Dana and Al are jet-setting professionals that have traveled the world, and have the enormous group of friends and family to show for it! They wanted a unique and memorable wedding that their guests would never forget, and what better way to showcase their new roots in Tampa than a garden wedding overlooking the iconic Bayshore Boulevard, the bay, and downtown? They paired their classic, elegant style with a little Latin flair and the result was a stunning Fall event fit for the fun and discerning palates alike!
The couple had an intimate First Look on the steps of the historic Henry B Plant Museum
Who wouldn't want their pups with them on the morning of their wedding day?!
The bridal bouquet combined hydrangea, viburnum, roses, hypericum berries, anemones, renunculus, & rosemary
Seriously, how cute are these flowergirls in their classic black and white tulle dresses?
Commuting in style, via a charming trolley car!
Classic black and white colors and elegant attire were accented with pops of firey orange, soft peach, and glittery gold. And is there anything more handsome than a white dinner jacket? The couple opted for an intimate first looks along the steps of the infamous Henry B Plant Museum (A historic building and former Tampa hotel). Meanwhile, guests arrived at the secluded garden and were welcomed with a display of champagne, wine, and water to quench their thirst in the Florida weather. The clouds parted and the sun shined bright despite the inclement forecast, and there wasn't a dry eye to be found as the bride's father gave her away. To make the ceremony even more special, the bride's brother became notarized so he could officiate their union!
Classic... stunning... Black and White wedding party attire at it's finest.
What a pleasant surprise to arrive at an outdoor wedding ceremony and be handed a glass of champagne.
The lush garden was the perfect ceremony setting
Elegant black chairs were adorned with clusters of hydrangea, roses, berries, renunculus, and rosemary sprigs!
A string quartet played softly during the processional
The bride's brother officiated the ceremony in front of a sheer draped arbor and their closest friends and family
The new Mr. and Mrs.!!
During the cocktail hour, guests dined on passed hors d'oeuvres like cigar boxes filled with Cuban-style spring rolls (in honor of Tampa's Ybor City), Peruvian ceviche (a nod to the groom's heritage), bison tostadas, and mini crudite cups. Waiters passed signature drinks of classic East Side cocktails (the bride's favorite) and Pisco Sours (taste tested and approved by the groom's mother!) In rustic-meets-chic style, the reception was set under a canopy of oak trees, string lights, and suspended crystal chandeliers. Tables were set with formal place settings and sleek onyx vases filled with flora, paired with unexpected elements like burlap runners, cigar boxes, black lanterns, wine cork table numbers, and sprigs of fragrant rosemary throughout the arrangements. Custom menus were tucked into napkins adorned with slate place cards, outlining the four course menu to follow.
His and Hers signature drinks were passed during cocktail hour
Cigar boxes offered creative presentation for passed hors d'oeuvres, like these 'Cuban cigars'!
No Florida wedding is complete without fresh seafood, like these tropical tuna canapes
Feasting tables were nestled under a canopy of tree branches and string lights
SO... MUCH... PRETTINESS!!!!!
Sprigs of rosemary and slate place cards were tied to kraft menu cards at each place setting
Centerpieces featured collections of cigar boxes, lanterns, candles, and onyx vases of fresh flowers
The dinner incorporated elements of the season as well as local favorites, including a butternut squash soup served tableside in mini carafes, heirloom tomato salad, herb-encrusted Grouper and wine-braised short ribs, and assorted truffles and chocolate strawberries. Even the vegan guests were treated with gourmet offerings including an eggplant napolean and quinoa cakes. A live band played while guests dined and danced al fresco. As a sweet ending, the couple cut and served a fondant adorned cake that was almost too pretty to eat... ALMOST! The delicious flavors included key lime cake with passionfruit and cream cheese filling, as well as almond cake with dark chocolate and raspberry filling. Just before the night came to a close, the skies opened up as if to say "OK, we held off long enough so you could have the most gorgeous waterfront wedding possible" and boy were they right!
Soft candlelight and crystal chandeliers made for a romantic dinner reception
Carafes of autumnal butternut squash soup were poured over creme fraiche and served tableside
Truffles? YES PLEASE!!
The couple shared their first dance on an outdoor dance floor, performed by a live band
The wedding cake design incorporated black, white, and gold leaf with clusters of fresh flowers
A sweet ending to a truly incredible wedding day!
Wedding Pros who made this day remarkable:
Venue: Tampa Garden Club
Photography: Ashley Brooke Photography
Catering: Puff n Stuff
Florist: Arlene Floral Designer
Rentals: Coast to Coast Event Rentals
Lighting: Tampa Lights
Linens: Connie Duglin Linen
Chairs: Modern Day Events
Cake: The Cake Zone
Transportation: Clearwater Jolley Trolley
String Quartet: Strings Attached
Band: Bay Kings Band