As a Tampa wedding photographer, I have to admit that there’s not much I love more than a gorgeous engagement session on one of our beautiful beaches. Victoria and Brendan love the beach and the architecture of the Don Cesar Hotel like I do, so we decided that would be the perfect place to document this chapter of their love story! I’m so excited to be sharing a peek into their Don Cesar engagement session today! It’s stylish, romantic, and just full of those Tampa vibes that I love.

Their Love Story 

Victoria and Brendan’s lives have been entangled for years. Their dads grew up together and Brendan’s aunt played matchmaker to get Victoria and Brendan together many years later! When Victoria and Brendan met for real, she was unfortunately dating someone else. He asked his family to keep him updated and let him know when she was single so he could make his own move! Eventually the day came and Victoria and Brendan were planning to meet a group of friends together… but no one else showed up. Instead, they made the best of the evening hitting up a brewery and the fair. It turned out to be the best thing that happened to either of them.

A Romantic Waterfront Proposal

It didn’t take long for Victoria and Brendan to realize they had something special. They moved to Florida in April of 2021 and took a trip home to Virginia for Father’s Day weekend. While out with some friends in Annapolis, her sisters and the rest of the family made up some lame excuses so that Brendan could get her alone and pop the question. The two of them went on a water taxi ride where he asked her. Afterwards, they went on her parents’ boat for a surprise engagement party. She told me it was the best day ever, because they got to celebrate with their family and best friends! To top it off, Brendan had a photographer for both the proposal and the engagement party – so they have memories to enjoy forever!

Tampa FL Engagement Portraits on the Beach

Before their session, Victoria told me: “This will be our first time having photos taken of either of us so we’ll definitely need help with posing and trying to look natural!”. I’m actually thrilled she mentioned that fear to me… because helping clients look and feel amazing is one of the things I love about my job. Although, I have to admit Victoria and Brendan didn’t really need my help after all. They were incredible together. Victoria and Brendan are so relaxed together, enjoying the fun and just having a good time during our portraits. 

Stylish Engagement Portraits at The Don Cesar Hotel

We chose to do their portraits around The Don Cesar Hotel in Tampa, FL. It’s a beautiful spot right on the beach. I love the architecture of the hotel and the views of the sand and water. It’s so dreamy! Paired with their incredible outfit choices, the entire session felt super elevated and chic. I’m still obsessed with the white dress Victoria wore! She paired her white dress with fun bright pink earrings. I always love when my couples pick beautiful and playful details to include in their portraits. Ps. If you want more ideas on what to wear for your own engagement session, check out this blog post!

Congratulations, Victoria and Brendan! I’m so excited for you and your upcoming wedding day. I know it’s going to be absolutely stunning!