Brian and Amanda share Tampa roots (they went to the same PreK class and grew up only a quarter mile down the street from each other) so they knew they wanted to get married in the city they grew up in and loved. They began planning their nuptials for their 300 closest friends and family in historic Ybor City, known for the area's former life as a cigar capital of the US. The bride wanted to make sure the wedding was above all else FUN, and she didn't want anything too theme-y, but rather wanted classic elements and to embrace the feel of the city.
Katie and Greg - A Barista's Brunch Wedding
Who doesn't love brunch?! Katy & Greg’s wedding is full of amazing coffee-themed details in honor of their morning nuptials and Greg's former life as a barista! Guests were greeted with a coffee station with assorted vintage mugs and gourmet coffees to sip on before the ceremony. Katy and Greg exchanged vows in front of the white gazebo and instead of a unity candle, they had a plaque with a little lock that was engraved with their names and wedding date. They placed the lock on the plaque and locked it together - such a great unity ceremony alternative. It was a gorgeous day for photos and an outdoor reception set at one enormous communal table under the sprawling oak trees. The table was dressed with coffee sack runners and hedge box centerpieces along with candles nestled in coffee bean vessels. Guests enjoyed a mimosa and bloody mary bar, yogurt station and donuts as everyone played corn hole and jenga on the lawn. Their favor was different flavors of coffee beans for their guests to put in favor bags that said "Katy & Greg the perfect blend”. They ate brunch family style and after mingling with friends and family, and having some to die for cupcakes (how cute are the mini donut topped cupcakes?!), and then the newlyweds departed through a tunnel of eco-friendly confetti and on to a boat for their grand exit.
Vendors who made this day amazing include:
Venue: Davis Islands Garden Club
Photographer: Carrie Wildes Photography
Floral Design: Belle Fleur
Entertainment: DJ Cory, Grant Hemond & Associates
Catering: Good Food Catering
Event Rentals: Coast to Coast Event Rentals
Specialty Furniture Rentals: WISH Vintage Rentals
Linens: Connie Duglin Linen
Cupcakes: Sugardarlings Cupcakes
Donuts: SoHo Donut Company
Hair & Makeup: Destiny & Light Hair & Makeup
Videography: Randall Productions
Transportation: Suncoach Transport
Send-off: Tampa Water Taxi
Accommodations: Tampa Marriott Waterside
TRENDSETTING - An Eco-Chic Styled Shoot
In a setting as beautiful as an outdoor venue in Florida, you don't have to look hard for inspiration. Natural greens from area foliage and silvery-blues found in local airplants were the perfect colors for this stylized shoot, which also incorporated a pop of bright Florida orange. We set out to create a wedding concept that incorporated sustainable and environmentally-friendly elements. You CAN have an eco-conscious wedding and have it still be beautiful!
Chelsea and Arian - An Organic Oceanfront Wedding
The whisper of the ocean, the salty air, the sugary sand between your toes - that's exactly how bride Chelsea and groom Arian envisioned for their destination wedding. The St. Lion’s Club on Treasure Island offered a secluded beach perfect for an intimate ceremony and reception. A lightly draped bamboo arch created a stunning backdrop for their unity paint ceremony. Amidst the wind and the waves, bridesmaids’ turquoise chiffon gowns flowed as the sun set. Guests enjoyed waterfront cocktails before dining al fresco. The décor and florals embodied the bohemian vision, with bouquets of assorted succulents, ivory roses, pastel blue hydrangeas, thistles and seeded eucalyptus. Mason jars and lanterns served as centerpieces to give a natural element to the tables. The tower of cupcakes was complete with to-go boxes, encouraging guests to enjoy cake for breakfast!
Jackie and Christie - A Gourmet Garden Wedding
Under the shady canopy of Great Oaks at the Tampa Garden Club, Jackie and Christie exchanged vows in front of their closest family and friends. The couple shared a love for great food and wine, and wanted a garden setting with both rustic and chic elements. Since their top priority was guest experience, we set out to make sure their friends and family enjoyed amazing food and drinks, unique personal details, and great music for dancing! With a color scheme of dove grey accented by cerulean blue and sage green, the wedding party sported coordinating tea-length dresses and suits. Bouquets incorporated herbs and even ornamental kale, and the bride carried an heirloom photo of her grandmother tucked into her bouquet. Mahogany chiavari chairs and an aisle lined with lanterns and potted herbs led to a trio of salvaged vintage doors adorned with eucalyptus branches to create a stunning backdrop for the ceremony, which concluded with a unique unity wine presentation. During the cocktail hour, a Farmer’s Market-inspired cart offered a mouthwatering array of fresh fruits and vegetables, and guests enjoyed a DIY Mimosa Station and sampling of local beers from Cigar City Brewery. Reception tables were decorated with a collection of silver candelabras and lanterns along with more potted herbs, along with bottles of infused olive oils for guests to share during the meal, and table numbers made entirely of wine corks. Live action food stations tempted guests with potato leek soup and artisan breads, shrimp and grits with assorted hot sauces (a nod to bride Christie's collection), and fresh made crepes filled with chicken, goat cheese, and roasted vegetables. A tower of cupcakes topped with a small wedding cake featured clothespin doll toppers reflecting the couple’s likeness. Before departing, a wheelbarrow filled with wheatgrass and seed packets offered guests keepsakes to plant at home and continue to “let love grow.” At the end of the evening, firefighter bride Christie surprised her betrothed Jackie with a fire truck sendoff!