Erica & Joe – Wedding

Erica and Joe’s wedding at the Cuban Club in Tampa on December 13 was a perfect example of how personal style and intention can blend a historic venue with something entirely your own. With roughly 60 guests in attendance, the day felt intimate and intentional—surrounded by close family, longtime friends, and coworkers who clearly knew this couple well. The Cuban Club’s ornate architecture and moody interior spaces lent themselves beautifully to the overall aesthetic, creating a setting that felt dramatic without ever feeling forced.

The couple leaned fully into a goth-inspired wedding design, using deep black décor and bold red lighting to set the tone. The red lighting washed over the space in a way that felt cinematic and immersive, emphasizing texture, shadow, and contrast—elements I love working with as a photographer. Against the dark palette, every intentional detail stood out, from the red table décor to the subtle accents throughout the venue. It was a great reminder that weddings don’t need to follow tradition to feel elegant or meaningful.

Styling played a huge role in the visual storytelling of the day. The bride wore a classic white dress that stood in striking contrast to the darker environment. The groom started the ceremony in a black suit paired with a red vest and eye-catching red shoes—a bold look that perfectly matched the overall vibe. During the reception, he switched things up with a red button-down shirt, black suspenders, black pants, and those same red shoes, giving the night a more relaxed but still sharply styled feel.

From a photography perspective, this wedding was a dream to document. The combination of dramatic lighting, expressive fashion choices, and a tight-knit guest list created space for real moments to unfold naturally. Weddings like this—where the couple isn’t afraid to lean into what feels authentic to them—are always some of my favorites to photograph. This Cuban Club wedding was unapologetically personal, visually striking, and a great example of how breaking the mold can result in something truly memorable.