Meredith and Michael's urban downtown St. Pete wedding featured industrial elements hosted by a new whiskey distillery and restaurant located in the artsy warehouse district of the city. Mixed metal and wood accents balanced with romantic candlelight and a flickering fire within a grand stone hearth created a moody ceremony backdrop for this intimate wedding.
“Our wedding was industrial, urban, and modern. We wanted a design that both of us enjoy. We both enjoy this décor style,” the bride shared. “We chose a color palette of black, gold, white, and burgundy.”
The couple wanted an easygoing vibe that was focused on celebrating instead of formalities.
“We felt like having a fun, relaxed atmosphere was very important. We did not want a formal wedding. We kept everything more casual,” Meredith explained. “Neither one of us are very sentimental so we were able to incorporate that into a laid-back atmosphere while still being able to celebrate a special moment in our lives with our closest friends.”
Supporting local was a priority forMeredith and Michael, who researched for vendors online, including through Marry Me Tampa Bay.
“Most of the vendors were found via Google, Marry Me Tampa Bay, Instagram, or friends. Both of us were born and raised in Florida, with Mike being born in Tampa, so we wanted to utilize local vendors for everything, even if it cost a little more in order to give back to the community,” the bride revealed.
Keeping with a relaxed setting in mind, the bride and groom instantly connected with the feel at the new event venue, Urban Stillhouse. Even with only seeing the venue during its construction phase, they immediately knew it would be the perfect setting for their 60 guests.
“We wanted something that had an industrial feel, would not require a lot of additional decorations, and was unique, but also had a speakeasy vibe as we wanted our wedding to feel special, and exclusive. We chose them for their beautiful design and atmosphere. They completely encompass our style and since their venue is so gorgeous, we did not need to decorate much,” the bride beamed. “Once we arrived at the venue, we did not have to worry about a thing. Meredith, Bri, Morgan, Joey, and Logan (best whiskey taste test spokesman/bartender ever!) at the Urban Stillhouse were great at making sure everything ran smoothly, particularly being that we were their first wedding. The food was amazing and our guests (and us) were blown away with how delicious everything was.”
Meredith attributes their offbeat wedding style as the most unique aspect of their January celebration.
“We did not do a lot of the traditional things you typically do at a wedding. I walked myself down the aisle, and we did not do a garter/bouquet toss,” the bride revealed. “We tried to make the reception feel more relaxed than most weddings.”
The dramatic setting made for an unforgettable wedding day for Meredith, but Mike's favorite memory occurred while admiring his new wife's dance moves.
“For me, the most memorable part of the wedding was the entire atmosphere at Urban Stillhouse,” the bride reminisced. “Mike says for him it was standing outside on the patio with the groomsman and best friends having a cigar while watching me dance the night away with my friends having the time of my life, soaking in the fact that he now gets to spend the rest of his life with me.”
The Proposal:
We went to Virginia in October for a golfing trip and to visit some friends. Michael took me to a fall festival with a corn maze and pumpkin patch (as my favorite season is fall and I love fall festivals). We went into the corn maze and Michael proposed inside the maze.
How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
Our wedding wasindustrial, urban, and modern. We wanted a design that both of us enjoy. We both enjoy this décor style.
What were your colors?
Where did you spend your honeymoon?
We spent our honeymoon at Chateau Elan outside Atlanta, Georgia. It is a winery and golf resort. This allowed us to drink lots of wine, go to the spa, and golf.
Where did you host your bachelorette party?
I had my bachelorette party in Salem, MA in October. I love Halloween, and Salem is a bucket list location for me.
What did you look for in a wedding venue?
We wanted something that had an industrial feel, would not require a lot of additional decorations, and was unique, but also had a speakeasy vibe as we wanted our wedding to feel special, and exclusive.
We actually chose the Urban Stillhouse when they were still in their construction phases. We chose them for their beautiful design and atmosphere. They completely encompass our style and since their venue is so gorgeous, we did not need to decorate much.
Once we arrived at the venue, we did not have to worry about a thing. Meredith, Bri, Morgan, Joey, and Logan (best whiskey taste test spokesman/bartender ever!) were great at making sure everything ran smoothly, particularly being that we were their first wedding. The food was amazing and our guests (and us) were blown away with how delicious everything was.
“Urban Stillhouse completely encompass our style and since their venue is so gorgeous, we did not need to decorate much.”
-The Bride
Which vendors really exceeded your expectations?
We thought all of the vendors were great. The Urban Stillhouse went out of its way to make sure our day was special and everything that we wanted. Our planner set up and broke down all of our decor and did great with wrangling the wedding party for key moments throughout the evening. Our photographer was also great a wrangling the wedding party and got some awesome moody images of the night. We really cannot say enough good things about everyone.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Make sure you do your research with venues. We were super happy with ours but everybody is unique; you'll know you found the right venue when you see it.
Take some time together to soak in the moment because the wedding passes by so quickly, you'll blink and it'll be over. Take some time to celebrate with your friends, but make sure you dance with your spouse!
Quotes have been lightly edited for clarity and brevity.
*Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pros are highly respected by our local wedding community and have been personally vetted by our editor.
