Wedding

Classic, Elegant White and Pink Garden Wedding | Southern Hills Plantation Club

Sarasota Bridal Show Nuovo Bride | April 2019

Erica and Thomas' charming Spring Hill wedding embodied classic elegance with soft whimsical details, gorgeous floral centerpieces, and a magical sparkler sendoff.

“We really wanted to capture our vision of a classic yet elegant celebration,” the bride explained. “Choosing our color palette of biscotti, petal pink, and navy blue, was an easy choice. The colors perfectly tied together our whole theme.”

MORE: CLASSIC WEDDING INSPIRATION

To plan for her big day, Erica researched wedding venues and looked for decor inspiration on Marry Me Tampa Bay.

“Marry Me Tampa Bay was a great resource when it came to learning more about different venues in the area and gaining inspiration for my big day. I especially enjoyed seeing how other brides captured their own style and ideas through some of the wedding features,” the bride shared.

Envisioning the perfect dress for her wedding day, the bride turned to Tampa Bay bridal shop, Truly Forever Bridal, for something that was eye-catching yet modern.

Truly Forever Bridal was perfect when it came to picking out my wedding dress. They did an excellent job of helping me find exactly what I was looking for,” the bride beamed. “Without a doubt my gorgeous open back wedding dress truly made me feel special.”

LEARN MORE ABOUT TRULY FOREVER BRIDAL | EMAIL 

Finding a wedding DJ and lighting expert who catered to a variety of needs was a priority for Erica and Thomas.

“Mike with Spark Weddings (formerly Nature Coast Entertainment) was professional, helpful, and absolutely amazing,” the bride gushed. “Everything from the music to the uplighting to the photo booth and sparkler send-off was everything we expected and more! Mike played a great mix of music and the live instruments during our reception were beautiful. Ending the night with the sparkler sendoff was so fun and magical! Definitely a great time.”

LEARN MORE ABOUT SPARK WEDDINGS | EMAIL

Looking back at their timeless celebration, the bride and groom cherished having their furry friend alongside them.

“Having our dog brought to the venue to take some pictures with us was so memorable for us! She is our puppy child so even though she couldn’t be there during the wedding it was great to get a few minutes with her on our big day!” Erica reminisced.

Florida Bride Wedding Portrait, Teardrop Diamond Necklace, V Neckline Lace and Illusion Rhinestone Spaghetti Strap Wedding Dress | Tampa Bay Wedding Dress Shop Truly Forever Bridal

Florida Bride Getting Ready Wedding Portrait, Open Back Rhinestone Spaghetti Strap, Lace and Illusion Wedding Dress with Long Hanging Necklace | Tampa Bay Wedding Dress Shop Truly Forever Bridal

What was your wedding dress inspiration?
My wedding dress was inspired by the classic elegance of our venue with a perfect open back and a touch of bling.

I want to learn more about wedding attire from Truly Forever Bridal

Book with confidence. Truly Forever Bridal is a trusted Marry Me Tampa Bay preferred wedding pro. Powered by ConvertKit

Truly Forever Bridal was perfect when it came to picking out my wedding dress. They did an excellent job of helping me find exactly what I was looking for. Without a doubt my gorgeous open back wedding dress truly made me feel special.

Florida Bride Getting Ready Wedding Portrait with Bridesmaids | Tampa Bay Wedding Dress Shop Truly Forever Bridal

Florida Bride and Groom First Look Wedding Portrait

Wedding Ceremony Decor, Ivory Hydrangeas, Blush Pink Flowers, Greenery and Wooden Branches Arch

Golf Course Wedding Ceremony Decor, White Folding Chairs, White Pedestals, Circular Wooden Branches Ceremony Arch with Ivory and Blush Pink Flowers | Tampa Bay Wedding Venue Southern Hills Plantation Club

Florida Outdoor Wedding Ceremony Decor, White Folding Chairs with Round White Floral Hanging Bouquets

Outdoor Wedding Ceremony Decor, White Hydrangeas, Roses, Greenery Flowers in White Vase

Florida Bride and Groom Wedding Ceremony Portrait, Circular Tree Branch Ceremony Arch with Blush Pink, Ivory and Greenery Flowers

Florida Bride and Groom Wedding Ceremony Exit Portrait | Tampa Bay Wedding Dress Shop Truly Forever Bridal

The Proposal:
Thomas proposed at the Sugar Sand Festival on Clearwater Beach! We went with my best friend and her significant other to look at the sculptures, but after walking through the main tent, we went to the back for more sculptures. We walked up to a photographer who brought us to a sand sculpture that said, “Erica Ann Yunka, will you marry me?” Thomas even had our family and close friends there to be a part of the perfect proposal!

