Vicky and Jeff
Tampa River Center
FEATURING
Vicky and Jeff’s waterfront downtown Tampa wedding was a whimsical springtime celebration. The Tampa bride and groom hosted 145 guests for a sunny outdoor ceremony followed by a colorful indoor reception with a rainbow of flora and views of iconic Florida sunsets over the riverwalk.
“Our wedding felt unique because it was a true reflection of us as a couple—colorful, energetic, and a little wild in the best way,” the bride revealed. “With great music and a lively mix of family and friends, the entire day felt vibrant and fun. Even the river joined in, turning green the same day as the St. Patrick’s Day parades, which led to plenty of jokes about how far we went for the vision. That spirit was the result of a perfect creative partnership—bringing together a design-forward planning team like Wilder Mind Events with a couple who embraced creativity wholeheartedly. The outcome was an experience our friends and family will remember for years to come.”
Researching Wedding Vendors
“I found out about Wilder Mind Events through Marry Me Tampa Bay. When narrowing down other wedding vendors, I would review their profiles on Marry Me Tampa Bay.”
The Proposal
“We went to England and Ireland for our first vacation together overseas. We went to the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland for a scheduled one-on-one tour with a tour guide. On the last stop, we went to a tiny castle at the top of the cliff. It was cold, windy, and rainy, which made for a memorable experience. This is where Jeff proposed. It turns out that the tour guide knew the whole time that it was going to happen. It couldn’t be more perfect!”
The Bach Party & Honeymoon
“My bachelorette party was in Austin, Texas. I wanted to go to a place that I hadn’t been before. Austin has amazing food, culture, and a good mix of activities that appeal to different kinds of people.
We spent our honeymoon in Japan. Since the beach is close to home, we wanted something truly different—an experience that allowed us to both relax and explore a part of the world that isn’t always easy to visit. From the people we met to the landscapes and culture, it felt completely out of this world. We loved it so much and are already hoping to return next year.”
From The Planner
“There was so much to love, but the energy stands out the most. They fully embraced color, disco balls, texture, and all the elements that my designer brain thrives on. I had the best time bringing their vision to life, from the heart disco ball to the custom dance floor and all the layered details in between. What made it truly special, though, was how authentically them it felt. They trusted me completely and never wavered from who they are. When a couple leans in like that, you can feel it on the wedding day. That willingness to trust the process and embrace the unexpected is what made their wedding feel so fresh, dynamic, and completely one-of-a-kind. Everything clicks in a way that feels almost intangible, like it’s been executed on a soul level, and that’s exactly what happened here.”
-Delaney Driver, Wilder Mind Events
The Planning
Wilder Mind Events
“It was important to us to work with a planner who was easy to get along with and experienced in creating wedding designs that feel unique and personal.
The women at Wilder Mind Events are incredible! Their experience, disposition, and thought processes aligned with our personalities and vision for our wedding.”
From The Officiant
“What I remember about this wedding is how joyful it was! It was on St. Patrick’s Day, and the water was green in front of the venue, and there was just a happy vibe around Victoria and Jeffrey. As they each walked down the aisle for the processional, their guests clapped and cheered! They had so much love and support. The flowers were out of this world…so many flowers!
Before the ceremony began, Jeffrey was so full of emotion that their day had arrived, and he was so happy and ready to marry Victoria. Everything in the reception was geared toward fun and good times, just an over-the-top celebration! This couple was truly sweethearts to work with and to get to know.”
– Laurie Chandler, Laurie Chandler Celebrant
The Officiant
Laurie Chandler Celebrant
“We wanted an officiant who felt genuine and truly couple-driven—someone who cared about our story and helped create a ceremony that felt intimate, meaningful, and authentically us.
Laurie Chandler Celebrant had what we were looking for in a wedding officiant. She took time to get to know us and learn about our love story.”
The Signage
madWOLFE Designs
“We wanted our signage and seating chart to feel inviting and thoughtfully designed rather than purely functional, and we also wanted to incorporate our pets.
Finding a shop that could translate our vision into pieces that felt personal and cohesive with the rest of the wedding was really important to us, and that’s what madWOLFE Designs did!”
The Inspiration
“Jeff and I love color. We were inspired by mid-century modern aesthetics. Our personalities guided every decision. We’re naturally warm and open, so we wanted the celebration to feel inviting and comfortable rather than formal or rigid.
Inspired by spring, we chose a color palette that felt fresh yet elevated, allowing the design to feel expressive while still reflecting our shared sense of kindness and authenticity. We chose bright spring colors, including yellow, baby blue, bright pink, orange, light pink, and lilac.”
The Decor
Kate Ryan Event Rentals
“We rented the chargers, bar, and glassware from Kate Ryan Event Rentals. Each detail was chosen to enhance the mood and contribute to the warm, elevated atmosphere we envisioned.”
The Entertainment
Tampa Bay DJ Company
“One of our favorite parts of the night was a quick sprint Tampa Bay DJ Company organized for photos, where we posed with guests for just a few seconds at a time. Friends and family grabbed chairs and props, made funny faces, and fully leaned into the fun. It perfectly captured the spirit of the crowd and the energy of the night.
From there, the dance floor stayed full for four to five hours straight—it was nonstop and unforgettable.”
Which vendors really exceeded your expectations?
Our wedding planner, DJ, photographer/videographer, celebrant, and florist exceeded our expectations.
What advice would you give to other Tampa couples?
Work with vendors who truly know Tampa Bay and understand the climate, while staying true to your vision. Prioritize how you want the day to feel and don’t be afraid to do things a little differently if it reflects who you are as a couple.
