Congratulations, Isabella and Mikhail! This spring, Isabella and Mikhail celebrated the start of their marriage with a gorgeous Tampa wedding day. They held a beautiful and meaningful ceremony at their church before their super fun reception at Rusty Pelican in Tampa. Isabella and Mikhail’s celebration was a lot of fun – and I feel lucky to have celebrated beside them! 

Their Love Story

I adore Isabella and Mikhail’s love story. They attended college at the same time and were friends then – running in the same circle but nothing deeper. Then, in 2020, they reconnected and found out they’d both been interested in each other during their college years. Instead of bemoaning wasted time, they leaned into a new romance.. And the rest is history! Mikhail planned a sweet proposal on Fort Davis beach with the help of their sisters (which we definitely recreated during their engagement photos!) and now, they’re husband and wife! 

Wedding Day Prep at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay

We started Isabella and Mikhail’s wedding day at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay. There, I was able to capture Isabella’s gorgeous details for the day while she prepped with her ladies. They all looked so cozy in their matching pajamas and pink slippers! Isabella planned to have two first looks – one with her bridesmaids and one with her dad. Her bridesmaids were SO surprised and happy to see their beautiful bride, and the first look with her dad was incredibly sweet. I can’t get enough of first looks with parents! They’re always so special. 

Traditional Church Wedding Ceremony 

One of the important parts of Isabella & Mikhail’s wedding day was their traditional church wedding ceremony at Christ the King Church. It was absolutely beautiful! Isabella & Mikhail had Mass during their ceremony, as well as a Lazo ceremony where their Madrina and Tia will be placing the rosary over them, signifying their union as husband and wife. Their ceremony was so meaningful and full of faith. I felt honored to be a part of it! While I love photographing the beauty that happens on a wedding day, the moments in a ceremony – where a couple becomes husband and wife – are the most important part of any wedding celebration. When the moment is steeped with meaning and faith, as it was for Isabella & Mikhail, it’s even more beautiful. 

Tampa Wedding Reception at the Rusty Pelican 

Isabella & Mikhail’s wedding reception took place at the Rusty Pelican Tampa and it was absolutely gorgeous! I love working at the Rusty Pelican: it’s one of my favorite Tampa wedding venues because of the view! Isabella and Mikhail really took the space and made it their own with gorgeous drapes from the ceiling and elegant gold and ivory details. But, what really made their party special was all of the fun moments they had! Mikhail’s groomsmen entered the reception with the NFL Monday night football song wearing sunglasses – and Isabella’s bridesmaids used “Dancing Queen” while they wore white sunglasses. It was hilarious and so fun! 

Isabella and Mikhail also brought their own cultural traditions to their reception, too. Mikhail’s family is Greek so it was important that they included a traditional Greek dance during the party (which I always love!). They had a hora loca at the reception with a robot dancer and drum entertainment, props and foam sticks. It was amazing!!! To top it off, Isabella and Mikhail choreographed their first dance and took lessons leading up to the wedding so it was incredible to watch. This was a reception I will remember forever! At the end of the night, they had a beautiful grand exit with bubbles and left in a limo as their family and friends celebrated with them. Such a perfect ending!

Isabella and Mikhail, I am so happy for you. Your wedding day was absolutely stunning and full of the moments that matter – from your faith to your family and cultural traditions. I feel lucky to have been able to capture it all and celebrate with you! I wish you a lifetime of love and happiness together.

Tampa FL Wedding Vendors

Venues: Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay, Christ the King Church, and Rusty Pelican Tampa
Planner: Brittany’s Bride
Photographer: Ruth Terrero Photography
Videographer: Dolce Amore Studio
Florist: A Special Rose Florist
Cake Pops and Macarons: Meghan’s Macarons and CaraMel’s Bakery
DJ: Grant Hemond & Associate Inc
Beauty: Beauty Marked
Gown: Sareh Nouri
Rentals: On The Move Rentals and Events
Limo: Ambassador Limo Tampa
Trolley: The Jolley Trolley

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)!