Contemporary White, Pink and Gold St. Petersburg Destination Wedding | Renaissance Vinoy

Mariann and Justin's St. Petersburg, FL wedding was the perfect mix of elegance and entertainment.

“We really wanted to make the whole weekend feel like one big party, so we didn't want anything too formal,” the bride shared. “We did a short, fun personal ceremony so we had more time to party and had the string quartet play Guns N' Roses as the bridal party walked down the aisle.”

The Chicago couple, who was living in South Tampa at the time of their wedding, hosted a white and gold classic meets contemporary celebration.

“I really like the look of vintagey vase centerpieces next to modern uplighting and clean white linens and chair covers,” Mariann explained. “I wanted the room to look glamourous and warm.”

To record the important moments of their wedding day, the pair searched for a St. Pete wedding photographer whose style was “beautiful and artistic.”

“We were looking for someone fun and easy to work and immediately felt at ease when we met Jeff [of Jeff Mason Photography]. He was super organized and prompt with answers to any questions we had and was very open to any of our ideas,” the bride gushed. “We received all our pictures very quickly, and he even sent a cool app so we could show our friends pics right off our phone!”

Looking back, one of Mariann's most memorable moments was her parent dance.

“We combined our family dances and did a ‘Mom Dance.' Justin danced with his mom while I danced with my mom. It was sweet and gave us a chance to have some time with our special ladies!” the bride reminisced.

The Proposal:
The proposal came as a total surprise! At the time Justin and I were living in South Tampa and often when we had a weekday off together, we would ride our bikes to Fred Ball Park and have a picnic. One Friday, I suggested we do this — little did I know Justin had something planned!

After we finished eating our sandwiches, Justin asked me to walk over to the fountain with him. He started telling me how he loves me more everyday, then he got down on one knee! I was so excited! That night to celebrate, he had made reservations for a six-course vegetarian tasting menu at Sidebern's that I had been dying to try.

How would you describe your theme? 
Classic yet contemporary. I really like the look of vintagey vase centerpieces next to modern uplighting and clean white linens and chair covers.

What were your colors?
Our colors were mostly clean white with gold centerpieces and accents of very pale pink in the flowers and uplighting. I wanted the room to look glamourous and warm.

What did you look for in a wedding photographer?
We were looking for someone fun and easy to work with who would be able to capture our day in a beautiful and artistic way.

We met Jeff [of Jeff Mason Photography] and immediately felt at ease. He was super organized and prompt with answers to any questions we had. He was very open to any of our ideas and very reasonably priced for the quality of service he provides. We received all our pictures very quickly, and he even sent a cool app so we could show our friends pics right off our phone!

What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay Brides?
My biggest advice would be to do whatever is meaningful for you and your husband and not get too hung up on tradition. One of my dearest friends is a guy, and my brothers are very special to me, so I had three bridesmaids and three bridesmen! It was so much fun!

Ceremony and Reception Venue: Renaissance Vinoy *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Venue
Photographer: Jeff Mason Photography
Videographer: Since 1987 Films
Decor: Showorks
Caterer: Renaissance Vinoy
Cake: Renaissance Vinoy
DJ: Free Agent Management – Barry Carew
String Quartet: Strings Attached
Officiant: Your Wedding Pastor – Wes Morris
Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas
Transportation: All Access Transportation
Bridesmaid Dresses & Groomsmen Suits: David's Bridal
Hair & Makeup: Renaissance Vinoy Spa
Rehearsal Dinner: Green Bench Brewery
Rehearsal Dinner Caterer: Dochos Concession via the Tampa Food Truck Rally