Waterfront South Tampa Wedding | Westshore Yacht Club Wedding
Megan and Kyle's romantic waterfront South Tampa wedding featured a classic coastal theme in a gorgeous setting that enhanced the natural ambiance of Tampa Bay.
“My husband and I both spend a lot of time outdoors and on the water, so it was important for us to try to incorporate our love of boating and the beautiful Tampa Bay into our plans,” the bride shared.
The Clearwater couple searched for a waterfront wedding venue that highlighted Tampa Bay's “golden hour.”
“Westshore Yacht Club was a perfect and gorgeous setting. We intentionally timed the ceremony so our guests at the cocktail hour were treated to a fabulous sunset. An added bonus were the dolphins passing by and the luxury yachts in the background,” the bride gushed. “The candlelit lanterns decorated with pastel flowers and the lights strung across the dance floor enhanced the magical and romantic experience of dining under the stars.”
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The bride chose an ivory, blush and gold color palette and encouraged her bridesmaids to select their own complementary gowns.
To capture every stunning detail, the couple hired Tampa Bay wedding photographer Andi Diamond Photography.
“We were looking for someone we could be comfortable with because we knew we'd be spending a lot of time together on one of the biggest days of our lives. It was important for us to have a nice rapport, as well as a talented professional who was creative, innovative and willing to incorporate our wishes into the final product,” Megan explained. “Andi took the time to get to know us both individually and as a couple, so she was able to perfectly capture our personalities on film. She established a timeline for our big day and was able to handle our extremely rambunctious family for all of our family formal photos. Andi kept us on schedule while still making sure we took time to enjoy every moment of the day.”
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Looking back, the bride was surprised by the amazing collaboration by her photographer and DJ during the reception!
“Andi Diamond Photography and Grant Hemond & Associates collaborated and were able to show some of the wedding pictures on the video screen during the reception! These two worked together perfectly to give us an incredible evening,” the bride reminisced.
What did you look for in a wedding venue?
My husband and I both spend a lot of time outdoors and on the water so it was important for us to try to incorporate our love of boating and the beautiful Tampa Bay into our plans.
The Westshore Yacht Club was a perfect and gorgeous setting. We intentionally timed the ceremony so our guests at the cocktail hour were treated to a fabulous sunset. An added bonus were the dolphins passing by and the luxury yachts in the background.
The Proposal:
My husband planned an entire engagement weekend full of surprises that included flying family in from New Jersey and North Carolina to help us celebrate. Kyle proposed at The Mill restaurant in St. Petersburg, knowing that Chef Ted Dorsey is my favorite mastermind in the kitchen. After he got down on one knee and I said “Yes,” he told me, “It wouldn't be anything without sharing this moment with the ones we love.” I turned around and was stunned to see our parents and his sister. The weekend continued with a post-engagement brunch at Belleair Country Club with the entire family and close friends, and then a surprise party at our house with our neighbors and friends.
What did you look for in a wedding photographer?
We were looking for someone we could be comfortable with because we knew we'd be spending a lot of time together on one of the biggest days of our lives. It was important for us to have a nice rapport, as well as a talented professional who was creative, innovative and willing to incorporate our wishes into the final product.
Andi of Andi Diamond Photography took the time to get to know us both individually and as a couple, so she was able to perfectly capture our personalities on film. She not only provided us with gorgeous engagement and wedding photos, but she also served as a wedding coordinator. Andi established a timeline for our big day and was able to handle our extremely rambunctious family for all of our family formal photos. She kept us on schedule while still making sure we took time to enjoy every moment of the day.
How would you describe your theme?
Our theme was coastal romance. The candlelit lanterns decorated with pastel flowers and the lights strung across the dance floor enhanced the magical and romantic experience of dining under the stars.
What were your colors?
I chose ivory, blush and gold for the bridesmaid dresses and allowed my girls to pick their own gowns. My bridal party selected their dresses separately and from different stores, and the result was lovely. They really meshed beautifully with the venue decor, which included pastel florals surrounded white candlelit lanterns and a fabulous floral and branch arch handmade by my mother.
What did you look for in a wedding DJ?
We were looking for someone who could get the party started and keep it going. It was also important that the DJ understand our personalities and style in order to give our reception the exact vibe we wanted.
My family had used Grant Hemond & Associates many years ago for an event, and they also came highly recommended by multiple friends. Our DJ, Eric Harding, went above and beyond and made sure everything we wanted could be included into our ceremony. He also worked closely with us to come up with our playlist. Eric was especially adept at transparently keeping us on schedule. He went above and beyond by customizing the Mother/Son song and a special video for the Father/Daughter dance. He was also extremely flexible in making all of our last minute changes. The majority of our guests spent a lot of time on the dance floor, so that's the true indication of an awesome DJ. He also received a lot of compliments from our guests.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Don’t sweat anything! Take the time to pick your venue and vendors wisely and ultimately the rest will come together. Just enjoy the crazy ride of wedding planning!
Ceremony and Reception Venue and Caterer: Westshore Yacht Club *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Venue
Photographer: Andi Diamond Photography *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro
Florist: Flowers Unlimited
Cake and Desserts: Wright's Gourmet and the Mini Doughnut Factory
Rentals: Elite Events and Rentals
DJ: Grant Hemond & Associates *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro
Officiant: Captain George Fuller
Invitations: Minted
Transportation: Escot Bus Lines
Dress Shop: The White Closet Bridal Company
Hair & Makeup: Femme Akoi Beauty Studio *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding
Groom and Groomsmen Suits: Franks Formal Wear and Tuxedo
Photobooth: Fotobox Tampa Bay