Dawn and Alana were together for nearly ten years before finally getting married in their backyard with only a handful of people; they made the decision when same-sex marriage became legalized nationwide, wanting to make sure they could get married if the ruling was later repealed. After waiting over a year since that little backyard ceremony when the law was passed, it was finally time to have a celebration that reflected the depth of their love. Alana's love of Tampa's history meant a vintage Cigar City themed affair was a natural choice for the couple; paired with a culmination of 10+ years of love, a small and simple ceremony, and the fact that Dawn puts her life on the line everyday as a law enforcement officer, meant a true celebration of their relationship and all the people that had been a part of their love story for the last decade was definitely in order.
The couple sharing a waterfront kiss at sunset before the celebration began.
The invitation set was designed to resemble a vintage cigar box which opened up to reveal all the details!
Alana's accessories that complimented the vintage theme.
The bride opted for a natural makeup look with a neutral smoky eye.
Dawn's accessories that complimented her custom made pin-striped suit.
Adding the final touches to complete this sultry vintage look.
Alana wore a bold berry satin gown with black lace, with matching black lace accessories and vintage inspired crystal jewelry.
Dawn is all smiles as she excitedly awaits seeing Alana for the first time that day.
Tears of joy during the first look!
The sweetest couple so full of love!
A bookmark escort card display was created with vintage books and a custom sign to celebrate the couple's love story.
Escort cards, that matched the invitation stationary, were created to look like bookmarks and tucked into vintage books for guests.
The cocktail hour was held on the lawn of the Tampa Woman's Club, and was adorned wth overhead Edison lights.
A cigar bar, with authentic vintage cigar boxes, was available for guests during the cocktail hour and reception.
Chandeliers peek through chiffon drapery above the reception space with white linens, mahogany Chiavari chairs, and pops of red and gold centerpieces.
Deep jewel toned florals were used to accent the colors of the vintage cigar boxes in the centerpieces.
Greenery accented the jewel toned florals to help them pop.
Vintage books were wrapped in Kraft paper and used as unique table number displays.
A beautiful quote by F. Scott Fitzgerald was set in an ornate gold frame and surrounded by roses and candlelight on the sweetheart table.
The couple's first dance, a beautiful moment for which they had waited a long time.
Vintage cigar boxes also made an appearance on the dessert table, holding Tampa-themed desserts like Plant City strawberry and guava cupcakes, and mini key lime pies.
A square naked cake was at the heart of the dessert table, inspired by cigar boxes and made by a Tampa favorite, Alessi's Bakery!
A fun gift (and one of our favorite decor pieces) to Dawn from Alana.
A sweet kiss after the cake cutting.
A sunset over the water, a Tampa necessity!
A sweet ending to their celebration, but still just the beginning of this couple's love story.
Venue: Tampa Woman's Club
Photographer: Life Long Studios
Catering: Delectables Fine Catering
Cake and Desserts: Alessi's Bakery
Draping and Lighting: Gabro Events
Entertainment: DJ Ben of Grant Hemond and Associates
Alana's Dress: Alfred Angelo Bridal
Dawn's Suit: Bespoke
Stationary Design: Lolli J Design Studio