Alyssa and James’ outdoor Tampa Bay wedding was a vision of rustic winter elegance with gorgeous red florals, vintage china, and Christmas trees dripping with twinkling lights.
“Our theme was a mix of elegance and romance. I liked the idea of pushing formal elements into a simple outdoor barn. I wanted rich red florals, various greenery, clean off-white drapery, upholstered seating, vintage china, and as many candlesticks as possible to create a romantic environment for our big day,” the bride gushed. “Our wedding was ten days from Christmas, and we wanted the reception to have a chic holiday feel. Using several green Christmas trees with clear lights, red flowers, and Christmas garland, our celebration brought just the right amount of special holiday cheer.”
MORE: CHRISTMAS WEDDING INSPIRATION
Looking for little ways to ensure their personalities shined through, the bride and groom incorporated their love for the outdoors and their faith.
“We really tried to incorporate our personalities by accenting them with subtle details. We both love being outdoors especially to fish, hunt, and hike, so we wanted our wedding to be outside in a quiet wooded area,” the bride shared. “James and I also greatly value our love and faith in God, and we wanted to give Him all the praise for bringing us together. We felt choosing our favorite worship songs for our ceremony and first dance would allow us to focus on the reason we were brought together in our most special moments.”
MORE: RUSTIC WEDDING INSPIRATION
Dreaming of a vintage, sophisticated dress that was reminiscent of the 1920s, Alyssa turned to Tampa bridal shop Truly Forever Bridal to find the perfect attire.
“I went to Truly Forever Bridal because my cousin had bought her wedding dress there the year prior and we had a great time with the amazing staff. I felt like I hit the jackpot when Laura introduced herself as my consultant. She truly listened when I explained my vision,” the bride shared. “The first dress I put on was the one I chose! I didn’t want to take it off, and Laura knew it. She lined up all the dresses from most similar to the dress my heart was set on. I became less and less interested in every dress I tried on and just stopped her and said I want the first one. She smiled and told me she knew that was the one from the moment I put it on.”
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Remembering all of the special parts of the day, Alyssa and James cherished spending time with the ones they loved the most.
“The most memorable moment from our wedding would have to be the reception. We got to spend time with the people we love most while celebrating our love for one another. We danced all night long, and we wouldn’t have it any other way,” the bride reminisced. “Something many guests didn’t get to see was all the work put in prior to the wedding. From parents to siblings to all of our friends, so many people spent weeks of their spare time helping us any way they could. We have undeniable love from our closest friends and family who went out of their way to ensure our day was nothing less than perfect, and we will never forget that.”
What did you look for in a wedding dress?
I am a very old soul, and I wanted a vintage dress. If I had the opportunity to go back in time I without a doubt would go to the 1920s. I love jewels, pearls, feathers, sequins, and lush red lips. I was looking for a dress that was vintage, sophisticated, and heavily beaded. I wanted it to be off-white or ivory. I wasn’t sure of the cut or shape, but I wanted it to be fit perfectly for me!
I want to learn more about wedding attire from Truly Forever Bridal
I went to Truly Forever Bridal because my cousin had bought her wedding dress there the year prior and we had a great time with the amazing staff. I felt like I hit the jackpot when Laura introduced herself as my consultant. She truly listened when I explained my vision. The first dress I put on was the one I chose! I didn’t want to take it off, and Laura knew it. She lined up all the dresses from most similar to the dress my heart was set on. I became less and less interested in every dress I tried on and just stopped her and said I want the first one. She smiled and told me she knew that was the one from the moment I put it on. Also, I can’t say enough about their seamstress either! Every fitting I went to she made me feel beautiful and loved. She is very talented and has such a kind, wonderful soul!
The Proposal:
When James proposed, I knew he would choose a way that he thought would mean the most to me. We had just bought a home together and had recently moved in. James told me he wanted to throw a July 4th house warming party. I agreed, but little did I know he would be proposing to me in our new backyard in front of our entire family.
We were grilling outside and my uncle called everyone out to say the blessing over the food. As soon as we said, “Amen,” my soon to be sister-in-laws urged James and me to head over to the fence where they had set up a photo booth to take a picture. One of them called my name and handed me a prop, and when I turned back around James was on his knee asking me to be his wife! Family means everything to me, and he knew he wanted to ask for my hand in marriage in front of everyone we loved. I was so ecstatic to marry him!
How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
Our theme was a mix of elegance and romance. I liked the idea of pushing formal elements into a simple outdoor barn. I wanted rich red florals, various greenery, clean off-white drapery, upholstered seating, vintage china and as many candlesticks as possible to create a romantic environment for our big day. Our wedding was ten days from Christmas and we wanted the reception to have a chic holiday feel. Using several green Christmas trees with clear lights, red flowers, and Christmas garland, our celebration brought just the right amount of special holiday cheer.
What were your colors?
We wanted a holiday feel to the reception, but not for the ceremony. I chose shades of red and pale pinks to accomplish this. My florist kept all the pink florals at the ceremony site and in the bouquets, but made sure only red florals were in the reception area tucked into Christmas garland. The pale pinks and shades of reds allowed me to create the elegant romantic feel I wanted for the ceremony that transitioned to an intimate holiday reception.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Think hard about what’s important to you and make sure that stands out. When looking for a venue, look for places that fit the most for what you’re looking for. If it is important to you, make it your priority and you won’t be disappointed!
Ceremony and Reception Venue: The Orange Blossom Barn
Photographer: Rabecca Cruz Photography
Planner/Coordinator: The Southern Wedding Co.
Florist: Chalet Flowers
Caterer: 3C’s Catering
Rentals: Southern Chairs, Dumas Drinks
Cake: Publix
DJ: Kenny Mathis
Officiant: Marry You I Do
Invitations: Basic Invite
Dress Shop: Truly Forever Bridal *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Vendor
Bridesmaid Dresses: Lulu’s
Hair & Makeup: Laura Hogue