Emma and Alan’s Clearwater wedding was a stunning springtime celebration that incorporated vintage vibes and bohemian beauty to reflect the couple’s ten-year love story.
“Alan was raised in Dunedin, and I in Ozona, where all of our family still resides, so it was an easy choice to get married within the Tampa Bay area. We met in high school at Palm Harbor University High School, so this area was ideal for family and friends,” the bride shared. “Our wedding was the prom we never had. We didn’t go to prom together, but our reception venue was our high school prom venue, so it made our ten years of knowing each other come full circle.”
MORE: CLEARWATER WEDDING INSPIRATION
As members of the Harborside congregation, the Tampa couple had long dreamed of their marriage ceremony taking place at the newly constructed chapel for their wedding of 160 guests.
“We attend Harborside Church, so choosing the brand new Harborside Chapel was not a hard decision and that was the first decision we made together. We talked about how one day we would get married there, even before it was fully built. Aside from how physically beautiful the venue is, they also provide the couple with a marriage mentor program that you take before being married in the Chapel, which brings you and your future spouse closer together,” Emma beamed. “Our coordinator, Jessica Conley, met many times with us and helped with our timeline. She kept a relaxed vibe throughout the whole day.”
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While researching Tampa wedding photographers, the couple looked for a bright and airy style of photography that would leave a timeless effect.
“Shauna and Jordon Photography were an absolute blessing to have throughout the wedding experience. A few of my mutual friends had tagged Shauna via Instagram, so that is where I first caught sight of their work. Then I noticed they did a Harborside Chapel photo shoot and that’s when I knew they were right for us,” Emma gushed. “Their service is unbelievable, over the top, and more than just a photographer. I would text Shauna any concerns (regarding anything with the wedding) for the 18 months of engagement leading up to the big day. They were calm when we were stressed; they reminded us of the importance of taking time to ourselves on the busy day, and they helped manage anything we needed during the day. Shauna even helped me into my dress as everyone else was too nervous to ruin it. I would pick Shauna and Jordon Photography again and again for anything we need in the future.”
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Emma enlisted local Tampa Bay hair and makeup artists Femme Akoi Beauty Studio to take her signature hairstyle and turn it into the bridal look she had always envisioned.
“I’m known to always wear a braid in my hair, so I knew I wanted a company that specialized in fun braids for me and all the bridesmaids. I’ve also loved the flower crown look but didn’t want to wear a full flower crown for the day, so that’s why we decided to place flowers within the braid and make almost a clip of flowers in the back to tie it all together,” the bride shared. “A few years back I was a bridesmaid in a wedding, and Femme Akoi was the hair/makeup company which is when I fell in love with their work. They did my hair/makeup for my engagement photo session, and I did a trial which all of those times I was very happy with the outcomes.”
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Looking back on the fun and fellowship of their wedding day, the newlyweds shared it was the sentimental parts that mattered the most.
“The most memorable moments were our personal wedding vows and the first dance. I was nervous, but it is so worth it in the end. We are not very coordinated people but really tried to look rhythmical to our country dance song we chose,” Emma reminisced. “The ceremony was most important to us, planning the personal vows, bible readings, how to incorporate family and the bridal party, and the unity element was most meaningful. The reception was important in regards to our music choices for entrances and first dances that made it more personalized to us.”
What did you look for in a wedding venue?
We toured many of the Tampa Bay area venues. We attend Harborside Church so choosing the brand new Harborside Chapel was not a hard decision and that was the first decision we made together. We talked about how one day we would get married there even before it was fully built.
I want to learn more about Harborside Chapel
It was an easy decision to get married in the new Chapel at our home church. Aside from how physically beautiful the venue is, they also provide the couple with a marriage mentor program you take before being married in the Chapel, which brings you and your future spouse closer together. Our coordinator, Jessica Conley, met many times with us and helped with our timeline. She kept a relaxed vibe throughout the whole day.
