Kaitlin and Alex’s elegant Clearwater Beach wedding radiated timeless elegance and sophistication, with a refined color palette that perfectly complemented the breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico.
“We chose silver, pink, and sage green as our wedding colors,” the bride shared. “Sage green is my favorite, and the soft pink beautifully complemented our venue.”
The Venue
“We live in St. Petersburg and chose Clearwater Beach for its proximity, making it convenient for our friends and family. We love the beach but didn’t want a wedding on the sand, and the Hyatt’s 16th-floor terrace provided the perfect venue. We preferred a hotel for the convenience of getting ready, hosting the ceremony, and holding the reception all in one location.
Among all the venues on Clearwater Beach, the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach stood out for offering a more private ceremony space with its stunning terrace—an amenity most other venues couldn’t compete with. The customer service was outstanding! The event planning manager, Lizzie Long, was truly their greatest asset. It was an easy decision to make!”
“Having a planner with a deep understanding of the industry, awareness of common pitfalls, and insight into current themes and ideas was essential to us. We also needed someone who was highly organized and attentive to every detail, which made Special Moments Event Planning the clear choice. We did our research, met with Master Wedding Planner Tammy Waterman, and were instantly impressed. Tammy is truly incredible—she manages everything with care and ensures no detail is overlooked. I wouldn’t hesitate to hire her again in a heartbeat.”
“I wanted pink and white flowers, and Jean King helped bring the rest of my vision to life. I also wanted calla lilies because my mother had them at her wedding. When we met with Jean from Monarch Events and Design, she walked us through her recommendations, showed us examples, and was incredibly kind throughout the process. After our meeting ran a little long, she even gave us a beautiful vase of flowers to take to my mom’s house for dinner—it was such a sweet gesture. Jean truly brought my chuppah inspiration to life. She is incredible and made sure everything looked absolutely stunning. Her kindness shines through in everything she does, offering the warmth of a family-owned business with the level of professionalism you’d expect from the best in the industry.”
Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pros:
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach
Photographer: Lifelong Photography
Planner: Special Moments Event Planning
Florist: Monarch Events & Design
Draping and Charger Rentals: Gabro Event Services
Entertainment, Cold Sparklers, Photobooth & Uplighting: Grant Hemond & Associates
Hair & Makeup: Adore Bridal
Videographer: Media Tree Studios | Linen Rental: Connie Duglin | Cake: Chantilly Cakes | Officiant: Rabbi Lobel | Invitations: Minted | Dress: The White Magnolia | Shoe Designer: Bella Belle | Bridesmaid Dress: Azazie | Rehearsal Dinner: Bon Appétit
Amber and Alexei’s intimate downtown Tampa wedding was a timeless celebration filled with classic white blooms and striking black attire. The couple exchanged vows on the grand staircase of a historic courthouse building, flanked by stone columns and lush flora, before dining and dancing the night away during an elegant ballroom reception overlooking the city skyline.
“Our wedding theme was classic beauty, polished sophistication, and a hint of vintage define this style. Drawing inspiration from the luxurious buildings in the old money era, it celebrated tradition and elegance. It was a black tie event and all of our guests wore black. The focus was on honoring a rich heritage and crafting an ambiance that evoked the charm of a past era,” the bride beamed. “We chose shades of black and white. I love simplicity and timeless, neutral colors.”
The Venue
“We wanted somewhere with classic, luxury, and modern vibes with a touch of vintage. The team at Le Meridien Tampa was amazing. They made me feel so special from my first inquiry email with them, to the time I walked out the door!
The staff was phenomenal. Heather DiGiulio, the Catering Sales Manager, was so sweet, and her communication was above and beyond. I was blown away with how great the process was.”
“Having Behind the Vows as my content creator for my own wedding day was amazing, especially since I opted not to get a traditional videographer. As a wedding photographer, I’m usually the one capturing moments behind the lens, but this time, it was so nice having someone who could document our day from a different, more real time perspective while I could fully experience the day. Behind The Vows took the time to understand not just the visual aspects of our wedding but also the emotions and stories behind each moment. From privately ready our vow books we wrote to each other, and the moments during the ceremony, they captured all the essence of our love story.”
Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pros:
Ceremony Venue: Le Meridien Tampa
Photo Edits: Amber Yonker Photography
Content Creation: Behind the Vows
Reception Venue and Caterer: The Tampa Club | Photographer: Faith Rowley Photos | Bouquet: Float Flora | Flower Arch BackDrop: Lavish Backdrops LLC | Chairs: Any Event Linen & Chair Rental | Ceremony Music: Emma the Harpist | Officiant: Marry You I Do | Dress: The Dress Rental Co. Emme Bridal | HMUA: Beauty by Audrey B
Nanda and Seth’s destination Sarasota wedding seamlessly blended their multi-cultural backgrounds with elegant floral arrangements, thoughtful details, and the breathtaking backdrop of a historic Mediterranean-style mansion overlooking the waterfront.
“We would describe our theme as a romantic Italian garden, La Dolce Vita. During a trip to Tuscany, we fell in love with the region’s charm and wanted to bring that inspiration to our wedding,” the bride beamed. “Our vision was an al fresco celebration surrounded by lush greenery, vibrant pops of color, and plenty of lemons. We chose a palette of blue, yellow, and natural tones like beige and olive green to complement the Italian garden aesthetic, creating the perfect atmosphere for our celebration.”
The Planner
“What mattered most to us in a wedding planner was reliability, responsiveness, trustworthiness, execution, and knowledge of the local area and vendors, especially since we were planning from out of state. We also wanted a planner with experience at our venue, as well as a working style and personality that aligned with ours.
From the very start, Ashley Johnson of B Eventful was an absolute pleasure to work with. During our consultation call, she focused on getting to know us and our vision, making the conversation feel warm and personal—more like chatting with a friend than a sales pitch. Unlike others, she wasn’t pushy or focused on listing her past accomplishments. Instead, she truly listened, which we deeply appreciated.
Throughout the planning process, Ashley was flexible, responsive, and incredibly supportive, promptly addressing any questions or concerns while providing thoughtful recommendations to bring our vision to life. On our wedding day, Ashley and Aria went above and beyond, ensuring we had food and drinks, handling any hiccups before we even noticed, and coordinating vendors seamlessly. Their flawless execution allowed us to relax and fully enjoy every moment. Ashley and her team genuinely care about the couples they work with, and it shows. With them by our side, we felt completely supported and knew we were in the best hands. Thanks to their dedication and expertise, we had the most incredible day imaginable.”
Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pros:
Planner: B Eventful
Hair & Makeup: Femme Akoi Beauty Studio
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Powel Crosley Estate | Photographer: Tara Tomlinson Photography | Videographer: Studio KRP | Florist: Tuli Floral Co. | Caterer: Simply Gourmet | Gelato Cart: Paciugo Gelato
Giant German Pretzel: Mama G’s German Bakery and Coffeehouse | Rentals: Southern Chairs | Cake: Publix | Entertainment: Total Entertainment by Matt Winter | Officiant: Alyssa Sachs | Invitations: Zazzle | Transportation: Siesta Trolley | Dress: Wedding Angels Bridal Boutique (Atlanta, GA) | Shoe Designer: Badgley Mischka | Lighting & Drapery: Affairs in the Air
Natalie and Evan’s waterfront Tampa Bay wedding combined pastel hues of peach and cornflower with coastal details that reflected their mutual love of the beach. The Florida couple exchanged vows in a secluded ceremony before hosting their 99 guests in a romantic resort ballroom setting.
“Walking down the aisle was the most memorable moment for me. Walking with my dad and seeing all of the people we love there to support us, and then turning the corner and seeing Evan as I walked down the aisle, was a moment that I’ll never forget. Of course, I was nervous, but I was also happy and excited to marry my sweet husband.”
The Venue
“When we were looking for venues, we wanted a venue that was on the water, preferably with beach access. We were also looking for a venue that would take care of preparing and serving the food.
