A Timeless Love Story at Sunken Gardens: Rashad & Chachere’s Saint Pete Wedding
The moment I stepped into Sunken Gardens, Saint Petersburg’s lush, century-old botanical oasis, I knew Rashad and Chachere’s wedding would be something extraordinary. The air hummed with the kind of magic only Florida’s golden hour can conjure—soft light filtering through palm fronds, orchids glowing like jewels, and the quiet rustle of tropical leaves as their loved ones gathered. As a Saint Pete wedding photographer, I live for days like this, where love and nature intertwine to create a story worth telling forever.
Sun-Kissed Beginnings: A Day Woven with Intention
The morning began at a breezy Airbnb just minutes from downtown Saint Pete, where Chachere slipped into her gown surrounded by the laughter of her closest family. The room brimmed with heirlooms: her grandmother’s pearl bracelet, a handwritten note from Rashad, and the scent of gardenias from Blooms by Elena (@bloomsbyelena), the local florist who crafted her bouquet. Meanwhile, Rashad prepared at the Vinoy Renaissance Hotel, his tailored suit a sharp contrast to the vintage charm of Saint Pete’s waterfront.
By midday, we reconvened at Sunken Gardens (sunkengardens.org), a hidden gem where winding paths lead to secret grottos and koi ponds. Chachere’s final touch-ups unfolded under a canopy of flaming heliconias, her makeup artist from Gilded Glam Co. (@gildedglamco) ensuring every detail mirrored the garden’s ethereal vibe.
First Look: When Time Stood Still
Rashad waited near the garden’s cascading waterfall, his back turned as Chachere approached. When he turned, his breath caught—her gown shimmered like moonlight on Tampa Bay, and the world narrowed to just them. I framed their first embrace against a backdrop of crimson bromeliads, their quiet tears and whispered promises as raw and real as the wild beauty around them.
Family Portraits & Authentic Moments
With no bridal party, the focus shifted to family. We gathered beneath a banyan tree’s sprawling roots, its trunk etched with decades of history—much like the generations before them. Rashad’s nieces twirled in floral dresses, while Chachere’s parents clasped hands, their 40-year marriage a silent testament to the day’s significance. These weren’t just photos; they were heirlooms in the making.
A Ceremony Steeped in Sunshine & Soul
The aisle was a tunnel of blooming hibiscus, petals dusting Chachere’s train as she walked toward Rashad. Vows were exchanged under an arbor draped in Blooms by Elena’s cascading orchids, their words echoing beneath a sky streaked with coral and gold. When they kissed, the crowd erupted—a chorus of cheers blending with the distant chatter of parrots nesting in the garden.
Cocktail Hour to Sunset Portraits: Tampa Bay’s Golden Glow
Guests sipped lavender-infused cocktails by the koi pond, crafted by Saint Pete Social (@saintpetesocial), while Rashad and Chachere stole away to Bayshore Drive for sunset portraits. The golden light gilded her veil and his smile as they strolled hand-in-hand, the bay’s ripples mirroring the joy in their eyes. Back at the garden, twinkle lights flickered to life, transforming the space into an enchanted forest.
Reception Revelry: Hora, Heartbeats, & Heritage
The reception was a fusion of modern elegance and cultural roots. After their first dance—a soulful waltz to At Last—the floor erupted with the electric energy of the Jewish Hora. Rashad and Chachere were lifted high on chairs, laughter echoing as guests circled them, a whirlwind of unity and tradition. Even the garden’s ancient palms seemed to sway to the beat of DJ Pulse Tampa (@djpulsetampa)’s mixes.
Why Sunken Gardens? A Venue with Soul
Ranked among Florida’s most romantic wedding venues, Sunken Gardens isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a living, breathing character in your love story. From its meandering trails to its tropical blooms, it offers a timeless elegance that aligns perfectly with my editorial documentary style.
For Couples Seeking Authenticity
As a Tampa Bay wedding photographer, I specialize in capturing the unscripted: the way your partner’s hands tremble as they slip on your ring, the unfiltered laugh you share during toasts, the quiet moment you steal away to breathe it all in. Rashad and Chachere’s gallery is a testament to this philosophy—a blend of organic poses, candid lifestyle shots, and the kind of raw emotion that can’t be staged.
Vendors Who Made the Magic:
- Venue: Sunken Gardens | @sunkengardensfl
- Florals: Blooms by Elena | @bloomsbyelena
- Makeup: Gilded Glam Co. | @gildedglamco
- Catering & Cocktails: Saint Pete Social | @saintpetesocial
- Entertainment: DJ Pulse Tampa | @djpulsetampa
Ready to Craft Your Timeless Story?
If you’re dreaming of a Saint Pete wedding infused with organic elegance and editorial depth, let’s connect. Explore more of my work at Stills by Hernan or DM me on Instagram @stillsbyhernan. Together, we’ll turn your Sunken Gardens—or Tampa Bay—vision into a gallery that feels like you.