Wedding

Elegant Gold and Merlot Downtown Tampa Wedding | The Tampa Club

Tampa Bay Best Local Wedding Venue 2021

AnneMarie and Ben's jewel-toned autumn wedding took place 42 stories over the scenic downtown Tampa skyline. The South Tampa bride and groom wanted to showcase the town they love by providing their 70 guests an unforgettable dinner experience with bird's eye views of the city.

“Our wedding was warm and inviting, but also elegant and timeless. We wanted our wedding to feel classic and sophisticated, and The Tampa Club achieved this perfectly,” the bride beamed. “Ben and I always dreamed of having a fall wedding but we wanted to steer clear of oranges and yellows. We were drawn to the rich golds and jewel tones for our October wedding. Our color palette included creams and golds with a pop of merlot.”

“Our wedding was warm and inviting, but also elegant and timeless. We wanted our wedding to feel classic and sophisticated, and the Tampa Club achieved this perfectly,” the bride beamed. “Ben and I always dreamed of having a fall wedding but we wanted to steer clear of oranges and yellows. We were drawn to the rich golds and jewel tones for our October wedding. Our color palette included creams and golds with a pop of merlot.”

AnneMarie relied on Marry Me Tampa Bay to provide real wedding inspiration and trusted vendor recommendations for her big day.

“Marry Me Tampa Bay provided us with inspiration from real couples and made the wedding planning process less intimidating. We were able to narrow down vendors and see their work truly in action!” the bride shared. “The planning process can be overwhelming for couples, and Marry Me Tampa Bay served as a one-stop-shop and excellent resource for all of our planning needs.”

Wanting a venue that was truly indicative of Tampa, the couple immediately fell in love with the panoramic views and attentive service offered by The Tampa Club.

“We wanted city elegance. Ben and I met in downtown Tampa, and we were thrilled to invite family and friends to the city that is so near and dear to our hearts. The Tampa Club has the most beautiful view of our city skyline; it is breathtaking! Our guests were able to experience Tampa from new heights and fall in love with the city that we call home,” the bride gushed. “Planning a wedding during a pandemic is certainly not ideal, however, The Tampa Club ensured that our special day would be beautiful and safe. Melissa Davidson was a delight to work with as she made the wedding planning process enjoyable and stress-free! The Tampa Club was very attentive to our needs and ensured our experience was seamless.”

Although the planning process had its challenges, the bride maintains that overall their COVID-era wedding was unforgettable.

“We will always remember our wedding day! Getting married during a pandemic certainly made our wedding unique, however, I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. Ben and I chose to focus on the joy rather than the things we could not control. Our vendors stood by us from start to finish, and we couldn't be more grateful. Our wedding day was about bringing people together safely and comfortably all while celebrating the start of our forever,” AnneMarie reminisced.

The wedding day is over in the blink of an eye, with a few key moments that stand out in the blur, and for AnneMarie one of the most memorable ones was her first look with Ben.

“I was definitely a bundle of nerves the morning of our wedding and felt a bit overwhelmed. When Ben and I saw each other before our ceremony, I felt immediately at peace,” the bride revealed. “Seeing each other before the wedding was such a sweet moment! It calmed our nerves and gave us a chance to be together for a few minutes alone and share our excitement about our ceremony and reception. The day flew by so quickly; I am glad we have that memory of just the two of us.”

Traditional Tampa Wedding Invitation with Floral Halo Monogram in Dusty Blue Ink with Calligraphy | Wedding Ring Shot With Stationary | Oval Diamond Tiffany Solitaire Engagement Ring with Channel Set Diamond Band
Fall Red White and Green Wedding Bridal Bouquet with Eucalyptus Greenery and Red and White Roses
Bride and Bridesmaids Getting Ready in Navy Blue and White Robes with Flutes of Bubbly Champagne
Mother of the Bride helping Bride Get Dressed and Ready | V Neck Embroidered Illusion Panel Allure Couture Designer Wedding Dress Bridal Gown | Femme Akoi Beauty Studio
Outdoor Bridal Portrait | V Back Embroidered Illusion Panel Allure Couture Designer Wedding Dress Bridal Gown with Long Cathedral Veil | Fall Wedding Bridal Bouquet with Red and White roses and Eucalyptus Greenery | Femme Akoi Beauty Studio
Bridal Portrait | Wedding Photo Veil Shot | Natural Bridal Makeup for the Bride | Oval Tiffany Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring with Channel Set Diamond Band

What were your wedding hair and makeup inspiration?
I definitely wanted something timeless and classic for my wedding hair and makeup. As a registered nurse, I usually have my hair pulled back and wear minimal makeup so I was very much looking forward to being full glam but also wanted to feel like myself.