Once we saw The CURRENT Hotel, we fell in love with it. Not only did it have a private beach, great food, nice hotel rooms for guests, and the typical rental equipment (tables, chairs, linens), but The CURRENT associates also made us feel like they would go out of their way to make our day exactly how we wanted it. The service was great!
Having the ceremony at The CURRENT‘s private beach, as well as having most of our guests stay on property, made our wedding unique.”
Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pros:
Ceremony/Reception Venue and Caterer: The CURRENT Hotel
Photographer: Iris and Urchin Photography | Planner: Events by Marykate | Florist: FauxReal Flowers Brandon | Rentals: On The Move | Cake: Publix | Band: The Sofa Kings | Officiant: Pastor Bill McCabe | Invitations: Stationery Loft | Dress Shop: Something Blue Bridal | Dress Designer: Allure Bridals | Shoe Designer: Betsey Johnson | Bridesmaid Dress Shop and Designer: Azazie | Groom/Groomsmen attire: Jos. A Banks | Hair: Sierra Lynn Styles | Rehearsal Dinner: Whiskey Joe’s
Ella and Eric’s luxurious downtown St. Pete wedding was an elegant evening filled with neutral cream flora and billowy fabric accented with vintage silver and romantic candlelight. The New York couple exchanged vows in a moody indoor ceremony, witnessed by their 175 closest friends and family, before dining and dancing the night away in a historic ballroom setting.
“Eric and I are known to be the planners and the hooters; we throw good parties, and we wanted to extend that into our wedding day. We wanted our guests to feel like they were on vacation. Most of them were traveling in from our hometown of Buffalo, NY, and we wanted to make it worth it for them! Music, food, and drinks were super important. I wanted it to be a party! I wanted Eric and me to have the best night of our lives dancing away with all the people we love.”
The Planner
“I looked for a planner who was optimistic, a go-getter, and kept us on budget.
The Vinoy recommended Parties A La Carte as one of their top preferred planners. When I chatted with them, I loved their attitude and willingness to chat with me before we agreed to work together.”
Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pros:
Planner: Parties A’La Carte
Velvet Linens/Napkins: Over the Top Rental Linens
Ceremony String Duo: Sweet Harmony
Cocktail Hour Sax and Reception DJ: Tampa Bay DJ Company
Ceremony and Reception Venue and Caterer: The Vinoy | Photographer: Abby Jackson Photography | Content Creator: Mind Over Media | Florist: Bloom Shakalaka | Rentals: MMD | Candles: Lova Candles | Reception Bars, King’s Tables and Chargers: Decora | Reception Chairs: Nuage Designs | Linens: I Do Linens | A/V & Lighting: J.Thor Productions | Dance Floor Wrap: Letz Dance on it | Draping: Swag Decor | Desserts: Morgan Hunter Desserts | Dress Shop and Designer: J. Andretta, Stella Dress | Shoe Designer: Amina Muaddi | BRIDE/ MOH Hair & Makeup: Golden Hour | Wedding Party Hair & Makeup: Lasting Luxe | Rehearsal Dinner: Baba on Central
Sarah and Base’s timeless St. Petersburg wedding was an elegant black-and-white celebration that beautifully reflected the couple’s love for their new hometown. Their December ceremony at Harborside Chapel set a heartfelt tone before 152 guests were welcomed to The Birchwood for a rooftop cocktail hour overlooking the city lights. Lush florals, dramatic cold sparklers during their first dance, and a fun gelato cart added personal touches. Surrounded by family, friends, and the holiday sparkle of downtown St. Pete, their winter wedding perfectly captured their love story with elegance, joy, and warmth.
“We live in St. Petersburg. Two years ago, we relocated from Chicago and instantly fell in love with this city’s vibrant culture and endless sunshine. With most of our family and friends still in the Midwest, we wanted to give them a reason to escape the cold and experience the charm of ‘The Sunshine City.’ Hosting our wedding here felt like the perfect way to share our new home with our loved ones. We prioritized location, food and drinks, music, and smooth transportation to create a seamless and unforgettable experience for everyone. What made our wedding truly unique were the personal details woven throughout the day—gelato instead of cake, live water painting, and subtle nods to both Chicago and St. Pete, two places that hold special meaning in our story.”
