When Jennifer and Casey met while out on the town with friends, it truly was love at first sight. At the end of the evening, like a scene from a movie, their first kiss through the taxi door was as electric as their first kiss as husband and wife at their waterfront nuptials! The couple exchanged vows in front of 150 of their closest friends and family at the Davis Islands Garden Club near downtown Tampa.
Both the bride and groom wanted to incorporate historic and opulent elements into their celebration. Jennifer's signature color is pink, which paired beautifully with gold accents and lush flora throughout to create a unique and ornate style.
For this wedding, it was all about the details. Custom pocket-style invitations left guests in giddy anticipation for the big day. The ceremony aisle was like a fairy tale, featuring archways covered with hundreds of roses, and columns boasting gold candelabras topped with more flora, and suspended crystal chandeliers overhead. Guests received custom fan-style programs, and were invited to kick off their shoes at the vintage dresser shoe valet, and slip on flip flops for the all-outdoor reception on the lawn.
The bride's designer statement necklace, on loan from a family jeweler, was exquisite. Not to be upstaged by his gorgeous bride, the groom arrived by boat and made his entrance to the instrumental theme song from Game of Thrones.
A table covered entirely in roses and topped with beveled glass made for an impressive escort cards display, and was later transformed into a bountiful candy buffet. And a chic cigar lounge was created using vintage furniture and offered local cigars.
Guest tables, set under a canopy of lights, lanterns, and crystal chandeliers, were dressed with textured embroidered linens, and an abundance of hydrangea, roses, and candles.
Guests dined on lavish local cuisine catered by the famous Columbia Restaurant, enjoying favorites like Paella and 1905 Salad. The new restaurant and brewery, Ulele, brewed a special batch of 'wedding beer' to serve at the wedding, which was aged in a Patron barrel for added flavor. The discarded barrel served as a unique guestbook for guests to etch with their well wishes.
Even the cake was a work of art, created by pastry chef and family friend George Montilio of Montilio's Bakery in Massachusetts; a four tiered confection complete with fondant scrolls and dozens of fresh roses, set under a crystal chandelier.
As keepsakes, guests received painted ceramic pitchers and bells, miniature versions of signature Columbia restaurant décor imported straight from Spain.
The wedding dream team that brought this couple's fantasy to life include:
- Venue: Davis Islands Garden Club
- Photography: Life Long Studios
- Video: Randall Productions
- Florist: Arlene Floral Designer
- Catering & Bar: The Columbia Restaurant
- DJ: Michael Planas, Grant Hemond & Associates
- Chairs: Modern Day Events
- Linens: Connie Duglin Linen
- Stationery: Hummingbird Invitation Studio
- Cake: Montilio's Bakery
- Lighting: Tampa Lights
- Rentals: WISH Vintage
- Transportation: Suncoach Transport & Tampa Water Taxi Co.
- Hair & Makeup: Michele Renee The Studio
- Wedding Gown: Casablanca Bridal