The Soul of Ybor City | A Hotel Haya Wedding
TAMPA WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER & TIMELESS HOTEL HAYA WEDDING GALLERY
Ybor City isn’t just a location on a map for me; it is my history. My family immigrated here from Cuba and Key West, taking up the craft that defined this town: cigar rolling. Every time I walk past the historic social clubs or hear the roosters, I’m reminded of the hands that built these streets. When I document a wedding at Hotel Haya, I’m not just looking for the light; I’m looking for the legacy. This hotel was designed to honor culture and history, and there is no place I feel more at home.
Choosing Hotel Haya for your wedding means you value the grit, the grace, and the deep-rooted culture of Tampa. Because I grew up in these streets and know the stories behind them, I approach your wedding day with a different lens. From the Havana-inspired decor of the Haya to the weathered red bricks of 7th Avenue, I know exactly how to use this backdrop to make your portraits feel cinematic. Whether it’s a quiet corner near a historic brick facade or a patch of shade by a Centennial Park mural, I love taking my couples to the hidden spots that feel like "Old Ybor."
There is a weight and a soul to a black and white image that color just can’t capture. That is why I am so passionate about delivering your entire gallery in both true-to-life color and my signature black and white. I want your wedding photos to feel like the heirlooms my family has passed down for generations—timeless, emotional, and deeply personal.
Planning Your Hotel Haya Wedding Reception:
Sunset on the Terrace: If you’re having your ceremony or cocktail hour at the hotel, the light hitting the surrounding historic buildings at sunset is unparalleled.
The Ybor Trolley: It’s a beautiful nod to Ybor’s transit history (echoing the original 1885 streetcar system that was Florida’s first) and makes for iconic "Just Married" photos.
Incorporate the Culture: Whether it’s a live cigar roller at your reception (a nod to my own family’s craft!) or serving traditional Cuban coffee, leaning into the Ybor vibe makes for an incredible experience.
VENUE SPOTLIGHT: HOTEL HAYA
1412 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605
