Jessie and Allen’s waterfront South Tampa wedding was an elegant affair featuring a classic color palette of white and china blue, with a tented reception adorned with lush flora accented by traditional chinoiserie pottery.
“Our wedding was classic, elegant, timeless, and most importantly, ‘Old Florida.’ I used ginger jars, a silver platter, and a magnolia tree to describe the wedding design. We chose this design to stay true to where we were raised,” the bride beamed. “Our colors included white, blues, and greenery with a tiny touch of gold.”
The local bride used Marry Me Tampa Bay for inspiration during the planning process for her February soirée. Many of the site’s preferred wedding vendors were a part of the wedding, from the planner and florist to the décor rentals and beauty team.
“I scrolled through the website for tips and ideas,” the bride shared. “Our top three most important elements about wedding planning were definitely the band, food, and bar! We really wanted it to be a party for everyone!”
The bride and groom turned to Karen Cerboni, owner of EventFull Weddings, to plan a memorable and enchanting evening for their 130 guests. As a busy professional, Jessie needed a responsive wedding planner who would give their magical day the necessary care and attention. With Karen’s detailed communication and thoughtful coordination, she exceeded all of the bride’s expectations.
“I definitely needed someone who was organized and full-service. My work schedule is crazy. I work in health care, and I never have enough time throughout the day to make phone calls or respond to emails,” the bride explained. “I was able to text Karen what I wanted, and she immediately went to work getting it done. I felt she had the time and passion to really care about the planning process. I wanted to hire a small business, and I never felt like I was just another wedding to her. Karen with EventFull Weddings was 100/10!”
The couple’s focus on food and music materialized through their live band and signature drink offerings, which added unique elements to the evening celebration. Espresso martinis and live music equal a recipe for a lively dance floor!
“We had a 13-piece band which is a lot bigger than most weddings,” Jessie revealed. “We also wanted a shorter ceremony and took all of our pictures before the ceremony so we could enjoy cocktail hour with our guests. And people really loved having espresso martinis!”
To bring her epic floral vision to life, Jessie relied on the talented team of creatives at Save The Date Florida. The florists worked their magic to deliver a WOW factor, with a mammoth floral chandelier suspended over the dance floor, which made for a jaw-dropping focal point at the elegant tented reception.
“I looked for a florist who understood my vision but at the same time had enough experience to offer suggestions on taking it to the next level!” the bride articulated. “Danielle Zechmann with Save The Date Florida was amazing at communicating and a pleasure to work with. She was confident she could make a large floral chandelier to go over the dance floor and a continuous centerpiece for the head table. It took 275 hydrangeas to make!”
To accent her showstopping florals, Jessie incorporated gold Chiavari chairs, uplighting, white wood bars, and elegant draping from Gabro Event Services to complete her look.
The wedding day began as a sunny tranquil morning and ended with a lively dance party with the bride and groom surrounded by their closest friends and family; memories that Jessie says are truly unforgettable.
“I’ll never forget how calm the morning of was! I had both of my sisters as my maid and matron of honor. No one had to wake up super early to get ready. We were able to sit down and have breakfast and lunch together. It was a really nice hangout time,” the bride reminisced. “Plus, it was the most perfect day to have a wedding outside and reception under the tent. In Florida, you always take a gamble planning something outside. We could not have been any luckier with the weather. The most memorable part of the day was how great the reception was; everyone was on the dance floor having a blast.”
What was your wedding hair and makeup inspiration?
I love the Hollywood glam look. I hired Christine with Femme Akoi Beauty Studio specifically because she had worked with a couple of my friends for their weddings and looked amazing.
The Proposal:
It was the day before my 30th birthday. We were staying on Anna Maria Island for the week. Allen asked me while sitting on the beach at Bean Point. It was so private and laid back, which is exactly how we are.
How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
Classic, elegant, timeless, and most importantly, ‘Old Florida.’ I used ginger jars, a silver platter, and a magnolia tree to describe the wedding design. We chose this design to stay true to where we were raised.
What did you look for in a wedding planner?
I definitely needed someone who was organized and full-service. My work schedule is crazy. I work in health care, and I never have enough time throughout the day to make phone calls or respond to emails.
I was able to text Karen Cerboni, owner of EventFull Weddings, what I wanted, and she immediately went to work getting it done. I felt she had the time and passion to really care about the planning process. I wanted to hire a small business, and I never felt like I was just another wedding to her. Karen was 100/10!
“Danielle Zechmann with Save The Date Florida was amazing at communicating and a pleasure to work with. She was confident she could make a large floral chandelier to go over the dance floor and a continuous centerpiece for the head table. It took 275 hydrangeas to make!”
-The Bride
What did you look for in a wedding florist?
I looked for a florist who understood my vision but at the same time had enough experience to offer suggestions on taking it to the next level!
Danielle Zechmann with Save The Date Florida was amazing at communicating and a pleasure to work with. She was confident she could make a large floral chandelier to go over the dance floor and a continuous centerpiece for the head table. It took 275 hydrangeas to make!
-The Bride
I felt Karen of EventFull Weddings, had the time and passion to really care about the planning process. I wanted to hire a small business, and I never felt like I was just another wedding to her. She was 100/10!”
What did you look for in a wedding rental company?
I used Gabro Event Services because they came highly recommended by EventFull Weddings and Tampa Yacht and Country Club.
Where did you spend your honeymoon?
We are planning a two-week Europe trip!
Which vendors really exceeded your expectations?
The band! Everyone loved the music the whole night. Our venue made the planning process so easy and accommodated every request we had! Our planner, EventFull Weddings understood my style and made the planning process easy.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Spend the money on entertainment. It makes a huge difference. Don’t sweat the little things. No one will remember if you had a chalice versus a goblet on their table, but they will remember how fun the party was!
