Celette & Keith Wedding Day

The beaming rays of the early morning sun gently filled the Crystal Ballroom North Tampa as I stepped inside, readying my gear, eager to attack this wedding day with plenty of my Latino vigor. It was a job I had secured without having met the stars of the day: the bride and the groom. A task referred to me by my videographer friend, Augusto, who had initially been sought out to cover the event.

Augusto, a seasoned professional, had the foresight to understand the scope of the wedding. He knew he would be swamped with vidography responsibilities and brought me on board to aid him. My mission was to handle the portrait and candid shots, an assignment I accepted with a sense of excitement and absolute confidence. You see, I love festivies, I thrive in celebrations, I get down with the crowd!

The morning was still fresh when I arrived at the venue. I arrived early, wanting to capture the pristine beauty of Crystal Ballroom before it was filled with the energy and excitement of the wedding party. Soon, I would finally meet the bride, Celette, and the day would officially begin.

I was fully prepared, armed with two cameras securely fastened to my leather dual harness. I was prepared to use three different lenses, ready to capture every angle and perspective that this special day had to offer. My goal was not just to document the beauty of the day, but to encapsulate the joy, the emotion, and the love that would be shared among family and friends.

One of the most significant moments I managed to capture was the newlywed couple jubilantly jumping over a broom after saying their vows. It was an act steeped in tradition, symbolizing a fresh start and the sweeping away of their past lives. This image, brimming with joy and hope, remains etched in my mind and captured for all time by my cameras.

The rest of the day was spent in a whirlwind of activity. I weaved among the guests, capturing tears of joy, bouts of hearty laughter, and the warm camaraderie of friends and family. I orchestrated group portraits, gathering clusters of guests to freeze moments of celebration in time.

As the day drew to a close and the last of the guests trickled out of the ballroom, I took one final shot. It was an artsy wide-angle shot of the bride and groom posing together in the now-empty ballroom. It was a fitting end to a day filled with love, laughter, and a generous helping of unforgettable moments. As I packed up my gear, I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. My umpteenth wedding assignment, undertaken without any prior acquaintance with the couple, had been a resounding success.