Ashley and David’s downtown St. Pete garden wedding featured an elegant outdoor evening with a whimsical flair. Neon lighting, delicate ivory with greenery floral arrangements, and luxurious gold décor created a sophisticated spin on a secret garden-inspired aesthetic.
“I am more of a classic, modern, and minimalist. I knew from the get-go I didn’t want any color at the wedding with regard to the flowers and decorations; I wanted everything to be simple and elegant. My colors were black and white. I wanted a very clean classic look,” the bride shared. “We went with white flowers and greenery. The bridesmaids wore black, and our groomsmen stuck to the classic black and white suits.”
While the bride is a St. Petersburg native, the couple lived in St. Augustine and used Marry Me Tampa Bay to help analyze their vendor selections while planning from opposite sides of Florida’s coasts.
“I used Marry Me Tampa Bay to research reviews when trying to make my final decision on vendors,” Ashley stated.
While the pandemic impacted their original plans for a larger-scale wedding, the couple showcased their uniqueness with personal details infused into their wedding of 60 guests.
“All the small details really made it special. When you walked into the wedding space it was breathtaking. From the live wedding painter to the custom Wolfe neon sign. Everything was incredible. It was everything I could have dreamed of,” Ashley beamed. “The pandemic forced us to cut down our guest list which really was a blessing in disguise. The fact that we were surrounded by our closest family and friends truly made the evening perfect.”
The pair opted for a brunch-inspired menu for the outdoor garden wedding.
“The overall style of the wedding really captured who we are. David and I love the outdoors and nature so having it at Sunken Gardens seemed like the perfect fit. We also really love breakfast, it’s our favorite meal, and we love to find new local spots to try,” the bride declared. “Originally, we were wanted to have an upscale breakfast buffet (omelet and pancake stations) with a bloody mary and mimosa bar however, due to the pandemic we weren’t able to do a buffet style. In the end, it all worked out. Our cocktail hour incorporated all breakfast foods and for dinner each dish has a hint of breakfast and/or brunch to it (i.e. shrimp and grits, bacon glazed chicken, and maple glazed steak.)”
Desiring a chignon-style hairdo, the bride selected a low bun that was polished and poised. While the pearl pendant embellished hairstyle was inspired by a celebrity wedding look, Ashley made it her own by embracing her off-center part and longer hair.
“I wanted a classic and elegant look. I was going for a Hailey Beiber vibe, but I have a lot more hair than she does,” the bride revealed. “I loved Femme Akoi Beauty Studio’s work! My sister-in-law used them for her wedding, and they were amazing!”
As Ashley reminisced on her dream wedding day, she reflected on the moment her family formally united at the altar.
“One of the most memorable moments was when our son was up at the altar with us, and he helped us pour our glass,” the bride reminisced. “I purchased glass pieces from a company, and now that we are married they will be blown into an amazing glass piece to keep in our house forever.”
What were your wedding hair and makeup inspiration?
I wanted a classic and elegant look. I was going for a Hailey Beiber vibe, but I have a lot more hair than she does!
I loved Femme Akoi Beauty Studio’s work! My sister-in-law used them for her wedding, and they were amazing!
The Proposal:
David proposed at home in bed late one evening, just the two of us. It was really special and something I’ll never forget.
Where did you host your bachelorette party?
I originally planned on taking a trip to Las Vegas. However, with the pandemic, those plans quickly changed. We ended up renting an Airbnb right on the beach in Palm Coast. We had an amazing weekend just relaxing by the pool!
How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
I am more of a classic, modern, and minimalist. I knew from the get-go I didn’t want any color at the wedding with regard to the flowers and decorations; I wanted everything to be simple and elegant. We went with white flowers and greenery. The bridesmaids wore black, and our groomsmen stuck to the classic black and white suits.
What were your colors?
Black and white. I wanted a very clean classic look.
Where did you spend your honeymoon?
We have not honeymooned yet but have a trip set to the Dominican Republic. We’ll be staying at an amazing all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Definitely get a wedding planner. Being on a budget I wasn’t sold, however, it was worth every penny and then some!
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Sunken Gardens
Photographer: Karin Maria Photography
Videographer: Videography by Steve Burns
Planner: Chantilly Chic Celebrations
Florist: Wonderland Floral Art
Caterer: Milan Catering
Rentals: Studio Festive, Rent All-City
Painter: Event Painting by Jamie
Cake: Hands on Sweets
DJ: Fast Breaks Entertainment
Officiant: Victoria Long
Invitations: Zola
Dress Designer: BHLDN
Shoe Designer: Badgley Mischka
Bridesmaid Dress Designer: BHLDN
Hair & Makeup: Femme Akoi Beauty Studio *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Rehearsal Dinner: Rococo Steakhouse
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.
