Ellie and Kevin's destination Central Florida wedding was set against the backdrop of Florida's scenic beauty. A classic minimalist wedding unfolded, filled with intimacy, warmth, and timeless moments.
“Our theme for our wedding was classic minimalism. We chose simple, neutral colors because we love this design. Our home also matches this theme,” the bride shared. “Our colors were black and white.”
The couple's 125-person destination September wedding was set in the middle of the Sunshine State, in the beautiful rural landscape of the Polk and Hardee County border. They hosted celebrated with a multi-day celebration, including a 100-person welcome party.
“We live in Ferndale, Michigan. We chose to do this area because we wanted a destination wedding and an outdoor ceremony,” Ellie explained. “We also chose this area because it is close to my grandparents, and we wanted to make sure they could travel and be there.”
Seeking a wedding photographer with exceptional communication skills, Ellie and Kevin were captivated by Limelight Photography. The team's superb customer service and professional yet easy-going personalities put them at ease and made a lasting impression.
“We looked for a wedding photographer with superior communication skills. Since we were planning a destination wedding, it was important that we were able to meet virtually with our photographer to talk about what we envisioned for our wedding. Limelight Photography did a great job of this! I also looked at photography portfolios; their pictures stood out to me because of the lighting and quality,” Ellie beamed. “The quality of their pictures drew me in, but their customer service and team of photographers were what sealed the deal! The photographer, Daphne, made me feel so comfortable throughout the entire photoshoot. I do not enjoy taking pictures of myself and was super nervous about being photographed, but Daphne gave me confidence and made me laugh so that I was able to enjoy and relax during the process!”
For her wedding day look, Ellie envisioned a hair and makeup style that was both classic and daring yet authentically her. She found this balance with the skilled team at Femme Akoi Beauty Studio, whose values of supporting women-led businesses resonated with her own.
“My inspiration was timeless and bold; I wanted a full glam look that still looked like myself,” the bride revealed. “I loved Femme Akoi Beauty Studio's team of women! I wanted to support other women and small businesses throughout my wedding journey because I am a woman-owned, small business owner myself!
The ceremony setting embraced a modern design aesthetic, featuring bold black pillars interlaced with lush white florals and vibrant greenery. Carrying over the same energetic vibe, the reception boasted a sparkling champagne tower and cold sparklers, perfectly setting the stage for a radiant evening.
The wedding was filled with beautiful moments, but one stood out above the rest for the bride, the private vow exchange. This deeply personal experience, shared just between the two of them before the ceremony, allowed them to truly immerse themselves in the significance of their commitment.
“Our wedding was unique because Kevin and I chose to do things differently regardless of opposing opinions. We chose to do private vows and sit together during the reception so that we could enjoy our special day together. We wanted to be in the moment and be able to talk to each other! It was the best day of our lives!” Ellie reminisced. “The most memorable moment was our private vow session. We each got to have a private moment to take a deep breath and say our vows just to each other before the ceremony started. This was really special, and it allowed us to be in the moment.”
Where did you host your bachelorette party?
We hosted a combined bachelor and bachelorette party at my parent's house in Harbor Springs, Michigan. We have spent several years with close family and friends here, and it is also the place where we got engaged!
Where did you spend your honeymoon?
My best friend got married in Hawaii two weeks after our wedding, so we turned that trip into a mini-honeymoon as well! We also spent a week in Sedona, Arizona, where we hiked and went sightseeing
The Proposal:
It was a private moment on the beach where Kevin proposed to me, followed by brunch, where we were both too excited to eat! Then a surprise of close family spending the rest of the weekend with us celebrating.
What did you look for in a wedding photographer?
We looked for a wedding photographer with superior communication skills. Since we were planning a destination wedding, it was important that we were able to meet virtually with our photographer to talk about what we envisioned for our wedding.
Limelight Photography did a great job of this! I also looked at photography portfolios; their pictures stood out to me because of the lighting and quality. The quality of their pictures drew me in, but their customer service and team of photographers were what sealed the deal! The photographer, Daphne, made me feel so comfortable throughout the entire photoshoot. I do not enjoy taking pictures of myself and was super nervous about being photographed, but Daphne gave me confidence and made me laugh so that I was able to enjoy and relax during the process!
What was your wedding hair and makeup inspiration?
My inspiration was timeless and bold; I wanted a full glam look that still looked like myself.
I loved Femme Akoi Beauty Studio's team of women! I wanted to support other women and small businesses throughout my wedding journey because I am a woman-owned, small business owner myself!
How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
Our theme for our wedding was classic minimalism. We chose simple, neutral colors because we love this design. Our home also matches this theme.
What were your colors?
Black and white.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Choose what you truly want for your day! There are so many opinions that you will encounter, but your wedding day is the perfect time to focus on you and your significant other and what would make it the most special day for the two of you!
Which vendors really exceeded your expectations?
All of my vendors exceeded my expectations, but the two that really stick out are our DJ and florist. The music throughout the entire wedding was the perfect volume and vibe, and kept everyone dancing, which is what we hoped for! The florist arranged a stunning ceremony display that everyone kept complimenting me throughout the entire day. We were also able to move this display to our private bride and groom table. This gave us a gorgeous backdrop for photos and saved us a lot of money!
