Hey there, beautiful souls! Hernan here from Stills by Hernan, and I’m absolutely bursting with joy to share Dustin and Ally’s breathtaking celebration at the stunning Hotel Zamora. When Mediterranean luxury meets Gulf Coast elegance, magic happens—and that’s exactly what unfolded on this perfect day in Saint Petersburg!
The Perfect Coastal Luxury Venue ☀️
There’s something undeniably special about The Hotel Zamora. Perched along the pristine shores of St. Pete Beach, this Mediterranean-inspired boutique hotel offers the perfect blend of sophistication and coastal charm that made Dustin and Ally’s wedding absolutely unforgettable. From the moment our team arrived, we knew this day would be one for the books!
The Spanish-influenced architecture with its terracotta rooftops and stunning waterfront views created the most romantic backdrop for their celebration. And let me tell you—capturing both photo and video at this gem of a venue was pure joy for our creative team!
A Day of Beautiful Moments 💕
Our day began at 2:30 PM when I arrived at the Valencia Room on the 4th floor, where Ally and her bridesmaids were getting ready. The natural light flooding through the windows created the most gorgeous glow as Ally transformed into a radiant bride. The joy, the anticipation, the happy tears—these intimate pre-ceremony moments always hold such beautiful energy.
Meanwhile, part of our team met Dustin and his groomsmen on the 3rd floor, capturing those cherished moments of brotherhood and anticipation. There’s something so special about documenting both sides of the getting-ready story—the parallel journeys that lead to that magical moment when two become one.
First Look Magic ✨
At 3:30 PM, we orchestrated Dustin and Ally’s first look on the terrace outside the Tangier Ballroom. Let me tell you—when Dustin turned around to see his bride for the first time, the pure emotion that washed over his face is why I do what I do. These raw, unscripted moments of pure love are what wedding photography and videography are all about.
The terrace, with its sweeping views of the Intracoastal Waterway, provided the perfect romantic setting for wedding party photos and family portraits. The lighting was absolutely divine—that golden Florida sunshine wrapped everyone in the most beautiful glow.
“We knew we wanted a photographer who could capture not just images, but feelings. Hernan and his team gave us exactly that—photos and videos that bring us right back to those precious moments.” — Dustin & Ally
Saying “I Do” Under Open Skies 💫
As 5:00 PM approached, guests gathered on the hotel’s spectacular rooftop for the ceremony. With the endless blue sky above and panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico stretching out to the horizon, Dustin and Ally exchanged their heartfelt vows. There wasn’t a dry eye in sight as they sealed their promise with a kiss while the setting sun painted the sky in shades of coral and gold.
Similar to our approach at St. Pete’s Station House weddings, we positioned ourselves strategically to capture both the intimate exchanges and the breathtaking backdrop without ever intruding on the moment.
The rooftop ceremony arch became the perfect frame for family photos afterward—creating formal portraits with a touch of that magical “golden hour” light that photographers dream about!
A Reception to Remember 🥂
The celebration continued in the elegant Tangier Ballroom, where the Hotel Zamora’s expert team had transformed the space into a breathtaking reception venue. The ballroom’s floor-to-ceiling windows allowed the last rays of sunset to filter in as guests enjoyed cocktail hour.
From the joyful entrances and the couple’s swoon-worthy first dance to the heartfelt parent dances that followed, our cameras captured it all. The emotional toasts at 7:45 PM had everyone alternating between laughter and happy tears, followed by the cake cutting that was equal parts sweet and stylish.
Having photographed numerous Tampa luxury weddings, I can truly say that Hotel Zamora receptions have a unique energy—intimate enough to feel personal, yet vibrant enough to create an unforgettable celebration.
Luxury Vendor Dream Team 💫
What makes a Hotel Zamora wedding truly exceptional is the collection of premium vendors who come together to create a seamless experience. While I’m reminiscing about Dustin and Ally’s perfect day, I want to highlight some of Saint Petersburg’s finest wedding professionals who frequently transform Hotel Zamora events into unforgettable experiences:
Floral Design: Iza’s Flowers (@izasflowers) Their breathtaking arrangements bring a touch of botanical luxury to every Hotel Zamora wedding. Their signature cascading bouquets and architectural centerpieces elevate any celebration from beautiful to extraordinary.
Catering: Castile Restaurant (@castilerestaurant) The Hotel Zamora’s in-house culinary team creates Mediterranean-inspired cuisine that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious. Their custom menus highlight local seafood and farm-fresh ingredients.
Cake Artist: The Artistic Whisk (@theartisticwhisk) Their architectural cake designs are true edible masterpieces that taste even better than they look—each one a personalized work of art.
Hair & Makeup: Lasting Luxe Artistry (@lastingluxeartistry) Masters of creating timeless, camera-ready looks that enhance natural beauty and stand up to Florida’s humidity.
Entertainment: Grant Hemond & Associates (@granthemond) Their DJs know exactly how to read the room and keep the dance floor packed all night long.
Rentals & Decor: Gabro Event Services (@gabroevents) From custom lighting to luxury lounge furniture, they transform Hotel Zamora spaces into personalized wonderlands.
Why Hotel Zamora Should Be Your Wedding Destination 🌊
If you’re dreaming of a luxury Saint Petersburg wedding that combines Mediterranean elegance with laid-back coastal vibes, The Hotel Zamora should be at the top of your venue list. What makes this boutique hotel truly special is how it offers the intimacy of a private estate with the amenities and service of a luxury resort.
The rooftop ceremony space boasts some of the most spectacular views in all of Saint Petersburg, while the Tangier Ballroom offers versatile elegance for receptions of various sizes. Plus, with 72 beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites, your loved ones can stay right where the celebration happens!
Just like our beachside weddings in Naples, Hotel Zamora celebrations benefit from that perfect combination of natural beauty and refined elegance.
Capturing Your Hotel Zamora Wedding 📸🎥
As a photographer and videographer team who has documented countless Saint Petersburg weddings, I can tell you there’s something truly magical about Hotel Zamora celebrations. The venue offers such diverse backdrops—from architectural elements to waterfront views—that create a visual storytelling paradise.
At Stills by Hernan, we understand the unique charm of Hotel Zamora weddings. Our approach blends photojournalistic candids with artfully directed portraits to create a comprehensive wedding collection that feels authentic to your love story.
Our dual photo and video coverage ensures nothing is missed—from the spoken vows to the dance moves, from the emotional reactions to the tiny details you spent months planning. We believe your wedding deserves to be preserved in its full, multidimensional glory!
Planning Your Dream Hotel Zamora Wedding 💍
If Dustin and Ally’s beautiful day has you envisioning your own Hotel Zamora celebration, I’d love to chat about bringing your photography and videography dreams to life! As specialists in luxury Saint Petersburg weddings, the Stills by Hernan team knows exactly how to showcase the venue’s best features while keeping the focus on your unique love story.
From that perfect rooftop golden hour to the intimate moments in between, we’ll ensure every precious memory is preserved with the artistry and attention it deserves.
Congratulations again to Dustin and Ally on their spectacular Hotel Zamora wedding! Thank you for trusting Stills by Hernan to document your beautiful beginning—it was an absolute honor to be part of such a perfect day.
With love and light,
Hernan
Stills by Hernan – Creating Timeless Luxury Wedding Memories in Saint Petersburg and Beyond