Maria and Will’s luxurious downtown St. Petersburg wedding was an elegant destination celebration filled with all-white flora and chic decor. The bride and groom exchanged traditional vows in a Catholic mass before hosting their 165 guests in a formal, historic hotel ballroom reception.
“The most unique part of our wedding was who we had surrounding us,” the bride beamed. “From family to friends, it’s going to be hard to beat. Both sides are some of the most fun and special people we know. Not to mention, we had our 5-month-old daughter there, which will be a core memory for us forever. I am so blessed to finally be a true family; one name, one God.”
The Photography
“We looked for romantic, timeless, and sexy when choosing our photographer. We found Amber Yonker Photography on Instagram, which is the best place for a photographer to showcase their work.
We chose Amber because I loved her photos initially, but after our phone interview, I knew she was the girl for the job. Her energy is so fun and the perfect mix of silly and serious. She got the best shots ever. I truly can’t imagine not having her there for the weekend.
Our most memorable moment was our first look. I think we were both so excited/nervous for the day to start, so seeing each other was a breath of fresh air. Our photography and videography made the moment so special. It was the only calm moment of the weekend, and I remember the feeling so well.”
Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pros:
Photographer: Amber Yonker Photography
Ceremony Venue: St. Mary Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church | Rehearsal Dinner, Reception Venue, Caterer, and Cake: The Vinoy | Videographer: Shannon Kelly Films | Florist: STEMS at So Staged | Rentals: So Staged | DJ: Curate Entertainment | Invitations: My Bliss and Bone | Dress Shop and Designer: YOLANCRIS | Shoe Designer: Aquazurra | Hair & Makeup: Lissett Luxe Makeup | Hair & Makeup: Orlando hair Specialist | Planning: Perfect Day Productions
Tiffany and Kyle’s waterfront downtown Tampa wedding embraced the season through the use of delicate blooms and greenery accented by soft hues of peach and dusty blue, overlooking the famed Riverwalk and city skyline.
“In designing our wedding, we wanted to fully embrace the essence of spring. We achieved this through our choice of linens and florals, incorporating vibrant pops of color and native plants like palms for the centerpieces,” the bride shared. “Our wedding colors featured a beautiful palette of green, vibrant pops of orange, lavender, and ivory. We chose these hues to perfectly complement our spring theme.”
The Photography
“We chose Dewitt for Love Photography because we immediately connected with Shannon and Brandon during our first phone call. Their shooting style resonated with us, and we had such a great time during our engagement shoot that we couldn’t imagine working with anyone else!”
Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pros:
Photographer: Dewitt for Love Photography
Rentals: Kate Ryan Event Rentals
Catering: Olympia Catering & Events
Photobooth: The Gala Photobooth
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Bob Buckhorn/Tampa River Center | Design: Harjarie Home | Planner: Carefully Curated Events | Florist: Arms of Persephone Floral Design | Cake: Sweetwood Bakery | Band: Phase5 Band | Officiant: Sensational Ceremonies | Invitations: Basic Invite | Dress Shop: The White Magnolia Bridal | Dress Designer: Zavana Couture | Shoe Designer: Badgley Mischka | Bridesmaid Dress Shop and Designer: Revelry | Hair & Makeup: Megan Panwar, Anne Boeckh | Rehearsal Dinner: BellaBrava Midtown | Dance Lessons: The Dance Den
Farin and Charles’ colorful St. Petersburg destination wedding featured a rainbow of hues in both flora and fashion as a symbolic representation of their love story, support system, and personal styles. The couple tied the knot surrounded by a lush garden landscape before dining and dancing in an elegant, al-fresco reception under a clear tent adorned with twinkling lights and suspended blooms.
“The theme was wildflower because we are both very free-spirited people who love nature. The design inspiration came from our first date at Longwood Botanical Gardens. We have such a colorful and wild love that the theme felt fitting to represent how our personalities have welded in our relationship. I loved the idea of having the bridal party all having different color dresses to emphasize my unique relationship with each of them. This was also the symbolism behind the bouquets that my aunt made. My bouquet was a combination of the flowers from each of my bridesmaids, so that while I walked down the aisle, I had a piece of them with me,” the bride shared. “The colors were those found in a thriving garden: pink, blue, purple, yellow, orange, and of course, green. The base color was a pristine white to allow the subtle pastel colors to intensify without losing meaning.”