The Ceremony Venue
“We wanted an indoor location to avoid the unpredictability of Florida weather. Since we aren’t members of a local church, a coworker recommended Harborside Chapel, and it exceeded our expectations with its stunning aesthetic and exceptional service.
Harborside Chapel offered a breathtaking environment that made our ceremony feel sacred and special. Their team was incredibly professional and experienced, making the planning process smooth and stress-free.”
Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pros:
Ceremony Venue: Harborside Chapel
Reception Venue and Caterer: The Birchwood
DJ: Tampa Bay DJ Company
Hair & Makeup: Femme Akoi Beauty Studio
Photographer: Stephanie Lanni Photography | Videographer: A2U Studios | Planner: Nancy Cotto Events | Florist: 2Birds | Gelato: Paciugo | Dress: Beloved in Ann Arbor, Michigan | Dress Alterations: Sew Perfection in Tampa | Shoe: Anthropologie | Invitations and Signs: AM + Co | Rehearsal Dinner: Red Mesa | Welcome Party: Webb’s City Cellar | Transportation: Alpha limo / Star Trolley | Water Paintings: Bowtie & Brush
Brielle and Larry’s chic Clearwater Beach wedding combined classic white flora with neutral greenery and modern black accents for a timeless atmosphere. The local couple exchanged vows overlooking the crashing waves, before hosting their 73 closest friends and family in an elegant ballroom reception filled with luxurious decor, candlelight, and a surprise slide and ball pit!
“Our wedding blended elegance with playful, personal touches for our one-year-old son and many friends with children. Oversized bows, custom Louboutins with our initials, and a ball pit—complete with the fun quote, ‘Because a dance floor just wasn’t enough’—all reflected our personalities while celebrating our family.’ Personalized kids’ boxes added a thoughtful, stylish touch, and the welcome party bags, which included homemade cookies from my father-in-law, made the weekend feel warm and personal. All of these details created a fun, family-friendly atmosphere while maintaining a sophisticated and elegant vibe. Our wedding was unique for many reasons, but one of the most special was that my husband and I already had a son together, and we wanted to focus on the unity of family. For this reason, we chose not to have bridesmaids or groomsmen.”
The Venue
“We live in Clearwater and chose Opal Sands for our wedding because it was also where Larry took me for dinner on our third date. We both love the stunning views, and the quality of the food and service are unmatched in Clearwater Beach, so the area made perfect sense since it offers a plethora of hotel/food options to meet our guests’ needs.
We wanted a venue that felt elegant and modern while showcasing the beauty of Clearwater Beach, and Opal Sands was perfect. Our ceremony on the lawn above the ocean was breathtaking, and with family traveling from multiple states — including children — having everything in one place for our rehearsal dinner and welcome party made the weekend seamless.
The service, food, and setting were exceptional, and it was especially meaningful since Opal Sands was one of our first date spots. Opal Sands has everything you could dream of, and Jenna Arnal and her team were incredible to work with, making the experience seamless and unforgettable.”
“I always dreamed of a stunning, show-stopper dress. Being plus-size and having had a baby less than a year ago, I struggled to find something that matched my vision. I actually went to five dress shops before Truly Forever Bridal, and I found that many places were not truly size-inclusive.
Truly Forever Bridal was completely different—they not only carry every size but also every style, and their seamstress is absolutely incredible. The sales team was amazing, too. They really listened and helped me customize my gown with an attached overskirt so I could have two unique looks in one.”
“Kate Ryan Event Rentals provided more elevated pieces, like the stunning white runner and stage, which we decided on almost at the last minute after I changed my flowers. Together, both companies helped bring our vision to life seamlessly.”
Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pros:
Ceremony and Reception Venue and Caterer: Opal Sands
Photographer: Lifelong Photography
Rentals: Kate Ryan Event Rentals
Rentals: Gabro Event Services
Dress and Bridesmaid Attire: Truly Forever Bridal
Hair & Makeup: Adore Bridal
Videographer: Baby Blue Film | Planner: Elegant Affairs by Design | Florist: Ava Elise Events | Cake and Desserts: Sweetwood Bakery | DJ/Music: Felix and Fingers | Officiant: Rick Lackore Sensational Ceremonies | Invitations: Copper Row Studio | Dress Shop: Truly Forever Bridal Dress Designer: Pronovias | Groom’s Suit: Custom from Suit Supply | Shoe Designer: Custom Louboutins | Hair & Makeup: The Selena Lopez | Rehearsal Dinner: Drift at Opal Sol | Day-of Childcare: Sitter Soiree | Signage: Laconic Events | Ball Pit: Dreams 2 Reality Design Signage: Amanda Fye Designs
Julia and Zach’s intimate Tarpon Springs wedding was a chic soiree filled with lush flora, neutral colors, and an emphasis on divine faith. The couple exchanged sacred vows surrounded by their closest friends and family, before dining and dancing in an elegant gallery reception setting.
“We went with a minimalist mixture of classic, modern, and vintage vibe. It matches our personal style of design. Keeping it very classic and minimalistic was the goal. Our wedding colors were white and gold. We chose white because it symbolizes purity, new beginnings, and the sacredness of marriage. Gold added a touch of elegance and represented God’s glory and blessing over our union. Together, these colors created a timeless and sophisticated look that perfectly matched our minimalistic style while keeping the focus on the beauty of the moment and our faith.”
The Venue
“When choosing our wedding venue, we wanted a place that reflected our minimalistic yet elegant style while also allowing us to incorporate worship and praise seamlessly. It was important for the space to feel intimate and inviting, with enough room for our guests to enjoy the experience comfortably. We also looked for a venue that could accommodate our butler-served dining, a beautiful bar setup, and live music, including our DJ and violinist. Most importantly, we wanted a space where we could honor God and create a meaningful atmosphere for our ceremony and celebration. We chose Whitehurst Gallery because it perfectly aligned with our vision. The space was beautiful and provided the perfect atmosphere for both worship and celebration. Their service was second to none—everything was handled with such professionalism and care. The communication was amazing from start to finish, making the entire planning process smooth and stress-free. We truly felt valued and supported, and we couldn’t have asked for a better venue for our special day!”
Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pros:
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Whitehurst Gallery
Photographer: Elham Kowatli | Videographer: Teal Productions | Planner: Bella Sposa | Florist: The Floral Way Events | Caterer and Rentals: Puff N Stuff Catering | Bar: Booze and Bubbles | Cake: Sweet Clementine | DJ: Curate Entertainment | Dress Shop: Alessia’s Bridal. Designer: Milla Nova and Miss Rosier | Shoe designer: Amina Muaddi | Hair & Makeup: Ali Lee Glam | Content creator: bachdddd | Invitations: Littera
Alexandra and Christian’s romantic Sarasota wedding featured a sophisticated palette, lush white florals, and an abundance of glowing candlelight, creating an enchanting and intimate atmosphere.
“We wanted to create a more romantic feel, which is why we incorporated so many candles into the decor. Our colors—black, white, and dusty rose—were inspired by the shades featured in my ceremony dress.”
The Florals
“I looked for someone who could provide both candles and flowers. I chose Beneva Weddings because of their great expectations and their ability to provide large arrangements. The white roses were beautiful, especially for my bouquet and sweetheart table.”
Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pros:
Photographer: Limelight Photography
Florist: Beneva
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Lido Beach Resort | Videographer: Priceless Studio Design | Planner: Swanky Soiree Events | Caterer: Lido Beach Resort | Rentals: All Event Rental | Cake: Cakes by Ron | DJ: Go DJ Productions | Dress Designer: Vera Wang | Shoe Designer: Kailee P | Bridesmaid Dress Shop: Amanda’s Bridal & Tux | Hair and Makeup | Quigley Concept and Design, LLC | Rehearsal Dinner: Columbia Restaurant | Invitations: Minted
