Alex and Riley
Academy of the Holy Names/Tampa Garden Club
“We chose a spring and classic theme. I wanted lighter and brighter colors with a classy, timeless feel. Our colors were light and dusty blue, peach, greenery, and white with accents of gold. I love those color combinations, and we love gold, so we wanted to select a palette that would be complementary and reflective of pastels and spring vibes.” -The Bride
FEATURING
Alex and Riley’s classic, romantic Tampa wedding began with a traditional Catholic ceremony followed by a beautiful indoor reception. The February celebration welcomed 150 of their closest family and friends for a spring-inspired Florida celebration featuring romantic garden roses, ranunculus, delphinium, and hydrangeas, along with stylish bow-tie napkins and gold-accented tablescapes. The newlyweds spent their Valentine’s Day evening filling the dance floor with family and friends.
“The ceremony was the most important part for us. Getting to celebrate the marriage with a full Catholic wedding and enjoying that moment together was so special,” the bride shared. “We infused the wedding with small details, everything we love, and aspects that were special to us so we could make it unique, like the songs we danced to, the puzzle piece guest book, the mirror for guests to take pictures, and other special touches.”
The Bach Party & Honeymoon
“We did a partially combined bachelor/bachelorette trip to Orlando. We both love Orlando and wanted to be close to each other and near a lot of fun things to do.
We are planning to visit Japan for our honeymoon. We both want to visit, and are very excited to make that trip!”
The Florals
Monarch Events and Design
“We love hydrangeas, so we wanted to make sure that was incorporated.
Monarch Events and Design were recommended by our wedding planner, and after meeting with them, we did not want to work with anyone else. Their service was amazing!”
The Proposal
“Riley proposed on Christmas Eve at a Christmas party in front of family and friends. Best Christmas gift ever!”
The Planning
Special Moments Event Planning
“We were looking at various factors when picking a wedding planner, including: affordability, services offered, good reviews, experience, familiarity with the area and vendors, someone that we clicked with, and good communication.
Special Moments Event Planning had everything we were looking for, and they were amazing to work with. I loved working with Tammy Waterman; she was wonderful every step of the way, and I would recommend them to anyone. I give them a 10 out of 10!”
The Design
“We chose a spring and classic theme. I wanted lighter and brighter colors with a classy, timeless feel.
Our colors were light and dusty blue, peach, greenery, and white with accents of gold. I love those color combinations, and we love gold, so we wanted to select a palette that would be complementary and reflective of pastels and spring vibes.”
From The Planner
“From the heartfelt ceremony at the church where Alex once walked the halls as a student, to the stunning reception at the Tampa Garden Club, every detail of Alex and Riley’s Valentine’s Day wedding felt incredibly meaningful. Their love for one another was so genuine, sweet, and undeniable — truly one of the kindest and cutest couples we’ve ever had the joy of working with.
Alex looked absolutely stunning, while the soft peach and blue color palette brought a romantic, timeless feel to the reception design. The bow tie napkins made such a fun and stylish statement, tying everything together perfectly. Planning this beautiful celebration alongside Alex and Riley was such an honor and so much fun from beginning to end.”
—Tammy Waterman, Special Moments Event Planning
From The Florist
“Alex and Riley’s wedding was stunning. Their style was a sophisticated design featuring soft colors of light blue, white, and peach with greenery to complete the design. The inspiration for the floral design came from their vision for their flowers. We used romantic flowers, including garden roses, ranunculus, delphinium, and other varieties, to complete the style. It was an honor to work with Alex and Riley and be part of their wedding memories.”
—Jean King, Monarch Events and Design
The DJ
Grant Hemond & Associates
“We hired Grant Hemond & Associates on a friend’s recommendation. We wanted a DJ with great reviews and experience, and who came highly recommended. We greatly enjoyed having them at our wedding.”
“Our first dance was our most memorable moment! It was so special to share that moment as husband and wife.”
Which vendors really exceeded your expectations?
All of them! We loved the food; it was so good, and we were very happy with it.
What advice would you give to other Tampa couples?
Enjoy the moment while you are planning; even though it may seem stressful at times, you only get to experience this once, so enjoy it as much as you can.
