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“Best Of” 2024: Wedding Receptions, Part 1

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With its detailed exterior and sweeping views, La Hacienda at Snow Hill was an ideal setting for the styled shoot. The picturesque estate’s rolling hills, trickling fountain, and sprawling green space offer an immersive and intimate backdrop for any occasion. The reception was held on the Mediterranean-style 2,100-square-foot terrace, which features a checkerboard of travertine stone tiles accented with evergreen turf.

“The overall style was Europe-meets-Brooksville. The natural European feel of the venue was breathtaking, and I wanted to work off of that,” Amanda Biery, Lead Planner and owner of The Olive Tree Weddings, shared. “I wanted something versatile for the summer and spring season and worked off of the natural European feel of the venue. Garden/color themes are very popular right now. We incorporated blush and white with touches of orange. The venue is so naturally beautiful you didn’t need to do much to enhance the atmosphere. Some natural rental pieces with subtle color were the perfect balance for this shoot with the location.”

Elegant White European Inspired Terrace Spring Wedding Reception Inspiration | Tampa Bay Event Venue La Hacienda on Snow Hill | Florida Planner The Olive Tree Weddings
Neutral Spring European Inspired Wedding Reception Tablescape Ideas | Long Feasting Table | Gold and White Flatware Inspiration | Blush Linen Napkins | Taper Candles, White Roses and Feverfew Daisy Centerpiece Decor | Tampa Bay Event Planner The Olive Tree Weddings

Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pros:

Hair and Makeup: Femme Akoi Beauty Studio

Florist: Westover’s Flowers & Gifts | Photographer: Janel Herranz Photography | Tables + Ceremony Chairs: Table for Ten | Rentals: Flock Decor | Reception Chairs: Oak & Ash Events | Model: Jennifer and Tyler @thelittlemomentsbts | Cake: The Rustic Bliss Cakery | Dress: The White Closet Bridal Company


“I wanted an elegant garden feel. The floral arrangements were very important to me. My colors were blush, gold, and neutral colors. I wanted colors that wouldn’t clash with the iconic Don CeSar pink hotel and loved having a few gold touches. I found Marry Me Tampa Bay helpful with inspiration on styling and decor,” the bride shared.

The Florida natives often vacationed in Tampa Bay and instantly knew where they desired to host their 120-guest celebration. The memories from the iconic ‘Pink Palace’ resort, along with its stunning event spaces and convenient on-site accommodations for their guests, made the historic Don CeSar resort an ideal choice.

“Choosing The Don Cesar as my wedding venue had a sentimental value to it. My family and I have vacationed there since I was a little kid, so I have many fond memories of the resort. It made it that much more special to have my wedding there,” the bride detailed. “I wanted a venue that was at the beach but had a ceremony space that wasn’t directly on the beach. The Don CeSar really had everything I wanted for my guests. They stayed at the property and didn’t have to be transported anywhere throughout the weekend, which made everything much more convenient. The Don Cesar wedding experience altogether was great! I received many sweet compliments from guests on how much they enjoyed the wedding weekend. We cannot wait to visit for our one-year anniversary and create family memories of our own!”

“At the end of our wedding reception, we invited all of our guests to hang out and eat cheeseburgers till the early hours of the morning. It was the perfect end to our wedding day! I heard from so many of our guests that they loved we were able to do that. Everyone loves some greasy food after a night of partying!” the bride raved. “I highly recommend including your guests throughout the weekend. We had a light reception dinner on Friday night that all of the guests were invited to, as well as a breakfast on Sunday morning after the wedding. Your wedding day goes by so quickly. This was a way we could spend even more time with those who took the time to attend our wedding.”

White and Gold Grand Ballroom Wedding Reception | Greenery Garland Banister Decor Inspiration | Tampa Bay Event Venue The Don Cesar

Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pros:

Ceremony and Reception Venue, Caterer, Cake, and Rehearsal Dinner: The Don CeSar

Photographer: Emily, Lifelong Photography Studio

Videographer: The Wild Soul Films + Photo | Planner and Florist: Pixies and Petals | Band: The Buzzcatz | Musicians: Sunset Strings | Officiant: Meadowbrook Church Pastor | Dress Shop and Designer: Love, a Bridal Boutique | Shoe Designer: Jessica Simpson | Bridesmaid Dress Shop and Designer: Lulus | Hair + Makeup: Studio Bride | Photobooth: White Tie Modern


“The theme for our wedding was a very sleek, elegant look with a lot of ivory, white, and gold with acrylic accents. We chose to go with baby’s breath as our main flower for decorations; we loved how they looked!” the bride beamed. “Our colors were white, gold, ivory, and a hint of mauve, which was the bridesmaid dress color. I always envisioned our wedding to have gold accents and some sort of pink, so it worked out.”

With a large out-of-town guest list, the pair wanted a full-service hotel to keep things simple for their 200-guest event. The couple selected the expansive ballroom at the Hilton Tampa Downtown to host their nuptials after falling in love with the clean, modern space and impressive chandeliers.

“The first hotel we went to was the Hilton Tampa Downtown, and when we entered, we knew this was our dream venue! From the carpet to the chandeliers, there was not one thing we could complain about. It was so incredibly clean and had all the features we were looking for. We wanted a hall that looked fresh with beautiful chandeliers, a nice cocktail hour area, and, as weird as it sounds, nice bathrooms for guests to use,” the bride revealed. “The customer service was impeccable! We have truly never seen anything like it. The coordinators, especially Melissa, were there to answer any questions we had at any time of day. They truly made the planning process much easier and simpler; they are that good!”

Extravagant Ivory, White, and Gold Wedding Reception Large White Dance Floor Inspiration | Tampa Bay Event Venue Hilton Tampa Downtown | Planner Special Moments Event Planning
Extravagant White Modern Sweetheart Table with White Baby's Breath, Chrysanthemums, and Greenery Backdrop and Floor Arrangement Wedding Reception Decor Ideas | Tampa Bay Event Venue Hilton Tampa Downtown | Planner Special Moments Event Planning | Photographer Lifelong Photography Studio

Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pros:

Reception Venue and Caterer: Hilton Tampa Downtown

Bridal Party Hair & Makeup: Femme Akoi Beauty Studio

Photobooth: The Gala Photobooth

Ceremony Venue: St. Athanasius Syriac Orthodox Church | Videographer: Media Tree Studios | Florist: Apple Blossoms Floral Designs | Rentals and DJ: Gabro Event Services | Cake: A Piece of Cake & Desserts | Officiant: Father Alan Shaltan | Invitations: Canva and LCI Paper | Transportation: Ambassador Limousine & Sedan | Dress Shop and Designer: Stephen Yearick | Shoe Designer: Christian Louboutin | Bridesmaid Dress Shop and Designer: Portia and Scarlett | Bridal Hair was Geimy Nodarse | Bridal Makeup: Nicole Brow Society & Co.


“Our theme was boho and earth tone vibes. We wanted a design that leaned into the natural aesthetic of the historical building. Our colors were ivory, sand, yellow, red, and terracotta,” Ashley Johnson, owner and Lead Planner of B Eventful, deatiled.  ““J.C. Newman was our theme! Our goal was to build our theme around the venue’s current vibe. We wanted to add to the current aesthetic. We leaned into more bolder colors while keeping traditional neutral colors in the mix. Traditionally, there are full tablescapes, but we chose unique flatware, china, and glassware in lieu of the typical black, acrylic, gold, or silver you see traditionally. We wanted to have a twist on the classic elements you see in today’s weddings, so we selected bolder and more unique place settings with our flatware, china, and glassware. However, we kept some classic elements like candles and greenery.”

Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pros:

Planner: B Eventful

Entertainment: Breezin’ Entertainment and Productions

Cross Back Chair Rentals: Kate Ryan Event Rentals

Bar and Beverage: The Traveling Tap | Bridal Shop: Bridal by Crown | Catering: Lynns Catering of Tampa | Cinema: RLF Photos + Films | Desserts: The Artistic Whisk | Desserts: Paciugo Gelato and Caffe | Entertainment: DJ Coro | Champagne Wall: Spunky Spirits Bartending Services | Entertainment: AlisarViolin | Pet Care: Furry Ventures Pet Care | Personalized Cigars: LM Cigars | Specialty Rentals: Spark Wedding Events / Nature Coast Entertainment | Florals: Westover’s Flowers & Gifts | Hair: Sand Bar Beauty Co. | Photography: Nicole Reilly Photography | Photography: Mariah Lacy Photography | Rentals and Decor: Southern Chairs, The Treasury Rentals | Stationery: D&W Events and Designs | Custom Print: The Denim Kitchen | Transportation: Classic Elitte Transportation | Tux: Men’s Wearhouse


“The inspiration was a timeless and classic Old Florida feel. The color palette was pastels with a touch of fall oranges and yellows. We incorporated the couple’s personalities through the use of their favorite colors and custom monogram touches seen throughout the wedding. Morgan had a framed photo memory wall as well for all of their loved ones,” Nicole Kaney, Owner and Lead Event Planner at NK Productions revealed. “The wedding was originally supposed to take place at another venue, but after Hurricane Ian, they were closed due to damage. We had to shift the wedding completely in a few weeks, and Morgan took everything in stride, just wanting to marry the love of her life regardless of venue.”

Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pros:

Venue, Caterer, and Rehearsal Dinner: The Resort at Longboat Key Club

Photographer: Shannon Duggan Photography | Videographer: Claire Forrest Films | Planner: NK Productions Wedding Planning | Florist: Victoria Blooms, LLC | Rentals: US Tent Rental, Different Look, So Staged Event Design + Rentals | Cake: Wonder Cake Creations | Music: Wiley Entertainment | Officiant: Danny Bilyeu | Invitations: Courtney Winet Design | Hair + Makeup: Nory Beebe & Claire Kampelman at glossedsalon


“The theme of our wedding was inspired by fairytales. We went with a very elegant theme with bright, neutral colors and even had a horse and carriage for the bridal entrance,” the groom shared. “We went with greens, browns, whites, and light pinks as we felt they best represented us as a couple.”

“The things that were important to us were the size of the venue, the location, the ability to include our dog, the flexibility to have our vision come to life, and, of course, cost. It was very unique for us as it was the first outdoor wedding in our family and the first wedding outside of Canada. I would recommend Mill Pond Estate, 10/10!” Jared raved. “We found Mill Pond Estate on Marry Me Tampa Bay! It was beautiful in pictures, and then when we met the owner, Toni Miller, in person and saw the place for ourselves, we instantly fell in love.”

Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pros:

Ceremony and Reception Venue and Florist: Mill Pond Estate

Photographer: Ruth Terrero Photography | Videographer: Cornerstone Creative | Planner: Bloom & Grow Events | Rentals: Oak & Ash Events | Cake: CaraMel’s Bakery | DJ: DJ Rich Kenny | Officiant: Lhegendary Weddings | Transportation: Ambassador Limousine & Sedan | Hair + Makeup: Nicole 3 beauty


“We wanted to combine traditional and modern elements in a light and airy way, which is similar to Tampa’s vibe, filled with history and recent growth. We knew many relatives would be visiting Tampa either for the first time or for the first in many years. It was important to showcase what makes Tampa so special to us,” the bride beamed. “We went with blush pink, peach, white, green, and pops of blue. We wanted the day to feel like a garden party on the river and to feel timeless. When most think of timeless wedding colors, neutral colors often come to mind, but we were able to have a timeless wedding while also incorporating vibrant spring colors. You don’t have to sacrifice color to have a wedding day vision that will stand the test of time.”

Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pros:

Dress Shop: Truly Forever Bridal Tampa

Ceremony and Reception Venue: Tampa River Center | Videographer: Shannon Kelly Films | Florist: Arms Of Persephone Floral Design | Caterer: Catering By The Family | Table and Chair Rentals: On The Move Wedding & Event Rentals | Tabletop Rentals: Oak & Ash Events | Cake: Cakes by Mel , Publix | Invitations: Invitations by Whitney | Signage: MadWolfe Designs | Transportation: Affari Transportation | Shoe Designer: JIMMY CHOO | Bridesmaid Dress Shop and Designer: Revelry and Birdy Grey | Hair & Makeup: Just Beauty | Rehearsal Luncheon: Jackson’s Bistro Bar & Sushi | Watercolor Illustration: KP & Co. Design Studio | Save the Dates: Truly Engaging | Alterations: Gizzelle James Couturiere Inc. | Send Off Transportation: eBoats Tampa


“Our theme consisted of whimsical, romantic, moody, and modern elements. We wanted something luxurious and bold that showcased fall and winter tones in a fresh way!” Associate Planner Erin Seaberg detailed. “Our colors were peach, pink, light orange, eggplant, white, and muted natural tones. We wanted to play on the trending orange and purple wedding color schemes while also showcasing the beauty of high-contrast color palettes through muted pastel tones, darker tones, and bright whites. An MDP Events shoot is not complete without a luxurious, whimsical essence, so we took on the challenge of creating the perfect blend of modern and whimsy!”

“The high contrast of the white tables and black bentwood chairs from Table For Ten were the perfect base for the moody, modern vision that we had,” Erin added. “The stunning florals and tapers from Save the Date Florida brought in all of the gorgeous colors and textures that we had envisioned. The tabletop rentals from Oak and Ash, along with the table number and name cards from Laconic Events and napkins from Nuage, brought even more texture and depth to the tablescape. The stunning bar from Oak and Ash was an absolute show-stopper! I could not get enough of the ultra-luxurious vibes paired with the gorgeous florals and custom bar sign!”

Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pros:

Planning & Design: MDP Events

Florals & Arch: Save the Date Florida

Pet Care: FairyTail Pet Care

Photographer: Arianna J Photography | Tabletop, Bar, Ceremony Stage + Chairs: Oak & Ash Events | Tables + Reception Chairs: Table For Ten | Linens: Nuage Designs, Inc. | Hair + Makeup/Female Model: Bridal Beauty by Tara | Jewelry: Whitehurst | Signage: Laconic Events | Printed Materials: Christina Design Studio | Dress: The White Closet Bridal Company | Suit: Sacino’s | Cake: Cakes by Ron


“Because our wedding venue was stunning on its own, we wanted our decor to complement the space while not becoming overwhelming. While we included various non-traditional aspects to our wedding, it was our goal to have a timeless yet elevated day. We love our neutrals and highly encourage our guests to abide by the following color palette,” the bride shared. “Our wedding was a flood of neutral black and white. We wanted moody yet modern tablescapes with minimalistic details to accent our stunning florals. Our reception space was filled with a romantic candlelight glow. A lush white rose and greenery arch was the perfect addition to our beautiful backdrop.”

“Our reception/dance party was the most important and thought-about aspect of our day. I even switched into a fun sparkly fringe dress to let everyone know to get their dancing shoes ready! We knew DJ Dylan from Graingertainment from the past and always knew that we wanted him to be a part of our day. We felt comfortable with him and knew he understood our vision! We wanted someone who was lively and able to get everyone on the dance floor,” the bride detailed. “DJ Dylan was knowledgeable of today’s top hits as well as throwbacks. These song selections ensured that individuals of all ages would enjoy the evening! Not only did our DJ get everyone on the dance floor, but he kept them dancing all night long!”

Moody Modern Black and White Wedding Reception Sweetheart Table Candlelight Decor Inspiration | White Rose, Hydrangeas, and Greenery Floral Chandelier Ideas | Tampa Bay Florist Bloom Shakalaka | Event Planner Kelci Leigh Events | Venue White Rock Canyon

Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pros:

Florist: Bloom Shakalaka

Catering: Amici’s Catered Cuisine, Inc.

