Ashley and Matt's boho-inspired Lakeland wedding was a vision of outdoor elegance with long lace draped tables, eclectic mismatched tableware, and bright beautiful florals. The Florida bride and groom chose a jewel-toned color palette to perfectly tie together the romantic bohemian vibes they were looking to capture.
“Our theme was a good mix of boho and eclectic. I often gravitate towards that look in my overall day to day style, but mostly I chose it because it delivers a very relaxed and intimate feel,” the bride shared. “More than anything I wanted a wedding that felt like a celebration of close friends and family, which is why I chose the long tables where we could eat together and be close.”
MORE: BOHO WEDDING INSPIRATION
With three months to find the wedding dress of her dreams, the bride looked to Palm Harbor bridal shop Nikki's Glitz and Glam Bridal Boutique to find a dress that was form-fitting, yet flowy.
“I didn't go in with much dress inspiration because I only had three months to plan the wedding, so I figured I couldn't be too picky. I knew for sure I wanted lace, I didn't want strapless, and I wanted something that was form-fitting, yet flowy. I think I achieved all of that with the dress I picked,” the bride explained. “Nikki's Glitz and Glam was the last stop of the day and definitely the best place I had been to thus far. Everyone there really catered to me, and they had multiple off-the-rack dresses for me to choose from since I didn't have time to order one.”
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The Lakeland natives wanted delicious food in a fun way, so they turned to Tastes of Tampa Bay for wedding menu that reflected their food preferences with an elegant flare.
I really appreciated that Tastes of Tampa Bay gave us ways to save money by cutting certain things out, but also gave us a wide variety of options to choose from,” the bride shared. “In the end, I was completely blown away by the presentation of the food and everyone absolutely loved the idea of choosing between two of our favorite meals.”
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Looking back on their beautiful day of bliss, Ashley and Matt cherished their first look and time with family.
“Our first look was probably the most memorable and best decision we made. I was so nervous to see Matt, and I'm glad that moment was private,” the bride reminisced. “After the first look, we stayed close to each other and were even in the same room before we walked down the aisle. It was fun because we were with our closest friends and family before we headed out to make one of the most important decisions of our lives. It also didn't take away from seeing each other at the altar, because we both cried!”
What was your wedding dress inspiration?
I didn't go in with much inspiration because I only had three months to plan the wedding, so I figured I couldn't be too picky. I knew for sure I wanted lace, I didn't want strapless, and I wanted something that was form-fitting, yet flowy. I think I achieved all of that with the dress I picked.
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Nikki's Glitz and Glam Bridal Boutique was the last stop of the day and definitely the best place I had been to thus far. Everyone there really catered to me, and they had multiple off-the-rack dresses for me to choose from since I didn't have time to order one.
The Proposal:
Matt proposed on the dock of my parents' lake house. It's a special place because we sat there on one of our first dates, bundled up together in the cold, and had our first long talk about seriously dating one another. It's funny because now that I think about it, my life has revolved around that lake. I've grown up near it, went to school on it, lived on it, got engaged on it, and now got married on it. I love that!
How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
Our theme was a good mix of boho and eclectic. I often gravitate towards that look in my overall day to day style, but mostly I chose it because it delivers a very relaxed and intimate feel. More than anything I wanted a wedding that felt like a celebration of close friends and family, which is why I chose the long tables where we could eat together and be close. I wanted the string lights overhead and delicious food on our plates so it felt relaxed like a backyard get together. I also loved how cozy the ceremony was with the vintage couches and chairs outside and everyone snuggled up under blankets and coats.
What were your colors?
My colors were inspired by my bouquet. I found a picture of the one I wanted and just went with any color that was either a part of the bouquet or matched it. The colors ranged from burgundy to dark reds to light pinks, and a lot of jewel tones. I let my bridesmaids choose their dress and color as long as it went with the bouquet.
What did you look for in a wedding catering company?
I knew for sure that we wanted a “his and her” menu, and I knew my choice was tacos. I wanted a quality taco that was delicious but with a more elegant flare.
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My wedding planner highly recommended Tastes of Tampa Bay and knew they could deliver delicious food in a beautiful way. I really appreciated that they gave us ways to save money by cutting certain things out, but also gave us a wide variety of options to choose from. In the end, I was completely blown away by the presentation of the food and everyone absolutely loved the idea of choosing between two of our favorite meals.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Don't forget the point of this day. Try to be intentional about slowing it down and cherishing the entire process. You are only left with memories, and you will more than likely remember the best ones. If some things don't go as planned, which they will, you will probably end up laughing about it later anyway, so don't sweat it.
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Bride's Parents' Home
Photographer: The Ganeys Wedding Photography
Videographer: Hatfield Productions
Planner/Florist: Ever After Vintage Weddings
Caterer: Tastes of Tampa Bay – Street Surfer (Food Truck) *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Lighting: Get Lit Productions
Sound: MABE Productions
Tent: Sunshine Tent Rental
Cake: Cakes by Maggie
DJ: Mike Jenks
Officiant: Rev. Rick Gomer
Invitations: Heather Pell (Friend) and Calligraphy by Cowahl
Transportation: Rowe Transportation
Dress Shop and Designer: Nikki's Glitz and Glam Bridal Boutique *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Hair: Megan Rawdon (Friend)
Makeup: Christina Phillips (Friend)
Grooms Velvet Jacket: H&M
Bride and Groom's Rings: Wilson Diamond Brokers
Outdoor Bathrooms: Right Trailers
Heaters: Taylor Rentals
