Danielle and Ryan’s vibrant downtown St. Pete wedding incorporated an elaborate ceremony arch, dessert and donut bar, two wedding dresses, and a surprise dance performance.
“We used Marry Me Tampa Bay and Pinterest for ideas, looks, location hunting, and checking out vendors. We didn’t really have a theme per say, but if I could describe the ambiance, I would say it was mostly eclectic. We just wanted to have a celebration that was all about us,” the bride explained. “All of the design elements really represented our journey together. We had a cigar roller because of our first international trip together was Cuba, and we love donuts, so we did a cake and a donut station!”
With downtown St. Pete holding a special place in the Largo couple’s heart, they chose a wedding venue that truly perfectly captured where it all began.
“Our first official date was at The Canopy atop The Birchwood in downtown St. Pete, so it only felt it right to continue the tradition by choosing the Birchwood as our venue. From start to finish, we received 5-star service! Everyone at the Birchwood was so helpful and understanding through the entire process,” the bride gushed. “We booked almost a full year in advance, and I was in contact with them from almost day one to go-time. The team at the Birchwood really helped me through the process, understood my need for organization, and treated us so well from the moment I checked in the night before to the day of our actual wedding!”
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When it came time to selecting a wedding DJ, Danielle knew they needed someone who could roll with the punches and keep everyone partying all night.
“My sister had been in the wedding industry for over 10 years, and she’s worked with Grant Hemond & Associates a number of times! She consistently rants about how amazing they are, and it didn’t take us long to figure out why,” the bride beamed. “They are incredibly wonderful to work with, and James did a wonderful job!”
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In search of a St. Pete hair and makeup artist who could create a naturally beautiful look for her daughter and bridal party, Danielle hired Michele Renee The Studio.
“Michele Renee The Studio did hair and makeup for my bridal party and my daughter. They did such an amazing job, and everyone looked absolutely beautiful,” the bride shared. “If there’s anything about my wedding day I’d change, it would be having them do my hair and makeup as well. Everyone truly was professional and fun to work with. I was very lucky to have them be a part of my big day.”
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With so many memorable moments, the bride absolutely adored watching her kids enjoy her special day just as must as she did.
“I’ll never forget breaking out into a family flash dance to Thriller. My son absolutely loves the song and so does my daughter. We not only had a blast rehearsing it all, but getting up there with everyone and surprising the crowd was the most memorable part,” the bride gushed. “Another moment that was really special to me was when my 8-year-old son gave a speech that had everyone laughing, in shock, and in tears till the very end. That in itself is one memory I’ll never forget.”
What was your bridal party wedding hair and makeup inspiration?
Michele Renee The Studio did hair and makeup for my bridal party and my daughter. They did such an amazing job, and everyone looked absolutely beautiful! If there’s anything about my wedding day I’d change, it would be having them do my hair and makeup as well! Everyone truly was professional and fun to work with. I was very lucky to have them be a part of my big day.
I want to learn more about hair and makeup services from Michele Renee the Studio
What did you look for in a wedding venue?
Location was really important to us! Our first official date was at The Canopy in downtown St. Pete. We’ve gone several times after our first date and even went there for an anniversary dinner. It’s just been a huge part of our relationship from the start!
I want to learn more about weddings at The Birchwood
We received 5-star service! Everyone at the Birchwood was so helpful and understanding through the entire process. We booked almost a full year in advance, and I was in contact with them from almost day one to go-time. The team at the Birchwood really helped me through the process, understood my need for organization, and treated us so well from the moment I checked in the night before to the day of our actual wedding.
The Proposal:
We went out to eat at Sushi Inc to celebrate Ryan getting a promotion at work, and after we went for a walk towards the banyan trees. Ryan had stopped and started telling me how much he loves me, my children, and our life together, and then I can’t tell you what else he said as he got down on one knee. I think I just heard ringing and blacked out, but of course, I said “Yes!”
How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
We didn’t really have a theme per say, but if I could describe the ambiance, I would say it was mostly eclectic. We just wanted to have a celebration that was all about us!
What were your colors?
We had an array of colors, mostly because I just really love color! When picking out flowers for centerpieces, bouquets, and the tables, we chose various shades of pinks and corals. I really didn’t want anything monotonous!
What did you look for in a wedding DJ?
We really love going out and dancing, and I wanted to make sure we had someone who could bring the party and keep it going all night! My only requirement for a DJ was that whoever we hired could roll with the punches and really keep everyone on their feet and entertained!
I want to learn more about DJ/Lighting services from Grant Hemond & Associates.
My sister had been in the wedding industry for over 10 years, and she’s worked with Grant Hemond & Associates a number of times! She consistently rants about how amazing they are, and it didn’t take us long to figure out why! They are incredibly wonderful to work with, and James did a wonderful job!
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Be selective with your vendors and really try to create a genuine relationship with them. The better you get along with them, the easier the process. Also, have a day-of coordinator to keep everything on track and the day moving!
Ceremony and Reception Venue: The Birchwood *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Venue
Photographer: Ashley Izquierdo
Videographer: Sublime Studios
Day of Coordinator: Samantha Alexandrou
Florist: The Bride’s Bouquet Palm Harbor
Cake: Kate Hlas
DJ: Grant Hemond & Associates – James King *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro
Officiant: Dan Condron (Friend)
Invitations: Vistaprint
Dress Designer and Bridesmaids Dresses: Vera Wang
Hair and Makeup for Bridal Party: Michele Renee The Studio *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro
Makeup: Danis Glow
Cigar Roller: Covadonga Cigars
Donuts: Frida’s Café & Bakery