Taylor and Chris
Adams Estate
“We focused on creating a timeless atmosphere that felt both elevated and personal, allowing the love in the room to truly shine. Our wedding theme and color palette were classic black-and-white elegance, which we chose because it was simple but elevated.”
-The Bride
FEATURING
Taylor and Chris’ elegant Lake Alfred wedding brought together 80 of their closest family and friends for a December celebration with a refined black-and-white design in Central Florida. The Tampa bride and groom fell in love with the property’s historic character and the surrounding orange groves, which complemented their vision for a classic, elevated wedding day. Crisp white linens, black accents, candlelit tablescapes, and clean white florals set the tone for the celebration, while all-black formal attire created a striking and cohesive look among guests. The couple personally designed and styled every detail of the wedding, bringing their vision to life from the ceremony to the reception.
“Our wedding day was everything we hoped it would be—intimate, meaningful, and filled with so much love,” the bride beamed. “We wanted the day to reflect who we are as a couple, so every detail was chosen with intention, from our black-and-white color palette to the simple, elegant, and classic touches woven throughout the ceremony and reception.
“One of the most special moments of the day was watching my husband share a father-daughter dance with our daughter. It was such a beautiful and emotional reminder of the life we’ve built together and the family at the heart of it all. Moments like that made the day feel even more meaningful. Being surrounded by our closest family and friends made every moment unforgettable. At the end of the day, what mattered most was celebrating not just our marriage, but our journey as a family. It’s a day we will cherish forever.”
Most Memorable Moments
“My most memorable memories were in the bridal suite with my bridal party and the time we shared getting ready. Another memorable part of the day was walking down the aisle to my husband and seeing his reaction with all of our closest family and friends watching.”
The Proposal
“Our proposal was intimate. It happened at home on Christmas morning, with just Chris, our daughter, and me. We were opening gifts, and one of my gifts was the ring. It was a complete surprise and such a beautiful, intimate moment with just us.”
The Photography
Amber McWhorter Photography
“We wanted someone who took clean, crisp, clear photos. We wanted someone who knew us and our vibe.
We chose Amber McWhorter Photography because we had used her previously for our engagement photos, which were magazine-worthy, so we knew she was the one we wanted to do our wedding photos with. Just by looking through Amber’s wedding albums, we knew that she was the one. Her photos are some of the best I have ever seen, and it was clear when we got our engagement photos and wedding photos back. She is unmatched in her skill!”
From The Photographer
“What I loved most about the Harris wedding was how intentional every part of the day felt. Their classic black-and-white design at the beautiful Adams Estate was timeless and elegant, with every detail thoughtfully curated to reflect who they are as a couple. But beyond the beautiful aesthetics, it was the connection between them that stood out most — the kind of love you could truly feel in the room. The way the groom looked at his bride as she walked down the aisle had all the feels and was one of those moments that perfectly captured the emotion and depth of their day.”
-Amber McWhorter, Amber McWhorter Photography
The Dress
Truly Forever Bridal
“I didn’t have a wedding dress inspiration; I just wanted something simple and elegant to match our wedding aesthetic.
I chose Truly Forever Bridal because of their reviews and their large inventory. My wedding dress experience was amazing. I only have positive things to say about the whole experience. I was not expecting to find my dress on the first go, but I unexpectedly found the perfect dress.”
The Bach Party & Honeymoon
“Rather than taking a traditional honeymoon, we did a joint bachelorette/bachelor party at an all-inclusive resort in Mexico with our closest friends and used the trip to celebrate both occasions. We chose this location because the resort was very nice and included all activities and excursions in the price. It was the most perfect trip.”
The Design
“Our wedding theme and color palette were classic black-and-white elegance, which we chose because it was simple but elevated.
“My husband and I are very simple, so we wanted a simple, classy look, and we couldn’t be happier with how it all came together. Our wedding was unique because we decorated and designed it all ourselves. We brought in all the decor and styled it with no outside help, which made it feel truly our own. I wanted our wedding to feel intimate and the theme to carry over to our guests, so we had everyone wear all-black formal attire, and it absolutely came together perfectly.”
The DJ
Graingertainment
“We wanted someone who would keep everyone dancing all night long and be willing to play all the music we wanted.
We chose Graingertainment because the venue recommended them, and they had perfect reviews. We knew we were getting a great DJ based on those facts alone. Graingertainment was nothing short of amazing. Chris Grainger was amazing and even gave in to all our annoying song requests.”
Which vendors really exceeded your expectations?
The Catering Co was amazing; the service and food were excellent. Graingertainment was amazing. Abbey Brown of Adams Estate, the wedding coordinator, is incredible. She was made for this and was the key to having the most perfect wedding.
What advice would you give to other Lake Alfred couples?
Plan with the Florida weather in mind. Heat, humidity, and sudden rain showers are very real, so having a backup plan—especially for outdoor ceremonies—is key. Choosing a venue that offers both indoor and outdoor options can make the day much less stressful.
I would also recommend booking vendors early, as Tampa Bay is a very popular wedding destination and the best vendors fill up quickly. Don’t be afraid to lean on local vendors—they know the area well and can offer great guidance on timing, logistics, and what works best in this climate. Most importantly, focus on what truly matters to you as a couple. It’s easy to get caught up in details, but the day goes by quickly. Prioritize the moments that mean the most, whether that’s time with family, meaningful traditions, or simply being present with each other. At the end of the day, your wedding is about celebrating your love and your story—everything else is just a bonus.
