Fairytale Between Two Brides | The Rusty Pelican Tampa, FL

Photography by: Kadeem Stewart

Carina and Courtney’s waterfront wedding at The Rusty Pelican in Tampa, Florida was nothing short of magical. With the sun casting golden reflections over the bay, the two brides exchanged vows surrounded by lush florals, heartfelt moments, and the kind of love that radiates. This unforgettable celebration blended elegance, joy, and a deep connection that made every detail feel like a page out of a fairytale.

At the heart of every wedding is love; pure, intentional, and transformative. But there’s something especially powerful about witnessing and planning a union that breaks barriers, challenges norms, and proudly stands in authenticity. Carina and Courtney’s wedding was a radiant reminder of why we do what we do: to celebrate love in all its beautiful, bold forms. Their ceremony, held beside the water at The Rusty Pelican in Tampa, Florida, was more than just a moment; It was a movement, a memory, and a milestone all wrapped into one.

From the moment we encountered Carina and Courtney, it was clear they were meant to be. Their love was effortless yet electric, grounded yet glowing. As their wedding planner, it was my greatest honor to bring their wedding day vision to life, and with these two brides, every detail reflected their unique story. From the pink colored florals to handwritten vows that brought the entire room to tears, their day was crafted with care, joy, and a whole lot of heart. Their celebration wasn’t about fitting into a mold, it was about breaking it and making something entirely their own.

LGBTQ+ weddings carry a deeper resonance. They are reminders that love, in all it's forms, is worth celebrating boldly and without apology. Carina and Courtney’s wedding wasn’t just a beautiful event; it was a declaration of identity, of triumph, and of the kind of connection that the world needs more of. Planning their wedding meant more than timelines and tablescapes, it meant standing alongside them as allies, advocates, and cheerleaders for their forever.

What made their wedding truly unforgettable was the way it made everyone feel. Guests laughed, cried, and danced overlooking the Old Tampa Bay waterline with a shared sense of pride and overwhelming love. You could feel the joy in the air — not just in the rainbow layered cake, or because two amazing women were saying “I do,” but because they were doing it fully as themselves. No compromises. No filters. Just love.

At the end of the day, love is what drives us. It's why we plan, create, and dream with our couples. And Carina and Courtney reminded us just how sacred and powerful that love can be. Their wedding wasn’t just a day — it was a forever. And we were so proud to help them build it.

Planner: @eminent.events

Videography: @sonny.vega

Photography: @kadeem.stweartweddings

Dress: @thewhiteclosetbridal

Tux: @styledby_dm

Venue: @rustypelicantampa

Cake: @thecakegirl

Hair: @supremeakeupandhairdesigns

MUA: @makeupbyjanicebigio

Florist: @jenniesflorist

Decor: @moderndecorrentals

DJ: @davy_rolando

Saxophonist: @marlonbsax

Trolly Transportation: @thejolleytrolley