Julia met Chris in Germany in August of 2011 where they were both serving in the military. They quickly became inseparable, and when it came time to plan their wedding, they decided on a destination wedding in the bride's hometown of Tampa. Both desired an eclectic feel for the wedding with a nod to the bride's Tampa roots as well as the couple's travels abroad. The Don Vicente in historic Ybor City was perfect. The bride's favorite flowers are poppies, and with the groom in his dress blues for the wedding, the color scheme of poppy orange, lemoncello, and aqua blue was born. Julia wanted their guests to really understand and feel the Tampa she grew up in. This inspired such details as a Cigar Bar, Cigar box centerpieces with collections of candlesticks and bottles and cans filled with colorful flowers, a Cuban cuisine menu, Florida orange marmalade favors, and even a tangelo mojito signature drink!
The couple exchanged vows during a traditional Catholic mass at Christ the King Catholic Church
Guests signed vintage postcards in lieu of a guest book, which were mailed to the couple after the wedding
The historic Don Vicente hotel became the couple's private reception space
Centerpieces featured cigar boxes accented with cans and bottles of flowers, candlesticks, and Florida citrus
The couple made their grand entrance into the reception under an arch of sabers
The wedding cake was adorned with sugar poppies and a whimsical cake topper
After a sparkler send-off, the couple posed for photos in the streets of historic Ybor City
Ceremony Venue: Christ the King Catholic Church
Reception Venue: The Don Vicente Inn, Ybor
Photography: Ashley Brooke Photography
Videography: White in Revery
DJ: Universal Music Entertainment
Florist: Braun's Fine Flowers
Hair and Makeup: Michele Renee the Studio
Catering: Delectables Fine Catering
Cake: Publix Greenwise Market
Transportation: Clearwater Jolley Trolley
Linens: Connie Duglin Specialty Linen