Emily and Colton's timeless South Tampa wedding combined the light and airy ambiance of their Hyde Park venue with sweet rustic details for an elegant affair for 140 guests.
Knowing that they didn't want an over-the-top celebration was a key factor in truly capturing their vision. By adding an abundance of greenery and a few personal details, the bride and groom achieved their minimalist fairytale.
“Our theme was very simple and clean. We chose to steer clear of any pops of color beside a few gold accents here and there throughout the space,” the bride explained. “We had a very simple color palette. The bridesmaids wore a eucalyptus color, and the guys wore a similar shade of green for their bowties. Other than that, everything else was white for the most part!”
MORE: SOUTH TAMPA WEDDING INSPIRATION
While browsing for the perfect location for her 140 guests, the bride turned to Marry Me Tampa Bay to refine her search.
“During the beginning stages of planning, I looked to Marry Me Tampa for inspiration,” Emily shared. “Specifically looking for our dream venue, scrolling through the website and Marry Me Tampa Bay's Instagram really gave me an idea of all of the amazing venues in the Tampa Bay area. All of the information really helped narrow down our search!”
With their vision coming to love before their eyes, Emily and Colton knew that telling their love story would be extra special coming from someone who saw it all first-hand.
”We really wanted to make sure the ceremony spoke true to who we were as a couple, which is why we had our youth pastor from high school perform our ceremony,” the shared. “Cale has been with us from the very start of our relationship and has seen how God has moved us to where we are now.”
With such a magical day upon them, the two made sure their faith played a huge role in their wedding.
”Colton and I decided that we did not want to do a first look but rather a prayer together before our ceremony. He didn't see me, but I did see him,” the bride confessed. “There is something so powerful about a man who will pray with you for your future together.”
The Proposal:
We went to the beach for the weekend to celebrate our 4-year anniversary. We walked down to the water where there was a heart of roses in the sand along with a blanket and bucket of champagne. Colton got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife. When I said, “Yes,” both of our families came out, and we spent the whole weekend celebrating.
How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
Our theme was very simple and clean. We chose to steer clear of any pops of color beside a few gold accents here and there throughout the space. We wanted a very simple mix of greenery from the bridesmaids' dresses to groomsmen's bowties; everything reflected that.
What were your colors?
We had a very simple color palette. The bridesmaids wore a eucalyptus color, and the guys wore a similar shade of green for their bowties. Other than that, everything else was white for the most part!
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Enjoy the process. If the planning process gets stressful, find someone else to help with it. Whether it's a planner or just a friend or family member, let someone who enjoys the planning process give you a hand. The entire engagement season is meant to enjoy, so please, soak it all in! Everyone says it, but it goes so fast. All I can think about is how I want to do it all over again.
Venue: The Orlo
Photographer: Emily Mathewson Photography
Videographer: Ebb + Flow Co.
Day of Coordinator: Core Concepts
Florist: Flower Child Florist
Catering: Table Top Catering
Tables, Linens & Drapery Rentals: Core Concepts
Chairs: Southern Chairs
Cake: Publix & Krispy Cream Donuts
DJ: Matt Winter Band
Officiant: Cale Duncan
Dress Shop and Designer: The White Magnolia – Mikaella
Bridesmaid Dress Shop: Revelry Online
Hair: Studio Bride
Makeup: Allyson Squitiro
Calligraphy/Signs: Eliemae Ink Calligraphy
