As if planning a destination Florida wedding isn’t hard enough, Kirsten and Peter had to do so from halfway around the world.
“We currently live in Memphis, TN, but we lived together in Asia up until our wedding,” the bride explained. “St. Petersburg will always be our home and favorite place in the world where all of our family and friends live, so having the wedding there was a no-brainer.”
Travel is an important part of the pair’s relationship, so the couple incorporated vintage travel touches into their elegant downtown St. Pete wedding.
“Our theme was simple and elegant, with lots of lush greenery and a focus on our family and friends. I wanted a low-maintenance, no-fuss, natural looking wedding, so we could focus on each other and our loved ones,” the bride shared. “Peter and I were so ridiculously happy and calm. I was smiling the entire day and just in a state of joy to be surrounded by so many people we love and who love us.”
To achieve the elegant atmosphere Kirsten envisioned, she hired St. Petersburg wedding florist Wonderland Floral Art and Gift Loft.
“I looked for somebody who could transform my vision in a reality, without too much input from me. I don’t know much about flowers!” the bride explained. “I was able to sit down with the owner, Cassie, and tell her my vision, then leave it to her to create the lush and elegant environment I dreamed of. The flowers arrangements were one of my favorite parts of the day because they helped create the simple elegance I wanted.”
With the all of the thought put into her destination Florida wedding, the bride searched for a wedding photographer “who could take pictures of people and the environment in a beautiful and interesting way.”
“I was very picky about hiring the right person to bring my vision to life. I looked for a photographer who emphasizes rich colors, intricate details and has the ability to capture moments without too much unnecessary posing,” Kirsten shared. “Roohi Photography’s photographs caught my eye because of their rich color and beautiful composition. The owner, Rana, is so kind, enthusiastic and professional. She was an expert at herding my crazy bridal party and made me feel so comfortable and at ease during my day.”
What did you look for in a wedding photographer?
I love photography and was very picky about hiring the right person to bring my vision to life. I looked for a photographer who emphasizes rich colors, intricate details and has the ability to capture moments without too much unnecessary posing. I was looking for an artist who could take pictures of people and the environment in a beautiful and interesting way.
Roohi Photography’s photographs caught my eye because of their rich color and beautiful composition. The owner, Rana, is so kind, enthusiastic and professional. She was an expert at herding my crazy bridal party and made me feel so comfortable and at ease during my day.
The Proposal:
Peter was out of town on business, and I was at a concert at the Mahaffey with my mom. After the concert, I saw my mom texting Peter (in very large font) and was confused and then immediately suspicious. My suspicions were confirmed when my mom decided that we needed to go see the Christmas tree at the Dali. Walking down the sidewalk, I could see a guy in a suit standing before me, and I knew it was Peter! He grabbed my hands and got down on one knee. Obviously, I said, “Yes” and we took a horse and carriage ride to the Vinoy where our family and friends were waiting for a champagne toast.
What did you look for in a wedding florist?
Somebody who could transform my vision in a reality, without too much input from me. I don’t know much about flowers!
My mother takes classes at Wonderland Floral Art and Gift Loft, so I knew that they provided high quality service and beautiful arrangements. I was able to sit down with the owner, Cassie, and tell her my vision, then leave it to her to create the lush and elegant environment I dreamed of. The bouquets were absolutely beautiful and the flowers at the reception were perfection. The flowers arrangements were one of my favorite parts of the day because they helped create the simple elegance I wanted.
How would you describe your theme?
Simple and elegant theme with lots of lush greenery and a focus on our family and friends. I wanted a low-maintenance, no-fuss, natural looking wedding, so we could focus on each other and our loved ones.
What were your colors?
Cream, sage green and gold. Green is my favorite color, and I envisioned a simple, elegant and lush environment with an old-Florida, garden-feel.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay Brides?
RELAX. Trust the process. Trust your vendors to do their job. Hire a day-of wedding coordinator. Rely on your bridesmaids. Smile, have fun and enjoy spending a day with the people who love you the most.
