Five years after Paolette and Josh felt the lightning strike of love when their paths crossed at a bar one night, they declared their love for each other in front of friends and family at the Davis Islands Garden Club. The bride's color palette of pink and black was accented with pops of yellow, a color that is auspicious in the Peruvian culture. We also incorporated other cultural elements as a nod to her heritage, such as Peruvian lilies in the floral arrangements, boxed alfajores cookies for favors, and traditions like cake charms for the bridesmaids to pull out of the cake, as well as La Hora Loca (The Crazy Hour) where guests dress in costume and dance to fast-paced festive music for the last hour of the evening. The couple wanted a fun experience for all of their guests; even their dog stood in as the ring bearer! They also incorporated some whimsical and romantic elements, such as rows of candles along the veranda wall, storybook love quotes as table names, and heartfelt personal vows exchanged during the ceremony. Paolette said "The most memorable part of our wedding was when my husband and I said our vows to each other. We wrote our own vows and hearing him say his vows made my day, as he is normally not that verbally expressive."
The ceremony was poised at the waterfront gazebo of the Davis Islands Garden Club
Bridesmaids wore black over blush tulle dresses, and groomsmen sported black suits
The couple's dog carried the rings down the aisle on his collar
The groom's boutonniere combined pink anemones with yellow spray roses
The bride and groom seal their union with a passionate kiss!
The patio wall was lined with candles and colorful pillows along the benches for cocktail hour
A trio of lanterns paired with mercury glass votives and vases made for colorful centerpieces
A chalkboard seating chart directed guests to their tables, each named for a famous book quote
The wedding party were seated at a feasting table dotted with lanterns, candles, & bouquets
The cupcakes echoed the pink & yellow colors, with flavors like birthday cake & pink lemonade
The bride changed into a party dress and mask for La Hora Loca (the crazy hour)
Time to celebrate!
Venue: Davis Islands Garden Club
Photography: Ashley Brooke Photography
Florist: Andrea Layne Floral Design
Caterer: Catering by the Family
Officiant: Jason Sowell, Married by Jason
Linens: Connie Duglin Linen
Lighting: Tampa Lights
Cupcakes: Sugardarlings
Bridal Gown and Bridesmaids Dresses: Alfred Angelo Bridal