A bright, waterfront terrace with gulf breezes and crystal blue water set the ambiance for Brittany and LJ’s Clearwater Beach wedding. Featuring a color palette of white, muted sea foam blue and green with silver accents, the bride and groom paid homage to their winter beach wedding theme.
“We went with a winter beach wedding. We wanted to be true to our setting, but wanted our theme to also factor into our February wedding date,” the bride explained. “We love spending quality time with our family and friends and love entertaining, so we wanted our wedding to be traditional, but feel like an extended family get-together,”
MORE: CLEARWATER BEACH WEDDING INSPIRATION
The St. Pete couple had discussed having a destination wedding, but realized that they have access to one of the best beaches in the country in their backyard, Clearwater Beach. Searching for a wedding venue with easy accessibility for out-of-town guests, they selected the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach.
“Out of all the venues we saw, the Hyatt Regency checked off each item on our wish list. Their hotel is so beautiful, and their service is absolutely outstanding. Roseli, Lindsey, and Danielle were so attentive and responsive, especially when I had a million questions that popped up a few weeks before our big day. I couldn’t have asked for a better staff to work with!”
MORE: HYATT REGENCY CLEARWATER BEACH WEDDINGS
Sometimes explaining why you choose a wedding vendor isn’t a particular reason at all, but more of a feeling. The couple, who used Marry Me Tampa bay for inspiration and vendor reviews, knew that they had found the perfect wedding photographer, after viewing photos from Rad Red Creative.
“I can’t say I was looking for anything particular with our photographer, but we just had a feeling after viewing Rad Red Creative’s gallery that they were the right company to document our day and bring out the best in us,” Brittany explained. “We were originally drawn to Rad Red by their work, but we thought it was fate that their names are Brittany and Leo like ours! They are incredibly talented at what they do, and they are just so darn nice. It quickly felt like they were friends we’ve had for a while, which is so helpful because it can get awkward taking so many photos throughout the day!”
Opting for a natural, yet glamorous beauty look that would last throughout the evening, the bride hired Tampa Bay wedding hair and makeup artists Femme Akoi.
“I wanted a natural, romantic glam look, something that looked fresh and played up my features without going too heavy. I wanted my hairstyle to be romantic and to incorporate a braid to be a little beach-y,” the bride shared. “Christine and the Femme Akoi team are rockstars! I loved them so much that I started going to their salon in Dunedin for hair cuts and coloring now!
At the end of the day, the couple wanted to spend as much quality time together and with their family and friends. With personalized pieces of sea glass for place settings and beer served from local Tampa Bay brewery Big Storm Brewing Co., where the groom is an owner, the couple focused on making their day uniquely theirs. Looking back, the bride shared that one of her most cherished memories was also a tearjerker.
“Our first look and my first look with my Dad was the most memorable. I’m a crybaby at weddings, so I knew I’d need to calm some nerves and see LJ before we walked down the aisle, or I’d definitely bawl my eyes out! I loved having that special moment with my Dad. We’re very close, and it was so nice to have one-on-one time before walking down the aisle together,” the bride reminisced.
What was your wedding beauty inspiration?
I wanted a natural, romantic glam look, something that looked fresh and played up my features without going too heavy. I wanted my hairstyle to be romantic and to incorporate a braid to be a little beach-y.
I want to learn more about hair & makeup from Femme Akoi.
Femme Akoi was recommended by my wedding photographers and my coordinator. Christine and her team are rockstars! I loved them so much that I started going to their salon in Dunedin for hair cuts and coloring now!
The Proposal:
LJ asked me to marry him during a trip to St. Thomas with his parents and my mom. One morning, we all went to Magens Bay and were taking a bunch of photos. Our parents wanted to take some of us as a couple, and when I thought we had finished and started walking away, LJ asked me for one more photo. When I turned back around, he was on one knee! Saying “Yes” to him was the easiest answer of my life.
What did you look for in a wedding venue?
The decor, views, and friendliness of staff. Accessibility for out-of-town guests was incredibly important to us as well.
I Want to Learn More about Weddings at the Hyatt Clearwater Beach.
Out of all the venues we saw, the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach checked off each item on our wish list. Their hotel is so beautiful, and their service is absolutely outstanding. Roseli, Lindsey, and Danielle were so attentive and responsive, especially when I had a million questions that popped up a few weeks before our big day. I couldn’t have asked for a better staff to work with!
What did you look for in a wedding photographer?
I can’t say I was looking for anything particular with our photographer, but we just had a feeling after viewing Rad Red Creative’s gallery that they were the right company to document our day and bring out the best in us.
We were originally drawn to Rad Red by their work, but we thought it was fate that their names are Brittany and Leo like ours! They are incredibly talented at what they do, and they are just so darn nice. It quickly felt like they were friends we’ve had for a while, which is so helpful because it can get awkward taking so many photos throughout the day!
How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
We went with a “winter beach” wedding. We wanted to be true to our setting, but wanted our theme to also factor in our February wedding date.
What were your colors?
We used white, muted sea foam blues and greens, and silver accents. We wanted our wedding to subtly incorporate the beach outside, but not use too bold of colors as we got married (technically!) in winter.
What did you look for in a wedding DJ?
Wedding music was hugely important for LJ and I. I knew we’d be out on the dance floor as soon as dinner service was over, and we wanted someone who could keep the party going and make sure everyone was up and dancing. We actually included song requests in our invitations so everyone had a song to look forward to and make sure everyone felt involved in the party.
I want to learn more about DJ/Lighting services from Grant Hemond & Associates.
Grant Hemond & Associates was recommended by our wedding coordinator and our DJ, Mike, did a great job. We had a thorough phone call leading up to the wedding and went through what we were looking for in a DJ/ MC. Mike really listened to our wishes.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Don’t get caught up in the small details and enjoy every moment together while wedding planning, because it’s over before you know it and your life together truly begins!
Ceremony and Reception Venue and Caterer: Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Venue
Photographer: Rad Red Creative
Planner: Southern Romance Events
Florist: Petal Heaven
Cake: Chantilly Cakes
DJ: Grant Hemond and Associates *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Officiant: Personal Friend
Invitations: Zazzle
Dress Shop and Designer: The White Magnolia; Blush by Hayley Paige
Bridesmaid Dress Shop and Designer: Weddington Way
Hair & Makeup: Femme Akoi *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Musician: Kayla Korpics