Femme Akoi is very active on social media and spotlights many of their real-life brides along with the creativity and talent of the artists. Natalie was my artist, and she made me feel beautiful! She was such a big help with offering suggestions for bridal hair and makeup that aligned with my vision, and she always ensured I was happy and felt my absolute best. Femme Akoi also provided hair and makeup services to all of my bridesmaids and made each one feel special and absolutely beautiful! They were such a delight to work with and made the “glam” process stress-free! 

Outdoor Bride and Bridesmaids Portrait | V Back Embroidered Illusion Panel Allure Couture Designer Wedding Dress Bridal Gown with Long Cathedral Veil | Fall Wedding Bridal and Bridesmaid Bouquets with Red and White roses and Eucalyptus Greenery | Long Burgundy Maroon Red Chiffon Off The Shoulder Bridesmaid Gown Dresses by David's Bridal | Femme Akoi Beauty Studio
Outdoor Bride and Bridesmaids Portrait | V Back Embroidered Illusion Panel Allure Couture Designer Wedding Dress Bridal Gown with Long Cathedral Veil | Fall Wedding Bridal and Bridesmaid Bouquets with Red and White roses and Eucalyptus Greenery | Long Burgundy Maroon Red Chiffon Off The Shoulder Bridesmaid Gown Dresses by David's Bridal | Femme Akoi Beauty Studio
Outdoor Bride and Groom First Look Portrait | V Back Embroidered Illusion Panel Allure Couture Designer Wedding Dress Bridal Gown with Long Cathedral Veil | Fall Wedding Bridal Bouquet with Red and White roses and Eucalyptus Greenery | Groom in Classic Black Suit Tux with Bow Tie
Outdoor Bride and Groom Portrait | V Back Embroidered Illusion Panel Allure Couture Designer Wedding Dress Bridal Gown with Long Cathedral Veil | Fall Wedding Bridal Bouquet with Red and White roses and Eucalyptus Greenery | Groom in Classic Black Suit Tux with Bow Tie
Bride and Groom Portrait | Tampa Wedding | Oval Tiffany Style Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring with Channel Set Diamond Band

The Proposal:
Ben proposed after three years of dating. He surprised me with the most beautiful engagement party directly after with our families and closest friends. He caught me totally off-guard!

Outdoor Fall Tampa Wedding Party Portrait | V Back Embroidered Illusion Panel Allure Couture Designer Wedding Dress Bridal Gown with Long Cathedral Veil | Fall Wedding Bridal and Bridesmaid Bouquets with Red and White Roses and Eucalyptus Greenery | Long Burgundy Maroon Red Chiffon Off The Shoulder Bridesmaid Gown Dresses by David's Bridal | Groom and Groomsmen in Classic Black Suit Tux with Bow Tie
Downtown Tampa Wedding Venue The Tampa Club
Indoor Bride and Groom Portrait at Downtown Tampa Wedding Venue The Tampa Club Staircase | V Back Embroidered Illusion Panel Allure Couture Designer Wedding Dress Bridal Gown | Groom in Classic Black Suit Tux with Bow Tie
Indoor Bride and Groom Portrait at Downtown Tampa Wedding Venue The Tampa Club Staircase | V Neck Embroidered Illusion Panel Allure Couture Designer Wedding Dress Bridal Gown | Groom in Classic Black Suit Tux with Bow Tie

What did you look for in a wedding venue?
We wanted city elegance. Ben and I met in downtown Tampa and we were thrilled to invite family and friends to the city that is so near and dear to our hearts.

The Tampa Club has the most beautiful view of our city skyline; it is breathtaking! Our guests were able to experience Tampa from new heights and fall in love with the city that we call home.

Planning a wedding during a pandemic is certainly not ideal, however, The Tampa Club ensured that our special day would be beautiful and safe. Melissa Davidson was a delight to work with as she made the wedding planning process enjoyable and stress-free! The Tampa Club was very attentive to our needs and ensured our experience was seamless.

