Katie and Brandon
The Vinoy
“I really wanted an all-white wedding that was clean, timeless, and classic. We chose white, ivory, and gold as our wedding colors to create a timeless, elegant aesthetic. These tones have a classic beauty that never goes out of style. The color palette felt both traditional and effortlessly graceful, exactly the atmosphere I envisioned for my wedding day.” -The Bride
FEATURING
Katie and Brandon ’s classic St. Petersburg wedding was a timeless celebration of love, elegance, and deeply personal meaning set against the iconic backdrop of a historic venue. An all-white floral design layered with lush, textural blooms, soft candlelight, and refined gold accents created an atmosphere that felt both ethereal and grand, perfectly complementing the luxurious waterfront setting. From the emotional tributes woven throughout the day to the high-energy celebration led by a live band, every detail invited guests into a wedding that was as heartfelt as it was unforgettable.
“The elements of our wedding that mattered most to us were those that made the day feel authentically ‘us’ and reflected the love we share. Equally important was ensuring that our guests had an amazing time. Each element was carefully selected to combine elegance, fun, and intimacy, creating a day that was joyful, heartfelt, and unforgettable for both us and everyone we love,” the bride explained. “What made our wedding truly unique was how personal and meaningful it felt—every detail reflected who we are as a couple. We wanted the day to be timeless and elegant, but also filled with heartfelt touches that told our story.”
The Bach Party & Honeymoon
“I went to Park City, Utah, for my bachelorette party; the theme was ‘Apres Kate.’ My husband and I spent a lot of time in Park City throughout our relationship and really love it there. I wanted to bring all my best friends out there to share one of my favorite places with them.
We spent our honeymoon exploring the breathtaking beauty of Italy, visiting Portofino, Tuscany, and Florence. We chose this destination because we wanted a trip that combined romance, culture, and unforgettable scenery—a perfect way to celebrate the start of our marriage. Portofino was stunning, with its colorful harbor and charming streets, offering the perfect mix of relaxation and picturesque views. Tuscany stole our hearts with its rolling hills, vineyards, and timeless countryside, creating a serene and romantic atmosphere that felt like a dream. The trip was an unforgettable way to connect, celebrate, and create memories together, perfectly reflecting our love for adventure and each other.”
Most Memorable Moments
“There were so many unforgettable moments from our wedding day, but a few stand out as truly extraordinary. Before the ceremony began, we released butterflies in honor of my mom, a deeply meaningful tribute that felt both peaceful and full of love. Watching the butterflies take flight was emotional and beautiful—it felt like a gentle reminder that she was with us in spirit, sharing in our joy. I grew up going to the Vinoy for staycations with my mom, who passed away in December 2022. The Vinoy is a special place for us, and I really felt my mom’s presence there.
We’ll never forget exchanging our vows. Standing together, surrounded by our loved ones, and speaking the promises we had written from the heart was intimate and powerful. It was the moment everything else faded away, and it was just the two of us, fully present in the meaning of the day.
As Florida Gator fans, we couldn’t have scripted a better surprise than the Gators winning the Final Four on our wedding day! The celebration that followed was electric—cheers, laughter, and pure excitement filled the room. It added such a fun, spontaneous energy to an already perfect day.”
The Proposal
“Our proposal was so special, intimate, meaningful, and full of love. Brandon planned something deeply personal and thoughtful, choosing to propose at his parents’ home, a place that already held so many special memories for us
Before he proposed, Brandon did something that touched my heart more than words can express. He had written letters to my mom, dad, and brother, who have all passed away, asking each of them for their blessing. After he got down on one knee and I said yes, we took a quiet moment together to release three balloons into the sky—one for each of them. Watching those balloons rise against the sunset felt like they were right there with us, celebrating from above.
It was a proposal that was not only romantic but profoundly meaningful—a perfect blend of love, remembrance, and new beginnings.”
The Planning
Parties A La Carte
“When choosing a wedding planner, it was important for us to find someone whose personality, style, and communication approach aligned with our vision and values.
We chose Parties A La Carte as our wedding planner because from the very first meeting, we knew we were in the best hands. Jessica Ralph and her entire team were absolutely amazing—professional, creative, and incredibly attentive to every detail. They took the time to truly understand our vision and brought it to life flawlessly, combining elegance, organization, and warmth in everything they did.
Throughout the planning process, they went above and beyond to make sure every element of our day was seamless and stress-free. Whether it was managing timelines, coordinating vendors, or perfecting every aesthetic touch, their dedication and care made all the difference. We could fully relax and enjoy the experience, knowing Jessica and her team had everything handled. Choosing Parties A La Carte was hands down one of the best decisions we made—they turned our dream wedding into a reality that exceeded every expectation.”
