If there’s one moment that gets me every time—it’s the first look with dad.

There’s something uniquely tender about the seconds before a father sees his daughter as a bride. It’s a pause in the whirlwind, where years of love, memories, and unspoken words come rushing in. For L+S, this moment was a beautiful highlight of their intimate wedding day at Lassing Park in St. Petersburg, Florida.

As a Tampa wedding photographer, I’ve captured everything from wild dance floors to quiet elopements, but few things rival the raw emotion of a father-daughter first look. L+S chose to include this moment, and it was one of the most heartfelt parts of their day. Her dad’s expression said it all—love, pride, and a little bit of disbelief that his little girl was really getting married.

A Picture-Perfect Intimate Wedding at Lassing Park

L+S’s ceremony took place beneath the swaying palms and waterfront views of Lassing Park, one of St. Pete’s hidden gems. With just 50 of their closest family and friends, the vibe was relaxed, intentional, and full of joy. The Florida weather showed up in full support—warm, sunny, and not a cloud in sight.

The couple chose to keep things simple and meaningful. No huge production—just pure love, happy tears, and a walk down the aisle with the sound of waves in the background. Their dog even made a cameo, which instantly gets a 10/10 from me.

After the “I Do’s”: Cheers in Downtown St. Petersburg

Once the ceremony wrapped, the celebration continued with a laid-back reception at a local brewery in downtown St. Petersburg. Think good beer, local vibes, and a space where everyone could just be themselves. L+S shared a sweet first dance, clinked glasses with guests, and spent the night laughing and soaking in every minute of their perfect wedding day.