Caitlyn and Matt's Tampa Heights wedding was urban and elegant, with a boho inspired wedding party in sage green and navy blue, and simple white and greenery florals adorning their industrial chic venue.
The bride said that as a little girl she dreamed of a New England fall wedding, but decided that Florida, the place where her and Matt's love story began, would be the perfect chance for their northern friends to experience the city they love.
The very first wedding pro the couple hired was photographer Andi Diamond Photography.
“Andi’s son was in my first grade class six years ago. That’s when I first saw some of her work. I decided immediately, no matter when or where I was going to get married, I had to hire Andi Diamond Photography!” the bride gushed. “All these years later, she ended up exceeding any expectation I ever could’ve imagined from a photographer. On our wedding day, she made everything so fun. Andi was relaxed, confident, practiced; she was a pro. When she walked in with her cameras and ready-to-kick-ass attitude, you couldn’t help but love her.”
MORE: ANDI DIAMOND PHOTOGRAPHY WEDDINGS
The most important elements to Caitlyn and Matt were for their wedding to be a fun, yet classy, celebration.
“We knew we wanted to spend whatever it took to have open bar and great music. We figured with those two things, everyone would have a great time!” the bride beamed.
Looking back, one of Caitlyn's favorite wedding day moments was that the date was exactly one year to the date after Matt proposed and that she got to share her wedding day with her students.
“I loved having a ‘first look' with my first grade students. This was a unique touch that I will never forget. I had this idea in my head; I wanted them to be involved in some way. I talked to Andi about it, and she totally ran with the idea and made it all happen! Those kids mean the world to me. To see them on my wedding day is a memory I will always remember,” Caitlyn reminisced.
The Proposal:
Matt texted me saying he made reservations for us to go out to dinner with our friends Riley and Christal. I was so excited! I didn't think anything of it, I just knew I was dating a keeper. On the way to dinner, Matt acted normal, like it was any other Friday night. Upon arriving at Ulele, we got out of the Uber and started walking over to the water, where we saw Riley and Christal hanging out by the bridge. Riley is a photographer, and he had his camera. He was taking some sunset shots. Again, this was pretty typical, so I didn't think anything of it. The sunset was gorgeous (Matt timed it so it would be perfect). Riley asked if he could take a couple shots of us. I was positioning Matt next to me for the ideal angle. I said, “Here, how about like this?” and tried to turn him. He said, “Actually, how about like…this?” and he turned me while getting down on one knee. He asked me to marry him. Of course, I said yes! Riley captured it all on camera. It was perfect!
Just when I thought it couldn't get any better, we walked into Ulele for dinner to find our families waiting to offer hugs and champagne. We had our parents and siblings, who flew in from California, Washington D.C., Massachusetts and Connecticut just to surprise me! It was perfect! After dinner, we went to Sail Pavilion to continue the engagement celebration. When we arrived, there were 60 of our friends there to celebrate with us! Matt thought of every detail and truly made it a night I will always remember! Perfection seems like an understatement.
Exactly one year later, at sunset, we were having professional wedding portraits taken by Andi Diamond. Who would've thought!? It was so special!
What did you look for in a wedding photographer?
We wanted someone reliable and reputable, who was going to take beautiful photos. We ideally wanted someone who was going to take the time to get to know us and make us feel happy and comfortable on our wedding day.
I want to learn more about Andi Diamond Photography.
Andi’s son was in my first grade class six years ago. That’s when I first saw some of her work. I decided immediately, no matter when or where I was going to get married, I had to hireAndi Diamond Photography. All these years later, she ended up exceeding any expectation I ever could’ve imagined from a photographer. She was so dedicated and patient. Before I even hired her, she had an hour+ phone call with me, just to chat wedding details. She treated me like a person, a newly engaged girl with a million questions, not just a potential client. She listened to my wishes (what I wanted in a wedding) and offered me her professional advice (where to start, where to look, etc.). As Matt and I worked through the process, we ultimately hired Andi before booking a venue or any other vendors. When we had our engagement shoot, Matt and I were so awkward in front of the camera; it was new to us. Andi did everything she could to relax us and make it feel as natural as possible. When we saw the engagement photos, they looked great! The photography was amazing. However, I didn’t love them because I felt like we looked awkward and unnatural. Andi offered her time, at no additional charge, to meet us for a second try. This time, she brought funny games for us to play along the way so we would relax and look natural. They ended up coming out great! Andi did not have to do a second round, but she genuinely wanted us to love, love, love them and was willing to do anything to make that happen. On our wedding day, she made everything so fun. She was relaxed, confident, practiced; she was a pro. When she walked in with her cameras and ready-to-kick-ass attitude, you couldn’t help but love her. She was beyond words the best things we ever could’ve done to make our wedding day perfect.
How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
Elegant, urban, romantic, classy, unique, fun. We wanted our wedding to be classy, but an evening everyone would remember as enjoyable! We wanted our day to be a fun celebration for all.
What were your colors?
Silver sage crisp (light green), pale petal pink, ivory, and navy.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Enjoy every second of planning. Be conscious of deadlines. Be proactive. The day comes and goes so fast! Enjoy the day and remember that in the end, you're marrying the love of your life – that's all that really matters!
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Armature Works
Photographer: Andi Diamond Photography *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Videographer: VHVIDEO.COM
Planner and DJ: Breezin' Entertainment
Florist: Northside Florist
Caterer: Puff n Stuff Catering
Cake: Publix GreenWise Bakery
Band: Sunset Strings
Officiant: Greg Cowen
Invitations: Minted
Transportation: Jolley Trolley
Dress Shop: CC's Bridal Boutique
Bridesmaid Dresses: Show Me Your Mumu
Hair & Makeup: SMP Makeup Artistry
Menswear: Men’s Wearhouse
