Angela and Kris’ St. Pete Beach wedding featured rooftop vows amid a romantic palette of cream and soft pink inspired by the white sand beach and famous pink façade of their oceanfront venue.
“We felt inspired by the venue. It has a historic character and gorgeous beaches and sunsets so we let that dictate our design choices,” the couple shared. “We chose shades of classic ivory, blush, pink, and moss green.”
The esteemed “Pink Palace” has been a part of the couple’s love story since the beginning so seemed only fitting to host their nuptials at the iconic property.
“The venue was representative of our new life and our new home in St. Pete. Our first date was at the Don CeSar at the Beach House Suites, then we went back for the weekend at the main hotel, fell in love, and decided to have our marriage ceremony at the hotel,” Angela detailed. “Due to COVID and the popularity of the Tampa/St. Pete area for wedding venues, the hotel was booked out until 2023 at least for weddings. We got creative and decided to book both penthouse suites located at the top of the hotel so we could have the ceremony and reception within these connected rooms; incidentally, this was the first time this was done at the hotel. We received outstanding service on every level. They took care of every detail from check-in to food services. The staff was wonderful and accommodating. The event director ensured we had the most beautiful wedding we could have ever imagined!”
With the help of their wedding planner, the Pinellas couple transformed the hotel suites into a ceremony and reception space for their 20 guests.
“Riley of Elegant Affairs by Design put our wedding together in just a few months which was simply amazing. She really made our day the success that it was!” the pair beamed. “We loved and were inspired by her own story and personal approach of supporting couples she works with. She has great energy, is a positive person, and is very hands-on.”
Angela and Kris wanted an experienced wedding photographer with her artistic eye and natural photography style to authentically document the wedding day experience.
“The most important aspects were capturing the essence of who we are and the entire experience that day,” the bride articulated. “Our planner proposed Amanda Zabrocki Photography, and when we looked at Amanda’s work, we both felt she was the right person to memorialize our special day.”
The rooftop ceremony featured a modern acrylic arch draped with cream and blush flora and cascading greenery designed by Save The Date Florida.
“Getting married on the penthouse patio balcony in the sky with the bird’s-eye view sat sunset was magical,” Anglea revealed. “We absolutely loved the artistic approach from Save The Date Florida, including the acrylic floral canopy, lighting, floral details throughout the venue, and bridal bouquet; everything was absolutely exquisite.”
Looking back, the intimate setting and gorgeous skyline created everlasting memories in the couple’s minds
“Spending the entire weekend, including our wedding day, at the hotel penthouse suites with our family spending quality time was truly memorable,” Angela reminisced. “Having our wedding ceremony at the penthouse patio during sunset overlooking the gorgeous views from the St Pete beach as well as historic landmarks of St. Pete including 360-degree views capturing the lengthy beaches, skyway bridge, Tropicana Field, and Treasure Island [were memorable].”












What did you look for in a wedding photographer?
The most important aspects were capturing the essence of who we are and the entire experience that day.
Our planner proposed Amanda Zabrocki Photography, and when we looked at Amanda’s work, we both felt she was the right person to memorialize our special day.


The Proposal:
We knew very early on we were soulmates. Kris flew to Connecticut with the intention to get the ring from Lux, Bond, and Green located in West Hartford, and propose on Easter as her beloved grandparents got married in 1932 in New York City so many years ago and shared a loving marriage of over 50 years. Additionally, she received permission from both of my adult children. Kris arrived in St. Pete on Easter, and as soon as she walked in, got down on one knee to propose which was captured on video by our daughter.


How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
We felt inspired by the venue. The Don CeSar has a historic character and gorgeous beaches and sunsets so we let that dictate our design choices.
What were your colors?
What was your wedding day floral inspiration?
We absolutely loved the artistic approach from Save The Date Florida, including the acrylic floral canopy, lighting, floral details throughout the venue, and bridal bouquet; everything was absolutely exquisite.




What did you look for in a wedding venue?
The venue was representative of our new life and our new home in St. Pete. Our first date was at the Don CeSar at the Beach House Suites, then we went back for the weekend at the main hotel, fell in love, and decided to have our marriage ceremony at the hotel.
Due to COVID and the popularity of the Tampa/St. Pete area for wedding venues, the hotel was booked out until 2023 at least for weddings. We got creative and decided to book both penthouse suites located at the top of the hotel so we could have the ceremony and reception within these connected rooms; incidentally, this was the first time this was done at the hotel.
We received outstanding service on every level. They took care of every detail from check-in to food services. The staff was wonderful and accommodating. The event director ensured we had the most beautiful wedding we could have ever imagined!


What did you look for in a wedding planner?
Riley of Elegant Affairs by Design put our wedding together in just a few months which was simply amazing. She really made our day the success that it was! We loved and were inspired by her own story and personal approach of supporting couples she works with. She has great energy, is a positive person, and is very hands-on.





Where did you spend your honeymoon?
Turks and Caicos and Amanyara; it was a Caribbean island we had both never traveled to before. It was amazing!
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Choose Tampa/St. Pete for your wedding and pick Riley Gersch of Elegant Affairs by Design. Riley put our wedding together in just a few months which was simply amazing.