Waterfront Tampa Wedding | Tampa Marriott Waterside Wedding
Nichole and Michael’s waterfront Tampa wedding wasn’t just a marriage between the bride and groom, but also a blending of their families.
“Our wedding was unique because we had our children involved,” the bride shared. “Mike has three kids from a previous marriage, and we have one child together, so the most important thing was to incorporate them into the festivities. Having them there really made it special.”
The Tampa couple hosted a sophisticated black-tie wedding overlooking Tampa Bay.
“We wanted an elegant theme. It is not every day you get to be super dressed up!” Nichole beamed. “Our colors were black, gold and ivory. I have always found them elegant and classy.”
To complement their chic affair, Nichole and Michael chose downtown Tampa wedding venue the Tampa Marriott Waterside.
“We wanted convenience, elegance and top-notch service [in a wedding venue],” the bride explained. “The Tampa Marriott Waterside offered an elegant feel with the capability to do an outdoor ceremony overlooking the water, without being a beach. The venue was able to help us create the classy and elegant feel, especially with the ballroom chandeliers and the windows overlooking downtown.”
MORE: TAMPA MARRIOTT WATERSIDE WEDDINGS
To transform their ballroom reception, the couple looked for a Tampa wedding florist who could bring their vision to fruition.
“The ballroom was large, and we wanted the centerpieces to help bring it to life, so they also needed to be large,” Nichole explained. “Kathy at Northside Florist instantly understood what we wanted and was able to bring our vision to life with only one meeting and a few emails. She was familiar with the large arrangements that I was looking to do. She was incredible!”
The bride and groom searched an experienced Tampa wedding photographer who was familiar with their venue
“We were looking for a photographer who could capture the action shots that showed the emotion of our day,” Nichole shared. “Carrie Wildes Photography had done a number of weddings, including a few at the Marriott, so she was familiar with the venue. We instantly connected with Carrie in our meeting. She had a lot of great ideas of locations for first look, group shots and how to capture the ceremony from above.”
MORE: CARRIE WILDES PHOTOGRAPHY WEDDINGS
Looking back, the bride’s most cherished memory occurred as she made her grand entrance.
“The most memorable moment was walking down the stairs during the ceremony and seeing all of the people who were there to celebrate our love for one another as we became a family,” Nichole reminisced.
What was your makeup and hair inspiration?
My hair and makeup were inspired by Hollywood red carpet glam.
I took photos from the Oscars red carpet events and showed them to Michele of Lasting Luxe. She absolutely nailed the look: smokey eye, big lashes, yet natural lips. Lasting Luxe was on time, had the girls done ahead of schedule and really made everyone look and feel beautiful!
How would you describe your theme?
We wanted an elegant theme. It is not every day you get to be super dressed up!
What were your colors?
Black, gold and ivory. I have always found them elegant and classy.
The Proposal:
Mike waited until we were with my whole family on vacation in Ponte Vedra. At the end of a family photo session, he dropped to one knee and proposed. It was very special to have all of my family present.
What did you look for in a wedding venue?
We wanted convenience, elegance and top-notch service.
The Tampa Marriott Waterside offered an elegant feel with the capability to do an outdoor ceremony overlooking the water, without being a beach. The venue was able to help us create the classy and elegant feel, especially with the ballroom chandeliers and the windows overlooking downtown. The service was amazing!
What did you look for in a wedding photographer?
We were looking for a photographer who could capture the action shots that showed the emotion of our day.
Carrie Wildes Photography had done a number of weddings, including a few at the Marriott, so she was familiar with the venue. We instantly connected with Carrie in our meeting. She was taking words right out of my mouth for the way I hoped our photos would look! She had a lot of great ideas of locations for first look, group shots and how to capture the ceremony from above.
What did you look for in a wedding florist?
The ballroom was large, and we wanted the centerpieces to help bring it to life, so they also needed to be large. We wanted someone reputable who could work within our budget.
Kathy at Northside Florist instantly understood what we wanted and was able to bring our vision to life with only one meeting and a few emails. Kathy was familiar with the large arrangements that I was looking to do. She was incredible!
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay Brides?
Go with your gut and be decisive. No one will ever know if anything went wrong.
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Tampa Marriott Waterside *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Venue
Photographer: Carrie Wildes Photography *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro
Videographer: Voila Cinematic
Planner: Ashley Packett Bridal and Event Consultants
Florist: Northside Florist
Caterer: Marriott Waterside
Cake: Deli Delicacies
DJ: Bay Kings Band
Officiant: Bride’s Stepfather
Invitations: The Stationery Loft
Dress Shop and Designer: The Dressing Room
Bridesmaid Dresses: Bella Bridesmaids *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro
Hair & Makeup: Lasting Luxe
