Julia and Chris - A Plantains-and-Poppies Wedding

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