A Joyful Wedding at The Italian Club in Tampa, Florida

An Emotional First Look

Rachel and Don’s wedding day began with one of the sweetest first looks I’ve photographed. As soon as Rachel walked toward Don, the emotion was undeniable. At one point, Don gently wiped tears from her cheeks. It was a tender moment that perfectly captured the love between them. Future brides, take note: carving out a quiet moment for a first look is one of the best decisions you can make. It not only calms your nerves but also gives you space to breathe before the whirlwind of the day begins.

A Venue Full of History and Charm: The Italian Club

Rachel and Don chose The Italian Club in Ybor City (1731 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605), a venue that feels as historic as it does timeless. Established in 1894, as a gathering place for Tampa’s Italian community, it’s now one of Ybor’s most beloved wedding venues. Inside, soaring windows flood the ballroom with natural light (a Tampa wedding photographer’s dream), while the grand piano in the hallway and the stately balcony overlooking palm-lined streets add a touch of elegance to every photo.

Despite the Florida heat, Rachel and Don were game to step outside for portraits, and the payoff was stunning. Between the warm brick walls and those iconic palms, we created images that feel classic and timeless. From the balcony, we were even able to capture the tops of the palm trees against the sky, a detail Rachel especially loved. For couples considering an Italian Club wedding, don’t skip the balcony portraits, even if it’s warm out. The view is worth it every time.

Details that Told Their Story

Rachel and Don put so much thought into weaving their personalities into their wedding day. An old-fashioned pink telephone sat at the entryway table, serving as an audio guest book for family and friends to leave messages. A large mirror, draped in flowers and etched with their names, wedding date, and location, became both décor and keepsake. Each thoughtful detail told a piece of their story and made the celebration feel uniquely theirs. 

A Day of Meaning and Celebration

Their ceremony, officiated by Rachel’s father, was heartfelt and personal, with every word carrying weight for the couple and their families. Once vows were exchanged, the tone shifted into celebration. During the reception, heartfelt toasts had Rachel and Don laughing right along with their guests, their joy shining through in every candid frame.

When it came time for their first dance, the room grew quiet. Instead of a big, exuberant moment, it was more intimate. Rachel and Don seemed to only have eyes for one another, like they were in their own world, even in the middle of a room full of people. Later, the father-daughter dance brought another wave of emotion before the evening opened into a mix of hugs, laughter, and dancing.

A Celebration to Remember

At the end of the day, Rachel told me how quickly it all went by. She was right, it always does. That’s exactly why wedding photography matters so much. Photographs preserve the fleeting moments: the quiet tears, the laughter during toasts, and the subtle glances that could easily be missed. Long after the music fades, these images will hold onto the story of Rachel and Don’s Italian Club wedding.