Caroline and Anthony’s destination South Tampa wedding combined family tradition with elegant simplicity in the heart of the groom’s hometown of Tampa. The couple embraced the opportunity to celebrate with 30 of their closest friends and family despite COVID-19, and the result was an intimate affair surrounded by the people they love the most.
“We are both pretty simple and knew we wanted to have a simple, elegant wedding. We felt drawn to a neutral color palette, with lots of greenery and white flowers,” the bride shared. “Our wedding design was rather simple and elegant but also eclectic. When touring our venues, we knew these two places were where we wanted to create those special memories of our wedding day. The stunning details were breathtaking and matched every bit of our vision.”
The Atlanta-based couple sought an experienced wedding photography team who would understand their priorities and fully capture all of the sentimental moments of their nuptials.
“When we began looking for a photographer, we wanted to find a team who not only produced great work but also was engaged and invested in what was most important to us and helping to capture this sweet memory that we can look back at for years to come,” Caroline explained. “Carrie Wildes Photography went above and beyond during every step of the process, and has continued to assist us even post-wedding as we navigate ordering prints and other items.”
Although their original guest list included over 200 people, the pair pivoted to host a more intimate wedding with the health and safety of everyone in mind. The couple revealed that the reduced guest count made their wedding day even more special.
“Our wedding was unique for so many different reasons. While the pandemic may have altered our original vision, we would not have changed a thing about our big day,” Caroline assured. “Our smaller, more intimate wedding with our closest family and friends made our big day unique in all the best ways.”
While COVID-19 may have shifted their original wedding vision, the day was still filled with meaningful memories centered around some very special family members.
“We had a few sweet moments, both individually and together. After getting ready, I was able to FaceTime my grandmother and grandfather and still share that special moment with them, even though they were unable to attend,” Caroline reminisced. “Another memorable moment was being married by the same priest who had married Anthony’s parents over 30 years prior. We could not have been more honored to have Monsignor Muhr’s blessing.”
The Proposal:
Anthony proposed during our first trip to Yellowstone National Park in front of the most breathtaking waterfall at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. He even had a photographer capture the special moment.
What did you look for in a wedding photographer?
When we began looking for a photographer, we wanted to find a team that not only produced great work but also was engaged and invested in what was most important to us and helping to capture this sweet memory that we can look back at for years to come. Carrie Wildes Photography went above and beyond during every step of the process, and has continued to assist us even post wedding as we navigate ordering prints and other items.
Where did you spend your honeymoon?
We had originally planned to go to Hawaii but had to cancel due to the pandemic. We ended up going to Little Palm Island in the Keys, which ended up being exactly what we had hoped for.
How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
We are both pretty simple and knew we wanted to have a simple, elegant wedding. Our design was rather simple and elegant but also eclectic. When touring the Chapel of the Holy Cross and the Oxford Exchange, we knew these two places were where we wanted to create those special memories of our wedding day. The stunning details were breathtaking and matched every bit of our vision.
What were your colors?
We felt drawn to a neutral color palette, with lots of greenery and white flowers.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
While wedding planning can be stressful, and planning during a pandemic brings even more uncertainties, the most important thing is you are marrying the love of your life. Don’t stress over the little things, it will all come together how it is supposed to, even if that means going from 200 guests down to 30.
Ceremony Venue: Chapel of the Holy Cross at Jesuit High School
Reception Venue & Caterer: The Oxford Exchange
Photographer: Carrie Wildes Photography *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro
Videographer: Trinity Wedding Cinema
Planner: One Fine Day
Florist: La Vie en Rose
Cake: Publix
Band: Matt Winter Band
Officiant: Rev. Monsignor Michael Muhr
Invitations: Vera Wang
Dress Shop and Designer: Wedding Angels | Martina Liana
Shoe Designer: Steve Madden
Bridesmaid Dress Shop and Designer: Wedding Angels – Amsale
Hair & Makeup: Lasting Luxe
Out-of-town Box Favors: I Canita Cookie and Toffee To Go
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.
