From Chicago Blizzard to Tampa Sunshine: A Wedding Story Full of Heart
Over a year ago, I was wrapping up an engagement session in Chicago when an email landed in my inbox from Leo and Deneé. To my surprise, this amazing couple lived in Chicago but were planning their wedding in Tampa, Florida. After a few emails, we arranged to meet on my last night in Chicago, during the city’s first blizzard of the season-a first for me! Despite the late bus and an epic slip-and-slide entrance into the coffee shop, we hit it off instantly. That serendipitous meeting sparked a friendship that would lead me to document one of the most heartfelt weddings I’ve ever experienced.
A Tampa Wedding at Rialto Theatre: Industrial Charm Meets Creative Spirit
When it comes to unique Tampa wedding venues, the Rialto Theatre stands out for its historic character, industrial-chic architecture, and artistic energy. Located in Tampa Heights, this former silent movie theater features exposed brick, dramatic blue archways, soaring ceilings, and a flexible open layout-making it a top choice for couples seeking a modern, creative, and memorable celebration.
Venue Highlights:
- Address: 1617 N Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602
- Style: Industrial, historic, urban-chic
- Capacity: Up to 250 guests
- Features: Exposed brick, original proscenium arch, custom lighting, and a versatile open floor plan
- Location: Minutes from downtown Tampa, Armature Works, and the Riverwalk
As a Rialto Theatre wedding photographer, I love how this venue allows for truly personalized decor, creative lighting, and a seamless flow from ceremony to reception.
Portraits at Fancy Free Nursery: Lush Greenery in the Heart of Tampa
Before the festivities at Rialto Theatre, we took wedding portraits at Fancy Free Nursery (1502 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33602), a beloved Tampa gem known for its vibrant plant collection and boho-chic vibes. The nursery’s lush greenery, string lights, and urban garden setting provided a dreamy, editorial backdrop for Leo and Deneé’s portraits. As a Fancy Free Nursery wedding photographer, I can’t recommend this spot enough for couples who want a touch of nature and whimsy in their Tampa wedding photos.
When Plans Change, Magic Happens
As their wedding day approached, Leo and Deneé faced a major curveball-a last-minute venue change. But with the support of friends and a team of dedicated Tampa wedding professionals, their day unfolded beautifully. The Rialto Theatre’s spacious, flexible layout made it easy to pivot and still create a celebration that felt uniquely theirs. The result? A wedding day filled with laughter, happy tears, and the kind of love that radiates through every photo.
Why Choose Tampa for Your Wedding?
Tampa is a top destination for couples seeking a blend of urban energy, creative venues, and that signature Florida sunshine. From industrial-chic spaces like the Rialto Theatre to lush urban gardens like Fancy Free Nursery, Tampa offers endless possibilities for memorable wedding photography.
Other Top Tampa Wedding Venues to Consider
- Armature Works: Industrial, historic, and waterfront with multiple event spaces.
- Le Méridien Tampa: Modern, historic, and chic-housed in a restored courthouse.
- The Vault: Elegant, historic, and centrally located in downtown Tampa.
- J.C. Newman Cigar Co.: Industrial Ybor City venue with unique character.
- The Tampa River Center: Modern, waterfront, and full of natural light.
Tips for an Unforgettable Tampa Wedding
- Book Early: Tampa’s best venues and photographers book up quickly, especially in spring and fall.
- Embrace Flexibility: Weather and logistics can change-choose vendors who are experienced and adaptable.
- Golden Hour Portraits: Schedule time for sunset photos at your venue or a nearby park for that magical Florida light.
- Personal Touches: Incorporate local plants, art, or cuisine to make your Tampa wedding truly yours.
- Work with Local Pros: Tampa’s wedding scene is full of talented planners, florists, and caterers-lean on their expertise for a seamless experience.
Recommended Tampa Wedding Planners & Florists
Planners:
- Love Lee Lane Events | @loveleelaneevents
- Confetti Events | @confettievents
- Burkle Events | @burkleevents
Florists:
Why Choose Stills by Hernan for Your Tampa Wedding Photography?
As a Tampa wedding photographer, I bring editorial artistry, documentary storytelling, and a passion for authentic moments to every celebration. Whether you’re planning a grand event at the Rialto Theatre, an intimate garden wedding at Fancy Free Nursery, or a creative celebration anywhere in Tampa, I’ll help you capture every detail with heart and style.
More Tampa Wedding Inspiration
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What makes Rialto Theatre unique for Tampa weddings?
A: Its industrial-chic style, flexible open layout, and dramatic historic details make it perfect for creative, modern celebrations.
Q: Can we have portraits at Fancy Free Nursery if our wedding is elsewhere?
A: Yes! Fancy Free Nursery is available for portraits and elopements even if your ceremony is at another venue.
Q: What’s the best time of year for a Tampa wedding?
A: October through May offers the best weather, but Tampa is beautiful year-round.
Ready to Plan Your Tampa Wedding?
If you’re searching for a Tampa wedding photographer, Rialto Theatre wedding photographer, or Fancy Free Nursery wedding photographer who will capture your love story with artistry and heart, contact Stills by Hernan | Stills the Studiotoday.
Let’s create timeless, editorial images that celebrate your connection and the magic of Tampa.
“We loved working with Hernan and we would recommend him to anyone! He is an amazing photographer and we have the photos to prove it! We have had so many friends and family compliment our wedding photos with the word “stunning”. He has a talent for capturing the perfect moment and then taking it to another level. The photos speak for themselves. He also takes a more personable approach when getting to know his clients. Whether if its dinner and drinks or just a meeting at a coffee shop, he forms real friendships, making the client/photographer relationship less formal and more fun. If you are looking for someone who sincerely cares about your photos, and the experience that comes with them, Hernan is the photographer for you! Five starts all the way!”
-Leo & Deneé