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.
![engaged couple holds hands walking down pink hallway at Don Cesar Hotel](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2023/11/The-Don-Cesar-Engagement-Session_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_122.jpg)
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.
![man kisses woman's arm during Don Cesar Hotel engagement session](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2023/11/The-Don-Cesar-Engagement-Session_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_121.jpg)
![engaged couple hugs on sidewalk outside the Don Cesar Hotel](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2023/11/The-Don-Cesar-Engagement-Session_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_127.jpg)
![couple stands on Tampa beach in front of the Don Cesar Hotel](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2023/11/The-Don-Cesar-Engagement-Session_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_138.jpg)
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!
![man lifts up fiancee in green dress on Tampa beach](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2023/11/The-Don-Cesar-Engagement-Session_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_134.jpg)
![engagement ring rests on white shell on Tampa beach](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2023/11/The-Don-Cesar-Engagement-Session_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_143.jpg)
![couple holds hands running away from water on Tampa FL beach](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2023/11/The-Don-Cesar-Engagement-Session_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_145.jpg)
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.
![man lifts up fiancee smiling at her during Don Cesar Hotel engagement session](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2023/11/The-Don-Cesar-Engagement-Session_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_148.jpg)
![woman in green dress leads fiancee across beach in Tampa FL](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2023/11/The-Don-Cesar-Engagement-Session_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_141.jpg)
![man in white t-shirt hugs fiancee on beach](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2023/11/The-Don-Cesar-Engagement-Session_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_158.jpg)
![blurry photos of couple dancing on beach during engagement session in Tampa FL](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2023/11/The-Don-Cesar-Engagement-Session_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_149.jpg)
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!
![The Don Cesar Hotel engagement session photographed by Ruth Terrero Photography](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2023/11/The-Don-Cesar-Engagement-Session_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_115.jpg)
![woman in white dress shows off pink earrings during The Don Cesar Hotel engagement session](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2023/11/The-Don-Cesar-Engagement-Session_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_100.jpg)
![engaged couple holds hands walking down pink hallway at Don Cesar Hotel](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2023/11/The-Don-Cesar-Engagement-Session_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_122.jpg)
![couple hugs near green awning during The Don Cesar Hotel engagement session](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2023/11/The-Don-Cesar-Engagement-Session_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_101.jpg)
![The Don Cesar Hotel engagement session photographed by FL wedding photographer Ruth Terrero Photography](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2023/11/The-Don-Cesar-Engagement-Session_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_106.jpg)
![woman in white dress with bow on back walks on patio at The Don Cesar Hotel](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2023/11/The-Don-Cesar-Engagement-Session_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_103.jpg)
![woman hugs fiancee placing hand on his chest outside The Don Cesar Hotel](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2023/11/The-Don-Cesar-Engagement-Session_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_104.jpg)
![pam tree outside patio at The Don Cesar Hotel in Tampa FL](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2023/11/The-Don-Cesar-Engagement-Session_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_117.jpg)
![engaged couple hugs in pink hallway with white window frames at Don Cesar Hotel](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2023/11/The-Don-Cesar-Engagement-Session_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_108.jpg)
![bow on back of white dress for bride in Tampa FL](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2023/11/The-Don-Cesar-Engagement-Session_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_105.jpg)
![engaged couple toasts drinks at bar during The Don Cesar Hotel engagement session](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2023/11/The-Don-Cesar-Engagement-Session_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_128.jpg)
![engaged couple sits inside restaurant during The Don Cesar Hotel engagement session](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2023/11/The-Don-Cesar-Engagement-Session_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_129.jpg)
![engaged coupe poses by bar at The Don Cesar Hotel](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2023/11/The-Don-Cesar-Engagement-Session_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_131.jpg)
![man hugs woman showing off bow on back of her dress at the Don Cesar Hotel](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2023/11/The-Don-Cesar-Engagement-Session_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_119.jpg)
![man holds woman's chin in front of pink walls of the Don Cesar Hotel](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2023/11/The-Don-Cesar-Engagement-Session_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_123.jpg)
![engaged couple hugs in front of green leaves on balcony at the Don Cesar Hotel](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2023/11/The-Don-Cesar-Engagement-Session_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_124.jpg)
![engaged couple hugs together looking and touching noses on patio at the Don Cesar Hotel](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2023/11/The-Don-Cesar-Engagement-Session_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_120.jpg)
![](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2023/11/The-Don-Cesar-Engagement-Session_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_126.jpg)
![groom dips bride in green dress outside The Don Cesar Hotel during engagement session](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2023/11/The-Don-Cesar-Engagement-Session_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_107.jpg)
![woman leans head on man's shoulder with the Don Cesar Hotel behind them on beach](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2023/11/The-Don-Cesar-Engagement-Session_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_137.jpg)
![man hugs woman from behind on beach in Tampa FL](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2023/11/The-Don-Cesar-Engagement-Session_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_146.jpg)
![engaged couple hugs at sunset on beach in Tampa FL](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2023/11/The-Don-Cesar-Engagement-Session_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_110.jpg)
![man hugs woman from behind during engagement session Tampa beach](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2023/11/The-Don-Cesar-Engagement-Session_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_114.jpg)
![woman in green dress leans against fiancee in white shirt on beach in Tampa FL](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2023/11/The-Don-Cesar-Engagement-Session_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_109.jpg)
![man lifts up woman on path of beach in Tampa FL](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2023/11/The-Don-Cesar-Engagement-Session_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_133.jpg)
![couple holds hands looking at bride's ring on beach in Tampa FL](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2023/11/The-Don-Cesar-Engagement-Session_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_157.jpg)
![blurry film photo of man twirling woman on beach](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2023/11/The-Don-Cesar-Engagement-Session_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_135.jpg)
![couple kisses on beach in Tampa FL while water moves around their ankles](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2023/11/The-Don-Cesar-Engagement-Session_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_144.jpg)
![black and white photo of couple on beach in front of the Don Cesar Hotel](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2023/11/The-Don-Cesar-Engagement-Session_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_139.jpg)
![couple touches noses together blurred in front of ocean](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2023/11/The-Don-Cesar-Engagement-Session_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_147.jpg)
![couple hugs on beach during engagement photos in Tampa FL](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2023/11/The-Don-Cesar-Engagement-Session_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_118.jpg)
![man lifts up fiancee smiling at her on beach in Tampa FL](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2023/11/The-Don-Cesar-Engagement-Session_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_151.jpg)
![woman lays head on man's chest showing off engagement ring](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2023/11/The-Don-Cesar-Engagement-Session_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_152.jpg)
![engaged couple holds hands running on the beach during Tampa FL engagement photos](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2023/11/The-Don-Cesar-Engagement-Session_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_153.jpg)
![woman leans head while looking down at fiancee holding her in the air](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2023/11/The-Don-Cesar-Engagement-Session_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_156.jpg)
![man hugs woman from behind on beach in Tampa FL](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2023/11/The-Don-Cesar-Engagement-Session_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_160.jpg)
Congratulations, Victoria and Brendan! I’m so excited for you and your upcoming wedding day. I know it’s going to be absolutely stunning!
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