Groom Photos
Ceremony details
Ceremony
Family Formal Portraits
Bride & Groom Sunset Portraits
Reception