Cara and Michael's Tampa Heights wedding combined bohemian-inspired flora, chic gold accents, and a neutral palette of white and natural greenery. The bride and groom exchanged vows with the city skyline as their backdrop before guests dined and danced in a historic brick building along the Hillsborough Riverwalk.
“Our wedding style was boho elegant chic. I wanted simple and neutral colors and for it to feel classic but also have a trendy touch to it,” the bride shared. “Our colors were white, gold, and dark green. I wanted neutrals, and the green just tied it together nicely.”
The local Tampa couple injected their personalities into various wedding details, from unique food and beverage offerings to vibrant music and dancing.
“Our personalities were included all throughout the wedding with our table seating as mini tequila bottles, the saxophonist at cocktail hour, the custom drinks, and of course the Hora Loca!” the bride beamed. “I think the décor and Hora Loca made it unique!”
To add to the neutral decor, Cara selected wooden farm tables in a feasting table arrangement and dramatic wall draping from Kate Ryan Event Rentals. A mix of high and lower centerpieces and elegant gold details added a romantic touch.
The pair envisioned a lively party with great music for their 190 guests, so when it came time to prepare for the dance floor, they turned to a professional instructor at Wedding Dance Lessons By Amanda to help them feel comfortable and confident.
“Let’s just say I’m not the most coordinated dancer, so I wanted to feel comfortable dancing in front of so many people, and dance lessons did just that! Amanda was amazing! We would highly recommend her,” Cara raved. “She tailored it to what we wanted and what made us comfortable. We had so much fun during the process and during our dance too. We hired her because she was easy to work with and accommodating!”
Cara prioritized her wedding day look, knowing she would be a focal point for hundreds of photos over the course of several hours of the day. After receiving several recommendations for wedding hair and makeup artist Femme Akoi Beauty Studio, the bride could not have been happier with her decision.
“I hired Femme Akoi Beauty Studio because quite a few of my friends used them and raved about their service. I agree! They were incredible, and I would hire them over and over again. I loved my makeup and my bridesmaids' looks,” the bride gushed.
Looking back, the bride shared that she will forever treasure her family's role in her wedding day.
“My father passed away suddenly a year prior, so two of my brothers walked me down the aisle, and the other one married us, which made it very special and meaningful. The speeches were also very heartfelt and emotional. Everyone was crying and laughing, but I wouldn’t have it any other way!” Cara reminisced. “Lastly, the dance floor was so much fun! The band outdid themselves!”
The proposal:
Michael convinced my friends to get involved, and they planned a fake surprise birthday party for one of my friends that I helped plan, but it was actually my proposal!
What were your wedding hair and makeup inspiration?
I was inspired by the bridal hairstyles of one of my matrons of honor!
I hired Femme Akoi Beauty Studio because quite a few of my friends used them and raved about their service. I agree! They were incredible, and I would hire them over and over again. I loved my makeup and my bridesmaids' looks.
Where did you spend your honeymoon?
Maui and Kauai, Hawaii. We wanted somewhere warm but also with activities besides just a beach. Also, we needed to stay in the states due to COVID.
Where did you host your bachelorette party?
Scottsdale, Arizona. I wanted somewhere warm with hiking and fun bars!
How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
“Our wedding style was “boho elegant chic.” I wanted simple and neutral colors and for it to feel classic but also have a trendy touch to it.
What were your colors?
White, gold, and dark green. I wanted neutrals, and the green just tied it together nicely.
Why did you choose to take dance lessons for your wedding day?
I’m not the most coordinated dancer, so I wanted to feel comfortable dancing in front of so many people, and dance lessons did just that!
Wedding Dance Lessons by Amanda was amazing! We would highly recommend her. Amanda tailored it to what we wanted and what made us comfortable. We had so much fun during the process and during our dance too. We hired her because she was easy to work with and accommodating!
Which vendors really exceeded your expectations?
My planner was absolutely incredible. She made everything seamless and enjoyable throughout the whole process. Also, our florist, venue, and band.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Book your favorite vendors in advance and enjoy the process!