Tampa Bay Bride and Groom Intimate Creative Outdoor Wedding Portrait Under Veil | Wedding Dress Shop Truly Forever Bridal

Outdoor Wedding Dog Portrait with Flower Collar

Tampa Bay Wedding Planning Advice Group

Elegant Ballroom Wedding Reception Decor, Long Tables with Silver Chiavari Chairs and Blush Pink Sashes, Blush Pink Table Runner, Tall Glass Cylinder Vase with White and Greenery Flower Centerpieces, Navy Blue Linens and Monogram | Brooksville Golf Course Wedding Venue Southern Hills Plantation Club | GOBO Lighting Spark Weddings

Elegant Wedding Reception Decor, Tall Glass Cylinder Vase with White Hydrangeas, Dusty Miller, Ivory Roses and Greenery Leaves Flower Centerpiece

How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
Classic and elegant. Our venue was truly the inspiration, with the beautiful rolling hills of the golf course and timeless room decor.

What were your colors?
Biscotti, petal pink, and navy blue. These colors perfectly complemented our timeless yet elegant theme.

Elegant Wedding Reception Decor, Long Table with Silver Chiavari Chairs and Blush Pink Sashes, Silver Chargers and Navy Blue Lines, Low White Hydrangeas, Blush Pink Roses and Greenery Flower Centerpieces, Blush Pink Table Runner | Brooksville Golf Course Wedding Venue Southern Hills Plantation Club

Silver Key Bottle Opener Wedding Favor

Elegant Ballroom Wedding Reception Decor, Tall Glass Cylinder Vase with White Hydrangeas, Dusty Miller, Blush Pink and Ivory Roses and Silver Dollar Eucalyptus Greenery Leaves Flower Centerpiece

Elegant Four Tier Wedding Cake, Two Ruffle White Layers and Two Pale Gold Layers with Hand Drawn Design, Custom Laser Cut Cake Topper | Pinspot Lighting Spark Weddings

Elegant Four Tier Wedding Cake, Two Ruffle White Layers and Two Pale Gold Layers with Hand Drawn Design, Custom Laser Cut Cake Topper

Pear Shaped with Halo Diamond Engagement Ring and Groom Wedding Ring Portrait

Tampa Bay Bride and Groom Nighttime Outdoor Wedding Portrait with Sparkler Fountain by Spark Weddings

What did you look for in a wedding entertainment/lighting?
We wanted someone who was able to do it all!

I want to learn more about DJ/Lighting/Photo Booth rentals from Spark Wedding Events.

Book with confidence. Spark Wedding Events is a trusted Marry Me Tampa Bay preferred wedding pro. Powered by ConvertKit

Mike with Spark Weddings (formerly Nature Coast Entertainment) was professional, helpful, and absolutely amazing. Everything from the music to the uplighting to the photo booth and sparkler send-off was everything we expected and more! Mike played a great mix of music and the live instruments during our reception were beautiful. Ending the night with the sparkler sendoff was so fun and magical! Definitely a great time.

Tampa Bay Bride and Groom Nighttime Outdoor Wedding Portrait with Sparkler Fountain by Spark Weddings

What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
There are so many beautiful venues in Florida to fit everyone’s needs and wants. With a little bit of time and research, finding your own perfect venue isn't are hard as it seems!

Ceremony and Reception Venue, Caterer: Southern Hills Plantation Club
Photographer: Napoleoni Photography
Videographer: Alexandra Jane Gagnon
Planner: Frances Hamlett
Florist: Westover’s Flowers & Gifts
Men's Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
Cake: Gia’s Cakes & Goodies
DJ, Indoor Lighting and Sparkler Fountains: Spark Weddings *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Officiant: Blake Myers
Invitations: Elegant Wedding Invites
Dress Shop: Truly Forever Bridal *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Bridesmaid Dress Shop and Designer: David’s Bridal
Hair & Makeup: Ciao Bella at Southern Hills
Rentals: Elegant Events Party Rentals




Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pros

Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pros are highly respected by our local wedding community and have been personally vetted by our editor.