Indoor Bride and Groom Portrait at Downtown Tampa Wedding Venue The Tampa Club Wine Room | V Neck Embroidered Illusion Panel Allure Couture Designer Wedding Dress Bridal Gown | Groom in Classic Black Suit Tux with Bow Tie
Indoor Bride and Groom Portrait at Downtown Tampa Wedding Venue The Tampa Club Wine Room | V Neck Embroidered Illusion Panel Allure Couture Designer Wedding Dress Bridal Gown | Groom in Classic Black Suit Tux with Bow Tie
Bride Walking Down the Aisle with Father during Indoor Tampa Wedding Ceremony at Downtown Tampa Wedding Venue The Tampa Club | V Neck Embroidered Illusion Panel Allure Couture Designer Wedding Dress Bridal Gown | Fall Wedding Bridal Bouquet with Red and White Roses and Eucalyptus Greenery | Father of the Bride and Groom in Classic Black Suit Tux with Bow Tie
Indoor Tampa Wedding Ceremony at Downtown Tampa Wedding Venue The Tampa Club | Pipe and Drape Ceremony Backdrop | V Neck Embroidered Illusion Panel Allure Couture Designer Wedding Dress Bridal Gown | Groom in Classic Black Suit Tux with Bow Tie
Bride and Groom First Kiss during Indoor Tampa Wedding Ceremony at Downtown Tampa Wedding Venue The Tampa Club | Pipe and Drape Ceremony Backdrop | V Neck Embroidered Illusion Panel Allure Couture Designer Wedding Dress Bridal Gown | Groom in Classic Black Suit Tux with Bow Tie
Urban Outdoor Bridal Portrait in Streets of Downtown Tampa | V Back Embroidered Illusion Panel Allure Couture Designer Wedding Dress Bridal Gown with Long Cathedral Veil
Urban Outdoor Bride and Groom Portrait in Streets of Downtown Tampa along Riverwalk | V Back Embroidered Illusion Panel Allure Couture Designer Wedding Dress Bridal Gown with Long Cathedral Veil | Groom in Classic Black Suit Tux with Bow Tie

Where did you spend your honeymoon?
We went to Antigua for our honeymoon and stayed at the Cocobay Resort. We can't recommend it enough! We wanted to escape to a tropical paradise and this resort gave us our own private oasis.

Gold Mini Champagne Bottle Splits Wedding Favors | Rondel Gold Bottles with Wedding Escort Cards Seating Assignment Display
Indoor Wedding Reception at Downtown Tampa Wedding Venue The Tampa Club | Round Reception Tables with Champagne Gold Linen Tablecloths and Gold Chiavari Chairs and Gold Charger Plates | Tall Wedding Centerpieces with White Hydrangea and Red Roses and Eucalyptus Greenery with Cylinder Vase Floating Candles

How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
Our wedding was warm and inviting, but also elegant and timeless. We wanted our wedding to feel classic and sophisticated, and The Tampa Club achieved this perfectly!

What were your colors?  
Ben and I always dreamed of having a fall wedding but we wanted to steer clear of oranges and yellows. We were drawn to the rich golds and jewel tones for our October wedding day. Our color palette included creams and golds with a pop of merlot. 

Indoor Wedding Reception at Downtown Tampa Wedding Venue The Tampa Club | Round Reception Tables with Champagne Gold Linen Tablecloths and Gold Chiavari Chairs and Gold Charger Plates | Tall Wedding Centerpieces with White Hydrangea and Red Roses and Eucalyptus Greenery with Cylinder Vase Floating Candles
Simple Three Tier Textured Ribbed Buttercream Icing Wedding Cake with Red Roses and Eucalyptus Greenery on Round Gold Ornate Cake Stand by Publix
Indoor Bride and Groom Portrait at Downtown Tampa Wedding Venue The Tampa Club Elevator | V Neck Embroidered Illusion Panel Allure Couture Designer Wedding Dress Bridal Gown | Groom in Classic Black Suit Tux with Bow Tie

What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
We are so lucky to live in a city that houses so many incredible wedding vendors! Take your time and enjoy the entire planning process. This season of life flies by, so be sure to soak it all in!

https://vimeo.com/485993723

Venue & Caterer: The Tampa Club *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Venue
Photographer/Videographer: Love and Covenant
Planner: Piper Marie Events
Florist: Northside Florist
Rentals: Gabro Event Services
Cake: Publix
DJ: Bay Kings Band
Officiant: Joanne Petrella
Invitations: Minted
Transportation: Blue One Transportation
Dress: Allure Couture
Shoe Designer: Bella Belle Shoes
Bridesmaides: David's Bridal
Hair & Makeup: Femme Akoi Beauty Studio *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro

Quotes have been lightly edited for clarity and brevity.

*Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pros are highly respected by our local wedding community and have been personally vetted by our editor.

Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pros

Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pros are highly respected by our local wedding community and have been personally vetted by our editor.