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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 and Tampa Bay 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, a historic wedding venue in St. Petersburg renowned for its lush tropical displays, winding paths, and tranquil 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. As a Sunken Gardens Wedding Photographer, 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, honoring the legacy and unity of a proud Black American family.

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 Choose Sunken Gardens for Your Black Wedding Celebration?

Sunken Gardens is more than a backdrop-it’s a living, breathing character in your love story. As one of the best wedding venues in Tampa Bay, this 100-year-old botanical paradise is St. Pete’s oldest living museum, featuring tropical displays, vibrant flowers, and cascading waterfalls. The venue’s privacy, beauty, and welcoming staff make it an ideal choice for Black couples seeking a venue that honors tradition, family, and culture.

Venue Details & Amenities

• Capacity: Up to 200 guests, with both indoor and outdoor options
• Spaces: Oak Pavilion (intimate, under a 250-year-old oak), North Lawn, Wedding Lawn (with tent option), and the historic Garden Room (loft-style, hardwood floors, high ceilings)
• Included: Tables, chairs, event furnishings, get-ready suites, attended parking, and a dedicated event team
• Rental Range: $4,500 to $25,500 depending on date, space, and guest count
• Location: 1825 4th St. N., St. Petersburg, FL 33704
• Accessibility: Close to downtown hotels, museums, and entertainment, making it easy for out-of-town guests

Why Couples Love Sunken Gardens

• Natural beauty means less need for extra décor-the gardens are always in bloom
• Flexible vendor policy allows you to bring in your own caterers and entertainment
• Award-winning staff praised for their helpfulness and attention to detail
• A welcoming, inclusive environment that celebrates weddings of all backgrounds and cultures

Planning Tips for Your Sunken Gardens Wedding

• Book Early: Sunken Gardens is in high demand, especially for peak season (October–April). Contact the venue directly for availability.
• Explore All Spaces: Consider the Oak Pavilion for intimate ceremonies or the Garden Room for a vintage indoor reception.
• Minimal Décor Needed: The gardens’ lush beauty means you can focus on personal touches and family traditions.
• Golden Hour Portraits: Schedule sunset photos for the most flattering, romantic light.
• Work with an Experienced Planner: Consider a Saint Pete Wedding Planner or Tampa Wedding Planner familiar with the venue for a seamless experience.
• All-Inclusive Packages: Many planners offer Sunken Gardens wedding packages that include photography, planning, and décor.

Honoring Black Love & Legacy

Rashad & Chachere’s wedding was a celebration of Black love, family, and community. The day honored their roots, from the heirloom jewelry and heartfelt family moments to the blending of cultural traditions in the ceremony and reception. As a Luxury Wedding Photographer Tampa and Saint Petersburg Wedding Photographer, I am committed to capturing the richness, diversity, and joy of every couple’s story with respect and artistry.

Why Choose Stills by Hernan for Your Sunken Gardens Wedding?

With years of experience as a Tampa Wedding Photographer, Saint Pete Wedding Photographer, and Sunken Gardens Wedding Photographer, I blend editorial artistry with documentary storytelling. My approach is relaxed and unobtrusive, allowing you to be fully present while I capture every laugh, tear, and magical detail.

• Luxury Wedding Photography: Custom collections include both photography and videography for a complete heirloom gallery.
• Best Wedding Photographer Tampa Bay: Consistently rated for creative vision, professionalism, and the ability to make couples feel at ease.
• Sunken Gardens Wedding Photographer Reviews: Couples praise my ability to capture both the grandeur of the gardens and the intimacy of their connections.
• Portfolio: Explore more Saint Pete Wedding Photography, Tampa Wedding Photography, and Sunken Gardens Photography in my portfolio.

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 Sunken Gardens Wedding?

If you’re dreaming of a Sunken Gardens Wedding or searching for the Best Wedding Photographer in Tampa Bay, let’s connect. I offer custom Tampa Wedding Photography Packages and Saint Pete Wedding Photography Packagestailored to your vision. 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-wedding vision into a gallery that feels like you.