Diorel and Luis were both born and raised in Puerto Rico, but fate brought them together here in Florida! Meeting through mutual friends on Halloween, dating long distance, a trip to Iceland for a proposal, and a postponed wedding due to COVID-19 is just the beginning of this beautiful couples love story. I am so inspired by their elegant Harborside Chapel wedding and I hope you will, too!

Getting Ready

I absolutely love capturing the moments before the ceremony. There is so much excitement in the air, and so many tender moments. Diorel’s bridal suite before the ceremony was no exception! Her bridesmaids joked and laughed with her, while her mother buttoned up her lace wedding dress. They had so many beautiful moments together, and I am so glad I was there to capture them!

As a Tampa wedding photographer I always take the time before the ceremony to capture the details of your wedding. Flatlays are such a great way to capture a snapshot of your wedding day style with all the meaningful details! With Diorel and Luis’ Harborside Chapel wedding I was able to include some intimate details such as their custom made ring box.

Harborside Chapel Wedding Ceremony

The wedding ceremony for Diorel and Luis was absolutely touching! Their love and devotion for one another was so apparent throughout the entire ceremony. One of my favorite moments had to have been when Diorel and Luis had a sand pouring ceremony. They both poured different color sand in a single vase to symbolize the two becoming one. It was meaningful in the moment, but will also serve them for years to come!

In addition to a heart felt ceremony, the Haborside Chapel served as a gorgeous location for their wedding! The architecture and aesthetic of the building was bright, elegant and simple. From the details in molding on the ceiling to the large windows pouring in light, this chapel created the perfect atmosphere for a romantic and joyful wedding day!

And the outside of Harborside Wedding Chapel was just as perfect. The entire chapel is a bright white, contrasting beautifully with the blue skies and bright green landscaping. And the dark wood arched front doors to the chapel bring a warn and inviting presence to the property, complimenting the tall native trees and pristine greenery. I can not say enough about how elegant this Tampa wedding venue is!

Rusty Pelican Wedding Reception

Diorel and Luis’ Rusty Pelican Tampa wedding reception was a blast! Although it was a smaller wedding, of about 40 guests, it was such a party! The reception had touches of a Game of Thrones theme throughout, as both Diorel and Luis love the show. They were very subtle and did not take away from the elegance of the wedding décor. In fact, it complimented the color palette of navy blue, gold and white. 

They had an epic First Dance during their Rusty Pelican reception to the song I Love You Baby by Frank Sinatra. This was definitely a highlight of the wedding day! They had taken dance lessons leading up to their Tampa wedding day to prepare this amazing dance. All of the guests, including myself, were in awe with their dance moves!

The Rusty Pelican was truly the perfect spot of Diorel and Luis’ Tampa wedding reception! This Tampa wedding venue was lined with large windows that held beautiful views, and had lovely details through out. I especially loved the crown molding a gold chandeliers. It all tied together wonderfully with their wedding décor!

Diorel and Luis,

Thank you for allowing me to celebrate with you and capture all the memories of your Tampa wedding! I wish you many blessings as you begin your new journey as Husband and Wife. Much love!

Tampa Wedding Vendor List 

Ceremony venue: Harborside Chapel
Reception Venue: The Rusty Pelican Tampa
Photographer: Ruth Terrero Photography
Florist: Arlene Floral Designer LLC
Gown designer: Christina Wu
Dress & Tux shop: The Fancy Frock
Cake artist: Hands on Sweets
Entertainment: Vaya DJ
HMUA: Carlos Rodríguez
Bridesmaids dresses: David’s Bridal
Tuxes: Men’s Wearhouse
Invitations, place cards: Lili Weds

I love getting to capture these special moments so that you can remember your wedding day for the rest of your life! For me, your wedding day is so much more than just a day.

You deserve a wedding photographer who is invested in you and capturing every moment! Reach out and let’s connect to book your wedding day here in Florida (or around the world)!