Alyssa and MJ were set up through the bride's cousin on a surprise blind date at Ceviché, and later got engaged at the same restaurant. When MJ proposed to Alyssa he not only did so at the restaurant where they had their first date, but he proposed in the spot where they first kissed (literally swoon!) The couple both attended Florida State University so garnet and gold were a natural choice for their color palette; subtle pops of blush were also incorporated which created a soft romantic feel. Wanting a wedding that mixed traditional elements with fun experiences for their guests, and lots of personal touches, every detail of this wedding was elegant, timeless, fun, and had Alyssa and MJ written all over it!
The couple looked stunning together (and completely in love) against the Davis Islands Garden Club waterfront backdrop.
The bride's delicate accessories complimented her flowing lace and tulle wedding gown.
The bride and her closest girls getting ready, and looking adorable, in their mismatched floral pajamas!
A sweet and personal gift the bride gave her mother before the wedding.
The bride looking stunningly gorgeous in her plunging lace illusion neckline gown.
The groom looked dapper in his marsala suit and ivory tie.
The couple read handwritten letters to each other during the intimate moment of their first look.
Laughter and tears of joy during the first look.
The bride wore a lace and tulle gown with a plunging lace illusion neckline; her dress was complimented by her organic bouquet of garden roses, greenery, and dripping amaranthus, with her look finished off with a dark berry lipstick to match the garnet and marsala tones in her bouquet.
To help eliminate any distractions the couple had this adorable sign made for their unplugged ceremony.
Neutral blooms and greenery decorated the ceremony space.
Vintage handkerchiefs (belonging to the bride's late grandmother) were provided to guests during the ceremony, for tears of joy of course!
Live musicians serenaded everyone down the aisle.
The bride looking simply lovely as her father gives her away.
A teary-eyed groom watching his bride walk towards him (always one of our favorite moments).
The ceremony was held at the beautiful Mary Help of Christian Catholic Church.
A gorgeous bunch of ladies in dark berry bridesmaid dresses, accented by they're bouquets with neutral blooms, dripping greenery, and marsala amaranthus.
The bridesmaids bouquets were a mix of garnet and greenery with touches of ivory and blush florals.
The groomsmen complimented the groom's marsala tux with grey suits and burgundy ties.
The bride and groom complimented by their stylish wedding party in grey and cranberry tones.
The bride's organic dripping bouquet looks stunning, and with dark reds throughout, pops against her ivory dress.
The outdoor reception in the waterfront garden at Davis Islands Garden Club with a canopy of Edison lights.
The centerpieces with gold candlestick holders and vintage books gave an elegant and romantic feel to the tables; while the table "numbers" were places and things special to the couple, infusing their personalities throughout the wedding.
Bold reds and dark greens popped against the white table linens, accented with gold mercury glass and gold candle holders.
Menu cards framed with greenery displayed at every place setting for guests.
The wedding party sat at a long feasting table which was dripped in greenery and soft gold mercury glass, with those pops of marsala throughout.
Edison lights, strung amongst the oak trees above the tables, paired with the glow of candlelight on mercury glass made this outdoor reception feel warm and romantic.
The mother of the bride surprised the couple with custom garnet and gold metal signs with the sweetest quote from one of their favorite movies. The signs read "What do you wanna be married to me for anyhow?" "So I can kiss you anytime I want!" and were draped in complimentary florals and greenery, and sat behind the bride and groom during the reception (so sweet!)
The couple made sure to infuse as much of their personalities as possible into their wedding, like these custom "Harry Potter" themed favor koozies... Mischief Managed!
A seating chart was created with a stunning gold ornately framed mirror.
A chic and elegant cigar bar was provided to guests during the cocktail hour and reception.
During introductions each couple in the wedding party carried different themed items and walked out to accompanying music for favorite TV shows (such as How I Met Your Mother, above), the bride and groom made their entrance to the theme song of "The Walking Dead".
The couple sharing their first dance while surrounded by loved ones, romantic lighting, and chiffon drapery.
The bride and her father wore matching black Converse during their specialdance.
A two-tiered naked cake accented with dark berries and topped with a silhouette cake topper of the couple and their rescue pup Meagan!
Cutting into their simple yet beautiful naked cake.
A custom sign was designed for the homemade dessert bar.
Trays and platters of homemade cookies were provided to guests for late night snacks. Each cookie represented a special family recipe!
Each homemade sweet treat was accompanied by an old family photograph and the family recipe for each dessert.
Love and laughter flowed through this elegant and romantic wedding filled with personal details.
The amazing wedding professionals that brought this wedding to life include:
Ceremony Venue: Our Lady Help of Christian Catholic Church
Reception Venue: Davis Islands Garden Club
Photographer: Best Photography
Videography: Current Films
Florist: Braun's Fine Flowers
Entertainment: DJ Cory of Grant Hemond and Associates
Lighting: Tampa Lights
Catering: Delectables Fine Catering
Transportation: Network Limo and Tampa Water Taxi
Cake: Publix Greenwise
Food Truck: Wing Box