Amanda and Clay’s St. Petersburg wedding featured a refreshing blend of classic decor in a modern aesthetic. The gulf coast views from the rooftop reception were balanced with gorgeous greenery, delicious food, and music that kept their guests on the dance floor all night.

“Two words I would use to describe our wedding would be classy and simple! I didn’t necessarily want a theme, but I knew I wanted it to be a lot of white with greenery and black accents,” Amanda explained. “Our colors were very simple. White, sage green, and black. My bridesmaids wore sage green dresses, and the groomsmen wore a traditional black and white tux.”

MORE: CLASSIC WEDDING INSPIRATION

After the couple exchanged vows in a traditional cathedral setting, they hosted a stunning rooftop reception at the Hotel Zamora. As a registered dietician, Amanda prioritized a high-quality menu that would and leave guests feeling satisfied.

“I wanted a space that would allow outdoor options and that could accommodate 120 guests, being outdoors was very important to me,” the bride detailed. “We hired Hotel Zamora simply because the venue was absolutely beautiful and when I went to view it the first time I immediately knew that is where I wanted my wedding! It was very easy for me to picture it. The day of the wedding went absolutely perfect, and it was such a beautiful day!”

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The Saint Petersburg couple relied on a local and reputable wedding planner to guide them through the vendor vetting and planning process.

“I looked for someone who is organized, someone who has done weddings at Hotel Zamora before and who had connections with vendors that I needed,” Amanda explained. “I hired Blue Skies because they were the preferred vendor from Hotel Zamora, and I’m so glad I did! I worked with Chris and his wife, Heather. They were absolutely amazing and helped me through a lot of obstacles. I would ten out of ten recommend them to anyone getting married!”

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For a classically elegant look that would compliment her natural glow, the bride entrusted Femme Akoi Beauty Studio to make her feel beautiful on her wedding day.

“Honestly, I knew nothing about make-up! I had saved a few inspiration looks on Pinterest. I knew I wanted makeup that would last all day and a more natural look,” the bride beamed. “Femme Akoi was referred to me by one of my friends! I looked up their prices and thought they were reasonable, so I scheduled a trial and loved it! I worked with Melanie, and she was absolutely great! I let her do her thing, and it turned out so beautiful, I was very happy!”

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The classic and simple wedding aesthetic was created with Chivari ghost chair rentals and a black and white checkered dancefloor from Gabro Event Services. The luxurious rentals balanced the subtle reception decor of greenery and candles. Guests danced under the stars while Grant Hemond & Associates kept amazing energy throughout the night.

As Amanda looked back on her wedding day, she reminisced in the excitement leading up to their marriage vows.

“For me, the most memorable moments were the drive to the church with my bridesmaids. I remember just being so nervous, anxious, and excited just knowing that all the guests were already there, and Clay was there waiting for me at the altar” the bride gushed. “The walk down the aisle with my dad for sure was so special for us. Lastly, the best man and maid of honor toasts! They did a great job and had everyone laughing and crying!”

The proposal:
Clay and I were down in Ft Lauderdale for one of his bodybuilding competitions, he did that so it would throw me off and I wouldn’t suspect anything! After his competition, he had arranged a photoshoot (very common for bodybuilders to do post-show) and said that we should do a couple of photoshoots since I was graduating in a few months and this would be like my graduation gift! We went to Hugh Taylor Birch Park and did the photo shoot, and about halfway through he reached into his pocket, and at that moment I knew! He got down on one knee and asked me to marry him!

What was your wedding day beauty inspiration?
Honestly, I knew nothing about make-up! I had saved a few inspiration looks on Pinterest. I knew I wanted makeup that would last all day and a more natural look!

Femme Akoi Beauty Studio was referred to me by one of my friends! I looked up their prices and thought they were reasonable so I scheduled a trial and loved it! I worked with Melanie and she was absolutely great! I let her do her thing and it turned out so beautiful, I was very happy!

How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
Two words I would use to describe our wedding would be classy and simple! I didn’t necessarily want a “theme” but I knew I wanted it to be a lot of white with greenery and black accents!

What were your colors?
Our colors were very simple. White, sage green, and black. My bridesmaids wore sage green dresses, and the groomsmen wore a traditional black and white tux.

What did you look for in a wedding planner?
I looked for someone who is organized, someone who has done weddings at Hotel Zamora before and who had connections with vendors that I needed.

I hired Blue Skies Weddings and Events because they were the preferred vendor from Hotel Zamora, and I’m so glad I did! I worked with Chris and his wife, Heather, they were absolutely amazing and helped me through a lot of obstacles. I would 10/10 recommend them to anyone getting married!

I would have to say Blue Skies Events really stood out to me and made my wedding day perfect and so memorable! They really went above and beyond especially on the day of the wedding! I couldn’t have done it without them!

What did you look for in a wedding venue?
I wanted a space that would allow outdoor options and that could accommodate 120 guests. Being outdoors was very important to me!

We hired Hotel Zamora simply because the venue was absolutely beautiful and when I went to view it the first time I immediately knew that is where I wanted my wedding! It was very easy for me to picture it! The day of the wedding went absolutely perfect, and it was such a beautiful day!

What did you look for in a wedding DJ?
I wanted a DJ that could get guests on the dance floor and that was comfortable playing some of my more club music!

I hired Grant Hemond & Associates because they came VERY highly recommended to me by Hotel Zamora and Blue Skies! I worked with Jason and he was great! He was easy to talk to and very enthusiastic! I gave him songs that I wanted and he took it and created a beautiful night of dancing for us!

What rentals did you use and how did they enhance the ambiance of your wedding?
We rented the Chiavari chairs and dance floor from Gabro Event Services! The upgraded chairs were a must-have for me! And the dance floor was black and white and just tied in so beautifully!!

What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Hire a wedding planner! Don’t be afraid to go with whatever you and your significant other like! Don’t let family and friends influence too much! The day is all about you!

Ceremony Venue: Saint Mary Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church
Reception Venue and Caterer: Hotel Zamora *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Venue
Photographer: Amber McWhorter Photography
Videographer: All in White Films
Planner: Blue Skies Weddings and Events *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Florist: 2Birds Events
Rentals: Gabro Event Services *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Cake: Publix
DJ: Grant Hemond and Associates *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Officiant: Deacon Mike
Invitations: Minted
Transportation: Alpha One Limo
Dress Shop and Designer: Philly Bride, Martina Liana
Bridesmaid Dress Shop: Azzazie
Hair & Makeup: Femme Akoi Beauty Studio *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro