Morgan and Seth’s waterfront Tampa wedding boasted neutral greenery and flora, a soft and romantic color palette, and sweeping views of Tampa Bay.
“We chose a relaxed, laid-back, and minimalist boat theme,” the bride shared. “We chose our favorite colors, navy blue and dusty rose, fun flower bouquets fitting my personality, and incorporated the water because we both love it. We each picked a shade we wanted to incorporate into our day.”
The Tampa couple looked to Marry Me Tampa Bay for local resources while planning their downtown Tampa wedding.
“The most important elements were good music, a big white cake, plus food and entertainment for the guests,” Morgan revealed. “We used Marry Me Tampa Bay for inspiration and ideas for our wedding. We thought it was very helpful and even found my hair and makeup stylists, Femme Akoi Beauty Studio, through Marry Me Tampa Bay.”
With many of their 75 guests traveling from out of state, the bride and groom envisioned a venue that highlighted the city of Tampa while also providing the ease of all-inclusive amenities.
“We looked for convenience, all-inclusive prices, and easy setup and tear-down service. We chose the Yacht StarShip because most services were all included such as food and drinks, ceremony chairs and sound system, cake cutting, DJ, setup, and tear-down. We were able to provide all the decorations, and they set them all up prior to the wedding. Our family and friends did not have to lift a finger!”
Despite the ongoing COVID uncertainty, Morgan and Seth decided to host their intimate wedding surrounded by the bay breeze and city coastline to provide a getaway for their out-of-town guests. All-in-all the bride says the circumstances made or a truly special celebration.
“Our wedding was unique because we got married during the pandemic,” Morgan mused. “Plus getting married and sailing around Tampa Bay is unique within itself.”
When it came time to select a photographer and videographer to artfully document their special day, the couple sought an experienced business with a great reputation whom they would easily get along with throughout the day.
“We looked for good quality, great reviews, and good personalities in our photo and video team. We chose Bonnie Newman Creative because their personalities were fun and outgoing. They also have many years of experience, and I knew we were going to be in great hands working with them,” the bride beamed. “Their past videos and photos blew us away! Bonnie and Jon also accommodated our needs and were so chill and easy to work and communicate with.”
Having their wedding day captured in photo and video allows Morgan to relive all of the day’s emotions and special moments. One memory that stands out among the rest occurred during the processional of their rooftop deck ceremony.
“My favorite memorable moment was walking up the stairs to the top deck and seeing my man,” the bride gushed. “Also the trip out on the Tampa Bay water was a memory I will never forget.”
What did you look for in a wedding photo/videographer?
We looked for good quality, great reviews, and good personalities in our photo and video team.
We chose Bonnie Newman Creative because their personalities were fun and outgoing. They also have many years of experience, and I knew we were going to be in great hands working with them. Their past videos and photos blew us away! Bonnie and Jon also accommodated our needs and were so chill and easy to work and communicate with.
What were your wedding hair and makeup inspiration?
I wanted something simple and elegant for my hair and makeup; I wanted to look like myself.
I chose Femme Akoi Beauty Studio because we meshed really well during my trial run. They were very easy to work with from day one.
How would you describe your theme?
We chose a relaxed, laid-back, and minimalist boat theme.
What were your colors?
We chose navy blue and dusty rose for our wedding colors because those are our favorites. We each picked a shade we wanted to incorporate into our day.
The Proposal:
I was blindsided after we left on a boat out of downtown St. Pete (we’re members of a local boat club). Seth took me to Egmont key. It was a rough day on the water so we basically had the entire key to ourselves. He turned on our favorite song, got down on one knee in the boat, and popped the question!
What did you look for in a wedding venue?
We looked for convenience, all-inclusive prices, and easy setup and tear-down service.
We chose the Yacht StarShip because most services were all included including food and drinks, ceremony chairs and sound system, cake cutting, DJ, setup, and tear-down. We were able to provide all the decorations, and they set them all up prior to the wedding. Our family and friends did not have to lift a finger!
Where did you host your bachelorette party?
I went to Key West because it’s a place where you could never have a bad time.
Where did you spend your honeymoon?
We spent our honeymoon hopping down the Florida Keys for two weeks, and we chose that location due to our first honeymoon being planned in South Africa/Mauritius which was closed due to the pandemic.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Choose something that fits your style and be yourself. You want to enjoy the day as newlyweds and for your guests to have a great time.
Ceremony and Reception Venue and Caterer: Yacht StarShip *Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Venue
Photographer and Videographer: Bonnie Newman Creative *Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro
Florist: Jennie’s Flowers
Cake: Publix
Officiant: Bill Streiff
Invitations: Minted
Dress: The White Magnolia Bridal Collection
Hair & Makeup: Femme Akoi Beauty Studio *Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro
Rehearsal Dinner: Zudars
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.
