Elegant Birchwood Hotel Wedding | St. Petersburg Wedding Photographer

Taking the chance to say hello to a stranger can change your life. Just ask Mindi and Jason. Theirs could’ve easily been a story of an epic missed connection if she hadn't dared to  boldly to tell him, "You look bored." the night they ended up at the same place for a second time.  The rest, as they say, is history. A beautiful history that started with a first date and countless bug bites, falling in love, navigating long distances, a relocation or two, two pups, and creating a home together.

Friends and family traveled from all around the country, some from as far as Hawaii, to attend this wedding. And this wedding day started at the Birchwood Hotel with the suites alive with sibling teasing, bridesmaids laughing, and acapella versions of the Abc's and the Whip and Nae Nae. Sarah, Mindi’s bridesmaid, was overcome with tears when she first saw the Mindi’s gown hanging from a bedpost. She proclaimed Mindi to be a tractor beam of happiness. Oh, how right she was!

The entire day wasn't only a testament to how much Mindi and Jason love each other, but to how much they are appreciated and loved by their friends and family.

Mindi and Jason, the way you light up around each other is magical. There’s no other way to describe you together. The way you care for your loved ones is a reminder that it’s the people and relationships in our lives that makes every moment better, richer. Thank you for inviting us to document the start of your marriage. May your lives together be much like your wedding day—with you both surrounded by and feeling an enormous amount of love.

Wedding Venue: Straub Park St. Petersburg

Reception: The Birchwood Hotel

Wedding Gown: Vera Wang

Bride’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo

Hair and Makeup: Destiny and Light Hair and Makeup Group

Bride's Hair and Makeup: Melissa Collette

Videography: Longen Films

Cake: Corey's Bakery and Catering

Planning, Design and Coordination: Ideal Events

vera-wang-gown-jimmy-chooBirchwood Hotel wedding by Rising Lotus Photography

Mindi's Vera Wang gown, with its layers of Chatilly lace, was incredibly romantic and feminine. A pair of Jimmy Choos and a Monique Lhuillier belt adding the finishing touches to her couture ensemble.

pretty-bride-vera-wang-gown.jpgGorgeous Birchwood Hotel wedding by Rising Lotus Photography

pretty-bride-vera-wang-bridesmaids.jpgBirchwood Hotel Wedding by Rising Lotus Photography

beautiful-bride-lace-vera-wang-wedding.jpgBeautiful bride at Birchwood Hotel photographed by Rising Lotus Photography

Sometimes it's the quiet moments, like a bride studying her engagement ring before her wedding, that stay with us.

groom-bride-exchange-gifts.jpgElegant Birchwood Hotel Wedding by Rising Lotus Photography

stylish-groom-suit-wedding.jpgGroom before his Birchwood Hotel wedding taken by Rising Lotus Photography

groom-groomsmen-straub-park.jpgGroom and groomsmen before Straub Park wedding ceremony by Rising Lotus Photography.

pretty-bride-bridesmaids-laughing.jpgStraub Park wedding ceremony by Rising Lotus Photography.

wedding-processional-bride-groom.jpgStraub Park Wedding ceremony by Rising Lotus Photography.

The wedding ceremony took place in Straub Park near the downtown St. Petersburg waterfront.

loving-expression-wedding-ceremony.jpgSt. Petersburg wedding ceremony by Rising Lotus Photography.

Mindi and Jason would steal loving looks at each other throughout the ceremony, often when the other wasn't aware. Sigh.

unity-candle-interfaith-wedding.jpgUnity candle ceremony during St Petersburg wedding by Rising Lotus Photography

newlyweds-kiss-bride-groom.jpgRomantic St. Petersburg wedding ceremony by Rising Lotus Photography

birchwood-reception-decor-tulips-tablescape.jpgBirchwood Hotel wedding reception by Rising Lotus Photography

The elegant reception décor featured a long feasting table dotted with white tulips, hydrangeas and roses.

happy-newlyweds-grand-entrance-birchwood.jpgElegant Birchwood Hotel wedding reception by Rising Lotus Photography.

birchwood-wedding-reception-newlyweds-dancing.jpgRising Lotus Photography took this photo of the newlyweds dancing at the Birchwood Hotel in St. Pete, Florida

Blog 24

hora-dance-birchwood-reception-st-pete.jpgThe Hora during a Birchwood Hotel wedding reception in St. Petersburg taken by Rising Lotus Photography

One minute they were dancing then suddenly the newlyweds were hoisted up in chairs for the Hora.

sexy-newlyweds-kissing-birchwood-elevator.jpgRising Lotus Photography captured newlyweds having romantic moment in an Birchwood Hotel elevator in St. Pete, Florida