Located in the heart of historic Ybor City is a local-favorite, 7th + Grove, a restaurant and venue that envisioned excellence in hospitality, and that concept was elevated to a new level at their first annual Dearly Beloved fashion show.
Flourishing in a new style of wedding showcase, Dearly Beloved highlighted the excellence of Tampa Bay’s Black-owned wedding vendor community. Ashley Canay Photography, Royal Events, and the venue 7th + Grove collaborated to bring in an all-star vendor team for the launch of the event.
“Dearly Beloved we are gathered here today to witness Black excellence,” Jamaris Glenn, co-owner and creative director of 7th + Grove, announced at the start of the event. “This is just a very unique idea, a labor of love that we started.”
The fashion show featured custom-made wedding attire from Royal Bridal, which dazzled down the runway creating a glamorous visual under the specialty lighting. Showcasing each model’s natural beauty, the bridal styles ranged from sleek, satin, and fitted to ballgowns adorned in illusion lace with floral applique detailing.
“The great thing about this is everything from the floral to the draping, to the food to even the champagne is Black-owned,” Jemaris explained.
One of the main characteristics of Ybor City is a great experience and in addition to the fashion show, guests lined up for the 360- degree and Magic Mirror photo booths, while also enjoying live entertainment and delicious southern-style hors d’oeuvres during cocktail hour.
The event space was transformed into a glamorous reception experience with four different table themes. The most eye-catching detail of the evening was the stunning tropical-inspired floral wall that served as the perfect ceremony and sweetheart table backdrop.
Accompanied by cold sparklers, the suspended florals over the dance floor created a moment of whimsy during the first dance.