Ceremony & Cocktail Hour: Breezin’ Entertainment and Productions

Ceremony and Reception Venue: White Rock Canyon | Photographer: Tiffany Maysonet | Videographer: Faith & Cody | Planner: Kelci Leigh Events | Rentals: Gabro Event Services | Cake: Hands on Sweets | Pretzel Truck: Auntie Anne’s | Bar: Hub Tap | Signage: Andi Mejia + Co |Stationery: Korynne & Company | Transportation: Affari Transportation | Jewelry: Happy Jewelers | Dress: Malindy Elene Bridal | Shoe Designer: JIMMY CHOO, Stuart Weitzman, Nike | Bridesmaid Dress Shop and Designer: Lulus | Makeup: carleyhairandmakeup | Hair: Idalis Ruiz | Marque Letters: Alpha-Lit Tampa St.Petersburg | Guest Book: After The Tone | Rehearsal Dinner: Rocca Tampa


“Our theme was light and airy. The flowers were the most important thing to me, and we wanted lots of color, not just white. It was elegant but not too formal and classy but not boring,” the bride explained. “Our main theme color was light blue, which was the tablecloth color, and I had 10 girlfriends wear blue dresses. They wanted to snap a few pictures together since we didn’t have a wedding party. The other colors were pink, and orange of all shades and lots of greenery and white flowers too.”

“The most important element of the wedding was flowers; I wanted as many as possible! I loved Bruce Wayne Floral’s proposal, and they listened to me,” Becca gushed. “They were so sweet! I loved the mock table day; it was so fun to see it all come to life. I wanted different candle holders, and they went and bought new ones and added more peonies since that is my favorite and brought my vision all to life!”

“Becca and Rob were such a fun and charming pair, and their vibrant personalities were reflected in the colorful floral arrangements that adorned The Vinoy Ballroom,” John Elice, Creative Director of Bruce Wayne Florals, shared. “Becca had a particular love for peonies, and we were fortunate enough to have some of the most beautiful ones that Mother Nature could offer. We featured them prominently throughout all the designs, and the result was simply stunning. Becca and Rob were incredibly kind, complimentary, and gracious, which was the ultimate reward for our team.”

Luxurious Pink and Blue Summer Ballroom Wedding Reception Decor Ideas | Tall Flower Stand with Pink Anemones and Hydrangeas, Orange Garden Roses, Blue Stock Flowers | Elegant Gold and White Chairs | Tampa Bay Florist Bruce Wayne Florals | Kate Ryan Event Rentals | Planner Parties A La Carte | Venue The Vinoy 

Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pros:

Chairs & Draping: Kate Ryan Event Rentals

Ceremony and Reception Venue: The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club | Photographer: Everence Photography | Videographer: Storybook Weddings Videography | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Bar, Umbrellas, DJ Stage, + Ceremony Arch: Infinity Event Solutions | Ceremony, Cocktail, + Reception Music: DJ Cory Barron | Dueling Pianos Entertainment: Howl at the Moon Orlando | Tabletop Rentals: The Treasury Rentals | Dancefloor Wrap: Dream Dancefloors | Invitations: Shine Wedding Invitations | Day of Paper: URBANcoast | Dress Shop: Emma & Grace Bridal Studio | Dress Designer: Allison Webb New York | Hair + Makeup: Lasting Luxe Hair and Makeup Artistry | Rehearsal Dinner: Teak St. Pete


“My wedding theme and inspiration were an Italian garden, lots of twinkle lights, and greenery. We actually wanted to get married in a more intimate setting, such as a vineyard in Napa or a small Italian countryside, so I wanted to incorporate those details into my wedding,” the bride revealed. “Our colors were mostly neutrals, champagne, ivory, and greenery. I chose these because I wanted something timeless and classic.”

Michelle’s eye for design transformed the traditional banquet hall into an enchanting fairytale setting, complete with personalized touches like customized Limoncello bottles at each table and Opera Coupe glasses for the champagne tower from Kate Ryan Event Rentals. The team at Wilder Mind Events was on-site to ensure the bride’s day ran seamlessly.

“The thing that made our wedding unique was the entire banquet hall was transformed,” the bride detailed. “It was entirely unrecognizable. It felt like a fairytale.”

@behind_thevows

The memories just hit different when it’s from an iPhone and avaialble the next day😉📱⁠ ⁠ photo & video: @_jsmedia⁠ planner: @wildermindevents⁠ catering: @babushkas.hydepark⁠ florist: @baughausshop⁠ sushi bar: @eastwestcateringsrq⁠ hair & makeup: @modernglambymonica⁠ dj: @kbeentertainment_⁠ band: victor kuru muzykant⁠ bridal shop: @pavanecouturebridal⁠ arch rental: @posyexchange⁠ invitation: @invitationsbywhitney⁠ shoes: @jimmychoo⁠ photobooth: @whitetiebooths⁠ cake: @cafeclementinestpete⁠ signage: @smithandthemagpie⁠ transportation: @allprotowncar⁠ dance lessons: @wdl_byamanda⁠ rentals: @kateryaneventrentals⁠ draping: @tampa_events⁠ content creator: @behind_thevows⁠ via @marrymetampabay⁠ ⁠ ⁠#weddingcontentcreator #marrymetampabay #mmtbwedpro #tampaweddingvendor #behindthevows #clearwaterwedding

