Amanda and Kelly’s waterfront Tampa wedding was the epitome of elegant romance with modern decor, gorgeous floral and glowing candlelight. The bride and groom chose a color palette of navy blue, gold, and blush to incorporate their simple, yet eye-catching taste.

“Our theme was was elegant and romantic. We just wanted flowers and candlelight,” the bride shared. “Together, we are a very romantic couple and that is what made us choose this theme.”

Thanks to Marry Me Tampa Bay, the Tampa natives were able to find various vendors including their wedding venue.

“We had browsed Marry Me Tampa Bay to learn about venues in the area such as The Westin Tampa Bay, as well as scope out various vendors and advice,” the bride explained. “All of the information we found was easy to find and really helpful.”

To complement her romantic theme, the bride chose an elegant updo with soft curls and natural makeup from Destiny & Light Hair and Makeup Group.

“Since I was getting married in the summer I wanted to wear my hair in an updo,” the bride explained. “I had read a lot of positive reviews about Destiny & Light on various websites including Marry Me Tampa Bay. I had a trial run and everything went so perfectly!”

LEARN MORE ABOUT DESTINY AND LIGHT | EMAIL

As the big day grew closer, Amanda and Kelly knew that choosing a DJ with a good reputation and a charming ability to keep the crowd dancing and entertained was key.

“We hired James with Grant Hemond & Associates because not only did he have amazing reviews, but both of my older sisters used him at their weddings,” the bride shared. “James was very personable and did an amazing job. Throughout the process, he kept in touch for anything we might have needed and allowed us to really tailor the reception music to our needs.”

LEARN MORE ABOUT GRANT HEMOND & ASSOCIATES | EMAIL 

Looking back, the couple reminisced of special memories like their first dance and wedding ceremony.

“Our most memorable moments were a little different for both of us. For Kelly, it was our awkward first dance where we both were trying hard to remember all of our dance moves and just have fun. For me, it was the wedding ceremony,” Amanda shared.

What were your wedding hair and makeup inspiration?
Since I was getting married in the summer I wanted to wear my hair in an updo because my hair doesn’t hold curls very well. I wanted something elegant.

I had read a lot of positive reviews about Destiny & Light Hair and Makeup Group on various websites including Marry Me Tampa Bay. I had a trial run and everything went so perfectly!

The Proposal:
We went to San Diego, CA for my husband’s nephew’s high school graduation. He has two older brothers and that was the first time the three brothers had been together in ten years. Kelly proposed at La Jolla along the cliffside with the beach and seals in the background.

How did you incorporate you and your spouse’s personalities into the wedding?
We tried to keep the decorations simple, yet eye-catching. Kelly and I are very simple people with simple tastes and while the decorations looked amazing, they were all simple in execution.

How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
Elegant and romantic. We just wanted flowers and candlelight. We are a very romantic couple and that is what made us choose this theme.

What were your colors?
Navy, gold, and blush. We picked those colors for how well they went together, but the main feature of navy blue we just really love in general.

What did you look for in a wedding DJ?
We were looking for someone with a good reputation and good reviews on keeping the crowd entertained.

We hired Grant of Grant Hemond & Associates because not only did he have amazing reviews, but both of my older sisters used him at their weddings. Grant was very personable and did an amazing job. Throughout the process, he kept in touch for anything we might have needed and allowed us to really tailor the reception music to our needs.

What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Read reviews, stay within budget and have fun! Also, don’t forget, Etsy is your friend. In the end, try to keep in mind that it shouldn’t be a chore to celebrate the start of the rest of forever with the one you love.

Ceremony Venue: Saint Paul’s Catholic Church in Tampa
Reception Venue and Caterer: The Westin Tampa Bay
Photographer: Limelight Photography
Florist & Rentals: Events in Bloom
Cake: Designer Cakes and Desserts
DJ: Grant Hemond & Associates – James King *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Officiant: Father Bill Swengros
Invitations: SuziBee Designs, Black Eyed Susan Photography
Transportation: Tampa Limo LLC
Dress Shop and Designer: The White Closet Bridal – Stella York
Bridesmaid Dress Shop and Designer: Nikki’s Glitz and Glam – Bill Levkoff *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Hair & Makeup: Destiny & Light Hair and Makeup Group *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro