The Soul of Ybor City | A Hotel Haya Wedding
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 love and there is no place I feel more at home.
The Experience: More Than Just a Venue 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 and I approach your wedding day with a different lens.
The Texture of History: 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.
A Local’s Secret Spots: Whether it’s a quiet corner near a historic house or the perfect patch of shade by a Centennial Park mural, I’ll take you to the spots that feel like "Old Ybor."
Your Story, Twice Told: Color & Signature Black and White 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.
Expert Tips for Your Hotel Haya Wedding:
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 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 Cuban coffee, lean into the Ybor vibe. It makes for incredible experiences for you and your guests.
Are You an Ybor Couple? If you want a photographer who doesn't just see Ybor as a "cool backdrop" but as a part of their own DNA, I would love to tell your story. Let’s honor your new legacy in the heart of the town that built mine.
