Isabel and Anthony
“I wanted to incorporate soft florals, classic elements, and the lightness of springtime. I’ve always loved the beauty of spring, with its fresh blooms and new beginnings, and I wanted that to be reflected in the florals and the overall atmosphere of our wedding. We chose various shades of blue. I love mismatched bridesmaids dresses! I debated adding more colors to the color scheme, but decided upon keeping it simple. I’m so glad I did because the monochromatic color scheme really tied the whole wedding together.” -The Bride
FEATURING
Isabel and Anthony’s downtown Tampa wedding was a timeless fete filled with neutral white flora accented with pastel blue blooms and elegant gold accents. The pair exchanged vows in a traditional Catholic ceremony surrounded by loved ones, before hosting a dinner reception in the ballroom of a luxurious historic hotel.
“I wanted to incorporate soft florals, classic elements, and the lightness of springtime. I’ve always loved the beauty of spring, with its fresh blooms and new beginnings, and I wanted that to be reflected in the florals and the overall atmosphere of our wedding,” the bride deatiled. “We chose various shades of blue. I love mismatched bridesmaids dresses! I debated adding more colors to the color scheme, but decided upon keeping it simple. I’m so glad I did because the monochromatic color scheme really tied the whole wedding together.”
The Pennsylvania bride turned to Marry Me Tampa Bay to aid her destination planning process for their 90-guest spring celebration.
“We recently moved to Allentown, PA but we met in Tampa and it holds a special place in our hearts. We wanted to get married in Tampa because it holds so many memories for us, and it’s a great location for all our out of town friends to travel to,” Isabel explained. “I spent a lot of time researching and came across great ideas on Marry Me Tampa Bay on both the website and Instagram! It’s a fabulous place for inspiration and seeing how all the different elements of a wedding translate on the big day.”
The couple sought a downtown Tampa wedding venue with classic ambiance and charm to complement their traditional Catholic cathedral ceremony. The architectural details of Le Méridien Tampa, along with its impressive service and attentive staff, made for a stellar experience from start to finish.
“We wanted a historic venue that would fit our guests comfortably and provide a beautiful atmosphere for our wedding. I didn’t want to spend too much time and money on decorations that would end up in the trash after the wedding, so I wanted a venue that would carry the theme and ambience on its own. We fell in love with the Le Méridien space itself, but the service sealed the deal!” Isabel raved. “They made it so easy, providing catering, linens, chairs, tables, decor, and accomodations. Everyone we worked with was so kind and helpful and made the process stress free! Heather DiGiulio their event coordinator, is the best!”
The ballroom featured classic white linens and chic gold chiavari chairs to complement the timeless architecture. Tables were adorned with patterned blue and white vases filled with periwinkle hydrangea, ivory roses and stock, and blue thistle accented with greenery.
“Our venues had so much character and charm on their own, so I truly believe they stole the show,” Isabel articulated. “The florals added the finishing touch, making the final vision bloom to life.
The pair prioritized a stress-free celebration that embodied their taste for timeless elements rather than trendy details, opting only for one single splurge item for their send off that evening.
“Our wedding was the perfect blend of both of our personalities. We are both old souls and our wedding felt like stepping into another world. We both agreed we wanted a classic, stress-free day, without too much fuss, and we planned the day accordingly,” the bride detailed. “The only ‘extra’ thing we splurged on was our getaway car; Nothing beats pulling up to the iconic Le Meridien steps in a Rolls Royce!”
An surprise guest interrupted the wedding ceremony and reminded everyone that they were in the heart of Ybor City, creating a core memory for the couple.
“An odd detail that I’ll never forget was when, during a quiet moment during the church ceremony, an Ybor rooster chose to make his presence known, very loudly, might I add! What a truly Tampa moment!” the bride joked.
Where did you spend your honeymoon?
Charleston, South Carolina. It is a beautiful city with a vibrant history, fabulous food, and southern charm. We loved it!
Where did you host your bachelorette party?
St. Petersburg. Many of them are from the Midwest, so coming to Florida in winter was a blast! We spent our time lying on the beach, going out and dancing, singing our hearts out at our own private karaoke room, and going out to an afternoon tea party!
The Proposal:
Anthony proposed in a beautiful rose garden in Allentown, PA. It was a truly special moment and a perfect setting. He proposed with a beautiful princess Diana-esque sapphire, and I was wearing a blue and white floral dress. His friend took photos of us among the roses and hydrangeas. I drew a lot of inspiration for our wedding from these photos, and used them in our invitations!
What did you look for in a wedding venue?
We wanted a historic venue that would fit our guests comfortably and provide a beautiful atmosphere for our wedding. I didn’t want to spend too much time and money on decorations that would end up in the trash after the wedding, so I wanted a venue that would carry the theme and ambience on its own.
We fell in love with the Le Méridien space itself, but the service sealed the deal! They made it so easy, providing catering, linens, chairs, tables, decor, and accomodations. Everyone we worked with was so kind and helpful and made the process stress free! Heather DiGiulio their event coordinator, is the best!
How would you describe your theme?
I wanted to incorporate soft florals, classic elements, and the lightness of springtime. I’ve always loved the beauty of spring, with its fresh blooms and new beginnings, and I wanted that to be reflected in the florals and the overall atmosphere of our wedding.
What were your colors?
We chose various shades of blue. I love mismatched bridesmaids dresses! I debated adding more colors to the color scheme, but decided upon keeping it simple. I’m so glad I did because the monochromatic color scheme really tied the whole wedding together.
Which vendors exceeded your expectations?
We had so many compliments for DJ Nalisio. He played the saxophone during cocktail hour and kept the dance floor going until the very end! There truly wasn’t a dull moment!
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
March is a perfect time in Tampa to get married, warm enough to lure the out-of-town crowd, yet not too hot to melt your makeup off your face! Tampa is a hub for weddings, and there are so many excellent vendors to fit your style and budget. Just be sure to do your research and ask questions. Most of all, stay true to yourselves and everything will fall into place!
