Winsor Event Studio's Blog Musings
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.
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.
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!
Alex and Jessica had their first date on November 22, 2011 and they had an instant connection. They elected that same date for their nuptials three years later, and wanted their wedding day to be a celebration of their love with an intimate group of their closest friends and family. Both food and wine lovers, they recalled one of their first romantic getaways together in Sarasota where they attended a food and wine pairing dinner at Michael's on East, and they knew they wanted to treat their guests to that same experience. They exchanged vows in front of the towering Wedding Oak at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens nearby, and during their ceremony they participated in a wine box ceremony where they sealed a box containing wine and love letters to be opened on their anniversary. Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d'oeuvres while enjoying live piano music in the Michael's wine shop. In a dramatic unveiling, the rolling divider doors of the wine cellar were hoisted at the end of the cocktail hour, revealing the space for dinner. Long feasting tables featuring iron candelabras and grey-washed hedgeboxes of flora were immaculately set with gold beaded glass charger plates and custom printed menus detailing the five course meal with wine pairings. Wine details appeared everywhere from the wine cork table numbers, to the wine bottle guestbook, to the bottle of wine keepsakes the couple sent home with each guest (from their favorite Napa winery, the Mayo family estate). The chef presented each course, and sommelier explained each wine pairing. It was truly an unforgettable experience for guests! Following the world class meal, guests danced and mingled before savoring the wedding cake and surprise groom's cake the bride ordered for the groom in honor of his alma mater! When the night came to an end, guests?sent off the couple under a blaze of sparklers.
Lizzie and Drew, two lawyers, Harry Potter lovers, and die-hard FSU fans, wanted a classic and chic wedding filled with timeless details mixed with a super fun party. Their traditional Catholic ceremony in the stunning gothic-style Sacred Heart Catholic Church was breathtaking. Only steps away, guests enjoyed a cocktail style reception at The Vault, a historic bank-turned-venue complete with an actual vault room (which made for a perfect dessert room where guests retreated for sweets!) The evening ceremony set just after Christmas meant the cathedral with adorned with gorgeous wreaths, poinsettias, and dozens of trees with twinkling lights - such a gorgeous backdrop! At the reception, the first and second floors were filled with a mixture of cocktail and seated tables to encourage guests to mix and mingle. Everywhere you looked there were collections of gold candles (gleaned and painted by the groom's mom). The heavy hors d'oeuvres included passed appetizers as well as food stations (hello Mac n Cheese bar!) along with assorted cupcakes and an impressive Harry Potter themed candy display. In true fan fashion, the bride and groom were introduced into the room complete with Seminole spear and headdress while guests joined in the chant! The DJ pumped lively music throughout the night, keeping everyone on the dance floor until the clock struck 12 and it was time to head home, but not before sending off the couple with garnet and gold pom poms to their classic car.