What were your wedding hair and makeup inspiration?
I’m known to always wear a braid in my hair, so I knew I wanted a company that specialized in fun braids for me and all the bridesmaids. I’ve also loved the flower crown look but didn’t want to wear a full flower crown for the day, so that’s why we decided to place flowers within the braid and make almost a clip of flowers in the back to tie it all together. For makeup, I’m simple and all I asked for was neutral/blush tones to tie in with the theme.
I want to learn more about hair & makeup from Femme Akoi.
A few years back I was a bridesmaid in a wedding and Femme Akoi Beauty Studio was the hair/makeup company, which is when I fell in love with their work. They did my hair/makeup for my engagement photo session, and I did a trial which all of those times I was very happy with the outcomes. They are very easy to contact and to set up a contract with and to plan. They made it simple, were timely (done early so we had more time for photos), and very personable/outgoing which is important since they are with you all morning before your biggest moments.
The Proposal:
Alan and I went on a weekend vacation to St. Augustine, a location where we have ventured to often throughout the 10 years of knowing each other, where Alan set up a quiet proposal on the beach. He wrote in the sand, had our favorite tunes playing in the background, and somehow set up his GoPro to capture the moment without me noticing.
What did you look for in a wedding photographer?
We wanted someone who would give us timeless photos with a bright and airy look. We wanted a package that offered an engagement session and all-day coverage for the wedding.
I want to learn more about Shauna and Jordon Photography
Shauna and Jordon Photography were an absolute blessing to have throughout the wedding experience. A few of my mutual friends had tagged her via Instagram, so that is where I first caught sight of their work. I noticed they did a Harborside Chapel photo shoot and that’s when I knew they were right for us. Their service is unbelievable, over the top, and more than just a photographer. I would text Shauna any concerns (regarding anything with the wedding) for the 18 months of engagement leading up to the big day. They were calm when we were stressed, they reminded us of the importance of taking time to ourselves on the busy day, and helped manage anything we needed during the day. Shauna even helped me into my dress as everyone else was too nervous to ruin it. I would pick Shauna and Jordon again and again for anything we need in the future.
How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
Our theme came about after selecting the venues, which in turn, the venues gave us more inspiration towards a specific theme. As for Harborside Chapel, the beauty is already in the venue so we went with the simple, modern vibe with blush, white, and greenery florals. Our reception venue gave a totally different theme with its historic architecture and garden design, which allowed us to go with a more vintage, bohemian theme, that was also incorporated within my wedding dress and engagement ring. It was fun for our out-of-town guests to visit two totally different venues giving off different vibes during the event day.
What were your colors?
Blush tones, greenery, whites, and gold accents. We chose this based off the springtime wedding and wanting a more simplistic look due to our reception venue already having so much charm that we didn’t want it to be distracting or to take away from the decor already present.
What did you look for in a wedding DJ?
We looked for recommendations, packages, and a vendor who has been to the reception site before.
I want to learn more about DJ/Lighting services from Grant Hemond & Associates.
A few of our friends had hired Grant Hemond & Associates previously and had no issues. They also offered uplighting packages for the venue which was a plus.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Wedding planning is a team effort and will allow you to get to know one another’s personality even more before marriage.
Ceremony Venue: Harborside Chapel *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Venue
Reception Venue: Kapok Special Events Center
Photographer: Shauna and Jordon Photography *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Videographer: SkyHelm Weddings
Planner: Flawless Fetes
Florist: Leaf It To Us
Caterer: Delectables Fine Catering
Cake: A Piece of Cake
DJ: Grant Hemond & Associates *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Officiant: Mike Hurn (Groom’s Uncle) and Pastor Kurt Parker (Harborside Pastor)
Invitations: Minted
Transportation: Network Transportation
Hair & Makeup: Femme Akoi Beauty Studio *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Dress Designer: Melissa Sweet Bridal
Bridesmaid Dress Designer: Azazie