Aphrodite and Nick's Tampa wedding combined their love of rustic elements with elegant details in a beautiful garden setting, complemented by a blue and silver color palette.
“I love wood signage and that cozy rustic feel, so our ceremony contained more of the rustic décor. Our reception fell more under the elegance category with our table arrangements and sequin linens for the sweetheart and cake tables,” the bride shared. “I used Marry Me Tampa Bay early in the planning process to get an idea of wedding styles, vendors and venues in the area.”
MORE: RUSTIC WEDDING INSPIRATION
The Tampa couple searched for a local wedding photographer who could capture their special day with a creative eye.
“We were always told to not skimp on a photographer, so we wanted to make sure we found someone who could give us quality photos to treasure forever,” Aphrodite explained. “We looked through Marc Edwards Photographs online galleries before meeting and knew his romantic style was what we were looking for. When we met with him, Marc's personality sealed the deal for us. He made us feel so comfortable, like we had all been friends for the longest time. We all clicked immediately and without even knowing for sure which photo package we wanted, we booked Marc for our wedding day. He was a vendor I was not willing to miss out on. He went above and beyond for us. Everyone raves about how beautiful our photos are. We absolutely love Marc!”
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Aphrodite and Nick's pets make up a big part of their life, so getting married without them simply wasn't an option. Tampa Bay wedding pet planning company FairyTail Pet Care cared for their fur babies so that they could share in the couple's big day.
“We were looking for individuals who were caring, professional and had a lot of experience with dogs, since they are our babies. Our one dog Buddy, had recently had surgery so we also wanted to make sure whoever was going to take care of the dogs understood his needs. I am a ‘crazy dog mom' and was not going to let just anybody care for Buddy and Mia that day,” the bride shared. “FairyTail Pet Care's love and compassion for animals is what confirmed for us that we needed them at our wedding. Their love for animals was extremely apparent, and when speaking to them about the dogs, we knew they would take great care of them the day of the wedding. They were on top of everything. They picked them up for us, brought them to the hotel, to the venue, kept them entertained, and cared for; we really could not have asked for more!”
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With a vision of guests mingling throughout the night, the couple wanted to host a buffet style dinner with their favorite dishes, including greek food.
“We were looking for great food and professionalism. Before even meeting the team at Amici's Catered Cuisine we had several phone calls with them; they were so accommodating and easy to work with. When we went in for our tasting, we were sold on their service. The way it was set up, it felt like we were having our own private ‘date night,' the bride shared. “The day of the wedding, Amici’s set up the serving tables beautifully, accented with blue and silver décor. We were extremely impressed with their professionalism at the wedding, and everyone loved the food!”
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Looking back on their wedding day, one of the couple's most memorable moments involved Nick's father as the officiant for their ceremony.
“There was no question in choosing an officiant, we knew Nick's dad was perfect. I mean, who better to unite you in marriage than the man who knows you both the best? He did an amazing job, incorporating his personality and ours into the ceremony. I specifically replay the start to our ceremony over and over in my head. I always tell Paul (Nick’s dad) he reminds me of Phil Dunphy from Modern Family. So, in true Phil Dunphy fashion, he started our ceremony with a little bit of ‘magic,' pulling flowers out of his sleeve for me. In this moment I knew this was going to be the most memorable wedding ceremony, and we were so lucky to have him there for us,” the bride reminisced.
How did you incorporate you and your spouse's personalities into the wedding?
We wore sneakers for the wedding! I may be a girly-girl, but I am all about comfort, and am always in a pair of Converse, so I wore custom blue Converse under my dress. Nick used to BMX when he was younger and wanted to wear Vans sneakers, so he and the guys wore gray Vans. Our music choice at the reception showcased our fun personalities. When we were introduced as “Mr. and Mrs.,” we came out to Whoomp! (There It Is)!
The Proposal:
Nick and I got engaged after seven and a half years of dating. I was a volunteer for the Tampa Bay Beagle Rescue and was leading an effort for their yearly calendar which required me to take a photo of my rescue beagle, Buddy to include in the calendar. Nick suggested we take the photos at the University of Tampa, since the scenery is so beautiful (which happens to be where we both attended school, where we started dating, and soon-to-be where we got engaged). At one point, Nick told me we needed to get a group photo for his grandparents of us and the dogs, as they hadn’t had an updated one in a long time. He set up his camera to record us and told me it was in the hopes that we could pull a still image of everyone looking at the camera. So here I am, looking at the camera, smiling like a fool trying to get everyone to face the right direction when I see Nick walk over to his bag. Next thing I know, he pulls out a box and gets down on one knee! It was absolutely perfect! We had both dogs there, and he brought me back to the place where we started dating and spent all of our time together.
How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
Rustic elegance. I love wood signage and that cozy rustic feel, so our ceremony contained more of the rustic décor. Our reception fell more under the elegance category with our table arrangements and sequin linens for the sweetheart and cake tables.
