Jenna and Scott’s Clearwater Beach wedding embodied tropical greenery, a muted color palette, and tropical elements such as bamboo chairs and woven rattan chargers. The bride and groom’s 60 guests traveled to the popular Florida beach destination for its famous sand and surf and to enjoy a vacation wedding experience.
“My idea for the overall wedding design was a tropical jungle oasis. I wanted tropical greenery to be everywhere and to incorporate neutrals and simple décor, as to not outshine the foliage,” the bride explained. “Our colors were beige and dark green. I wanted the colors to coordinate well with the florals. They meshed very well together and even though the green is considered a dark color, it didn’t make the space feel dark.”
The Orlando couple were engaged at Clearwater Beach, and Jenna’s parents live nearby, so it was an ideal location for their April nuptials. The bride turned to Marry Me Tampa Bay when researching event spaces for their big day.
“Our choice of location was the main way we incorporated our personalities. We chose Clearwater because it was where we had one of our first vacations together,” Jenna shared. “We used Marry Me Tampa Bay to scope out venues options and then ultimately chose the Hilton Clearwater Beach. We love nothing more than to sit on the beach and have a cocktail, and The Hilton provides that atmosphere! We have spent many afternoons at Tommy’s Tiki right on the beach, which is why we love the event space outside.”
The bride and groom sought a wedding venue that offered all-inclusive convenience and that would allow them to enjoy the planning process without added stress. Even when a Florida storm rolled through on their wedding day, the wedding team at Hilton Clearwater Beach kept everything running smoothly, moving the reception indoors with time to spare.
“The element that was most important was the ability to be on the beach, but not require guests to step in the sand. The Flamingo and Sandpiper decks at the Hilton offered the atmosphere of the beach but gave the guests the option to be in the sand if they wanted to,” Jenna revealed. “We looked for a one-stop-shop, a place where we had to outsource as little as possible to make the day of stress-free! The Hilton Clearwater Beach offered a spa, day of hair, and makeup, catering, spaces for rehearsal dinner, and the list can go on! The venue spaces couldn’t have been more perfect for what we wanted! The coordinator, Candice, was great and so helpful throughout the process. All of the staff were super accommodating and organized throughout the whole event.”
Jenna incorporated lush greenery and leaves throughout the wedding to lend the feel of the tropics, even including a steel drummer for a special touch. It was the little details such as the décor and guest favors that made their day personal and memorable for their 60 guests.
“The florals and décor made the wedding unique. I haven’t really seen décor similar to ours at any other wedding! It definitely gave tropical vibes for being on the beach. We also had a steel drum player play for the ceremony. That made for a great touch that was different for our guests to enjoy!” Jenna beamed. “We chose to do lottery tickets as our wedding favors! It was unique and added a fun ice breaker when guests sat down at the reception if they didn’t know the others sitting at their table!”
Despite the recent trend for neutral white flora and greenery, Jenna envisioned an accent color of vibrant coral to make the flower arrangements stand out. Immediately upon hearing this idea, Iza of Iza’s Flowers began brainstorming exotic blooms to incorporate into the bouquets, and Jenna knew she was in excellent hands.
“Iza, the owner of Iza’s Flowers, is the ultimate connoisseur of all things floral. I originally wanted to do white flowers with tropical foliage. I think springtime brings out all of the white flowers at weddings. It made me realize that I wanted something different, but I was really unsure of what. I mentioned adding a pop of burnt orange, and Iza threw out six different flowers that I immediately loved!” the bride gushed. “From there, she knew exactly what our wedding needed and took my vision and made it into reality. Iza’s Flowers exceeded my expectations!”
Despite the forecast calling for rain and forcing their reception to be moved indoors, Jenna and Scott tried to take everything in stride, and ultimately they look back on the sudden shower with laughter. Guests narrowly escaped the rain and enjoyed a beautiful (and dry) reception inside the ballroom.
