Don CeSar l Jay + Brandon
Don CeSar wedding for the books, my friends! Woo weee! From the tear jerking first looks to the beautiful and amazing florals to the ceremony and lets not forget kick ass dance moves at the reception.. everything about Jay and Brandons special day oozed love, joy, and celebration.
Nestled on the pristine shores of St. Pete Beach, the iconic Don CeSar Hotel played host to Jay and Brandons wedding that epitomized the charm and elegance of old Florida. Known as the “Pink Palace” the Don CeSar Hotel has been a symbol of sophistication and luxury since it first opened it’s doors in 1928. This historic landmark has welcomed tons of famous guests such as F. Scott Fitzgerald and Al Capone. It’s rich history and breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico make a Don CeSar wedding one hell of an experience, blending timeless elegance with modern luxury.
Having a wedding at the Don CeSar is like stepping into a fairytale. The hotel’s grandiose architecture, coupled with its beautiful beachfront location, provides the perfect backdrop for a day filled with love, joy, and celebration!
If you are on the hunt for a photographer for your Don Cesar wedding I would love to hear the deets! Click here and we can set up a time to chat!
Marry Your Best Friend
When I first met Jay and Brandon at their engagement session I could tell these two were made for one another! After learning their journey to one another I quickly realized it’s a testament to fate… and how real it is! These two share a love that I like to call a best friend love. They laugh, they play, they joke and let’s not forget the undeniable chemistry.
“We met in elementary school and dated on and off throughout high school. We reconnected after college and have been dating since 2020. We did a short long distance relationship before he moved back to Indiana. He proposed at my favorite location, Indian Rocks Beach.”
Here are a few favorites from their beach engagement session. Jay rented her engagement dress from a local dress rental company called The Dress Rental Co and it was gorgeoussss and man did she rock it! We also decided to eat some pizza and pop some champagne whiiich is my favorite thing to do with my love birdies during their engagement sessions with me! We had stormy skies which made more for a moody vibe but the sun kept wanting to peek out! 🙂
Getting Ready + First Looks l Don CeSar
The bride glowing in happiness and beauty chose to honor the significant men in her life with a series of intimate first looks. As well as a first look with her bridesmaids!
The first tear-jerking moment occurred when she revealed herself to her father. His eyes glistened with filled with happy tears, pride and joy as he saw Jay in her gorgeous gown.
Next, the bride shared a touching moment with her son Jam. His face lit up with admiration and excitement as he saw his mama. The bond between them was evident, and it was clear that this moment would be a cherished memory for both. Undoubtedly my favorite moment of the day that left me in tears!
Finally, the bride had her first look with Brandon. The groom’s face broke into a wide smile, his love and admiration for her was written alllll over his face! A perfect picture of best friends and lovers. Soon after Jam joined the two for some lovely portraits together! 🙂
Portraits of the Bride and Groom
After their first look we decided to use the hallway because of the amazing natural light that was coming in through the windows and then headed down to the bar. Holy chic! The sophisticated ambiance and stylish decor of the bar added a touch of glamour to our shoot. The gorgeous natural light during the day was everything, plush seating, and elegant furnishings created a cozy yet luxurious atmosphere, perfect for capturing candid moments of the couple enjoying a quiet moment together before the ceremony.
Courtyard Ceremony at Don CeSar
Here are some shots of courtyard but also some of my favorites from the ceremony!
From the gorgeous florals to the fun personal touches what was most unique about their ceremony is that Jam, their son, also got his own ring! HOW. FREAKIN. SWEET. If you were to ask him he would say its HIS wedding! 🙂 ANNND have you ever seen a more happy glowy bride?!
Grand Ball Room Reception l Don CeSar
As the sunset, the celebration moved indoors to a beautifully decorated Grand Ball Room, where the blue ocean-esk glam created a cohesive and elegant atmosphere. The reception was a testament to the couple’s love and the strong bonds they had with their family and friends. Epic entrances, heartfelt speeches and toasts highlighted their journey together, each story echoing the undeniable love and respect they have for each other.
The dance floor was a hub of energy and joy from the very first song. The first dances were touching sing-a-longs and there was not a dry eye in that place. The dance floor opened up to one of the brides favorite bands, Nickleback and everyone danced their bootys off! The bride also changed into the cutest reception dress to dance the night away! Unquestionably, a dance floor was LIT! The night ended with a epic exit in the courtyard with the bride and groom running and kissing amoung their nearest and dearest. EPIC!
Vendors
ROCK STAR VENDOR TEAM BABY!
Venue: The Don CeSar Hotel
Videographer: @albeyyyyy
Hair + Make up: femmeakoi
Dj: Grant Hemond
Planner: Christine & Co
360 Booth: Bellas Booth
Dress: Nancys Bridal Boutique + Made With Love Bridal
Florals: 2 Birds Events
Client Love
“We LOVE Kathryn Johnson Photography. I hired her for our engagement/wedding photos & she was absolutely phenomenal through the entire process. She fully invested herself into our entire wedding and family. I couldn’t have asked for a better photographer PROMOTED TO FAMILY. She’s worth all the investment.” – J + B
Investing in a photographer is more than just investing in pretty photographs, I believe you are investing in the entire experience which is why my passion goes beyond the lens. I am the biggest fan of your love story, your vision, of YOU, I will be your right hand wedding bestie throughout the whole process of going from Miss to Mrs.
See if were a good fit here. I would love to help document you and your boo at one of the most beautiful venues in St. Pete a Don Cesar wedding would be your very own fairytale!