The Photography
“I looked for artistry and creativity in shots. We wanted to capture the natural, candid, movement-filled parts of a wedding and create an enchanting and real narrative. I looked for someone who was passionate about art and not just pushing out a product, someone who cared about the story of our lives and not just doing a job.
Our wedding planner recommended Iyrus Weddings after hearing my vision for artistry. We had an amazing engagement shoot that was everything that we could’ve wanted! Will and his team were amazing at capturing the moments and still allowing us to not feel overwhelmed from the amount of hours spent taking photos and making content. We were also able to enjoy our cocktail hour picture-free, which is almost unheard of!”
Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pros:
Photography: Iyrus Weddings
DJ: Grant Hemond & Associates
Hair & Makeup: Femme Akoi Beauty Studio
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Sunken Gardens | Planner: Enchanted Weddings& Events | Florist and Rentals: Wonderland Floral and Gift Loft |
Caterer and Rentals: Good Food Events + Catering | Cake: Caroline’s Cakes | Invitations: Canva and Staples | Transportation: Elite Party Bus & Car |
Dress Shop: Elliot James Bridal | Dress Designer: Chosen Collection by KYHA Studios | Shoe Designer: Badgley Mischka | Bridesmaid Dress: Birdey Grey and Azazie | Rehearsal Dinner: StarLite Cruises | Cakes & Dessert: Paciugo Gelato | Audio Guestbooks: The Party Makers Ent
Lisa and Dave’s destination Sarasota wedding combined timeless white flora and greenery with luxurious gold details in an elegant country club setting. The bride and groom exchanged vows on a pristine lawn overlooking a sparkling fountain before dining and dancing the night away in a chic ballroom reception.
“I wanted our wedding to still feel like winter with black-tie attire and some darker colors, but also keep it Florida with a mix of lighter and darker flowers. My idea was to keep it simple and elegant,” the bride shared. “Our colors were gold, dark green, and navy. I wanted a very elegant, classic feel to the wedding.”
The Photography
“I took one look at Susan Elizabeth Photography‘s portfolio, and it was clear that her work is as good as it gets. I wanted clear, fun and timeless photos. She offered all of the above. I only considered one other photographer but my decision was easy after speaking to Susan. Her work is perfect.
Not only did we have a great time with her (yes, even my husband), but we are still receiving compliments on our wedding photos every single day. I am beyond happy with her work and feel so lucky to have, quite literally, stumbled upon her on Facebook.”
Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pros:
Photography: Susan Elizabeth Photography
Rentals: Gabro Event Services
Ceremony and Reception Venue and Caterer: Lakewood Ranch Country Club | Videographer: Perfect Angle | Planner: BB Weddings & Events | Florist: Mary Nell Chadsey Floral Design | Cake and Cupcakes: Totally baked by Alyssa | DJ: TLS Entertainment | Invitations: Zola | Transportation: Phoenix Bus Lines | Dress Shop: The Bridal Garden | Dress Designer: Paloma Blanca and Carolyn Zinni | Shoe Designer: Badgley Mischka | Bridesmaid Dress Shop and Designer: Anthropologie, Saks, Lulus | Groomswear: Indochino | Hair & Makeup: Emily Velasquez E M V Beauty & Co | Rehearsal Dinner: Cask and Ale
Aimee and Marcus’ whimsical South Tampa wedding combined soft pastel tones of blush, lavender and lemon with chic accents of gold and fanciful details reminiscent of their favorite animated film.
“Our wedding theme was Disney’s Tangled movie. Tangled is my favorite movie and a large part of our story. Marcus proposed near the Tangled mosaic at Disney’s Riviera Resort,” the bride revealed. “We chose shades of purple and yellow to complement the Tangled theme. It made everything feel magical and fantastical. I felt like a princess, which Marcus says describes my personality! We love Disney and are annual pass holders so having a Disney-themed wedding was on par for us!”
The Photography
“We looked for someone who made us feel comfortable while taking photos as well as someone who had taken photos at The Orlo before so they would know all the good shots. We love Eddy’s photography style and how bright his photos are. He is so personable and delivered beautiful photos.”
Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pros:
Photographer: Eddy Almaguer Photography
Rentals: Kate Ryan Event Rentals
Invitations: Minted
Ceremony and Reception Venue: The Orlo | Videographer: Created Four | Planner: Day of Details Coordination | Florist: 2 Birds Events | Caterer: Savory Roots Catering | Cake: Allie Cakes | DJ: Boones Professional Events | Dress Shop: Lily’s Bridal Dress Designer: Allure Bridal Disney collection | Shoe Designer: Kate Spade | Hair: Brides by Kelly Anne | Rehearsal Dinner: La Bella Napoli | Live Painter: Katie Collins Paintings
AiVy and Kyle’s Ybor City wedding was an elegant evening that combined a monochromatic palette of classic black and white hues accented with pops of muted green and crimson. The couple exchanged vows in a historic venue against a mosaic of tile and brick, before dining and dancing the night away with their favorite guests in a chic candlelit reception.
“We wanted our wedding to feel modern and romantic, but we also wanted it to align with the fall season and have a bit of a moody vibe. It was all about creating an elegant yet warm atmosphere while staying fun and true to us,” the bride shared. “Our favorite color is green and we wanted it mixed with some neutral and fall colors.”
The Photography
“We really wanted a photo and video team that could capture the genuine emotions and candid moments of the day. We looked for a team with a style that balanced a modern, editorial touch with a sense of warmth and romance to match the vibe of our wedding. Beyond that, we wanted people we’d feel comfortable around — a team who had great energy and would help us feel at ease in front of the camera. We chose Evoke Photo and Film because, from our initial meeting, they exuded professionalism and experience. We could tell right away that we’d be in great hands.
We’re not the most comfortable in front of a camera, but they knew exactly how to put us at ease and made the whole experience so much fun. Our engagement shoot really solidified our decision — it was clear they’re not only incredibly talented but also such kind and wonderful people. Their wedding day service was absolutely incredible. They were professional yet so easygoing, blending seamlessly into the day while still offering gentle guidance when we needed it. They captured every moment so perfectly, and looking back at the gorgeous photos and videos feels like reliving the day all over again. We couldn’t be happier with our decision — they truly exceeded our expectations!”
Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pros:
Ceremony and Reception Venue and Caterer: Hotel Haya
Photographer and Videographer: Evoke Photo and Film
Planner: Wilder Mind Events
DJ: Graingertainment
Violinist and Cellist: Sweet Harmony
Signage: madWOLFE Designs
Florist: Maven Way | Rentals: Treasury Rentals | Cake: Sweet Clementine | Dress Shop: Calvet Couture Dress Designer: Penelope by Lex | Shoe Designer: Forever Soles | Bridesmaid Dress Designer: Birdy Grey | Hair & Makeup: Modern Glam by Monica | Pet care: Furry Ventures Pet Care | Invitations: Minted
Sam and Arron’s colorful downtown St. Pete wedding combined pastel hues straight from Florida’s iconic sunsets, along with whimsical details inspired by the bride’s favorite Taylor Swift album, for a unique and energetic evening surrounded by friends and family.
“We’re both laid-back people who crave color, warmth, and togetherness, so every choice had to feel inviting and not overwhelming. Long farm tables let all our favorite people share one big family-style BBQ meal, because community is everything to us,” the groom beamed.
The Photography
“Being in front of a camera can make me a little nervous, so it was really important that our photo and video team could capture our story in a way that felt natural and not overly posed.
Jennifer & Scott from J&S Media totally nailed that; they blended into the background and still managed to document everything beautifully.
I’d photographed enough weddings with Jennifer and Scott to see their magic up close, so choosing them felt less like hiring a vendor and more like inviting friends to bring cameras. When Sam and I met them for coffee, she felt the same instant ease I’d always felt on wedding days, calm, collected but ready to have a good time once the dance floor lights up. Their passion for giving every couple honest, artful coverage shows in the little things: quiet encouragement during portraits, seamless teamwork during the ceremony, hype-squad energy at the reception.
Scott even stepped out of his digital comfort zone to shoot Super 8 for us, which is his first time! Watching him light up over those grainy frames was priceless, and the finished film feels like a warm memory already fading at the edges (in the best way). In short, J&S Media were the perfect vibe match and talent match for our day.”
Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pros:
Planner: Wilder Mind Events
Photographer: J&S Media
Content Creation: Behind the Vows
Hair and Makeup: Femme Akoi Beauty Studio
DJ: Grant Hemond & Associates
Pet Care: Fairy Tail Petcare
Invitations: Minted
Venue: St Petersburg Shuffleboard Club | Catering: 4Rivers Smokehouse | Bartender: Kombi Keg Sarasota| Florals: Small Things Flower Company | Officiant: Sensational Ceremonies | Cake: Wandering Whisk Bakeshop | Rentals: On the Move Wedding & Event Rentals | Linens: Linens by the Sea
Janel and George’s luxurious downtown Tampa wedding was an evening filled with chic decor, an abundance of white flora, and the sparkle of crystal chandeliers and romantic candlelight. The pair exchanged vows in a traditional church ceremony, before dining and dancing with over 400 treasured guests in an elegant ballroom reception.
“We both live in Tampa and have large families (hence the 450 guests) that are located in the Tampa area, so choosing to get married here was an easy decision!” the bride detailed. “Cohesiveness was a huge factor for me throughout the planning process. I wanted to ensure a consistent flow in every aspect of my wedding. The design and seating arrangements had to make sense, and the schedule had to flow properly. I wanted my guests to feel like nothing was missed, because I spent a lot of time thinking it all through!”
The Photography
“I wanted my photographer to understand the timeline of the day. For example, it is customary for the groom’s family to come pick up the bride before the ceremony, so I needed a photographer who was capable of traveling from my house to the groom’s house, then back to my house, and finally to the church. I also needed someone who would not be overwhelmed by us. Before I hired Tammy with Special Moments Event Planning and got her recommendations, I had actually talked to another photographer who flat-out told me it was too much for them and that they could not do it.
When I first looked into Lifelong Photography Studios, their photos struck me as classic and timeless, which was very important to me. After talking to Buffy, our lead photographer, I knew they were the best people for the job. She had shot weddings for people at my church before and was not shaken up by our needs. She understood the importance of certain moments in our ceremony, knew the demands of our guests, and was confident in her capabilities. She and her team absolutely delivered! They captured all the important shots, even through the massive crowds, were great hype people, and delivered beautiful pictures in a timely manner!”
Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pros:
Reception Venue: Hilton Tampa Downtown
Getting Ready Venue: Whitehurst Gallery
Photographer: Lifelong Photography
Planner: Special Moments Event Planning
Rentals: Gabro Event Services
Dessert and Coffee Cart: Cafe A La Carte/The Gelato Carte
Ceremony Venue: Ceremony and Reception Venue: Videographer: Ricci Ocampos Films | Florist: Wonderland Floral Art | Rentals: Flower Walls of Tampa | Cake: Tampa Bay Cake Company | DJ: DJ Hagz | Musician: Sebagabo | Invitations: Truly Engaging by MagnetStreet | Transportation: Classic Wedding Cars of Sarasota | Dress Shop: Mayana Bridal | Shoe Designer: Jimmy Choo | Bridesmaid Dresses: Fuad Sarkis | Hair & Makeup: Orlando Hair Specialist, Brow Society and Co | Additional Wedding Vendors: Grooms suit: Suit Supply | Groom’s Shoes: Christian Louboutin
Kasey and Kaleb’s romantic Sarasota wedding was a dreamy celebration filled with love, laughter, and lush garden-inspired details. Surrounded by 114 of their closest family and friends, the bride and groom exchanged vows beneath the soft April sunshine, with whimsical blooms in shades of light moss green and champagne pink bringing their neutral garden party vision to life. From the elegant florals to the thoughtful guest touches and the handwritten love-note cocktail napkins, every detail reflected their warm personalities and deep connection.
“What made our wedding unique was the attention we paid to details regarding our guests. We knew how much it meant to have our guests travel to be with us on our big day, and we wanted to include them as much as possible in our details,” the bride revealed.
The Photography
“We looked for a photographer who offered multiple, reasonably priced packages, captured couples in raw/honest motion, and had a light, airy style. We chose Amber McWhorter Photography because she checked our boxes listed above.
The best part of our package was the complimentary engagement session. This allowed us to meet her before the wedding day, and she was able to understand who we are and what photos and pose styles were important to us. Having her second photographer on the wedding day was also a must for us to capture as much content as possible in a short timeframe.”
Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pros:
Photographer: Amber McWhorter Photography
Ceremony and Reception Venue: The Powel Crosley | Planner: Daniela Alvarez Event Planning| Florist: Blossmcart | Caterer: Simply Gourmet Catering | Rentals: Stella Rose Events | Cake: The Cookie Beach | DJ: DJ Kenwa | Invitations: Zazzle | Transportation: Siesta Trolley Inc. | Dress Shop: The White Magnolia Bridal Collection | Shoe Designer: Asos | Bridesmaid Dresses: Birdy Grey
Makeup: The Alexander Artistry | Hair: Hair by Care | Rehearsal Dinner: The Bahi Hut | Violinist: The String Smith | Content Creator: BTS by Molly Socials | Cigar Bar: Cigar Productions
Katie and Ryan’s classic spring wedding in downtown Tampa brought together 100 loved ones for an elegant and timeless celebration at Le Méridien. The day perfectly captured their vision of simple sophistication, with a palette of sage, baby blue, and bronze that complemented the historic venue’s charm. Following a heartfelt ceremony on the grand steps, guests enjoyed signature cocktails, live music, and a lively reception that showcased the couple’s fun-loving personalities. From emotional vows to a packed dance floor, every detail reflected the warmth, joy, and effortless beauty of their spring celebration.
“Living in Tampa, Florida, we knew it was the perfect place to celebrate because it was close to home and filled with things for our guests to enjoy,” the bride beamed. “What mattered most to us was surrounding ourselves with the people we love, finding the perfect venue, and working with an amazing planner who brought it all together effortlessly.”
The Photography
“We wanted a team that brought a unique style to the photos and creativity.
We hired We The Blackwells because of their portfolio and personalities. They were amazing and really stuck with us through the good and bad times during wedding planning. They made us feel comfortable every step of the way and took amazing photos.”
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Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pros:
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Le Meridien
Photographer/ Videographer: We the Blackwells
Rentals: A Chair Affair
DJ: Grant Hemond & Associates
Hair & Makeup: Adore Bridal
Rehearsal Dinner: Le Meridien
Planner: Ignite Your Occasion | Florist: Jennies Florist | Cake: Cakes by Carolynn | Cocktail/Ceremony Music: Sunset Strings Music | Officiant: Casey Rodgers | Invitations: Zola | Dress: Pronovias | Bridesmaid Dress Shop and Designer: Birdy Grey
Marissa and Eithan’s vibrant Winter Haven wedding welcomed 250 loved ones for a joy-filled celebration that beautifully wove in their Mexican culture. Following a heartfelt ceremony, guests mingled during cocktail hour before an evening of lively music, traditional dances, and unforgettable moments. From start to finish, the celebration was filled with love, energy, and cherished memories.
“Eithan and I are both Mexican, and we dreamed of a classy Mexican/Hacienda vibe that would honor our culture while sharing it with our loved ones. We filled our day with vibrant colors, especially blue, to capture the bright and joyful spirit of our traditions. The simplicity and colors really represent my husband and me,” the bride detailed. “We really wanted our wedding to be colorful, as our culture is vibrant and full of color. What made my wedding unique was the ability to include my culture, with the help of vendors, into my wedding. The pottery was specifically ordered and handmade in Mexico. Those items were carefully shipped to us for our wedding.”
The Photography
“I wanted my photographer to capture candid moments of the party, family, and love we all have.
Mary Anna Photography really understood what I was looking for and helped show me how to cast it best. From the engagement shoot to the wedding day, she and her husband were patient and continuously ensured the pictures captured were what we envisioned.”
Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pros:
Photographer: Mary Anna Photography
Rentals: A Chair Affair
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Venue 650 | Videographer: Second Take Media| Planner: For the Love of Events | Florist: The Wild Hare Flowers | Caterer: The Catering Co | Bartenders: The Twisted Mixer | Rentals: On the Move Wedding & Event Rentals| Cake: Angelica’s Cakes | DJ: DJ Vampiro | Entertainment: Mariachi Canta Jalisco | Invitations: Zazzle | Dress Shop:The Southern Swan | Shoe Designer: Jimmy Choo | Bridesmaid Dresses: Birdy Grey | Hair & Makeup: Natali Lara | Photobooth: Iconic Memories