What were your colors?
Blue is both of our favorite colors, so we went with a light blue and silver color combination. I love silver accents with a light sky blue.
Why did you choose to incorporate your dogs into your wedding?
We wanted our dogs involved as much as possible. They are an intricate part of our lives, and it was important they be part of photos and our ceremony. Through our relationship, they have been by our side. We were looking for individuals who were caring, professional and had a lot of experience with dogs, since they are our babies. Our one dog Buddy, had recently had surgery so we also wanted to make sure whoever was going to take care of the dogs understood his needs. We always knew the dogs were going to be a part of our wedding; there was no question about that, we just needed to find the right people to help us make this vision come true.
I want to learn more about including my pet in my wedding from FairyTail Pet Care
FairyTail Pet Care's love and compassion for animals is what confirmed for us that we needed them at our wedding. I am a “crazy dog mom” and was not going to let just anybody care for Buddy and Mia that day. Ilana and Kelly came highly recommended to us by our photographer. They came to our home and were great with the pups while we spoke. We loved all the variety they offered when it came to weddings. Their love for animals was extremely apparent, and when speaking to them about the dogs, we knew they would take great care of them the day of the wedding. When we finished our consult, I felt like a little kid! I was so thrilled that we were going to be able to have the dogs walk down the aisle, just as we had always said they would. The girls at FairyTail Pet Care were amazing the day of our wedding. They were on top of everything and even brought the dogs to the hotel while I got ready! They picked them up for us, brought them to the hotel, to the venue, kept them entertained, and cared for; we really could not have asked for more. FairyTail is exceptional! We are so fortunate to have linked up with them and have them help us include Mia and Buddy into our wedding. Our photographer Marc and FairyTail Pet Care helped us to make this happen!
What did you look for in a wedding photographer?
We were looking for someone with an eye for creativity. Someone who could capture us as our true selves and capture every moment beautifully. We were always told to not skimp on a photographer, so we wanted to make sure we found someone who could give us quality photos to treasure forever.
I want to learn more about Marc Edwards Photographs.
We looked through Marc Edwards Photographs online galleries and knew his romantic style was what we were looking for. When we met with him, he confirmed for us that he was the one we needed to capture our wedding day. He made us feel so comfortable, like we had all been friends for the longest time. Talk about a cool guy! Marc's personality sealed the deal for us. We all clicked immediately and without even knowing for sure which photo package we wanted, we booked Marc for our wedding day. He was a vendor I was not willing to miss out on. He is so easy to communicate with and makes sure he really understands his couples. Our two big “things” were including our dogs in photos and taking photos at the University of Tampa. He got both of those for us and more! Every photo Marc takes is unique and that demonstrates his true talent. There was an event in the downtown area the day of the wedding, and Marc assured me that even though we were concerned with the campus being crowded, that we would still get photos at UT, as it meant a lot to Nick and I. He went above and beyond for us. Everyone raves about how beautiful our photos are. We absolutely love Marc!
What was your menu inspiration?
We wanted to make sure to include a touch of Greek food along sided some of our favorite dishes. Our vision for dinner was for everyone to feel like they were having a large family dinner, where they could get up and mingle. We did not want everyone to just sit in their seats, so we went with the option of a buffet.
I Want to Learn More about Catering from Amici's Catered Cuisine
We were looking for great food and professionalism. Before even meeting the team at Amici’s Catered Cuisine we had several phone calls with them; they were so accommodating and easy to work with. When we went in for our tasting we were sold on their service. The way our tasting was set up, it felt like we were having our own private “date night.” It was relaxing and so much fun to try all the amazing food. The day of the wedding, Amici’s set up the serving tables beautifully, accented with blue and silver décor. The banquet captain made sure to introduce herself to our families and made herself readily available at all times. She kept the food area neat and clean and ensured Nick and I actually had time to eat, which was one thing so many couples told us would not happen that night. We were extremely impressed with their professionalism at the wedding, and everyone loved the food!
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
When it comes to planning a wedding, focus on what is most important, your relationship. That is after all, the reason for your wedding celebration. Everyone will have an opinion on something. Stay true to yourselves and have fun!
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Davis Islands Garden Club
Photographer: Marc Edwards Photographs *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro
Planner: Blue Skies Weddings and Events
Florist: Northside Florist
Caterer: Amici’s Catered Cuisine *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro
Rentals: Elite Event Rentals
Cake: Publix Aprons
DJ: Event Concepts
Officiant: Reverend Paul Eberenz
Invitations: Designed by the groom, printed by PIP Printing
Transportation: Tampa Water Taxi, Blu Moon
Dress Shop and Designer: The White Closet Bridal, Kitty Chen Couture
Bridesmaid Dress Shop: David’s Bridal
Hair & Makeup: Lasting Luxe
Market String Lights: Gabro Event Services *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro
Wedding Bands: Mavilo Wholesalers
Pet Planners: FairyTail Pet Care *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro
