Wedding

Classic Blue and White St. Pete Beach Wedding | The Don CeSar

Allison and Tyler's timeless St. Pete Beach wedding was a fairytale come to life at Tampa Bay's royally renowned Pink Palace. The Florida Gator fans hosted a springtime soiree at the iconic Don CeSar, complete with a themed groom's cake and a surprise message from the college's beloved sports broadcaster.

“I wanted my wedding to be elegant and classic. I wanted to feel like a princess and have all the decorations be timeless. I love beachy, coastal vibes, but I wanted the wedding to still feel formal enough for a special event,” the bride detailed. “Our main color was sky blue, and I incorporated the white flowers and greenery and added accents of gold throughout our decor.”

The Tampa couple planned their March affair from Gainesville while the groom completed his master's degree at the University of Florida. The bride relied on Marry Me Tampa Bay's expert advice articles and preferred vendor recommendations while researching for their big day.

“In addition to helping me find vendors, I also used Marry Me Tampa Bay for wedding advice. When I wasn't sure how to handle some seating arrangement drama or what was the difference between a wedding planner and a venue coordinator, I knew I could find some advice or expertise on the website,” Allison shared. “I often used Marry Me Tampa Bay as another source for information for further images, reviews, and opinion pieces. I knew if a vendor got the stamp of approval from Marry Me Tampa Bay that they were a great option.”

To host their 118-guest wedding, Allison and Tyler selected The Don CeSar for its impeccable reputation and gorgeous property overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Opting for a sandless celebration, the ceremony took place in the tropical courtyard while Weddings by Bonnie officiated the nuptials.

“When choosing our wedding venue, we wanted to be near the beach. We also decided to go with a resort so that we and our guests could stay on-site for the weekend,” Allison explained. “When we toured venues, The Don CeSar blew us away. I didn't think we could find a prettier venue, and it had all the aspects that we were looking for. It is such an iconic place in the area with the beach, the elegance, and the timeless class providing the ultimate location. Wendy, our venue coordinator, was just amazing! She was always so willing to help and so sweet that she made sure we felt special during our tasting and our wedding weekend. There were also some extra touches like signature Don CeSar champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries waiting for us in our room after the wedding reception.”

Allison wanted to keep the day as stress-free as possible and enlisted Elegant Affairs by Design as her month-of planner to take the reigns leading up to the wedding day.

“As someone who struggles with anxiety normally, I knew my wedding day was going to be stressful. I wanted a wedding planner to help ease that stress and have control over all the last-minute details so that I didn't need to worry about logistics while also trying to enjoy the day. I wanted a detail-oriented person who I could trust, but also someone who I felt comfortable with, especially if I was feeling stressed,” the bride revealed. “When I met with Riley, the owner of Elegant Affairs by Design, I knew pretty quickly that she was exactly what I was looking for. She is down-to-earth and sweet as can be while also appearing so put together and capable. Even when chatting with her for the first time, it felt more like I was talking to a friend, and that was exactly what I needed. I knew my wedding would be in excellent hands and that she could see me through the final stages of planning. She was able to tie up all the loose ends and give me advice in the final weeks. She also exceeded my expectations by having a six months-out meeting with me to check on the progress of things, and I always felt that she stayed in the loop and was much more involved than in just the last month.”

With the logistics in place, the bride and groom relied on experienced wedding photographers who could capture their best angles. With careful consideration, they selected Lifelong Photography Studio for their pristine portfolio and thoughtful personalities.

“Tyler and I aren't ones to know what to do during a photo shoot, so we were looking for a photographer who not only matched the style we were looking for but someone who made us feel comfortable and could put us in good positions for the pictures,” Allison explained. “I loved Lifelong Photography Studio's portfolio. They capture couples' personalities and affection for one another while also taking gorgeous shots. Our main photographer, Gabrielle, is one of the sweetest people I have ever met. She did our engagement photos and was willing to drive out-of-town to Boca Grande for the shoot. She even stayed over an hour later than the allotted time for our engagement shoot to make sure we had all the pictures we wanted in multiple locations. We instantly felt like friends, and I was completely at ease looking forward to her photographing us again on our wedding day. One of the photographers at our wedding (also named Allison) actually used her sweater to wipe the sand off my feet after taking our beach photos. It was such a kind gesture that far exceeded her role as a photographer, but that speaks to their commitment to the bride and groom's happiness on their wedding day.”

Bruce Wayne Florals crafted beautiful floral arrangements filled with roses, snapdragons, and hydrangeas surrounded by lush greenery. The bride's delicate ivory and white floral bouquet was beautifully paired with her Essence of Australia wedding dress and naturally styled glam from Femme Akoi Beauty Studio.

