Marian and Josh's downtown Tampa wedding combined colorful Middle Eastern and Greek culture with sweet personal touches and a traditional entrance that brought guests to their feet.
“Playing off some of my favorite fall colors, we chose a color palette of emerald green, white, and gold,” the bride shared. “I really wanted to showcase the elegance of the space, but also incorporate some of my own touches like a variation of organic greens and delicate white roses in the reception.”
MORE: GREEN WEDDING INSPIRATION
The Tampa natives knew they needed a wedding venue that would give guests a taste of Tampa, but also be easily accessible to those coming in from out of town.
“Located just blocks are the Riverwalk and the Tampa Museum of Art, the Hilton Tampa Downtown was perfect for friends and family to explore! Due to its ideal location, it was perfect for guests flying in from out of town,” Marian explained. “We really wanted a gorgeous ballroom and loved the chandeliers at the hotel.”
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To complement her elegant theme, the bride enlisted the help of A&P Designs to create a timeless invitation that reflected the fabric of her wedding dress.
“I really wanted a timeless letterpress invitation, and that is exactly what I got! A&P Designs designed my invitations based on the lace pattern on my dress, all while using letterpress” the bride gushed. “They had no problems making adjustments until it was the perfect product for me. They provided great service and I loved the final product!”
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Sticking to a budget was important for the couple and when they were recommended Lifelong Photography Studio, they were thrilled at how great the connection was.
“Lifelong Photography Studio did an excellent job, and we were very thankful for how professional they were. Gabrielle had such a kind and fun spirit that we felt comfortable with her almost immediately,” the bride beamed. “During our search, we browsed through a lot of photographers trying to find just the right one that matched our personality and was within our budget, and we were thrilled with the final outcome!”
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Thanks to the help of Marry Me Tampa Bay, the bride was able to nail her perfect wedding day look with Femme Akoi Beauty Studio.
“I found Femme Akoi on Marry Me Tampa Bay. After hearing so many great reviews I booked a trial session. I really wanted romantic hair with natural makeup and was thrilled at how great everything turned out,” the bride shared. “I had been worried about breakouts with my sensitive skin, but they used the best products and took great care of me. I had absolutely no problems after!”
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Looking back, Marian and Josh reminisced about their memorable entrance that had everyone out on the dance floor.
“We did a traditional Middle Eastern entrance and immediately went into the room with a celebratory song. Within seconds the dance floor was filled and we felt so loved!” the bride gushed.
What was your wedding invitation inspiration?
My wedding dress!
I want to learn more about Stationery and Invitations from A&P Designs
I really wanted a timeless letterpress invitation, and that is exactly what I got! A&P Designs designed my invitations based on the lace pattern on my dress, all while using letterpress. They had no problems making adjustments until it was the perfect product for me. They provided great service and I loved the final product!
What were your wedding hair and makeup inspiration?
I really wanted romantic hair with natural makeup.
I want to learn more about hair & makeup from Femme Akoi.
I found Femme Akoi on Marry Me Tampa Bay. After hearing so many great reviews I booked a trial session. I had been worried about breakouts with my sensitive skin, but she used the best products and took great care of me. I had absolutely no problems after! I was thrilled at how great everything turned out.
The Proposal:
Josh proposed at the annual Tampa Bay Christmas Boat Parade at the Riverwalk. He hired the Tampa Fun Boat to use Christmas lights that said, “Will you marry me Marian?” When the boat passed us, I found him down on one knee!
What did you look for in a wedding photographer?
We wanted someone we could be comfortable with but also was within a certain budget.
I want to Learn more about Lifelong Photography Studio
Lifelong Photography Studio came highly recommended. They did an excellent job and we were very thankful for how professional they were. Gabrielle had such a kind and fun spirit that we felt comfortable with her almost immediately. During our search, we browsed through a lot of photographers trying to find just the right one that matched our personality and was within our budget, and we were thrilled with the final outcome!
What did you look for in a wedding venue?
We really wanted a gorgeous ballroom and loved the chandeliers at the Hilton Tampa Downtown.
Send me pricing and availability for the Hilton Tampa Downtown.
Due to its ideal location, the Hilton Tampa Downtown was perfect for guests flying in from out of town. We wanted a venue that would allow guests to get a taste of Tampa and located just blocks are the Riverwalk and the Tampa Museum of Art, perfect for friends and family to explore!
What were your colors?
Playing off some of my favorite fall colors, we chose a color palette of emerald green, white, and gold. I really wanted to showcase the elegance of the space, but also incorporate some of my own touches like a variation of organic greens and delicate white roses in the reception.
Ceremony Venue: St. John Greek Orthodox Church
Reception Venue: Hilton Tampa Downtown *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Venue
Photographer: Lifelong Photography Studio *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Videographer: David Zhou
Florist: Arlene Floral and Design
Cake: Cakes by Dreama
DJ: DJ Khalil
Invitations: A&P Designs *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Hair & Makeup: Femme Akoi *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