“Katie and Brandon’s wedding day was a beautiful reflection of their story and style, beginning with a romantic Tea Garden ceremony and flowing seamlessly into an elegant Grand Ballroom reception at The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club. The space was layered in lush florals that felt timeless and classic, while soft white tones paired with shimmering gold accents created an effortless sense of luxury. Every detail was thoughtfully curated, resulting in a celebration that felt refined, warm, and personalized. It was truly a joy working alongside Katie and Brandon and their family throughout the planning process. Seeing their vision come to life was incredibly special, and the sweetest bonus of all was including their beloved dog, Booger!” -Jessica Ralph Bova, Parties A’La Carte
The Pet Planning
FairyTail Pet Care
“We chose to include our 3-year-old English bulldog, Booger, in our wedding because he is truly part of our family. From the moment he came into our lives, he’s brought so much love, joy, and personality into our home, and it felt natural to have him share in one of the most important days of our lives. Including Booger made the day even more special and personal, reminding us of the love and connection that extends beyond just the two of us.
We were so grateful to FairyTail Petcare, who took incredible care of him throughout the day, ensuring he was happy, safe, and part of the celebration in the sweetest way. Having him there made our wedding feel complete—it wouldn’t have been the same without our beloved furry family member by our side.”
The Design & Details
“I really wanted an all-white wedding that was clean, timeless, and classic. We chose white, ivory, and gold as our wedding colors to create a timeless, elegant aesthetic. These tones have a classic beauty that never goes out of style. The color palette felt both traditional and effortlessly graceful-exactly the atmosphere I envisioned for my wedding day.
We wanted our wedding to feel like us—a reflection of who we are as a couple—so we made sure to include personal touches throughout the day. As proud Florida Gator fans, we found fun, subtle ways to celebrate our shared passion. We displayed a Florida Gator flag to honor their Final Four victory and added gold Gator accents at the bar as a playful nod to our team spirit, all while staying within our elegant color palette.
Music and dancing have always been a big part of our relationship, so having a live band was a must. It brought incredible energy to the celebration, making the night feel vibrant and joyful—exactly the atmosphere we wanted for our guests and ourselves. Every detail came together to create a day that was timeless, elegant, and unmistakably ours.”
The Florist
Bruce Wayne Florals
“I didn’t know what to look for in a florist, which is why it was so helpful to have Parties A la Carte there to guide us and recommend trusted vendors.
We found our florist, Bruce Wayne Florals, through our wedding planner. They far exceeded our expectations, creating stunning floral arrangements. Our guests couldn’t stop talking about how gorgeous the florals were, and we still find ourselves looking back at photos in awe. Bruce Wayne Florals didn’t just provide flowers—they helped create the enchanting, elegant setting we had always dreamed of.”
“It was an absolute honor to design the floral story for Katie and Brandon’s wedding. The couple envisioned a timeless, all-white palette, romantic, refined, and effortlessly elegant. We were inspired to bring that vision to life through lush, floral-heavy compositions with minimal foliage. Their day was filled with layers of soft, textural blooms, including sweet peas, ranunculus, roses, spray roses, delphinium, lisianthus, hydrangea, and stock, each chosen for its delicate movement and ability to create depth within a monochromatic design. Crafting an atmosphere that felt both ethereal and luxurious was a true joy. From the ceremony arch to the intimate accent pieces, every arrangement was created with intention, ensuring the space felt cohesive, inviting, and deeply personal to the couple. We are incredibly grateful to have been trusted with such a meaningful part of their wedding day and to collaborate alongside the wonderful planning team at Parties A La Carte, who helped bring every detail to life. Seeing the couple and their guests experience the florals with such joy was the greatest gift of all.” – John Elice of Bruce Wayne Florals
Which vendors really exceeded your expectations?
I truly felt all of our vendors were phenomenal; however, our florist, Bruce Wayne Florals, truly exceeded every expectation we had. From our very first meeting, their team understood our vision perfectly and brought it to life in the most breathtaking way. We wanted a design that felt timeless, elegant, and romantic, and they captured that beautifully through every arrangement—from the ceremony arch and centerpieces to the smallest floral accents. Every detail was thoughtful and cohesive, with stunning blooms that added warmth, texture, and a sense of luxury to the entire day. Their creativity, professionalism, and passion for their craft were evident in everything they did. They went above and beyond, ensuring every petal was perfectly placed and that the overall atmosphere felt magical.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Every bit of effort is absolutely worth it. The planning process can feel overwhelming at times, but when the day finally arrives, and you’re surrounded by the people you love, celebrating the start of your forever—it’s pure magic. Every detail comes together in a way that makes all the time, energy, and emotion completely worthwhile.
Hire an amazing wedding planner. Having Parties A La Carte by our side made all the difference. So to future couples—enjoy the journey, trust your team, and soak in every second. Your wedding day will be one of the most special moments of your life, and it’s absolutely worth it.
