Bride and Groom Horse Drawn Carriage Rise Ceremony Send Off | Cinderella Carriage Wedding Buggy
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Elegant Pink Downtown Tampa Wedding | Tampa Marriott Water Street

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Melissa and Daniel’s traditional downtown Tampa wedding was planned, postponed, and then changed a third time, all due to the COVID pandemic. However, the Tampa couple took it in stride and were able to host a stunning socially-distanced wedding for their reduced guest list of 170 friends and family.

“COVID presented many challenges during the planning of our wedding. Our original wedding date was April 25, 2020, which represented a 7-year anniversary of when we started dating; however, four weeks before the wedding the CDC basically put everyone on lockdown. We chose a new date, July 11, 2020, then in June our original venue notified us that their Grand Ballroom could not accommodate proper social distancing, so we needed to move the reception to a different venue that has a larger Ballroom,” the bride shared. “As time drew closer to the new wedding date, many guests changed their RSVPs because they were fearful of attending a large event or they had been exposed or actually had the virus. Our guest list decreased from 280 to 170.”

The couple had previously modeled for a Marry Me Tampa Bay wedding inspiration shoot and turned to the wedding publication for the planning and re-planning, of their special day.

“Marry Me Tampa Bay was a helpful resource during our wedding process. They gave us exposure to many vendors and helped us select vendors. We found our photographer through Marry Me Tampa Bay,” the bride beamed. “We also were models for a Marry Me Tampa Bay photoshoot which allowed us to meet several vendors firsthand.”

Melissa and Daniel’s biggest priority was celebrating with their closest friends and family, and they hired a seasoned wedding photographer who could capture the excitement of their celebration.

“When we were selecting a wedding photographer, the quality of past wedding pictures and communication with the photographer were the most important qualities. Carrie, the owner of Carrie Wildes Photography, was warm and passionate about covering our wedding. Her pictures were beautiful with much thought put into every shot!” Melissa gushed.

Over the course of her wedding day, Melissa remembers one particular moment that stood out above all the rest, just after the pair exchanged vows.

“When we walked out of the church as man and wife and saw a horse-drawn carriage waiting to take us to our venue, that was the best moment of the wedding!” the bride reminisced.

Tampa Wedding Stationery Invitation Envelope with Gold Wax Seal Monogram
Blush Pink and Gold Wedding Invitation Stationery Suite with Watercolor Floral and Die Cut Rose Pocket and Bride and Groom Photo | Wedding Stationery Flay Lay
Wedding Ring Shot | Blush Pink Velvet Ring Box with Gold Monogram Initial | Channel Set Diamond Band with Square Cushion Cut Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring
Wedding Accessories Bridal Shoes Steve Madden Glitter Heels Pumps | Blush and White Wedding Bouquet with Roses and Peonies | Chandon Sparkling Wine Champagne
Bridesmaids Dresses Hanger Shot | Blush Pink Long Silk Satin Formal V Neck Bridesmaid Dresses
Bridal Gown Wedding Dress Hanger Shot | V Neck Illusion Lace A Line Ballgown with Rhinestone Waist Band
Bridal Gown Wedding Dress Hanger Shot | V Neck Illusion Lace Fitted Mermaid Dress
Bride and Groom Wedding Shoes Sneakers Keds | White Bridal Keds Wifey | Black Wedding Keds Hubby
Bride and Bridesmaids Getting Ready in Blush Pink and White Pajamas at Hotel
Indoor Downtown Tampa Hotel Window Bridal Portrait at Marriott Water Street | V Neck Illusion Lace A Line Ballgown Wedding Dress with Rhinestone Waist Band and Cathedral Veil
Indoor Downtown Tampa Hotel Window Bridal Portrait at Marriott Water Street | V Neck Illusion Lace A Line Ballgown Wedding Dress with Rhinestone Waist Band and Cathedral Veil | Blush Pink and White Roses and Peonies Wedding Bridal Bouquet
Indoor Downtown Tampa Hotel Window Bridall Party Portrait with Bride and Bridesmaids | V Neck Illusion Lace A Line Ballgown Wedding Dress with Rhinestone Waist Band and Cathedral Veil | Blush Pink and White Roses and Peonies Wedding Bridal Bouquets | Blush Pink Long Silk Satin Formal Bridesmaid Dresses
COVID Wedding Coronavirus Pandemic | Groom wearing Face Mask
Bride Walking Down Aisle with Father during Indoor Traditional Catholic Cathedral Ceremony at Sacred Heart Church Downtown Tampa | COVID Wedding Guests Wearing Masks | V Neck Illusion Lace A Line Ballgown Wedding Dress with Rhinestone Waist Band and Cathedral Veil | Blush Pink and White Roses and Peonies Wedding Bridal Bouquet

The Proposal:
I was a Sundoll dancer at the University of South Florida. During a time out at one of the basketball games, I was on the court when the fan cam zoomed onto Daniel in the stands holding up my engagement ring. He then ran down onto the court and in front of the entire arena got down on one knee and proposed with the song Perfect playing.

Indoor Downtown Tampa Bride and Groom Portrait at Traditional Catholic Ceremony Cathedral Church | V Neck Illusion Lace A Line Ballgown Wedding Dress with Rhinestone Waist Band and Cathedral Veil | Carrie Wildes Photography
Indoor Downtown Tampa Bride and Groom Portrait at Traditional Catholic Ceremony Cathedral Church | V Neck Illusion Lace A Line Ballgown Wedding Dress with Rhinestone Waist Band and Cathedral Veil | Groom in Classic Navy Blue Suit with Bow Tie | Blush Pink and Ivory Roses and Peonies Bridal Bouquet with Eucalyptus Greenery | Carrie Wildes Photography
Indoor Downtown Tampa Bride and Groom Portrait at Traditional Catholic Ceremony Cathedral Church | V Neck Illusion Lace A Line Ballgown Wedding Dress with Rhinestone Waist Band and Cathedral Veil
Outdoor Downtown Tampa Bride and Groom Portrait at Traditional Catholic Ceremony Cathedral Church Staircase | V Neck Illusion Lace A Line Ballgown Wedding Dress with Rhinestone Waist Band and Cathedral Veil | Groom in Classic Navy Blue Suit with Bow Tie | Blush Pink and Ivory Roses and Peonies Bridal Bouquet with Eucalyptus Greenery | Carrie Wildes Photography
Bride and Groom Horse Drawn Carriage Rise Ceremony Send Off | Cinderella Carriage Wedding Buggy
Outdoor Downtown Tampa Bride and Groom Wedding Party Portrait at Traditional Catholic Ceremony Cathedral Church Staircase | V Neck Illusion Lace A Line Ballgown Wedding Dress with Rhinestone Waist Band and Cathedral Veil | Groom and Groomsmen in Classic Navy Blue Suit with Bow Tie | Blush Pink and Ivory Roses and Peonies Bridal Bouquet with Eucalyptus Greenery | Blush Pink Long Formal Silk Satin Bridesmaid Dresses
Outdoor Downtown Tampa Bride and Bridesmaids Portrait at Traditional Catholic Ceremony Cathedral Church Staircase | V Neck Illusion Lace A Line Ballgown Wedding Dress with Rhinestone Waist Band and Cathedral Veil | Blush Pink and Ivory Roses and Peonies Bridal Bouquets with Eucalyptus Greenery | Blush Pink Long Formal Silk Satin Bridesmaid Dresses
Wedding Round Bridal Bouquet with Blush Pink Roses and Ivory Peonies and Eucalyptus Greenery
Wedding Round Bridesmaid Bouquet with Blush Pink Roses and Peonies with Ivory Hydrangea and Eucalyptus Greenery | Blush Pink Silk Satin Formal V Neck Bridesmaid Dress
Outdoor Downtown Tampa Bride and Groom Portrait at Marriott Water Street Hotel | V Neck Illusion Lace A Line Ballgown Wedding Dress with Rhinestone Waist Band and Cathedral Veil | Groom in Classic Navy Blue Suit with Bow Tie | Blush Pink and Ivory Roses and Peonies Bridal Bouquet with Eucalyptus Greenery
Bride and Groom Outdoor Portrait Veil Shot | Carrie Wildes Photography

What did you look for in a wedding photographer?
When we were selecting a wedding photographer, the quality of past wedding pictures and communication with the photographer were the most important qualities. Carrie, the owner of Carrie Wildes Photography, was warm and passionate about covering our wedding. Her pictures were beautiful with much thought put into every shot!

