Embracing the three separate floors of a historic venue, this Ybor City wedding inspiration shoot channeled a trio of distinct, immersive spaces to transport guests through a myriad of different styles for the Tie the Knot Ybor Tampa wedding show. From a brightly colored disco theme to a tropical Cuban-inspired vibe and even a timeless, neutral motif, there was something for everyone.
“I wanted to make the venue shine but in a different way than in the past. I created a different look on each floor to showcase how each space could look for a reception. We decided to do three themes to showcase all three floors of the Italian Club in a different way. I wanted to showcase the club in a way that was different,” Katy Turchich-Martin, owner of Coastal Coordinating, shared. “The first floor was fun and fresh with a bright-colored, disco-themed event pace. The second floor was a greenery-heavy Havana Nights theme. The third floor was an elegant, romantic, and classic white and gold wedding.”
Balancing timeless elements and fresh trends, the wedding planner incorporated classic, neutral tones throughout the historic ballroom while also incorporating unique sculpted floral arrangements for a modern twist. On the lower level, the planner's signature shade of pink was on full display, demonstrating that bright and colorful weddings are as inspiring as their neutral counterparts.
“The inspiration that I had for the shoot was making each space unique to showcase what can be done at the venue. Since the venue is so large, I wanted everyone to see how unique and different each space can be,” the planner articulated. “Colorful weddings are back, so on the first floor, I wanted to go with a bold look and lots of color! Anyone who knows Coastal Coordinating knows we love pink, so with the first floor you could clearly see this was a dream design of ours – it felt like a Barbie's Dream!”
With so many stylish details throughout the entire building, the creative team at Limelight Photography focused on capturing the spirit of each section's overall theme, down to even the most subtle elements like pearl studded napkin rings.
“What a joy it was to capture the magic of this event! Brides and grooms embarked on a delightful trolley ride through historic Ybor City, exploring six stunning wedding venues rooted in Tampa Bay's history. Amidst sampling delectable cuisine and mingling with wedding experts, the highlight was undoubtedly the Italian Club,” Dafne Spencer, lead photographer at Limelight Photography, beamed. “As a photographer, I was enamored by its timeless allure and historical significance. The theater on the second floor stood out with its captivating charm, offering a picturesque backdrop for ceremonies, cocktail hours, and receptions alike. Each floor exuded its own unique personality, making it an absolute delight to capture every moment of this enchanting affair.”
The planner advises couples to consider decorative elements that can serve dual purposes, such as a beautiful seating chart that can later be used as a backdrop for photos.
“It is so wonderful to add elements like a statement wall or a seating chart wall that can then be turned into a photo op. It is so fun! Having it right at the entrance made everyone excited to walk into a fun and fresh space,” Katy articulated. “I love it when couples add elements that they love and that are special to them as well. Weddings nowadays are about making it unique and special to the couple.”
How would you describe your theme?
I wanted to make the venue shine but in a different way than in the past. I created a different look on each floor to showcase how each space could look for a reception. We decided to do three themes to showcase all three floors of the Italian Club in a different way. I wanted to showcase the club in a way that was different, The first floor was fun and fresh with a bright-colored, disco-themed event pace. The second floor was a greenery-heavy Havana Nights theme. The third floor was an elegant, romantic, and classic white and gold wedding.”
What were your colors?
For the first floor we used pinks, purples, reds, and silvers to pull in the disco theme. The first floor is a little more masculine, so I wanted to make it a brighter space. The second floor was filled with greenery, white and gold. I wanted to keep the colors minimal to accent the large green palms. For the third floor, everything was all white and gold, to show a classic and romantic wedding look.
What was your inspiration for this shoot?
The inspiration was to make each space unique to showcase what can be done at the venue. Since the venue is so large, I wanted everyone to see how unique and different each space can be
Colorful weddings are back, so on the first floor, I wanted to go with a bold look and lots of color!
Anyone who knows Coastal Coordinating knows we love pink, so with the first floor you could clearly see this was a dream design of ours – it felt like a Barbie's Dream!”
Estimated cost for 150 guests: Wedding Planning: $3,800-$5,000 | DJ & Live Music: $1,500-$3,000 | Venue: $8,000 | Photography: $4,000 | Videography: $1,500-$3,000 | Flowers: $2,500 – $5,000 | Invitations: $800-$1,000 | Linen Rentals: $600-$800 | Large Walls & Design: $1,500-$2,500 | Gold Chair Rentals: $1,500-$2,000 | Draping Rentals: $2,000 | Bride's Attire: $1,400 | Groom's Attire: $150 – $200 Rented | Small Cake and Bundt Cakes: $500 – $800 *This estimate does not include all aspects of a wedding such as officiant, catering, bar, favors etc.
