Destination Vintage, DIY Wedding | Hilton Clearwater Beach
Jenny and Ricky’s destination, vintage Clearwater Beach wedding incorporated one of the bride’s favorite hobbies.
“I love to antique! It’s my favorite pastime,” Jenny shared. “The vision for my wedding was romantic and simple, with antique being my main focus. I found all of my bottles for centerpieces, my cake cutter, forks and earrings all at local Milwaukee antique stores and used old crates I’ve bought at yard sales.”
The Milwaukee couple takes annual vacations to Florida and wanted to get married at Robert’s top city choice, Clearwater Beach.
“We’ve stayed at the Hilton Clearwater Beach a few times while vacationing and loved it! It has a private beach that is separate from the public which is also nice,” Jenny explained. “When we decided to tour the venue’s decks, I had tears in my eyes. We knew it was the perfect place for us!”
The pair were so adamant to host an outdoor Florida beach wedding that they even challenged Mother Nature to do so.
“A memory that will always stick with me is when I was told a huge storm was on its way and I needed to move the event inside. But the show went on, without a drop of rain,” the bride shared.
What was the deciding factor for choosing the Hilton Clearwater Beach?
We’ve stayed at the Hilton a few times in the past while vacationing and loved it! It has a private beach that is separate from the public which is also nice. When we decided to tour the venue’s decks, I had tears in my eyes. We knew it was the perfect place for us!
The Proposal:
March 14th was a special day; it was Ricky’s birthday! On the way home from school, I stopped and got Ricky a huge cupcake and candles so I could sing “Happy Birthday.” After Ricky demolished the cupcake, we went down to the McKinley Marina to go for a stroll by the lake.
After walking down the pier and having normal conversations, I turned around to see Ricky down on one knee. I almost dropped my phone into Lake Michigan! After a beautiful speech, a lot of happy tears and asking Ricky if he was sure he wanted to marry me, Ricky asked, and I said “Yes.”
How would you describe your theme?
The vision for my wedding was romantic and simple, with antique being my main focus. I found all of my bottles for centerpieces, my cake cutter, forks and earrings all at local Milwaukee antique stores and used old crates I’ve bought at yard sales. I love to antique! It’s my favorite pastime.
I incorporated a lot of DIY crafts and a thank you note at each place setting.
What were your colors?
I wanted to keep the colors very neutral with gold and blush tones. Gray is my favorite color so we decided to go with colors that compliment it.
What did you look for in a wedding DJ?
We wanted someone who allowed us to pick out own music, but we needed just a little help. The guys with Grant Hemond and Associates were great and were very reasonably priced.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay Brides?
Enjoy every second! I can’t express how much I miss it every day. It was a long process, but when you see it all come together on your wedding day, you realize every second (no matter how stressful) was all worth it.
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Hilton Clearwater Beach
Photographer: Life Long Studios
Videographer: Lexoria Wedding Films
Planner: Confetti Events
Florist: Iza’s Flowers
Caterer: Hilton Clearwater Beach
Rentals: Modern Day Events
Cake: Chantilly Cakes
DJ: Grant Hemond and Associates *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Vendor
Officiant: Sensational Ceremonies
Invitations: Paper Lily Designs (Wisconsin)
Dress Shop: Bliss Bridal (Wisconsin)
Hair & Makeup: Destiny and Light Hair and Makeup Group
