Kristy and Carter’s elegant Clearwater Beach wedding combined a delicate palette of soft whites, touches of light pinks, and pops of gold with tropical foliage to create a timeless Florida celebration amidst an oceanfront backdrop.

“Our wedding was a modern and tropical-inspired theme. The design for our outdoor ceremony and cocktail hour was open water views with a beachy, yet elegant look using white roses, orchids, and greenery,” the bride shared. “We incorporated tropical vibes inside for our reception by adding monstera leaves and palm fronds. Our colors created a clean and timeless look with a tropical feel.”

The St. Petersburg bride sought out Marry Me Tampa Bay to help her research professionals for her elegant waterfront wedding.

“I read Marry Me Tampa Bay’s articles to help compare and contrast various vendor options,” the bride explained. “I also followed their Instagram account for inspiration throughout my planning process.”

Kristy found the perfect photographer to capture the wedding day through Marry Me Tampa Bay. Limelight Photography made a lasting impression with their experience, attention to detail, superb customer service, and willingness to exceed expectations.

“I read emails from Marry Me Tampa Bay with their compiled lists of preferred vendors from the area and discovered Limelight Photography. After a little more research, I knew they were the right photographers for us,” Kristy beamed. “They take high-quality, vibrant pictures that are absolutely stunning. Their photography skills on the beach at sunset were extremely impressive and exceeded our expectations. Dafne and her team made us feel very comfortable and delivered truly outstanding service. We appreciate that they went above and beyond to capture lifelong memories for us.”

The bride and groom sought a Clearwater wedding venue that gave them beach views without the sand. They selected a hotel that was convenient for their 150 guests as well as pet-friendly for their beloved dogs, Harley and Milo. Having their pups participate in their February wedding was one of the most important elements to the couple. They were also honored at the reception with the signature cocktails named after them and napkins with their faces. “The Harley,” a Moscow mule, and “The Milo,” a spicy margarita, were a hit!

To keep their pets cared for on the day of the wedding, Kristy and Carter entrusted their care to FairyTail Pet Care. Not only did the team make sure the couple had a relaxed day with their fur babies, but they also made sure the pups were safe and well-cared for.

“We included our two dogs in our engagement photos and had them lead our bridal party down the aisle. We consider them part of our family. Since all of our loved ones were going to be at our wedding, it only made sense to have our fur babies by our side. Not to mention, Milo looks good in a tux, and Harley looks queenly in florals,” the bride gushed. “We were thrilled by FairyTail Pet Care’s service. They went above and beyond to get acclimated with our dogs, arrange transportation, practice walking down the aisle, take photos, and most importantly, keep them safe. FairyTail Pet Care, by far, exceeded our expectations in taking care of our pups throughout the day.”

Looking back, Kristy and Carter remember a day filled with love and laughter, which began with a vow exchange in front of a floral arch set against the breathtaking ocean. As the sun set, the couple made their way to a beautifully decorated reception with glistening gold décor among tropical greenery, soft white florals, and floating candlelight. They ended their night on the dance floor, surrounded by love.

“Our most memorable moment was our first dance as husband and wife,” the bride remembered. “That’s when everything really sunk in. We ended our dance with a dip and cold sparks. We were truly lost in the moment.”

The Proposal:
Carter surprised me with an epic proposal. He pretended we were going to spend his birthday weekend in Miami for a quick getaway, but little did I know, he was renting a yacht and dropping to one knee in front of our closest friends.

Where did you spend your honeymoon?
After the wedding, we did a quick mini-moon-getaway to the Cayman Islands.

We went to Thailand and Singapore for our honeymoon two months after our wedding. Not only is Thailand absolutely beautiful, but it was a rare opportunity to travel to the other side of the world before growing our family.

Where did you host your bachelorette party?
I went to Tulum for my bachelorette party because I love warm, tropical weather. My friends and I had never been before, so it was a fun experience for us to explore somewhere new together.

How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
Our wedding was a modern and tropical-inspired theme. The design for our outdoor ceremony and cocktail hour was open water views with a beachy, yet elegant look using white roses, orchids, and greenery,” the bride shared. “We incorporated tropical vibes inside for our reception by adding monstera leaves and palm fronds.

What were your colors? 
White, green, touches of light pink, and accents of gold. We wanted a clean and timeless look with a tropical feel. 

Which vendors really exceeded your expectations?
Our wedding planner and florist did a terrific job with our flowers and decor. She coordinated with the Opal Sands’ event manager, Jenna Arnal, who helped bring our vision together. Our band/DJ absolutely crushed it on stage with the DJ, instrumental enhancements, and engaging with the crowd!

FairyTail Pet Care, by far, exceeded our expectations in taking care of our pups throughout the day. Our hair and makeup artist and her beauty team were truly outstanding.

What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Spend a few moments during your wedding to take in the flowers, the band, the decorations, your family and friends, and everything else around you. Enjoy it all because it goes by so fast.