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!
Jen and Alex - An Autumn Aqua and Aubergine Wedding
Jen and Alex desired a wedding filled with southern simplicity, and planned to DIY many wedding details to help maximize their budget. Their Florida roots inspired such details as the painted blue mason jars, cut log risers, collection of bud vases and lanterns, program fans, burlap table runners, and Southern-inspired menu items. They wanted a rustic Autumn feel to the day but were drawn to shades of Aqua and Aubergine (the shade of purple was in honor of the bride's Dad who passed away from Pancreatic Cancer; she was surprised with a photo locket on her bouquet so he would be walking her down the aisle). The couple wanted to honor their family members who could not be present with them that day, while also providing a great experience for their closest friends and family who were present. Although a thunderstorm thwarted their outdoor ceremony plans, they did not let it ruin our day because they remembered the big picture and what was really important that day which was being with all the people they love, and marrying your best friend (all brides and grooms should have this outlook!) The Magnolia Building's vaulted ceilings, wood floors, and stone fireplace made for a stunning backdrop for both the indoor ceremony and the reception that followed.
Meghann and Friedel - A Homespun Garden Wedding
Meghann and Friedel met when their mutual friends decided to play matchmaker and invited each of them to an FSU football game. After spending the entire weekend together, they returned to Tampa and went on their first official date a few weeks later. When Friedel proposed, he gave Meghann a gorgeous antique ring from the turn of the 20th century. Meghann, a health-minded dietitian, and Friedel, a landscape designer and small business owner, wanted to create a welcoming atmosphere for their wedding guests - like they were all among family. They chose the Davis Islands Garden Club as a gorgeous backdrop for these nature-lovers' nuptials. Meghann wanted to DIY elements of the wedding to offer a personal touch, including herb-infused olive oils at an Olive Oil Tasting Station, home-made Florida orange marmalade favor jars that doubled as escort cards, sourced vintage furnishings for a Cigar Bar area, and old family frames suspended from tree branches as an open-air photo booth space. They chose a color palette of eggplant and palm green, and incorporated such details as a Farmers Market display of local fresh produce and cheeses (as a nod to the bride's passion for healthy living), garden details like tin flower cans as vases, and vintage elements like lace overlays, mismatched china at the place settings, and mason jars down the aisle. They wanted a personal touch for their guests, to the escort cards were displayed on clotheslines along with personal pictures of the couple with each guest from over the years! The couple agree that the most memorable aspect of their wedding was exchanging their self-written vows as they committed their lives to each other forever. For future couples, they offer this advice: "make it personal, and make sure you savor every moment the day of your wedding as it goes by in a flash, so take mental pictures whenever you can so you walk away with personal snapshots of all the memories!"
Buffy and Dave - A Naturalistic Love Nest Wedding
Lovebirds Buffy and Dave’s intimate wedding was full of romantic, rustic details. The newlyweds exchanges nuptials at The Lange Farm accompanied only by their two children. Light tones of misty pink, ivory, and gold were reflected throughout the flowers and linens. The couple chose a “Naturalistic Love Nest” style, tying in vintage furnishings and décor, glowing candles, and lovebird accents like feathers, nests, and metal birdcages. After the newlyweds sealed their vows with a kiss (with an adorable look of awe from their daughter and amusing grimace from their son), they shared a special first dance under the canopy of Oak trees. Delicate miniature bird nests tucked into branches created the seating chart, and the reclaimed wood dining table was lavishly decorated with a Spanish moss runner, pedestal bird cages, terrariums of flora, and an abundance of candles. Place settings of layered chargers and vintage china were topped with organza napkins in metal finch napkin rings. The new family enjoyed a light meal of delicious hors d’oeuvres, and the children filled printed kraft bags at the trail mix bar before partaking in the dessert display – a vintage hutch featuring butterscotch-nest topped cupcakes displayed in teacups and vintage china stands, and a wedding cake adorned with a suspended birdcage ornament topper.
Katie and Chris - A St. Petersburg Wedding with Chic, Sweet Details!
It was a typical sunny day for Katie and Chris' nuptials overlooking the St. Petersburg harbor. The couple exchanged vows in front of a sheer draped arch that perfectly framed the stunning waterfront view, and they sealed their union by participating in a sand ceremony that was poured into a customized keepsake frame. Hues of plum, silver, and onyx were used throughout their décor, from the exotic bouquets filled with orchids, to the rows of swirled lollipop escort cards (a nod to the fact that the couple met while working at an amusement park). While guests found their seats in the Mahaffey ballroom, the bride and groom snuck away for a private photo under the bright lights of the magical, empty theater. Guest tables featured centerpieces of submerged orchids accented with an abundance of candles, as well as tall vases topped with lush floral arrangements, and the couple's monogram was emblazoned on the wall above their bountiful candy buffet. To echo their candy theme, guests sipped on cotton candy signature drinks while dancing the night away. The bride and groom ceremoniously cut a small wedding cake set atop a display of assorted cupcakes, giving guests yet another way to satisfy their sweet tooth.