Fun, Light & Romantic St. Pete Wedding
Depending on which one of them you ask, it’s either that Stephen followed Joanna around a work conference until she would talk to him or that Stephen was looking for the bar at the conference and he found Joanna instead. Either way you look at it, it is evident that God was moving when he wanted these two to meet. Their love story obviously didn’t stop at the conference and although they lived in two different states, they decided to dive in faith and feet first and became long distance for the first 6 months of their relationship.
Stephen proposed to Joanna on a spontaneous vacation to Nova Scotia. Steve “suspiciously” asked for an extra photo of him and Joanna while their guide, Jimmie, was taking their picture. Joanna thought he just wanted a picture with the disposable camera she brings everywhere, but instead of reaching for that camera, he was actually reaching for a beautiful ring. What a wonderful surprise!
When asked about one another, Stephen said, “She is always ready to have fun. She can plan but also fly by the seat of her pants.” Joanna described Stephen as hilarious and goofy. “I love that he allows me to be totally and completely myself!”
Fast forward to their wedding day – their fun personalities really shined in their wedding details. From vintage wedding heels (that were worn originally by her grandmother and then her mom) and sparkly Kate Spade shoes to casual food stations and yummy cupcakes, I loved everything these two incorporated in their day.
St. Raphael’s Church made for an absolutely gorgeous soft and romantic wedding ceremony. The moment you walked in you could feel that God was there. I loved that they had a mixture of story of their love and scripture during the ceremony, reminding us that God is always in it. Immediately following their ceremony and family portraits, we made our way over to the reception at the St. Pete Yacht Club in Downtown St. Pete. Their wedding reception featured nautical hints with anchors and seashells, and beautiful tall candlesticks throughout the room.
As much as I loved Joanna and Stephen’s wedding details, I mostly loved watching their love blossom through the day and the hospitality of their family and friends. We had so much that day fun that I think I laughed the entire time! Their wedding made me feel like an extension of their family, and I am so thankful for that!
Vendors who made it all happen!
Makeup: Friend of the bride
Hair: The bride herself!
Ceremony: St. Raphael’s Church
Reception: St. Petersburg Yacht Club
Flowers and Décor: Nicole Brioni
Cupcakes: Frostings Etc.