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.
TRENDSETTING - An Industrial Chic Meets Craft Brew Styled Shoot
We are so excited to share our Ybor City 'industrial- chic meets craft brew' styled shoot! The Ybor City State Museum was the perfect location with its white brick and cobblestones. This city landmark has been preserved from times when people would meet and play dominoes and it perfectly embodied the craft brew concept (Ybor is also known for having a big craft brew presence). Our theme also gives a nod to the growing trends for the younger brides and grooms who have an alternative style.
Kamber and Will - A Family-focused Wedding
Kamber and Will met while attending the same church in Middle School, and their friendship blossomed into romance during high school. Both attended Florida State University during their courtship, and Will proposed to Kamber during an intimate walk through the park. With strong family roots in Tampa, Florida, the Mirror Lake Lyceum made for a perfect venue for their nuptials.
TRENDSETTING - A Cigar City Inspired Styled Shoot
For this stylized shoot, we wanted to highlight the history of a new venue with an old beginning (a former life as a cigar factory, indicative of the Ybor district of Tampa also known as the "Cigar City"). Our model wore a wedding gown with dramatic ruffles down the back, creating a Flamenco flair. We accented her hair with a Spanish-style rhinestone comb, and styled her makeup with bold red lips and gold-leaf eyeshadow to compliment the event's color palette of moss and gold. To set the tone for our Ybor Cigar Loft shoot, we created old world style invitations set in wooden cigar box 'envelopes'. The table names featured vintage cigar box labels in ornate gold frames. Our escort card display (which doubled as favors) featured mini bottles of whiskey with guests' names written on paper tags. For the cocktail area, we draped tables with tufted champagne linens layered over iridescent moss linens, with cigar boxes of gold mercury glass votives suspended from the ceiling beams as if floating above the tables. The fondant cake featured sugar buttons, a brushed gold fondant ribbon, and a sprig of hydrangea on top. The natural bridal bouquet consisted of ornamental cabbage, seeded eucalyptus, waxflower, palm frawns, and loops of gold wire, which complimented the natural table arrangements aside more gold mercury glass votives and stacked cigar boxes filled with moss and candles. We also uplit the brick walls with amber lighting for extra drama, and created a Cigar Lounge area as well. The result was a gorgeous representation of a historic cigar-themed event.
Amanda and Brad - An Old Florida Nautical Wedding
Brad & Amanda met while working at Publix during high school (spoiler alert: her Maid of Honor contacted Publix corporate office and had a pair of custom aprons made for them as a surprise gift - so cute!). Amanda knew she wanted a wedding at a historic venue on the water, and upon seeing the Powel Crosley Estate (particularly the compass room) the Old Florida Nautical wedding style was conceived. We incorporated lanterns, stacks of antique books wrapped with twine, fishing orbs, and loose natural floral arrangements. Even the little escort cards were meant to look like markers in the sea. Their menu reflected Florida cuisine (and their love of seafood) including a Florida Grouper topped with mango salsa and shrimp.