♬ Faded – Petar Markoski

Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pros:

Photographer + Videographer: J&S Media Wedding Films & Photo

Content Creator: Behind the Vows

Ceremony and Reception Venue: Polish Center of John Paul II | Florist: BAUGhaus | Caterer: Babushka’s | Sushi: East West Catering | Rentals: Posy Exchange | Signage: Smith & The Magpie | Cake: Cafe Clementine | Band: Polish Traditional Band | DJ: KBE Entertainment | Late Night Snack: Fusion Street Eatery | Draping: Tampa Events | Plant Rentals: Johnson Plant Rental, LLC. | Bar: Waldek | Transportation: AllPro Towncar | Invitations: Invitations by Whitney | Photobooth: White Tie Events | Dress Shop and Designer: Paváne Couture Bridal | Shoe Designer: JIMMY CHOO | Bridesmaid Dress Shop and Designer: Bella Bridesmaids, Jenny Yoo Collection | Hair + Makeup: Modern Glam by Monica | Rehearsal Dinner: Island Way Grill


“The theme was timeless, chic elegance. I wanted elements that would remain timeless throughout the years while also incorporating fun ‘trendy’ design elements that spoke to us as a couple. It turned out exactly how I envisioned it in my mind!” the bride beamed. “We chose neutral tones: white, cream, champagnes, ivory, and tiny pops of black. I wanted colors that would never go out of style, and to me, neutral tones go back to my overall style and theme of being elegant and timeless!”

“We wanted a gorgeous water view with fully outdoor elements. I wanted a unique space that allowed my guests to get out of town, that wasn’t a far drive. We also wanted a venue that was unique and one we had never heard of before. Westshore Yacht Club was absolutely unique, had some European vibes that I loved, a gorgeous water view, and in-house catering. I was obsessed, not to mention it is such an elegant space and really fit my vibe so well!” Natalie raved. “From the moment I walked into the space, I was truly blown away! The facility was so beautiful on the inside and even more gorgeous outside! I absolutely loved how they had in-house catering; this made it so easy. Amy Winkleman, the venue coordinator, was a dream to work with! I knew I would be taken good care of! From the gorgeous water view with sailboats and yachts to the staff and the gorgeous architectural elements that reminded us of Europe, we knew we had to get married there!”

Tailoring the reception atmosphere to suit their guests, Natalie and Claudio sought to transform the space using chic furniture and decor, with a statement dance floor that would create a focal point for the night. Elegant soft seating also offered guests a prime location to feel like a part of the festivities even if they weren’t dancing.

“We used Kate Ryan Event Rentals‘ acrylic ghost chairs, white dance floor, couches lining the dance floor, dessert gold shelves, and gorgeous velvet sweetheart chairs. This really added to the overall design of the event and added that extra wow factor!” the bride beamed. “Having a dance floor to break up the space was super important, and having couches lining the dance floor was the perfect touch! It allowed guests who didn’t necessarily want to dance to still be a part of the dance floor’s energy and vibe while still sitting.”

Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pros:

Ceremony and Reception Venue and Caterer: The Bay Club at Westshore Yacht Club

Photographer: Lumiere & Love by Stephanie Velez | Florist: Gather and Grace Designs, LLC | Rentals: Glasshouse Rentals | Cake: Elise’s Pieces Decorated Cakes | Live Singer: Jolie Jolie | DJ: Our DJ Rocks | Invitations: Pioro Wedding Etsy | Signage: Andi Mejia + Co | Transportation: Olympus Limo Tampa Bay | Dress Shop and Designer: Angel Rivera Bridal Atelier | Bridesmaid Dress Shop and Designer: Revelry | Suit: Men’s Wearhouse | Hair + Makeup: Before the Aisle | Welcome Party and Rehearsal Dinner: The Tampa Club | Pet Care: Furry Ventures Pet Care | Guestbook: FêteFone | Photobooth: Photobooth Rocks


“Our wedding inspiration came from sources that embodied romance and timeless love. That inspiration was largely drawn from the stories of Jane Austen and other similar period pieces. We knew we wanted our florals to feel like cuttings from an English garden and for the dress designs and suits to feel like something straight from the pages of Pride & Prejudice,” the bride detailed. “My favorite color is blue, and I opted for different shades and patterns of blue since I couldn’t choose just one! My secondary colors were peach and pink as well as gold, for an earthier and more grounding tone.”

“We wanted our wedding to be a genuine representation of who we are. We’re both avid nature lovers, so it was important to us that we create the feeling that we had brought the outside inside! We incorporated lots of florals and earthy hues,” the bride beamed. “We also love to travel, so we decided to name our reception tables after some of our favorite places instead of using numbers. We had guests sitting at Yellowstone National Park and Cape Town, South Africa.

Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pros:

Photographer: Mary Anna Photography

Ceremony Venue: Sacred Heart Catholic Church | Reception Venue: Higgins Hall | Videographer: Second Take Media | Planner: Audrey Ficca, Mother of the bride | Florist: Arlene Floral Designer LLC | Caterer: Catering By The Family | Cake: Hands on Sweets | DJ: Josh Gaufman with Celebrations 24 | Officiant: Fr. Michael Owen | Invitations: Minted | Transportation: Ambassador Limousine & Sedan | Dress Shop: Something Blue Bridal | Dress Designer: Allure Bridals | Suit: Sacino’s | Bridesmaid Dress Shop and Designer: Bella Bridesmaids Tampa | Hair: Blake Reed Evans Pro | Makeup: @emilyparker_hmua | Rehearsal Dinner: Sheraton Sand Key Resort | Flower Wall: Flower Walls of Tampa | Rehearsal Dinner: Six Ten Brewing


“I have always loved classic and romantic movies, art, and design and wanted to showcase my love of simple elegance with modern flares. A few weddings that I was inspired by were John F. Kennedy and Jackie Bouvier, Kate Block and Kevin Love, and Sofia Richie and Elliot Grainge,” the bride shared. “We chose black and white as our colors because I love neutrals and monochromatic schemes. My favorite color to wear is black, and my favorite color to decorate my home with is white…it just works!”

“We both wanted an indoor reception venue for the big day (since unpredictable Florida weather can be scary) that transported guests to feel like they stepped into a different time. We were hopeful that we would find a historic building that was also a ‘one-stop shop’ that covered the catering, tables, and chairs, and so on to reduce the number of vendors we needed to coordinate with on the day of,” Calli detailed. “The Vault checked every box for us: historical architectural elements, high ceilings, lots of natural light, two floors, large space, great food options, and an experienced team. We are incredibly grateful for the team at The Vault; we couldn’t imagine our big day without them. They made all of our wedding dreams happen.”

Classic Wedding Reception Sweetheart Table Inspiration | White Roses, Hydrangeas, Baby's Breath, and Greenery Floral Arrangement Backdrop Ideas

Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pros:

Ceremony Venue + Officiant: Harborside Chapel

Reception Venue & Caterer: The Vault

Photographer: Lauren Marie Creative | Videographer: Lexi Chase Media | Day of Coordinator: Popped Event Planning | Florist: Events in Bloom Tampa | Rentals: tampabayflowerwalls | Cake: Publix | DJ: DJ Anthony Carollo | Invitations: VO Handmade | Transportation: CharterUP, Ambassador Limousine & Sedan | Dress Shop: The White Magnolia Bridal Collection Tampa | Dress Designer: Nadine Merabi | Suit: Nic’s Toggery | Shoe Designer: Dolce Vita | Bridesmaid Dress Shop and Designer: Meraki, David’s Bridal, Show Me Your Mumu | Rehearsal Dinner: Ulele Restaurant, Tampa | Saxophonist: The SugarSax | Photo Booth: White Tie Modern


“We described our wedding theme as an elegant, romantic party with a modern and minimal look. We also wanted to combine a chic city vibe and a laid-back tropical touch – just like St. Pete, and like us – a New York gal and a Clearwater guy coming together,” the bride shared. “Our colors were black and white with gold accents and a tropical touch.”

“One of the standout moments for us was when we took a pause during both the ceremony and the reception. We held each other and looked out at all our friends and family who came from all over to be with us. It was amazing to see everyone’s faces in one room, and we felt so lucky to have such wonderful, supportive people in our lives,” the bride reminisced. “What made it even more special was how seamlessly our families and friends blended together. The room was buzzing with love and happiness, and it’s a memory we’ll never forget.”

Modern Black and White Ballroom Wedding Reception Head Table Ideas | Gold Chiavari Chairs | Tropical Centerpiece Decor | Monstera Leaf, White Hydrangeas and Roses Floral Arrangement | St Pete Florist Botanica Design Studio | Planner Coastal Coordinating | Venue The Vinoy
@behind_thevows

Katie and Sam’s wedding was a masterclass in style. Venue: @vinoywed Planner: @coastalcoordinating Photo: @dewittforlove Video: @shannonkellyfilms DJ: @graingertainment Florals: @botanicadesignstudio Hair/Makeup: @ashleeannmakeup Rentals: @gabroeventservices @arc_divine @posyexchange Photobooth: @thegalaphotobooth Officiant: @laurie.chandler.celebrant Dress: @martinalianabridal @malindyelenebridal Tuxes: @theblacktux Invites: @bellafigura Alterations: Alterations By Ruth Content Creation: @behind_thevows via @marrymetampabay Signage: @laconicevents Cake: @alessibakery Transpo: @startrolley

♬ Style (Taylor’s Version) – Taylor Swift

Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pros:

Content Creator: Behind the Vows

Photobooth: The Gala Photobooth

Venue and Caterer: The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club | Videographer: Shannon Kelly Films | Florist: Botanica International Design Studio | Live Streaming: Contessa Films Wedding Videography | Rentals: Gabro Event Services, Posy Exchange, ArcDivine.com | Signage: Laconic Events | Cake: Alessi Bakeries | Officiant: Laurie Chandler Celebrant | Invitations: Bella Figura | Transportation: Star Trolley – Arrive In Style | Dress Designer: Martina Liana | Dress Shop: Malindy Elene Bridal | Tuxes: THE BLACK TUX | Shoe Designer: Dolce Vita | Bridesmaid Dress Shop and Designer: BCBG, Nookie, Likely, Jenny Yoo Collection, Anthropologie, Laundry by Shelli Segal | Hair + Makeup: Ashlee Ann hair and makeup artist | After Party Venue: Park & Rec DTSP | Rehearsal Dinner Hair + Makeup: Sip & Dry – A Blow Dry Bar | Rehearsal Dinner and Welcome Party Venue: Red Mesa Cantina


“Our theme was simple but elegant. I fell in love with a neutral color palette, incorporating lots of white florals with gold accents. Our venue had wooden farm tables and wooden cross-back chairs that perfectly fit into our design inspiration,” the bride shared. “I chose to keep everything neutral and white: white plates, napkins, menus, and flowers.”

