Elegant Downtown Tampa Wedding | The Tampa Club Wedding
Stephanie and Jake’s modern downtown Tampa wedding featured an indoor Jewish wedding ceremony, followed by a ballroom reception overlooking the city where their relationship blossomed.
“Jake and I are both originally from Fort Lauderdale and met at sleepaway camp as kids, but then reconnected in high school,” Stephanie explained. “We both attended the University of South Florida and decided to stay in Tampa after graduation. Even though we have family in Fort Lauderdale, Tampa is our home now, and we thought it was perfect to get married here.”
The Harbour Island couple searched for a downtown Tampa wedding venue that not only offered a beautiful view of the city skyline and the water, but that would also be in a convenient location for their many out-of-town guests.
“We chose The Tampa Club for many reasons.I think the biggest benefits were that it was a private venue and we had a view of all of Tampa Bay. We live on Harbour Island, so we could see our home while saying ‘I do!’” the bride gushed. “We loved that the venue could host both our ceremony and reception and that it was indoors. The venue was well within walking distance from the hotels our guests stayed at, so that was perfect too.”
Searching for a Tampa Bay wedding photographer who not only took powerful photos and with whom they could connect with, the bride and groom hired Rad Red Creative.
“We hired Rad Red Creative for their amazing talent in taking photos, as well as their personalities. It seemed as if each individual photo told a story,” Stephanie shared. “Jake and I were so thankful to work with a husband and wife team who understood our wants and needs. From the moment we met Brittany and Leo, Jake and I could tell that our personalities would work great together on our wedding day.”
Looking back, the bride’s most cherished wedding day moment involved an intimate traditional Jewish tradition that takes place prior to the wedding ceremony.
“Besides our wedding day being the best day of our lives, the most memorable part was when we signed our Ketubah, which is the Jewish marriage contract. Only a small group of family and friends are in the Ketubah signing room. My sister was unsure if she would be able to make it to our wedding, since she had just had a baby, but thankfully, Baby Robert knew to come a few weeks early so they could make it to the wedding! Funny enough, not only did my sister have a baby, but Jake’s sister was not able to attend due to her being too far along in her pregnancy. Thankfully, technology has come so far, and we were able to FaceTime her into the entire ceremony. It made it feel like she was still there,” Stephanie reminisced.
The Proposal:
Jake and I have been together since 2007. I have always been a huge Disney fan and even worked there! I asked Jake if we could go to Disney’s Osbourne Family Spectacle of Lights, since it was the last year that Disney would be putting on this holiday light show. Jake and I decided to go to Disney on Sunday, December 13, 2015. Our very good friend Dan joined us, as he had “won” a day ticket to Disney World through his work. We spent the day at Magic Kingdom, and then headed to Hollywood Studio’s to see the light show. As we were walking into the Spectacle of Lights, the lights dimmed and the holiday music started playing, and then Jake got down on one knee and proposed. I didn’t realize, but Jake had actually bought Dan’s ticket so Dan could take the proposal photos; he did not “win” it at work. Everything was as perfect as I could ever dream of. As Walt Disney says, “Wishes do come true!”
What did you look for in a wedding venue?
We wanted a venue that could hold both our ceremony and reception and would be within walking distance to hotels for almost all of our out-of-town guests. We also wanted a venue that had a beautiful view of either downtown or the water.
We chose The Tampa Club for many reasons. We loved that the venue could host both our ceremony and reception and that it was indoors. The venue was well within walking distance from the hotels our guests stayed at, so that was perfect too. I think the biggest benefits were that it was a private venue (we had the wedding on a Sunday, so members of the club wouldn’t have access) and that we had a view of all of Tampa Bay. I think the most special view is that we live on Harbour Island, so we could see our home while saying “I do!”
What did you look for in a wedding photographer?
We hired Rad Red Creative for their amazing talent in taking photos, as well as their personalities. It seems as if each individual story told a photo. I am so glad that we chose to work with Brittany and Leo. Jake and I were so thankful to work with a husband/wife team who understood our wants and needs. From the moment we met them, Jake and I could tell that our personalities would work great together on our wedding day.
Prior to the wedding, I was nervous about organizing family photos, Brittany was so patient and talked me through the entire process. When Brittany and Leo showed up on our wedding day, it was like seeing old friends. I could not have asked to spend the day with another set of photographers. Can’t wait to use them…when we are expecting!
How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
Simple and elegant. We wanted all of our guests to feel comfortable at our wedding, so we did not want it to be too formal.
What were your colors?
Gold, champagne and navy, with a sprinkle of light pink.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Take a deep breath and enjoy planning your wedding, it is truly the best day of your life!
Ceremony and Reception Venue: The Tampa Club
Photographer: Rad Red Creative
Planner: Confetti Events
Florist: ABC Absolutely Beautiful Creations
Cake: Publix Greenwise Hyde Park
Music: Breezin’ Entertainment
Officiant: Rabbi Hearshen – Congregation Rodeph Sholom
Invitations: The Notes Nest
Dress Shop: Malindy Elene – Alfred Angelo
Hair & Makeup: Style Hair and Make Up
