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.
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!