“The most memorable moment was the giant thunderstorm that rolled through. Earlier in the day, we were notified that we had to move our reception to one of the inside venues. Of course, we were pretty upset, because we mainly chose our venue for the outdoor space, but we tried not to put too much energy into this because it was our wedding day and nothing was ruining it,” the bride reminisced. “That being said, right after the ceremony and a few photos, beach chairs and umbrellas were rolling across the beach and sand was hitting everyone in the face. Everyone was screaming as they were trying to find cover. It was truly a scene from a horror movie that we all laughed about after.”
Where did you host your bachelorette party?
Fort Lauderdale Beach, Florida. My bridal party chose the location off of what I wanted to do! I wanted a beach area that was easy for everyone to get to by driving.
What was your floral inspiration?
I originally wanted to do white flowers with tropical foliage. I think springtime brings out all of the white flowers at weddings. It made me realize that I wanted something different, but I was really unsure of what.
Iza, the owner of Iza’s Flowers, is the ultimate connoisseur of all things floral. The florals and décor made the wedding unique. I haven’t really seen décor similar to ours at any other wedding! It definitely gave tropical vibes for being on the beach. I mentioned adding a pop of burnt orange, and she threw out six different flowers that I immediately loved! From there, she knew exactly what our wedding needed and took my vision and made it into reality. Iza’s Flowers exceeded my expectations.
What did you look for in a wedding venue?
We looked for a one-stop shop. A place where we have to outsource as little as possible to make the day of stress-free!
The Hilton Clearwater Beach offered a spa, day-of hair, and makeup, catering, spaces for rehearsal dinner, and the list can go on! The venue spaces couldn’t have been more perfect for what we wanted. The element that was most important was the ability to be on the beach, but not require guests to step in the sand. The Flamingo and Sandpiper Decks at the Hilton offered the atmosphere of the beach but gave the guests the option to be in the sand if they wanted to at the time of the reception.
Our choice of location was the main way we incorporated our personalities. We love nothing more than to sit on the beach and have a cocktail and The Hilton provides that atmosphere! We have spent many afternoons at Tommy’s Tiki right on the beach, which is why we love the event space outside.
The coordinator, Candice, was great and so helpful throughout the process. We also had a crazy storm that unexpectedly blew through right after the ceremony. All of the staff were super accommodating and organized throughout the whole event.
The Proposal:
It was totally unplanned; it truly had to be because I would totally find out. Scott had the ring for about three days when we went to visit my parents in Clearwater. My mom told him he should just go for it! My parents were very discreet and had me walk out to one of the sand dunes where he had flowers on the beach. From there, Scott proposed! It was so sweet and unexpected and overall a perfect moment on the beach because there was no one else out there. It was mid-November and about 55 degrees!
Where did you spend your honeymoon?
We originally had a honeymoon booked to go to Germany. Of course, with COVID, that was not happening. We choose to head to the snow in Breckinridge, Colorado. I have never seen snow, and we wanted something different from the beach because that is where we held the wedding!
How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
My idea for the overall wedding design was a tropical jungle oasis. I wanted tropical greenery to be everywhere and to incorporate neutrals and simple décor, as to not outshine the foliage.
What were your colors?
Beige and dark green. I wanted the colors to coordinate well with the florals. The colors meshed very well together and even though the green is considered a dark color, it didn’t make the space feel dark.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
There are so many great venues to choose from in the Tampa area! It can be a little overwhelming. Make a list of your must-haves and research. From there, make a list of the few venues that have your needs!
Ceremony/Reception Venue, Caterer, and Rehearsal Dinner: Hilton Clearwater Beach *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Venue
Photographer/Videographer: Paisley Sunshine Photography
Florist: Iza’s Flowers *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro
Rentals: Gabro Event Services
Cake: Kristen Marie Cakes
DJ: Celebrations24
Officiant: Sensational Ceremonies
Invitations: Minted
Dress Shop and Designer: The Bridal Gallery of Orlando – Mori Lee Bridal
Shoe Designer: Jeffrey Campbell
Bridesmaid Dress Shop and Designer: Azazie
Hair & Makeup: Hibiscus Spa at Hilton Clearwater Beach – Jamie
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.
