Kate and Joe's romantic South Tampa wedding offered a taste of magical holiday cheer with whimsical rustic details, pops of gold, and a festive mix of his and hers cocktails.
“We both love the holidays, so much so, that we actually talked about our shared love for Christmas and everything that makes it special to us on our first date,” the groom explained. “To really make our vision come to life, we chose a burgundy and dark green color palette. We really felt like it captured our beautiful holiday ambiance, and matched our personalities.”
MORE: BURGUNDY WEDDING INSPIRATION
Wanting to ensure their intimate destination wedding of 45 guests embodied the perfect amount of elegance and charm, the New York couple found the most unique ways to incorporate their personalities, even including their pup Bonnie Rose.
“There were so many aspects of our day that made it one we'll never forget. From Joe singing with the band to the espresso cart we had to tie in his Italian heritage, each little detail was extra special,” Kate shared. “Incorporating wine was also something that was important to us because of the meaning it has in our relationship. With each course, a different wine was paired. The vintages were the year we met, the regions and countries we had visited together, and all-around favorite selections!”
In search of a South Tampa wedding photographer who could help document every bit of their special day, the couple chose Carrie Wildes Photography.
“Carrie had a great portfolio and offered unmatched service we were thoroughly impressed with,” Joe beamed. “Her spontaneity and thoughtfulness were exactly what we needed to capture the memories that will be apart of us forever.”
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Finding a Tampa bakery that could create a wedding cake masterpiece with an Italian cannoli filling and plenty of chocolate, was important to the couple and after coming across The Artistic Whisk, they were sold.
“We loved the fact that The Artistic Whisk offered a multiple flavor cake tasting, not just two or three. This really gave us the opportunity to find exactly the cake we were looking for,” the bride explained. “Throughout working with their team, the service we received was great! In the end, our cake turned out exactly how we had imagined!”
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With so many special memories from their charming holiday celebration, a few will always stand out the most to Kate and Joe.
“From finally getting to walk into the ceremony and reception area to seeing each other for the first time, our wedding was truly an unforgettable experience,” Joe reminisced.
How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
We both love the holidays, so much so, we actually talked about our shared love for Christmas and everything that makes it special to us on our first date.
What were your colors?
Burgundy and dark green. They were the perfect colors for bringing our vision of an elegant and beautiful holiday celebration to life.
What did you look for in a wedding photographer?
Spontaneity, thoughtfulness.
Carrie Wildes Photography had a great portfolio and offered unmatched service we were thoroughly impressed with. Working with her helped us capture the memories that will be apart of us forever.
The Proposal:
We were in Napa Valley for Kate’s birthday with her sister Beth, and our dog, Bonnie when the proposal happened. Everyone knew about the proposal except Kate. Even my parents knew! They had wished her a Happy Birthday but were told not to mention the proposal, as I didn’t know exactly when I was going to propose that weekend.
What was your wedding cake inspiration?
Italian cannoli filling and our love for chocolate.
We loved the fact that The Artistic Whisk offered a multiple flavor cake tasting, not just two or three. This really gave us the opportunity to find exactly the cake we were looking for. Throughout working with the team, the service we received was great! In the end, our cake turned out exactly how we had imagined.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Don’t settle! Always stick to your vision. There's always a way!
Venue: The Orlo House
Photographer: Carrie Wildes Photography *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Planner: Burlap to Lace
Florist/Rentals: FH Weddings
Caterer: Puff N Stuff Catering
Cake: The Artistic Whisk *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Band/DJ: The Buzzcatz
Officiant: Sensational Ceremonies
Invitations: Minted
Transportation: Network Transportation
Dress Shop and Designer: Lovely Bride
Hair & Makeup: Lasting Luxe
Ceremony Music: Sunset Strings
Cigar Roller: Big Ash Cigars
