Stef and Justin
Opal Sands RESORT & SPA
“Our wedding theme was coastal boho chic. We love the coastal vibe and are definitely more of the laid-back type, hence the boho. We aimed for a beach wedding that did not feel like your standard one. We wanted something a bit more unique. Our colors were dusty blue, white, and silver. They are my favorite colors, and they also matched the coastal theme.” -The Bride
FEATURING
Stef and Justin’s coastal Clearwater Beach wedding at Opal Sands blended boho ease with a polished seaside aesthetic, where dusty blue, white, and soft silver details mirrored the Gulf waters. Thoughtfully layered textures and elevated rentals paired with crisp linens created a setting that felt both relaxed and intentionally styled, without being overly beachy. The design leaned into an unfussy, guest-centered experience, trading tradition for a high-energy, four-hour dance party that kept the celebration feeling personal and alive. Every element, from the open, light-filled venue to the seamless flow of the evening, reflected a wedding that was less about formality and more about atmosphere, connection, and coastal beauty.
“The entire day was a dream come true. I was never a girl who dreamed of her perfect wedding day, but I could not have asked for a more perfect day to celebrate the love I have for Justin and the love he has for me,” the bride beamed. “We kept things simple and wanted the day to feel as chill and casual as we are. We did not want any fuss. We just wanted to have a good time with the people that matter most to us, and we really cared about everyone having fun. Our four-hour dance party was not the norm for a wedding and definitely surprised many of our guests, especially since we did not do many of the traditional wedding things. We wanted a dance party, which is exactly what we got.”
The Dress
Truly Forever Bridal
“I had attended a few industry networking events at Truly Forever Bridal and loved how friendly and welcoming the staff was.
My dress was actually totally different than what I imagined. I had envisioned plain and beachy, but tried this one on and knew it was meant to be.”
The Hair & Makeup
Adore Bridal
“I was going for the boho look. Based on what I was looking for, my planner suggested Adore Bridal.
After my trial, I was sold. They took my inspiration pictures and turned them into reality. My hair could not have been more me. On the wedding day, I truly felt like a mermaid bride.”
The Proposal
“It was a dream come true to say the least. We initially met on Hinge and matched on ‘sunset boat rides.’ The Hamilton family invited my parents down to Key West for the first time for Thanksgiving. We had a great holiday with the family, and then on Black Friday, Justin and I showed my parents around town by bar hopping.
After a few drinks, Justin asked if I wanted to go on a sunset boat ride. He took me out, anchored, and then brought out a picnic basket with champagne and snacks. It was so cute. Right after seeing the basket, he gave me another package. I opened it, and it was a sweatshirt that said wifey. I looked at him and said, ‘I don’t get it,’ and then he got down on one knee. I was beside myself. Once he was done talking, I spun in a circle, hands to my mouth, and asked if I could put the ring on. His response was, ‘So is that a yes?’ We boated back to his parents’ house, where the entire family, including my parents, was waiting to celebrate. It was absolutely magical.”
The Bach Party & Honeymoon
“I hosted my bachelorette on Clearwater Beach. I rented an Airbnb and made it an open-house style weekend. All of my friends lead busy lives, so I wanted to make it easy for people to pop in and celebrate on their own time.
We honeymooned in Hawaii. We are big beachgoers and had talked about vacationing there prior to getting engaged. It only made sense to make that our destination after tying the knot.”
The Venue
Opal Sands Resort & Spa
“We wanted a beach wedding without the sand. I had been going to Opal Sands Resort & Spa with my parents for years; it was actually the first place they took me when I moved from Chicago, so I suggested to Justin that we set up a tour.
As soon as the tour concluded, our decision was made. It truly felt like the perfect fit. Opal Sands was our vision brought to life. Jenna Arnal and the entire Opal Sands team bent over backwards to ensure our day was exactly what we wanted it to be. We cannot say enough great things.”
