Tampa Ballroom Wedding | Floridan Palace Hotel Wedding
Caren and George's elegant downtown Tampa wedding featured a vintage glam theme with a gold, tan and pink color palette.
The Tampa Bay bride and groom said their “I dos” at the same venue where George proposed.
“George wanted to do something special and over the top, literally! [Our proposal] took place on top of the historical Floridan Palace Hotel under the iconic neon lights overlooking the Tampa skyline,” the bride gushed. “The venue is unique because George played a major role in the major renovation of this historical hotel. When the opportunity presented itself, he knew this was the perfect place to hold the wedding. It has romance, beauty, and also sentimental value.”
MORE: FLORIDAN PALACE HOTEL WEDDINGS
Atmosphere was a top priority to the couple, who with the help of Delite Entertainment, draped ballroom to create a romantic environment. The tall ivory hydrangea and blush pink rose centerpieces were accented by gold chargers and chiavari chairs to complete the elegant design.
“Our decor inspiration was vintage romantic. The draping gave the room a real dreamy feel that added to the romance,” Caren explained. “We choose Delite Entertainment because they were able to extend the draping all the way up to the top of the 25-foot ceilings, as opposed to other vendors who would only go 15 feet. The end result was a more elegant, less choppy feel, allowing the lighting to cascade all the way up the draping, adding to the beauty of the room.”
Looking back, one of Caren's most memorable moments occurred during the reception.
“George surprised me with a performance on a beautiful grand piano accompanied with a violinist and singer performing One Republic’s All This Time and Haley & Micheals' Giving it All (To You) leaving me in a happy, tearful moment,” the bride reminisced.
What was your decor inspiration?
Vintage romantic. I love roses and pinks. The draping gave the room a real dreamy feel that added to the romance.
We choose Delite Entertainment because the were able to extend the draping all they way up to the top of the 25-foot ceilings, as opposed to other vendors who would only go 15 feet. The end result was a more elegant, less choppy feel, allowing the lighting to cascade all the way up the draping, adding to the beauty of the room. Delite was able to give us exactly what we wanted, and we would highly recommend them.
The Proposal:
George wanted to do something special and over the top, literally! It took place on November 19, on top of the historical Floridan Palace Hotel under the iconic neon lights overlooking the Tampa skyline. The hardest part, besides trying to keep it a surprise, was trying to convince me to go on top of the building without me suspecting anything. George, along with his family and friends, helped arranged a Bachelor-like “rose ceremony” setting. With roses laid over white sheets, selected music on queue and family hidden behind the scenes, we were set for what was about to become a memorable moment.
What did you look for in a wedding venue?
The Floridan Palace is unique because George played a major role in the major renovation of this historical hotel. When the opportunity presented itself, he knew this was the perfect place to hold the wedding. It has romance, beauty, and also sentimental value.
The Floridan is a family-owned and run hotel, and the personnel in charge of the wedding event sought nothing but perfection and was very detailed in their work. They helped tremendously with coordinating and suggesting ideas to make the wedding the best it could be. What really surprised us and set The Floridan apart from other venues was the gorgeous ballroom and the food was absoluely amazing!
How would you describe your theme?
Vintage glam, which was appropriate for the hotel.
What were your colors?
Muted palette: gold, grey, tan, petal pink.
What was your wedding music inspiration?
We knew music makes or breaks a wedding, and we wanted the best.
Grant Hemond & Associates worked tremendously for us in helping us choose the perfect music at the perfect time throughout the night. Our DJ Jason Tally did not let us down! His DJ skills were top notch and made sure everyone was on the dance floor throughout the night.
What advice would you give other Tampa Bay couples?
The most important thing I have come to learn is having a very good and organized wedding planning timeline. The more time you have to plan things, the better it is. This is a must to ensure that the wedding has the best chance to go smoothly without any hiccups.
Do not go cheap on a photographer. These memories want to be recorded in the best quality available.
Enjoy every moment because it goes so fast!
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Floridan Palace Hotel *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Venue
Photographer: Andy Martin Photography
Videographer: James Rayner Films
Florist: Carters Florist
Caterer: Floridan Palace Hotel
Pipe and Drape: Delite Entertainment
Cake: The Cake Zone
DJ: Grant Hemond & Associates – Jason Tally *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro
Officiant: Groom's Brother
Invitations: Elegant Wedding Invites
Dress Shop and Designer: Brides by Demetrios
Bridesmaid Dresses: Dillards
Groomsmen Suits: Sacinos Formalwear
Hair & Makeup: My Makeup Pro
Ice Sculpture: Top Shelf Catering and Events
Cocktail Hour Guitarist/Singer: Alex Centeno