“As someone who didn't know the first thing about floral arrangements, I looked through the companies' websites to find images of similar bouquets to what I had in mind. This way I could just show them, ‘this is what I want',” the bride shared. “I chose Bruce Wayne Florals not only for their talent but also because of their customer service. I worked with John Elice, and he was able to take my ideas and create a portfolio of what I was looking for. He took the time to discuss the various types of flowers that could fit my vision and made suggestions to bring my ideas to life. John was very patient and willing to make changes and work with my budget. Also, the software that they used for the contract was very straightforward and user-friendly. It included photos of what the arrangements and décor would look like so I could visualize our plans.”

The couple's personalities were incorporated into the design of Tampa Bay Cake Company‘s three-tier wedding cake and Florida Gator-themed groom's cake. Allison even coordinated with Grant Hemond & Associates to play a video message from a University of Florida icon to introduce the newlyweds at the reception.

“We were both raised huge Florida Gator fans, and it was one of the first things that we realized we had in common. We met in college at the University of Florida, so it is definitely important to us! Tyler gave me free rein with the planning and just said that he would be happy with whatever I chose, so I wanted to include something that spoke to his taste. I worked with Tampa Bay Cake Company to design a Florida Gators groom's cake and secretly worked with an idol of Tyler's, Mick Hubert, the voice of the Gators, to create a video that introduced us at our reception,” the bride beamed. “The sprinkling of Gator references throughout was very on-brand for both of us. We both mentioned UF in our vows, and that morning I gave Tyler a family heirloom Gator National Championship watch to wear for the ceremony. Entering the reception with the introduction from Mick Hubert felt epic and was a hit with our guests.”

Allison and Tyler opted to forego the first look, making the iconic walk down the aisle one of the most unforgettable memories.

“Walking down the aisle and finally joining hands after a long and emotional morning apart was a favorite memory for each of us. The emotions of that moment were something that I will never forget, and I feel like all of the planning and stress culminated at that point. I was just ecstatic to see Tyler and get to walk down the aisle to marry him. I had always pictured writing our own vows to each other, and I thought it was important for us to personalize our promises to each other as we embarked on this commitment together. I think it made the ceremony extra special and allowed our guests to have a look into our relationship and how much we mean to each other,” Allison reminisced. “Also, the speeches given at the reception by the Maid of Honor, Best Man, and Brother of the Groom meant so much to us and provoked both laughter and tears from everyone. We had such a blast dancing the night away with all of our closest friends and loved ones.”

The Modern Groom Banner Ad 728x90 1
Pastel Dusty Blue Classic Wedding Invitation Suite Inspiration
Pastel Dusty Blue Classic Wedding Invitation Suite Ideas
Watercolor Painting of Iconic Don CeSar Guest Book
Ivory White Lace V Neckline Spaghetti Strap A Line Essense of Australia Wedding Dress
Blue Matching Bridesmaids Wedding Pajamas Ideas | St Pete Hair and Makup Artist Femme Akoi Beauty Studio
Bride and Mother Getting Ready Wedding Portrait | Ivory White Lace V Neckline Spaghetti Strap A Line Chapel Length Essense of Australia Wedding Dress
Bridal Wedding Portrait | St Petersburg Hair and Makeup Artist Femme Akoi Beauty Studio

What were your wedding hair and makeup inspiration?

I wanted to go for natural beauty.

Femme Akoi Beauty Studio was a studio at the top of my list that checked all the boxes I was looking for. Their prices were within my desired range, and the photos of weddings they had done in the past looked like what I wanted for my own.

Ivory White Lace V Neckline Spaghetti Strap A Line Chapel Length Essense of Australia Wedding Dress
Bridal White Rose and Snapdragon with Greenery Wedding Bouquet Inspiration | St Petersburg Florist Bruce Wayne Florals
Bridemaids First Reaction to Bride Wedding Portrait
Bridal Wedding Portrait at Historic Don Cesar | Tampa Bay Photographer Lifelong Photography
Sky Blue Mismatched Azazie Bridesmaids Dress Inspiration
Sky Blue Mismatched Azazie Bridesmaids Dress Ideas

How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
Elegant and classic. I wanted to feel like a princess and have all the decorations be timeless. I love beachy, coastal vibes, but I wanted the wedding to still feel formal enough for a special event. I wanted the day to be beautiful and fun! I had always pictured it as being one of the best days of our lives, so I was trying to live up to my own expectations.

What were your colors?
Our main color was sky blue, and then I incorporated white flowers and greenery and added accents of gold throughout our decor. 

Classic White Rose and Snapdragon with Greenery Wedding Ceremony Floral Arrangements Inspiration | Tampa Bay Florist Bruce Wayne Florals
Courtyard Wedding Ceremony | St. Pete Beach Venue The Don Cesar

What did you look for in a wedding florist?

As someone who didn't know the first thing about floral arrangements, I looked through the companies' websites to find images of similar bouquets to what I had in mind. This way I could just show them, ‘this is what I want.'

I chose Bruce Wayne Florals not only for their talent but also because of their customer service. I worked with John Elice, and he was able to take my ideas and create a portfolio of what I was looking for. He took the time to discuss the various types of flowers that could fit my vision and made suggestions to bring my ideas to life. John was very patient and willing to make changes and work with my budget. Also, the software that they used for the contract was very straightforward and user-friendly. It included photos of what the arrangements and décor would look like so I could visualize our plans.

The Proposal:
We were living in Jacksonville Beach at the time we got engaged. On that day, Tyler took me to a nice dinner after our plans fell through with some friends (which I came to find out was on purpose, of course). Towards the end of the meal, the waiter came by with a note for me. It read, “Your chariot awaits out back.” Mind you, this was in Tyler's handwriting, but he attempted to act surprised anyways!

We went outside, and there was a limo waiting for us. Tyler was trying to maintain the story that he won a contest, and I decided to play along. The limo took us to a beachside restaurant where Tyler led me to the back patio along a walkway covered in rose petals to giant light-up letters that said, “Marry Me?” I should mention that a Nor'Easter storm was in town and creating a heck of a windy day. I found out later that his original plan was to have the letters on the actual beach, but the wind wouldn't allow them to stay upright!

Once we got to the illuminated sign, Tyler took my hands and told me how much he loved me and that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me. Then he got down on one knee and popped the question. Once I said yes, our song Wonderful Tonight by Eric Clapton started playing, and our friends came out of hiding to congratulate us. After lots of hugs and tears, we took the limo downtown with our friends to celebrate.

Courtyard Wedding Ceremony | St. Pete Beach Venue The Don Cesar
Courtyard Outdoor Tropical Wedding Ceremony Location | Venue The Don CeSar | St Petersburg Wedding Officiant Weddings by Bonnie | Planner Elegant Affairs

What did you look for in a wedding officiant?

We were looking for someone down to earth who could express our feelings for each other and emphasize the bond of marriage.

When we had the phone calls with our top choices, Weddings by Bonnie struck me as someone who truly loves what she does, and that is why she does it. Bonnie gets so much joy from meeting the couples and performing their marriage ceremony. She took the time to get to know us and offered to meet in person before the wedding. Bonnie made sure our ceremony was personal and unique to us. She also catered to absolutely all of our wishes without question. She told me that one of the best compliments that she receives is from wedding guests asking how she knows the bride and groom despite not having met them before. 

Bonnie is such a kind woman, and I am so glad she officiated our wedding. It was a beautiful ceremony, and I will cherish what she did for us forever. 

Intimate Bride and Groom Wedding Portrait | St. Pete Beach Planner Elegant Affairs by Design | Venue The Don Cesar | Photographer Lifelong Photography Studio
Intimate Bride and Groom Wedding Portrait | St Pete Photographer Lifelong Photography

What did you look for in a wedding planner?

As someone who struggles with anxiety normally, I knew my wedding day was going to be stressful. I wanted a wedding planner to help ease that stress and have control over all the last-minute details so that I didn't need to worry about logistics while also trying to enjoy the day. I wanted a detail-oriented person who I could trust, but also someone who I felt comfortable with, especially if I was feeling stressed.

When I met with Riley, the owner of Elegant Affairs by Design, I knew pretty quickly that she was exactly what I was looking for. She is down-to-earth and sweet as can be while also appearing so put together and capable. Even when chatting with her for the first time, it felt more like I was talking to a friend, and that was exactly what I needed. I knew my wedding would be in excellent hands and that she could see me through the final stages of planning. She was able to tie up all the loose ends and give me advice in the final weeks. She also exceeded my expectations by having a six months-out meeting with me to check on the progress of things, and I always felt that she stayed in the loop and was much more involved than in just the last month

Riley and Danyle had everything covered on the day of the wedding, and I felt completely confident that they would make sure everything went according to plan. They made sure I was able to have a stress-free day and had anything I might need. They even brought an emergency kit filled with every supply you could think of.

Blue Mismatched Bridesmaids Wedding Dress Ideas | Groomsman Black Tuxedo and Matching Bowties Inspiration
Bride and Groom Romantic Kiss | St Petersburg Wedding Photographer Lifelong Photography
Bride and Groom Wedding Portrait | St Pete Beach Photographer Lifelong Photography | Venue The Don CeSar
Bride and Groom Wedding Portrait | St Pete Beach Photographer Lifelong Photography | Venue The Don CeSar

What did you look for in a wedding venue?