The Planning
Wilder Mind Events
“We wanted someone fun who did not take the planning process too seriously and was open to making the day feel like us. I have worked with and followed Wilder Mind Events on social media for several years and absolutely love their vibe. They are creatives to the core, and I was certain they would bring our vision to life in ways I could not even begin to imagine, which they did.
We were a pretty hands-off couple, and we truly turned it all over to Delaney Driver and her team. We were thrilled with everything they suggested and did for us. We could not be more grateful for their help and support throughout the planning process. Delaney and team are the GOAT.”
The Ceremony
Laurie Chandler Celebrant
“We wanted someone who could explain our story and love in a sentimental and comedic way. We wanted our ceremony to exemplify us and who we are, not too stuffy or serious. There is no one better than Laurie Chandler Celebrant.
Our wedding planner sent us a list of her favorite officiants and suggested that we reach out to Laurie based on our personalities. We did one phone call with her and knew the search was over. We had her on speaker phone and just kept looking at each other like, ‘Are you kidding me? She is perfect.’ There is no one more kind, warm, personable, and understanding than Laurie Chandler.”
The Photography
Lifelong Photography Studio
“We wanted to work with someone who was lively and energetic, someone who would bring energy into our day. We also wanted someone who could capture us naturally, as neither of us does well with posed or forced photos.
I have worked with Lifelong Photography Studio for several years and did not hesitate to select a photographer. They did not disappoint. Gabrielle and Tina absolutely knocked it out of the park. 10 out of 10 recommend them to any couple getting married in the Tampa Bay Area.”
The Signage
madWOLFE Designs
“My planner, Delaney, and Madison from madWOLFE Designs work hand in hand almost every weekend. Given my trust in Delaney, I had no doubt that Madison would bring our vision to life. She absolutely knocked it out of the park, and I cannot say that enough.”
The Design
“Our wedding theme was coastal boho chic. We love the coastal vibe and are definitely more of the laid-back type, hence the boho. We aimed for a beach wedding that did not feel like your standard one. We wanted something a bit more unique.
Our colors were dusty blue, white, and silver. They are my favorite colors, and they also matched the coastal theme. Our whole house is dusty blue and white.”
The Rentals
Kate Ryan Event Rentals
“Kate Ryan Event Rentals did it all. I had worked with them since my early days in the events industry. They provided chairs, linens, napkins, napkin rings, water goblets, and chargers. The vibe was immaculate.”
The DJ
Tampa Bay DJ Company
“We wanted someone who would get the crowd going. We wanted a chill vibe and a dance party. I have known Cory Barron since moving to Tampa, and I did not even consider another DJ.
My absolute favorite part is that Cory told me the next day that it had been years since he had to take his suit jacket off behind the DJ booth. He said that was a sign of a great party.”
Most Memorable Moment
“Our favorite takeaway from our wedding day, and there were a lot, was how many people came up to us and shared that our love was palpable. We obviously know how we feel about each other, but having the people closest to us acknowledge that they felt it, too, was just breathtaking. Justin is my person, and I am his. Our wedding was a celebration of that, and we could not feel any better about how the day went.”
Which vendors really exceeded your expectations?
Every single vendor exceeded expectations. Jenna Arnal and the Opal Sands crew made us feel welcome and special from the moment we checked in. Laurie Chandler brought the crowd to tears with her description of our love story during the ceremony. Delaney Driver and her team at Wilder Mind Events absolutely crushed the design and flow. Arms of Persephone and MadWolfe Designs blew it out of the water with their creative take on our vision, truly breathtaking work. Kate Ryan Events brought our vision to life. DJ Cory Barron got the room up and dancing at 6 p.m., and no one stopped until the reception ended at 10 p.m. Gabrielle and Tina of Lifelong Photography Studio captured the love, passion, and fun throughout the day. Our videographer brought our perfect day to life via video. We could not say enough great things about our incredible vendor team.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Do not take it too seriously. Weddings are about your love and commitment to each other. Sweating the small stuff only ruins the experience. Be present, be in the moment, and above all else, remember to be in love. I am so grateful that I did not have my phone on me at all on the wedding day. It was truly the best decision I ever made.
