Skip to main content

There’s something uniquely inspiring about photographing a wedding at The James Museum in St. Petersburg, Florida. The architecture, the art, the light…It all creates an atmosphere that feels both elevated and intimate. This most recent wedding was no exception.

From the moment I arrived, the day was filled with warmth, laughter, and so much love. The James Museum, with its sandstone walls and stunning Western and wildlife art, set the perfect tone for a celebration that was as elegant as it was heartfelt. The couple chose this venue not just for its beauty, but for its story. It’s easy to see why.

The ceremony took place in the museum’s dramatic canyon-like atrium, where natural light filtered in from above, casting a golden glow on everything and everyone. Watching the couple exchange vows surrounded by their closest family and friends—beneath towering walls that echo the spirit of the American West—was nothing short of powerful.

After the ceremony, we explored the gallery spaces for portraits. I love shooting in the museum because every corner offers a different mood: the bold artwork, the rich textures, the calm silence of the galleries…it all adds depth and character to each frame. The couple embraced it all with joy and trust, which made for some truly magical moments behind the lens.

The reception was full of life, laughter, and a palpable sense of connection. From heartfelt speeches to spontaneous dance floor moments, this group knew how to celebrate well. The museum transformed into an intimate party space, where the art became a backdrop for new memories being made.

As always, I left feeling so grateful…not just for the opportunity to document a beautiful day, but for the incredible couples I get to work with and the stories I’m honored to tell. This one will stick with me for a long time.

To the newlyweds—thank you for letting me be part of your journey. Your love is inspiring, and I wish you a lifetime of joy and adventure ahead.

Planning your own wedding at The James Museum or anywhere in Florida? I’d love to hear your story and help capture it in a way that’s timeless, true, and uniquely you.

Let’s connect! 

I have never been the most natural in front of a camera, but Jonathan made everything so easy and comfortable I almost forgot we were taking photos. He is clearly passionate for his job, and made our day so much fun

– Danielle & Bert

Bronze statue of a Native American man in traditional attire holding a staff, standing against a wooden wall, with a blurred foreground element.Bronze statue of a seated person wearing traditional attire and a feathered headdress, playing a flute against a wooden background.A bronze statue of a person holding an umbrella while riding a horse, displayed indoors against a wooden panel background. Three men in suits walk together indoors, engaged in conversation and smiling.A man in a dark suit and patterned tie leans against a wooden barrel in a dimly lit bar or restaurant with a mirror and bar stools in the background.A diamond ring is placed on top of a green cactus in a pot with two other cacti, one of which has a red-orange flower.A bride wearing a white dress, pearl necklace, and veil looks down, softly lit with a blurred foreground.A bride in a white gown and veil sits on a wooden bar, holding a colorful bouquet, with cowboy boots and glassware visible in the background. A bride in a white dress and pearl necklace holds a disposable camera up to her face, preparing to take a photo indoors.A bride in a white gown stands on a modern staircase with golden walls, holding a bouquet and looking upward.Eight women in matching pastel dresses sit on barstools at a vintage bar, holding colorful flower bouquets and smiling towards the camera.Bride and groom stand together with officiant at a wedding ceremony, flanked by their wedding party, inside a modern building with wood-paneled walls and a central staircase.A bride and groom embrace on a staircase with tan walls, illuminated by soft light from above. A bride in a white gown walks up a staircase with a man in a suit beside her, both in a modern, tan-colored interior.A bride and groom kiss on a balcony in a modern building, with a bronze statue of a rider on a horse visible in the foreground.A bride and groom embrace indoors near a window, with a bronze statue of a figure holding sticks visible in the background.A bride in a white gown and a groom in a dark suit smile and laugh together indoors, likely at their wedding. A bride and groom embrace and smile in soft sunlight, with a lens flare creating a colorful effect in the foreground.A bride and groom dressed in formal wedding attire share a kiss outdoors in warm sunlight.A large floral centerpiece with purple, pink, and white flowers sits on a round table set for a formal event in an elegantly decorated banquet hall.Tall glass vase with a large arrangement of green foliage and purple flowers sits as the centerpiece on a round table set for a formal event, with candles and place cards.A bride in a white dress and a groom in a dark suit dance together, smiling and laughing at a wedding reception in a warmly lit venue. A bride and groom dance together at their wedding reception in a decorated indoor venue, surrounded by seated guests.A man bends low while dancing at a lively party, surrounded by people in formal attire, some holding glow sticks.A bride in a white dress laughs and dances with an older man in a suit at a lively wedding reception surrounded by guests.A couple in formal attire shares a kiss in a recessed balcony of a tan stone-walled building, with a bronze horse and rider statue in the foreground.

Photography:  Jonathan Hare Photography

Wedding Coordinator: Nancy Cotto Events

Venue: James Museum

Catering: Catering by the Family

Photo Booth: The Gala Photo Booth

Entertainment / DJ:  Impulse Entertainment 

Florals: Wonderland

Hair and Makeup: Beyond Blush by Em

 

Leave a Reply