To help bring her vision to life, Amanda relied on the extensive decorative inventory from Kate Ryan Event Rentals to tie together the elegant style, from the linens to the place settings to the furnishings.

“We used Kate Ryan Event Rentals to help our design inspiration come to life,” the bride articulated. “Kate Ryan provided all the gold flatware, gold-rimmed china plates, and gold-rimmed water glasses. They also had a beautiful selection of linen and furniture rentals. We rented the Cambria white linen for the round tables and the matching table runners for the feasting tables. We also added some fun velvet furniture pieces for the barn dance party.”

Clear Tented Classic White and Gold Wedding Reception Inspiration | Wooden Tables and Crossback Chairs | Tampa Bay Kate Ryan Event Rentals | Planner Blue Skies Weddings and Events | Private Estate Mision Lago

Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pros:

Ceremony and Reception Venue: Mision Lago Estate | Florist: Jennie’s Flowers | Caterer: Good Food Events + Catering | Cake: Courtney’s Cupcake Co. | Invitations: Citrus Press Co. | Transportation: His & Hers Transportation | Dress Shop: Magnolia Laine Bridal Tampa | Dress Designer: Martina Liana | Shoe Designer: Loeffler Randall | Rehearsal Dinner: Oxford Exchange | LED Dancefloor: Xpress UrSelf Media | Rings: David Alexander Jewelers


“Our wedding design inspiration was Bridgerton, and while we did not have an official theme, we sought to create an environment that reminded our guests of a French garden. We are both romantics and wanted our wedding to reflect the love that we have for each other and the beauty of romance,” the bride shared. “Our colors were blush, light pink, dusty rose, with gold and greenery. Pink is my favorite color, and I wanted a lot of it! Our wedding planner was wonderful in helping us put together a color palette that pulled in multiple shades of pink in a way that did not feel overwhelming.”

Although the entire day was memorable, there were two exciting ‘reveal moments’ that will live forever in the couple’s memory.

“There are so many moments to choose from, but there are two we always talk about. The first is driving over the Pinellas Bay Way Bridge and watching the pink and white spires of the Don CeSar come into view; that drive was really the first moment we were alone on our wedding day, and there is nothing more romantic than racing to your reception in a red, vintage, convertible,” the bride reminisced. “The second is being escorted by our wedding planner Staci Mandikas, of UNIQUE Weddings & Events, into the ballroom for our private sneak peek of the reception hall while the guests were still at cocktail hour. We entered through an arch of flowers, and it was like being transported into a whole new world. Dreams barely convey the magical feeling a couple gets while being completely in the movement and sharing a small piece of bliss and magic together.”

30Pink Bridgeton French Garden Inspired St Pete The Don Cesar Ballroom Wedding 1 1536x1152 1
Garden Inspired Bridgerton Wedding Reception Sweetheart Table with Greenery Garland Draping Ideas | Whimsical White and Pink Rose Decor | Lace Tablecloth | White Drapery Backdrop Inspiration | Tampa Bay Staging and Events

Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pros:

Reception Venue, Caterer, and Cake: The Don CeSar

Gold Chiavari barstools with ivory pads, White cosmo bars, folding tables, Gold clear lace chargers, Gold alpine leaf chargers: A Chair Affair, Inc.

Rattan Louis Barstool, Chiavari Gold Chairs with Cushions, Golf Cake Serving Set, Gold Etagere/ Bar Back Shelving Unit, Gold Etagere, Side Shelf, Opera Coupe Champagne Glassware: Kate Ryan Event Rentals

Draping: Tampa Bay Staging & Events

Ceremony Venue: Cathedral Church of St. Peter | Photographer: Justin DeMutiis Photography | Videographer: Kemari Lynn Films | Florist: Events in Bloom Tampa | Rentals: BBJ La Tavola, So Staged | Event Design + RentalsThe Treasury Rentals | Saxophone: Best in Brass | Magician: Simon Winthrop | Officiant: St.Peters Cathedral, Ethan Cole | Invitations: Minted | Signage: WireheartsDesign | Transportation: Suncoast Automotive, Ambassador Limousine & Sedan | Dress Shop and Designer: Sareh Nouri, Klienfeld Bridal | Shoe Designer: Something Blue | Bridesmaid Dresses: Birdy Grey | Hair & Makeup: Lindsay Travis Artistry


“The inspiration was the movie Princess Diaries. It’s a classic movie and one of my all-time favorites. When this movie came out I used to watch it all the time and never got sick of it. Now that my daughter is old enough to appreciate the movie, I watched it with her, and it inspired me to create one of my favorite movies into a wedding theme,” Amanda Biery, owner and lead event planner at The Olive Tree Weddings, shared. “I was on a mission to find the iconic blue Mustang, and once I found someone local who had that car, I put the whole thing into motion. I chose sage, blush, mauve, greenery, and whites. By nature, I am drawn to whites and greenery, but I wanted to add some color without it being overbearing or vibrant. I wanted to add some pears into this design because it’s the Genovian fruit, so adding different shades of green was easy, and blush and mauve would go the best with my vision and design.”

Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pros:

Hair and Makeup: Femme Akoi Beauty Studio

Gelato Cart: The Gelato Carte

Venue: Bella Cosa Weddings | Photographer: Stephanie Lanni Photography | Video: Anastella Photography | Florist: Posey Blooms | Rentals: Oak & Ash Events | Attire: Arden Bridal & Boutique Tampa | Car: Eternity Luxury Group | Cake: Sweet Foundation


“I wanted something colorful and casual that represents our personalities. Our theme was boho tropical. I adore fresh flowers and bright colors, and life is too short to live without vibrant colors and joy,” the bride beamed. “Our colors were deep blues, greens, golds, and natural colors brought in with the art and florals.”

“The personal touch that just sealed the entire feel of this vow renewal was the personalized signage provided by Inky Fingers Calligraphy, which made it all come together beautifully. By partnering with Margot Griffin, she made watercolor landscapes for the couple’s table number cards and wrote their own personal quote to one another on a mountain set for them to have as a keepsake in their own home, ‘Just think of the Mountains,’” Carly Rose, Wedding & Event Coordinator with Coastal Coordinating shared. “She also crafted their signature drink sign to memorialize their furry family members, Sasha and Fen. Elana had picked out the drinks that best represented their beloved pups, and we were able to convey that to Margot, and she knocked it out of the park. We all loved the arch that was crafted by Ava Elise, and we had a blast putting together their wall of wildflower seed packet favors.”

Vibrant Tropical Boho Intimate Wedding Reception Ideas | Tampa Bay Event Venue Whitehurst Gallery | Tarpon Springs Content Creator Behind The Vows | Florida Wedding Planner Coastal Coordinating
@behind_thevows

When @Coastal Coordinating said they were teaming up with #wishuponawedding we jumped at the chance to support Elana and Justin’s 9 year vow renewal. Some of you may be more familar with the bride known as Lady E Music from her soulful performances at the Tampa Bay Lightning Games, or from her folk-inspired song covers. She didn’t take the mic on the wedding day but she did radiate like the ball of sunshine she always is. #weddingcontentcreator #vowrenewal #cancerfighter

♬ When You Wish Upon a Star Lofi – Akira The Don

Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pros:

Calligraphy + Signage: Inky Fingers Calligraphy

Content Creation: Behind the Vows

Photographer: Kourtney Kaiser Photography | Videographer: Corey McDonald Photography | Florist: Ava-Elise Event Decor and More | Floral Wholesaler: Kennicott Tampa | Wedding Day Caterer: Milan Catering and Event Design | Welcome Party Caterer: Delectables Fine Catering | Mocktails/Bar Service: Hook Line & Drinker | Photo Booth and Cocktail Hour Games: Chubby’s Photo Booth & Games | Rentals: Gabro Event Services, Southern Chairs | Linens: Nuage Designs, Inc. | Cake: CaraMel’s Bakery | Officiant: Brenda Turani Wyatt | Invitations: A & P Designs | Wedding Dress: BHLDN Anthropologie | Transportation: Knights Valet


“The theme of our wedding was romantic, art deco, and modern chic. We wanted something that leaned into the February ‘month of love’ aesthetic while also incorporating modern design ideas. We really wanted something that reflected who we were, not only as individuals but also as a couple,” the bride beamed. “I chose a scale of pinks, reds, and maroons for our colors. I loved the idea of each bridesmaid and all the flowers being different colors, coming together to create a full spectrum that beautifully represents love. We were especially lucky to have our wedding in February, allowing us to embrace this vibrant concept fully.”

“We each had specific areas we were passionate about which were the food, music, and photos. My husband curated the music list to reflect our tastes while ensuring it would be enjoyable for our guests. I have a particular fondness for anything gold, which we incorporated into the floral vases,” the bride detailed. “Being foodies, we wanted the food to be a highlight of the night. Additionally, as a software engineer, my husband suggested we create our own wedding audio guestbook, which ended up being the hit of the night. Now, we have personal voice memos from our friends and family that we can cherish for decades to come.”

Elegant White Wedding Reception Decor Ideas | Maroon and Pink Roses, and Greenery Centerpiece Inspiration | Tampa Bay Event Venue The Vault

Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pros:

Ceremony and Reception Venue and Caterer: The Vault

Videographer: Adventure Wolf | Planner: Snapdragon Events | Florist: 2Birds Events | Cake: Sweet Clementine | Officiant: Pastor Chris Thomas, Sensational Ceremonies West Coast FL | Invitations: Minted | Dress Shop: The White Closet Bridal Company | Dress Designer: Justin Alexander | Shoe Designer: DREAM PAIRS | Hair + Makeup: Cat Baxter Beauty, Andrea Ramos Hair | Rehearsal Dinner: Columbia Restaurant

About the Author

Anna Coats

Marry Me Tampa Bay editor Anna Coats created Marry Me Tampa Bay in 2012 to showcase the area’s best local weddings and vendors. She has been featured as a wedding expert on the national talk show Daytime, Fox13, ABC Action News, Great Day Tampa Bay, and Bay News 9 (now Spectrum).

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