Sara and Jake’s boho-rustic South Tampa wedding embodied the couple’s vibrant social lifestyle with a combination of earthy details and lux finishes.
To incorporate greenery-focused arrangements and natural wood elements with an elevated black-tie style, the bride chose a classic black and white color palette with pops of lush green and elegant gold.
“We wanted our wedding to be timeless and pretty, so we went with a natural palette,” Sara shared. “I love raw wood and farmhouse modern design, so we wanted something that almost felt like how we’d decorate our home, so the wedding would feel like our house. We opted for a lot of greenery and natural wood and gold to add a little elegance.”
After searching Marry Me Tampa Bay for wedding venues, the South Tampa couple chose the Tampa Garden Club for its ample size and its perfect backdrop for their nuptials.
“We wanted an open space that we could customize to fit our design preferences that could also accommodate our 200 person guest list. We also wanted the ceremony and reception to take place in the same space so we wouldn’t need to transport people from one place to another,” the bride explained. “I’d been to events at the Tampa Garden Club before and knew that everything we wanted to do could be accommodated. The staff was flexible but also professional, so I knew we’d be in good hands. Plus, you can’t beat that view!”
The bride and groom wanted their wedding to feel like an epic party so they opted for a more unique wedding day experience instead of the typical wedding traditions. To reflect their mutual love of music and the bride’s distinct bohemian vibe, Sara and Jake incorporated details such as a custom neon sign, hand-illustrated stationery pieces, a record guest book, and a vintage Volkswagon photo booth.
“Nothing felt too formal or stuffy; we kept it fun and casual (even though everyone was in formal wear), and it made people feel like they were partying it up in our own backyard if our backyard was Bayshore,” Sara joked.
To help bring all of their boho-chic ideas to life as one cohesive vision, the couple turned to South Tampa wedding planner Winsor Event Studio to guide them through the planning process.
“I needed someone whose taste I knew I could trust to make decisions easy for me and not make things complicated. I get overwhelmed when there are too many options. Christi of Winsor Event Studio had planned a number of weddings I had been in, so I knew she was a hustler who would get it all done!” the bride raved. “She saved us so much money with her connections and ability to find beautiful things at great deals. Wouldn’t have traded her for anything! She made our planning process and day of go so smoothly!”
Sara and Jake’s yellow lab, Maggie, made an appearance on various stationery pieces and even had a signature drink named after her at the reception. To keep Maggie calm and entertaining, the couple looked to FairyTail Pet Care.
“Maggie is basically our child, so having her there throughout the day was a no-brainer. We hired FairyTail Pet Care at the recommendation of our wedding planner, and they were worth every penny. This was the best money we spent on our wedding,” the bride raved. “Taylor was phenomenal, and it meant a lot that we didn’t have to worry about the dog all day or ask a family member to go by to take care of her.”
As a special gift to Sara, and a grand finale for the celebration, the bride was greeted by a local sports celebrity from her favorite hockey team.
“The most memorable moment was when the Lightning Bug mascot showed up to the party as a surprise. The groomsmen organized it, and it was a huge surprise for me. I’d planned everything down to the detail so it was great to have something as a surprise for me that day,” Sara reminisced.




What were your wedding day hair and makeup inspiration?
Kristin Cavallari was my inspiration. There’s no other choice in Tampa; Michelle Renee The Studio simply are the best. I’ve had my makeup done by them for every wedding I’ve been in in Tampa, and I’ve always been so impressed by their ability to bring my vision to life.





The Proposal:
Jake recreated our first date, dinner at Restaurant BT and drinks at Ciro’s. When we made it home that night, I was disappointed to think he went through all that cute planning and didn’t pop the question. I changed into pajamas and came downstairs to him waiting to propose with our dog sitting by his side. He had to have the whole family together.

Why did you choose to incorporate your pet into your wedding day?
Maggie is basically our child, so having her there throughout the day was a no-brainer.
This was the best money we spent on our wedding. We hired FairyTail Pet Care at the recommendation of our wedding planner, and they were worth every penny. Taylor was phenomenal, and it meant a lot that we didn’t have to worry about the dog all day or ask a family member to go by to take care of her.









What did you look for in a wedding venue?
We wanted an open space that we could customize to fit our design preferences that could also accommodate our 200-person guest list. Also, we wanted the ceremony and reception to take place in the same space so we wouldn’t need to transport people from one place to another.
I’d been to events at the Tampa Garden Club before and knew that everything we wanted to do could be accommodated. The staff was flexible but also professional, so I knew we’d be in good hands. Plus, you can’t beat that view!



What did you look for in a wedding planner?
I needed someone whose taste I knew I could trust to make decisions easy for me and not make things complicated. I get overwhelmed when there are too many options. Christi of Winsor Event Studio had also planned a number of weddings I had been in, so I knew she was a hustler that would get it all done! She saved us so much money with her connections and ability to find beautiful things at great deals. Wouldn’t have traded her for anything! She made our planning process and day of go so smoothly!









How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
Rustic chic. I love raw wood and farmhouse modern design, so we wanted something that almost felt like how we’d decorate our home, so the wedding would feel like our house. We opted for a lot of greenery and natural wood and gold to add a little elegance.
What were your colors?
Green, white, black, and gold. We wanted it to be timeless and pretty, so we went with a natural palette.

What did you look for in a wedding linen rental company?
I followed my planner’s recommendations. I basically just told her to make it pretty but affordable. Gabro Event Services had great prices, made great recommendations, and made it really easy to pick and choose what to select based on my budget.





What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Hire. Christi. Winsor.
Venue: Tampa Garden Club *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Venue
Photographer: Renee Nicole Photography
Planner: Winsor Event Studio *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro
Florist: Arlene Floral Designer
Caterer: Delectables Fine Catering
Rentals: Elite Events & Rentals
Rentals: Gabro Event Services *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro
Pet Care: FairyTail Pet Care *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro
Cake: Nicola’s Donuts and Publix
DJ: Inpulse Entertainment
Invitations: Self-Designed – Printed by Basic Invite
Transportation: OMG Trolley
Dress Shop and Designer: Malindy Elene Bridal, Theia
Hair & Makeup: Michele Renee the Studio *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro
Ceremony/Cocktail Hour Music: The Fickle Souls
Bar Caterer: uDream Events
Photobooth: Wild Hearts Photo Bus
Neon Sign: Hey! Let’s Party
Quotes have been lightly edited for clarity and brevity.
*Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pros are highly respected by our local wedding community and have been personally vetted by our editor.