We wanted to be near the beach. We also decided to go with a resort so that we and our guests could stay on-site for the weekend.

When we toured venues, The Don CeSar blew us away. I didn't think we could find a prettier venue, and it had all the aspects that we were looking for. It is such an iconic place in the area with the beach, the elegance, and the timeless class providing the ultimate location. Wendy, our venue coordinator, was just amazing! She was always so willing to help and so sweet that she made sure we felt special during our tasting and our wedding weekend. There were also some extra touches like signature Don CeSar champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries waiting for us in our room after the wedding reception.”

Intimate Bride and Groom Veil Wedding Portrait | St Pete Photographer Lifelong Photography | Hair and Makeup Femme Akoi Beauty Studio
Romantic Bride and Groom Wedding Portrait | St Pete Photographer Lifelong Photography | Venue The Don CeSar | Planner Elegant Affairs by Design

What did you look for in a wedding photographer?

Tyler and I aren't ones to know what to do during a photo shoot, so we were looking for a photographer who not only matched the style we were looking for but someone who made us feel comfortable and could put us in good positions for the pictures.

I loved Lifelong Photography Studio's portfolio. They capture couples' personalities and affection for one another while also taking gorgeous shots. Our main photographer, Gabrielle, is one of the sweetest people I have ever met. She did our engagement photos and was willing to drive out-of-town to Boca Grande for the shoot. She even stayed over an hour later than the allotted time for our engagement shoot to make sure we had all the pictures we wanted in multiple locations. We instantly felt like friends, and I was completely at ease looking forward to her photographing us again on our wedding day. One of the photographers at our wedding (also named Allison) actually used her sweater to wipe the sand off my feet after taking our beach photos. It was such a kind gesture that far exceeded her role as a photographer, but that speaks to their commitment to the bride and groom's happiness on their wedding day.

Bride and Groom Evening Beach Wedding Portrait | St Pete Photographer Lifelong Photography | Venue The Don CeSar

Where did you spend your honeymoon?
Hawaii. We had always dreamed of going and wanted a honeymoon where we could relax and just enjoy each other's company. What better place than some of the most beautiful beaches in the world! We also love the outdoors and hiking, and Hawaii checked all of those boxes for us.

Where did you host your bachelorette party?
Austin, TX. I had been once before and had a blast. It has so many options for things to do and places to drink. We were able to enjoy a nice combination of bar hopping, outdoor activities, and hanging out in our cute Airbnb!

King Charles Ballroom Wedding Reception | St Pete Venue Don CeSar
King Charles Ballroom Wedding Reception | St Pete Venue Don CeSar
Classic Tall Gold Column Vases with White Roses and Snapdragon with Greenery Floral Centerpiece Ideas | Tampa Bay Florist Bruce Wayne Florals
Classic Wedding Reception Table Decor Ideas | Gold Frame Table Numbers Inspiration | White Rose and Snapdragon With Greenery Centerpieces | St Pete Florist Bruce Wayne Florals
Classic Four-Tiered Sky Blue Ribbon and Marbling with Gold Foil and Real Flowers Wedding Cake | Tampa Bay Cake Company

What did you look for in a wedding bakery?

My wedding planner recommended that I look into Tampa Bay Cake Company. Their cakes looked beautiful, and after reaching out to them, the owner, Emily Lopez, got back to me right away. She was very friendly and offered sketches of the details we discussed for the cake, as well as suggestions.

Since we weren't living in Tampa at the time, we were able to have cake samples shipped to us, and they were all delicious! Emily is so talented, and not only was my wedding cake perfect, she made an awesome personalized groom's cake for us.

Personalized Three-Tiered University of Florida Alma Mater Groom's Wedding Reception Cake Inspiration | Tampa Bay Cake Company
Bride and Groom Wedding Reception First Dance | St Petersburg DJ Grant Hemond and Associates

What did you look for in a wedding DJ?

We were looking for a DJ who would ensure our guests had a great time. We love dancing at weddings and believe that the music choices make a big difference in the atmosphere.

After filling out a form of our likes and dislikes, Grant Hemond & Associates paired us with a DJ who was similar to us in age and style. Joseph was just perfect and was able to turn our song recommendations into an awesome playlist for the night. He was also able to come up with a list of what I had in mind during the ceremony and cocktail hour. He was a lot of fun and worked well with our other vendors for the timeline.

Watercolor Painting of Iconic St Pete Wedding Venue Don CeSar Guest Book Ideas

What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Start planning early and try to enjoy yourselves! The day goes by so quickly, and you want to soak up every second of it.

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Quotes have been lightly edited for clarity and brevity.

Vendor Credits

 

  • Dress and Bridesmaid Attire
  • Azazie

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