A La Carte Event Pavilion Wedding – Greek Wedding in Tampa, FL
Annita and Phil's A La Carte Event Pavilion wedding was so fabulous, it could have been featured on tv. The bride's lace dress was a showstopper, the church was breathtaking and the glamourous wedding reception was filled with amazing decor and lots of dancing.
Annita and Phil's Love Story:
In 2005, Phil and I met at a mutual friend's wedding. We stayed up very late after the wedding, just talking and enjoying each other's company.
After our first meeting, we both had gone back to college. At the time, Phil was attending USF and I was attending FAU in Boca Raton. One year had past when we reunited on a fishing trip in Boca Grande with family and friends. Soon after that trip, began a four year long-distance relationship. It is true that distance only makes your love grow fonder.
In October of 2010, Phil was attending chiropractic school in Georgia. One weekend he was scheduled for a conference in New Orleans, so we decided to make it a family vacation with both of our parents. Everyone flew in to New Orleans from different locations, and I was the last to arrive at the hotel. Phil had a bottle of wine and two wine glasses in a bag and had arranged for a horse and carriage ride before dinner with with the family. Cocktails in hand, our parents said their goodbyes and off we went.
This was a typical surprise adventure from Phil, except, the carriage had stopped on this beautiful road near the French Quarter. We stepped out of the carriage and took a little stroll and began talking about our future. I was confused as to why we were talking about things that were already discussed for our wonderful future, until he knelt down on one knee, asking me to make him the happiest man in the world by being his wife. I was ecstatic and may have yelled making people stare with concern, but I could not hold it in because I was so surprised and excited at the same time. Afterwards, we celebrated New Orleans style with our families.
Blush, Ivory, and Champagne Greek Wedding at A La Carte Pavilion
A bride's wedding dress is often the showpiece of a wedding, and Annita's lace wedding gown was no exception.
“I was in love with lace since both of my grandmother's dresses were made with the soft antique lace,” the bride shared. “[While living in Atlanta I visited] Joan Pillow Bridal, a very small boutique with only the best to choose from so that you are not overwhelmed. I chose the Bianca style one-shoulder, lace, A-line, gown with a pear shaped train designed by Ulla-Maija. After 16 custom measurements and 6 months of creating the gown, there were no regrets when it arrived!”
There was standing room only at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral to watch the pair be united by a very special guest.
“We were very blessed to have His Eminence Metropolitan Nikitas travel from California to marry us, along with Father Michael and Father Sam,” Annita beamed. “Father Sam Tulumeris baptized Phil as an infant, so it was very special to have his blessing during the ceremony.”
The couple incorporated their mix of personalities with a traditional Greek wedding ceremony followed by a high energy wedding reception.
“My personality was accentuated through my ‘old soul' and vintage theme of my dress, centerpieces, and bouquet. His personality was affiliated with the grand affair and a week long celebration of our wedding,” Annita explained.
With a guest list of 450, the pair searched for a Tampa wedding venue that could accommodate and feed such a large crowd.
“Food, entertainment and design of the venue were our most important elements [in a reception venue],” Annita explained. “A La Carte Event Pavilion made my vision into reality with so much more. The food tasting was made exactly the way it was served on the wedding day. Ever since our wedding celebration, we still have guests raving about the food and the decor. If quality of food is your concern, then you will not find it at any other venue except A La Carte.”
Annita and Phil kept their weddings guests on their feet with a Greek band and wedding DJ.
“It was a very warm affair and you can tell that everyone was having a good time,” the bride said. The best part is that 90% of our guests' danced to the American and Greek music.”
Looking back, Annita's most memorable moments occurred while experiencing her wedding day with her husband.
“There were so many: walking down the aisle and seeing Phil for the first time that day; my husband and I being the first to see the venue all decorated was amazing, and walking out on the dance floor and being announced Dr. and Mrs. for the first time,” the bride gushed.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay Brides?
Try not to stress the planning because everything will eventually fall into place.
Some things will not go according to plan on the day of the wedding, but it will not even matter on the day because no one will even notice.
“Sarah with Limelight Photography exceeded my expectations for her beautiful photos throughout our engagement and wedding session.” – The Bride
“A La Carte Event Pavilion made my vision into reality with so much more. The food tasting was made exactly the way it was served on the wedding day. Ever since our wedding celebration, we still have guests raving about the food and the decor. If quality of food is your concern, then you will not find it at any other venue except A La Carte.” – The Bride
“Phil and I took profession dance lessons from The Way 2 Dance in Brandon, FL so that our first dance would flow nicely. Everyone seemed to be more interested in the dance than being social during that time.” – The Bride
Tampa Wedding Ceremony Venue: St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral
Tampa Wedding Reception Venue: A La Carte Event Pavilion
Tampa Wedding Photographer: Limelight Photography
Tampa Wedding Videographer: Trinity Wedding Cinema
Tampa Wedding Planner: Table 6 Productions
Tampa Wedding Florist: FH Weddings
Tampa Wedding Cake: Cakes by Nomeda
Tampa Wedding DJ: Arista Entertainment
Tampa Wedding Dress: Joan Pillow Bridal (Buckhead, GA)
Tampa Wedding Makeup: Artemis Stephens
Tampa Wedding Hair & Makeup: Ambiance Hair Salon
Tampa Wedding Officiant: His Eminence Metropolitan Nikitas, Father Sam Tulumeris, and Father Michael of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral
Tampa Wedding Transportation: Jolley Trolley
Tampa Wedding Dance Lessons: The Way 2 Dance
We are proud to have A La Carte Pavilion as a Marry Me Tampa Bay sponsor!
