Shannon and Michael's downtown St. Pete wedding featured glamorous details and a classic blush and gray color palette for their outdoor, daytime ceremony and evening ballroom reception. Searching for a convenient downtown St. Pete wedding venue with an outdoor ceremony space and great food, the couple selected The Birchwood.
“I loved the beautiful interior of The Birchwood: the crown molding, light bulb chandeliers, and waterfront balcony view! The staff is also incredibly kind and very attentive. The easy win factor for this venue is hands down the food,” the bride gushed.
The couple who are native Floridians, chose St. Pete for their big day as a way to say goodbye to Florida before they relocated to Utah shortly after the wedding. Wanting a sweet send-off, Shannon and Michael looked for a St. Petersburg wedding bakery who offered a variety of flavor, designs and overall skill, ultimately hiring The Artistic Whisk.
“The Artistic Whisk is incredibly talented, and the cake itself was delicious!”
MORE: THE ARTISTIC WHISK WEDDINGS
Looking back on her wedding day, the bride shared that one of the most cherished memories were an intimate moment shared with her dad and her new husband.
“My first look with my dad and the private last dance Mike and I had were the most memorable. I’m a huge daddy’s girl, and my dad will always be the first man I’ve ever loved,” Shannon reminisced. “As for the private last dance, it was Mike’s idea that he witnessed at a wedding. That moment we were alone, he was able to let his emotions out. He cried, I held him, comforted him, and danced to Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”
The Proposal:
We were at my favorite place in Japan – Fushimi-inari Shrine. I’ve wanted to visit this country my whole life, and I even brought my godparents' ashes to spread on this trip. They were always so supportive to try and get me to Japan. After I did, I was very emotional. As Mike was comforting me, he bent down on one knee and said, “I wanted to do this in front of them. Will you marry me?” It was the most thoughtful moment of my life for sure!
What did you look for in a wedding venue?
Convenience, location, good bones (with the interior and exterior), outdoor ceremony options, and great food!
I want to learn more about weddings at The Birchwood
I loved the beautiful interior of The Birchwood: the crown molding, light bulb chandeliers, and waterfront balcony view! The staff is also incredibly kind and very attentive. The easy win factor for this venue is hands down the food.
How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
Simple glam.
What were your colors and why did you chose them?
Blush and gray. I’ve always loved those colors together, and the gray wasn’t too light, so it felt balanced.
What did you look for in a wedding bakery?
We looked for lots of flavor, variety to choose from, and general skill.
I Want to Learn More about Desserts & Cake from The Artistic Whisk.
The Artistic Whisk is incredibly talented, and the cake itself was delicious.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Plan accordingly. Keep contracts together. Stay focused and do every task with your significant other.
Ceremony Venue: North Straub Park
Reception Venue: The Birchwood *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Venue
Photographer: Stephanie A. Smith Photography
Florist: Iza’s Flowers Inc.
Rentals: Signature Event Rentals
Cake: Artistic Whisk *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
DJ: The Party Doctor
Officiant: Family friend
Dress Shop and Designer: David’s Bridal
Bridesmaid Dress Designer: Adrianna Papell
Hair & Makeup: Destiny & Light
