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!
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!
Jessica and Alex - A Wine-lovers Wedding
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.
Jessica and Peter - A Classically Elegant Wedding at the Renaissance Vinoy
Jessica and Peter were married during their traditional Catholic ceremony at Christ the King Catholic Church before celebrating with 200+ of their closest friends and family at their downtown St Petersburg Vinoy reception! The overall event exuded elegance and classic details such as all white flora, silver candlesticks and lanterns, and a crisp color palette of navy and white with very soft pops of tulip pink. The event was also filled with sentimental touches, including Peter's wedding gift to Jessica - a family heirloom pearl mounted to a necklace pendant, and a touching toast shared by the father of the bride, not to mention Jessica and Peter's personalized intros for each person in their wedding party. Guests enjoyed a variety of food stations including gourmet macaroni and cheese as well as mini sliders paired with local Cigar City beers. After enjoying the wedding cake confection nearly too beautiful to eat, everyone danced under the stunning Chihuly chandelier at the Vinoy’s Grand Ballroom. Guests were sent off with hand made chocolate Gator favors with gratitude from the bride and groom; a nod to their collegiate days at the University of Florida!
Liz and Jeff - A Travel Inspired Wedding
Love travel? Why not incorporate that passion into your special day? That’s exactly what Liz and Jeff did, with a travel-themed wedding that showcases their favorite adventures, destinations and places in the world. To add a little pop of color, the groomsmen sported pale blue pants and peach ties and added some extra flare with personalized monogram suspenders. Guests were charmed by the vintage suitcases filled with custom passport programs and unique luggage tags and flip flops favors! The new Mr. and Mrs. entered the reception through a burst of confetti. Dinner was served at round tables covered with vanilla linens and topped with repurposed mason jars filled with flora in shades of pale pink, ivory and peach. Clusters of votive candles and roses in silver candlesticks encircled stacks of books and mini globes. Family and friends enjoyed specialty drinks perfectly paired with food stations from around the world, offering Asian, French, Italian, and Cuban cuisine, and when guests visited the food stations, they received a stamp on their passport menu! There were even exotic flavored cupcakes for dessert! The music kept everyone on the dance floor all night long, and when it came time to say their goodbyes, no one wants to leave - the party was that amazing!