In the heart of Ybor City, history and culture are showcased in an atmosphere buzzing with energy during the Tie the Knot Ybor wedding showcase. With an eye for the exceptional and a heart for the dramatic, Karen Cerboni and her planning and design team at EventFull Weddings masterfully reimagined a historic wedding space, marrying modern aesthetics with the timeless grace of the Italian Renaissance.
“The theme was a bright modern take on the Italian Renaissance. I chose it after falling in love with the Italian-style bust I found in HomeGoods,” Karen Cerboni, owner of EventFull Weddings, explained. “I love black, so I started with an all-white and black foundation and then added bold colors to the flowers. All black and white weddings are beautiful, but I’m a color lover.”
The planner and designer’s flair for combining the fabulous with the creative shone as the Italian Renaissance theme revolved around a distinctive statement piece complemented by a dynamic color palette. The ceremony took place on the historic venue’s third floor, offering stunning views of Ybor City’s brick-paved streets. The modern black ghost chairs from A Chair Affair intensified the setting’s drama.
“We are always watching trends and trying to do things a little differently to give guests a new experience. We staged the ceremony seating in a runway style and the wedding party table in a U-shaped rather than the traditional long rectangle,” Karen explained.
The event’s pinnacle was the striking floral design, which stood out against the venue’s historic architecture. The florals, exploring shades of red from maroon to magenta and muted pinks, were breathtaking.
“The perfect couple for this design would be one who wants something unique, a bit bold and loves a modern look. We had several custom pieces, including a love note cake and flower cones with the image of the Cuban Club, and the florals were designed for us around those funky busts,” the planner revealed. “I showed them to Danielle at Save the Date Florida and asked her to make them work!”
Bridging the historic venue with the theme, a vintage car from Classically Ever After marked the grand exit as a celebration of free-spirited joy. Behind the Vows‘ content creation documented the day’s behind-the-scenes action. The bride’s hair and makeup, styled by Adore Bridal Hair and Makeup, featured a half-up, half-down look that naturally accentuated her glow.
“The event space is a historical venue in a historic part of Tampa. We used a classic car for the getaway vehicle that fit the building’s history perfectly. The champagne tower is said to have originated in the 1800’s but is making a huge comeback. We included that as a fun way to kick off cocktail hour,” Karen detailed. “I love the modern wedding dress style we chose, combined with trending removable sleeves. The bride gets a softer feminine look for the ceremony and a sleek, modern look for the reception. The short veil with the blusher is something we don’t see much, but I love the vintage feel of it combined with the modern fit of the dress.”
McNeile Photography skillfully utilized natural light to capture the day’s moments in both digital and analog formats, while Elite Events Catering and Graingertainment played crucial roles in sustaining the showcase’s lively atmosphere. Guests were treated to exquisite hors d’oeuvres while enjoying an evening filled with good vibes.
Reflecting on her favorite aspects of the event, Karen valued the opportunity to flex her creative muscles, demonstrating the myriad ways styles can be interwoven, offering couples a spectrum of inspiration for their wedding planning.
“It is difficult to choose a favorite element, but I loved the use of black and bold colors, the fun busts instead of typical vases, and the entire vibe of our bride. Her look was perfection! And the fun wedding cake that was not your typical cake!” the planner and designer beamed.
How would you describe your theme?
The theme was a bright modern take on the Italian Renaissance. I chose it after falling in love with the Italian-style bust I found in HomeGoods. I love black, so I started with an all-white and black foundation and then added bold colors to the flowers. All black and white weddings are beautiful but I’m a color lover.
How were modern trends and classic elements combined in this shoot?
The event space is a historical venue in a historic part of Tampa. We used a classic car for the getaway vehicle that fit the building’s history perfectly. The champagne tower is said to have originated in the 1800’s but is making a huge comeback. We included that as a fun way to kick off cocktail hour.
I love the modern wedding dress style we chose combined with trending removable sleeves. The bride gets a softer feminine look for the ceremony and a sleek modern look for the reception. The short veil with the blusher is something we don’t see much, but I love the vintage feel of it combined with the modern fit of the dress.
“We are always watching trends and trying to do things a little differently to give guests a new experience. We staged the ceremony seating in a runway style and the wedding party table in a U-shaped rather than the traditional long rectangle. The perfect couple for this design would be one that wants something unique, a bit bold, and loves a modern look.”
-Karen Cerboni, owner of EventFull Weddings
What is the estimated decor cost of this wedding for 150 guests? Full Planning: $5,000 | Venue: $5,000 | Chair Rental: $1,500, Tabletop & Linen Rentals: $3,000 | Florals: $7,000 | Cake: $700
