Upham Beach, A Sunset Wedding on the Gulf
Upham Beach sits at the north end of St. Pete Beach, known for its soft white sand, sea oats, wooden boardwalks, and the rock jetties that make for some of the most beautiful sunset portraits on the Gulf Coast. Facing west, it is one of the best spots in Tampa Bay to watch the sun sink into the water.
For couples who want a laid back, barefoot ceremony with a view that does all the decorating, Upham is hard to beat.
Getting Ready at St. Pete Beach Suites
The day started a block away at St. Pete Beach Suites, where both Corey and Johanna got ready with the people closest to them. Johanna's sister and family helped her into her gown in a bright, beachy suite full of laughter, while Corey and his crew hung out on the couches, keeping things easy and relaxed before heading to the sand.
Two Families Become One
Guests walked down to the beach past a hand painted sign that read Today two families become one, so choose a seat, not a side, and settled into white chairs lining a sandy aisle. The arch was wrapped in soft greenery, framed by the rocks and the open Gulf behind it.
Their friend Matt led the ceremony, and it was full of smiles from start to finish. Corey and Johanna shared a unity ritual at a small wooden table, each pouring together as a symbol of their new life, and then sealed it with a kiss under the arch to cheers from everyone they love. A celebratory bottle of bubbly was waiting right there on the sand.
Portraits at Golden Hour
After a big, joyful group photo with the whole crew throwing their hands in the air, we took Corey and Johanna out for sunset portraits. Johanna's gown and long veil caught the breeze along the rocks, and Corey, in a light linen suit, could not stop making her laugh.
We walked the boardwalk lined with sea oats and palms, stopped at the water's edge as the sun dipped low, and finished with the sun glowing right between them. Romantic, playful, and completely them.
The Reception
Back at St. Pete Beach Suites, the celebration continued with a grand entrance, a first dance, sweet dances with their parents, heartfelt toasts, and plenty of games and dancing with family and friends. It was a relaxed, happy night that felt like a true vacation with everyone they love.
Why Choose a St. Pete Beach Wedding
If you are planning a destination wedding in Florida, St. Pete Beach and Upham Beach offer white sand, warm water, and world class sunsets, with hotels, rentals, and restaurants just steps from the ceremony. It is easy for guests to travel to and makes the whole weekend feel like a getaway.
Our tip: always have a backup plan for weather or beach renourishment, and plan your ceremony so portraits land right at golden hour.
St. Pete Beach Wedding Photography & Videography
Henry M Production is a Tampa Bay wedding photography and videography team serving St. Pete Beach, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Tampa, Sarasota, Orlando, and destinations beyond. We love helping out of town couples plan a stress free beach wedding and capture it in a natural, cinematic way.
Why Corey & Johanna's Wedding Will Stay With Us
Corey and Johanna chose to celebrate their most special day here in sunny Florida, and we are so grateful they trusted us to capture it. Between the cool breeze, the warm people, and that unforgettable sunset, this one was pure magic.
This is just a peek. There is so much more coming.
Congratulations, Corey & Johanna
Thank you, Corey and Johanna, for choosing Henry M Production and for spending your wedding day with us in Florida. We hope you come back to visit the beach often.
Wishing you a lifetime of happiness, adventure, and love together. Congratulations to Mr. & Mrs. Myers.
