Rustic Elegance Tampa Bay Wedding | Cross Creek Ranch Wedding

Michelle and Josh’s rustic Tampa Bay wedding featured an outdoor ceremony, elegant barn wedding and personal touches that reflected the couple’s personalities.

“We designed our wedding with how we’ve designed our lives. The decor matched much of the same decor we use in our home, and we were able to add special touches like wedding photos from each of our parents and grandparents weddings,” the bride shared. “This day was not just about Josh and I. It was a day about family.”

Although the bride grew up just minutes from her rustic Tampa Bay wedding venue, she didn’t discover Cross Creek Ranch until after attending friends’ weddings there.

“We wanted our venue to be outdoor with big oaks, wide open space, a barn and to be pet-friendly,” Michelle explained. “Cross Creek Ranch being all-inclusive was a huge draw. Aside from loving the property, we appreciated the stress-free process the venue has worked so hard to create for their brides and grooms. The service was phenomenal and was worth every single penny. I grew up in Valrico and never knew this hidden gem existed just 15 minutes away.”

MORE: CROSS CREEK RANCH WEDDINGS

Choosing a pet-friendly Tampa Bay wedding venue was a priority the bride and groom.

“Our beloved Goldendoodle, Ollie, was Josh’s best man. He walked with Josh to the altar and stood by him for the duration of the ceremony!” the bride gushed.

Looking back, one of the groom’s most memorable moments included seeing his bride for the first time.

“I told myself I wouldn’t get emotional, but I lost it as soon as the music cued for Michelle to walk down the aisle,” Josh reminisced.

What did you look for in a wedding venue?
We wanted our venue to be outdoor with big oaks, wide open space, barn, and to be pet-friendly. Our beloved Goldendoodle, Ollie, was Josh’s best man.

Cross Creek Ranch being all-inclusive was a huge draw. Aside from loving the property, we appreciated the stress-free process the venue has worked so hard to create for their brides and grooms. The staff was diligent on scheduling meetings, making accommodations and ensuring there were no ends left untied. The service was phenomenal and was worth every single penny. We honestly can’t thank them enough for pulling off the best day of our lives to date.

The Proposal:
We were at a friend’s house celebrating New Year’s Eve. Shortly after the ball dropped, Josh asked if I would walk with him outside. Once we were outside, he began to hug me and talk about some of the tough times we had been through over the past year (he lost both of his grandparents a few months prior). He told me he couldn’t think of a better and more positive way to start the new year than by asking his best friend to marry him. He dropped to one knee and asked if I would spend the rest of my life by his side.

How would you describe your theme? 
Rustic elegance. We knew we didn’t want to get married in a church, ballroom or on a beach, and we loved the idea of an outdoor wedding underneath a big oak tree.

With my design background, I had a specific vision. The coordinators and designers at Cross Creek Ranch were able to take that vision and make it a reality.

What were your colors?
The floral and decor primarily included salmon and blush tones. We wanted a soft elegance that created a warmth for our guests. Gold accents were incorporated to further enhance the elegant feel. Because we thought black may be too formal for our vision, we decided on navy blue tuxedos and gowns for the bridal party. This was a beautiful backdrop to the softer tones and made the boutonnieres and bouquets pop.

What did you look for in a wedding bakery?
We wanted a bakery that had a ton of dessert options for our guests. Josh and I do not particularly care for cake and instead wanted a plethora of yummy mini dessert options.

We loved Alessi Bakeries’ service, options and the flavor of EVERYTHING!

What did you look for in a wedding DJ?
We wanted a DJ who wasn’t going to play cheesy, typical wedding music. We had guests as young as 15 and as old as 84; we wanted someone who could play a great mix that anyone in the crowd could enjoy. Our DJ was great in working with us on the playlist and ensuring our wishes were met.

The service from Grant Hemond & Associates was great, and our DJ ensured our playlist wants were met and exceeded.

Ceremony and Reception Venue: Cross Creek Ranch *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro
Photographer: Stacy Paul Photography
Planner/Designer: Cross Creek Ranch
Florist: Alta Fleura
Caterer: Ricky P’s
Cake: Alessi Bakeries *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro
DJ: Grant Hemond & Associates *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro
Officiant: Quent Cordair
Invitations: Elegant Wedding Invites
Dress Shop: CC’s Boutique
Bridesmaid Dresses: Robyn Lynne
Hair & Makeup: Aquali Salon & Spa