Tampa Blush Pink and Gold Wedding Sweetheart Table with Rose Gold Sequin Table Linen and Ivory and Blush Floral Arrangement Centerpieces with Roses, Hydrangea, and Eucalyptus Greenery | Pipe and Drape Backdrop with Pink Uplighting by Gabro Event Services
Indoor Downtown Tampa Hotel Ballroom Wedding Reception | Blush Pink Table Linens with Gold Chiavari Chairs and Gold Rim Beaded Edge Glass Chargers | Blush Pink and White Centerpieces with Roses, Hydrangea, and Eucalyptus Greenery
Wedding Sweetheart Table | Blush Pink Rose Gold Sequin Table Linens with Gold Chiavari Chairs and Gold Rim Beaded Edge Glass Chargers | Blush Pink and White Centerpieces with Roses, Hydrangea, and Eucalyptus Greenery
Six Tier Luxury Wedding Cake with Blush Pink and Gold Fondant Arabesque and Painted Marble Technique by Tampa Cake Bakery The Artistic Whisk | Gold Ornate Filigree Monogram Wedding Cake | Wedding Cake Table with Rose Gold Blush Pink Sequin Table Linen
Six Tier Luxury Wedding Cake with Blush Pink and Gold Fondant Painted Marble Technique by Tampa Cake Bakery The Artistic Whisk | Gold Ornate Filigree Monogram Wedding Cake

What was your wedding cake design inspiration?
We selected The Artistic Whisk because we tasted their cake at a bridal show and loved their flavors. We wanted each layer of the cake to be elegant and beautiful using our theme colors. Our flavor selections were almond raspberry and coconut with roasted pineapple. 

Bride and Groom First Dance with Dry Ice Fog | Bride and Groom Dancing in the Clouds at Downtown Tampa Indoor Hotel Ballroom Wedding Reception
Tampa Wedding Custom Cigar Favors with Bride and Groom Photo Label Wraps | Cigar City Tampa Wedding Inspiration
Bride and Groom Seven Eleven 7-11 July 11th Eleventh Wedding Date Slurpee Photo
Downtown Tampa Wedding Bride and Groom Outdoor Portrait on Marina Boat
Downtown Tampa Wedding Bride and Groom Outdoor Portrait on Marina Boat

What advice would you give to other couples who have been affected by COVID-19?
If a couple wants to get married during this pandemic, go for it. The people who want to see you marry will still be there for you and everything works out one way or another.

Ceremony Venue: Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Reception Venue & Caterer: Tampa Marriott Water Street
Photographer: Carrie Wildes Photography *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro
Videographer: Resurgent Fire Films
Florist: The Bride’s Bouquet
Rentals, Linens, and Decor: Gabro Event Services
Cake: The Artistic Whisk *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro
Officiant: Friar Salim
Invitations: Lili V The Company
Carriage: Wind Chase Farm
Dress: CC’s Bridal Boutique
Tuxedos: Sacino’s Formalwear
Hair & Makeup: 7th Stage Salon
Violinist: Laurie Vodnoy-Wright
Photobooth: Complete Weddings
Dry Ice Cloud: Spark Wedding Events
DJ, Lighting and Cigar Roller: Wild Out Entertainment

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.

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About the Author

Anna Coats

Marry Me Tampa Bay editor Anna Coats created Marry Me Tampa Bay in 2012 to showcase the area’s best local weddings and vendors. She has been featured as a wedding expert on the national talk show Daytime, Fox13, ABC Action News, Great Day Tampa Bay, and Bay News 9 (now Spectrum).

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