Rhiannon and Elijah’s industrial-chic Lakeland wedding embodied a romantic, moody ambiance with modern details, gorgeous natural lighting, and fresh, organic florals.
“I used Marry Me Tampa Bay to see what has been done before and draw inspiration. We were really looking to incorporate a dark yet moody vibe,” the bride shared. “For our color palette, we chose black, charcoal grey, and marsala, and they came across so romantic in our photos. It was important for us that our personalities were able to shine through. From our Christian ceremony to our Volkswagen photo bus to honor my late grandfather, every detail was important.”
With Lakeland holding a special place in their hearts as the city they first met, Rhiannon and Elijah were overjoyed to find a unique wedding venue that checked all of their boxes.
“Everything about Haus 820 was exactly what we were looking for. We really wanted an industrial building that was well-lit for our ceremony and dark, yet romantic for our reception,” the bride explained. “Everyone at Haus was phenomenal! Christina and Danielle made Elijah and I feel like we were the only bride and groom working with them because of their quick responses and world-class customer service!”
Incorporating their love for food, the bride and groom had a chicken wing food truck boba tea cocktail hour, and buffalo blue cheese popcorn snack.
“We wanted the whole day to be classically “us,” the bride beamed. “We wanted guests to see Elijah and I’s personality shine through everything. We made every decision with that in mind.”
Looking back on their big day, the Tampa couple were grateful that even through some unexpected mishaps, their day was still beyond perfect.
“Elijah’s mother had gotten overheated and fainted prior to the reception. She was rushed to the hospital, but was faced with the decision to leave or stay at the wedding,” the bride shared. “His family insisted we enjoyed our day, and luckily after some rest, she was able to return to the wedding and get to enjoy the mother-son dance. It definitely made our day special knowing that she was able to return and spend some time with us before our getaway.”
What did you look for in a wedding venue?
We really wanted an industrial building that was well-lit for our ceremony and dark yet romantic for our reception.
I Want to Learn More About Industrial Wedding Venues
Everything about Haus 820 was exactly what we were looking for. It was located near where our love story first started and checked all of the boxes for what we want. The venue had automatic blinds that could be opened or closed depending on our preference, and there was an adorable bridal suite on site. We were sold. The service we received was phenomenal. Christina and Danielle made Elijah and I feel like we were the only bride and groom working with them because of their quick responses and world-class customer service!
The Proposal:
This was the first Thanksgiving that Elijah and I had spent together. The first one, he was traveling for college basketball, and the second he was living in Indiana. Thanksgiving is anything but traditional in my family, and the day is normally spent bouncing from one house to the next. After a lovely day full of eating and laughter with my mother’s side of the family, we returned to my father’s house to prepare for Black Friday shopping madnesses. I was resting when I received a phone call from my mother saying that she forgot to give me something to give to my dad. She told me she was going to swing by his house to drop it off. I was the least bit suspicious because although they aren’t together, they get along very well.
When she arrived she told me that she had a gift for me, and she couldn’t wait until Christmas. Elijah played it cool and asked her what it is was. In a playful manner, he asked, “Do I get a gift too?” My mom told me to close my eyes. I felt a large box placed in my hands, and when I opened my eyes, I was staring into an empty box. Confused I looked at my parents, then I looked to Elijah, who was on one knee! I don’t know if he even got the question out before I started exclaiming, “Yes! yes! yes!” I was so happy! It was instrumental to my fiancé to have both of my parents there and that is one of the thousands of reasons why I’m in love with him. My dad then popped open a bottle of champagne, and we celebrated! It’s a moment I wouldn’t trade for the world.
How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
We were really looking to incorporate a dark yet moody vibe. It was important for us that our personalities were able to shine through. From our Christian ceremony to our Volkswagen photo bus to honor my late grandfather, every detail was important.
What were your colors?
Black, charcoal grey, and marsala. They came across so romantic in our photos.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Remember this is your day! A day to celebrate your love! Don’t spend money just to impress people because at the end of the day you and your significant other are the ones that will be reminiscing of the day forever. Also, interview your vendors! You are paying money for a service, so have a list of questions and ask!
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Haus 820 *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Venue
Photographer: The Portos
Videographer: Janeya Caryn
Day of Coordinator: The Apostolic Wife
Florist: Thistle And Weeds Floral Co.
Caterer: Gertrude’s Low Country Wing Truck
Rentals: Custom Linens, Treasury Rentals
Cake: J’aime Cakes
Officiant: Travis Lowe
Invitations: VistaPrint
Transportation: WildHearts Photo Booth Bus
Hair: Schatzi
Makeup: Ariel Amir
Snacks: Green Island Tea and Yogurt
