Lauren and Tad's Bradenton wedding was an elegant celebration featuring hues of crisp white and silvery greens reminiscent of the watercolor eucalyptus echoed throughout their stationery. The bride and groom exchanged vows with an outdoor ceremony overlooking manicured topiaries before dining and dancing in a chic ballroom reception.
“We are very neutral people, so we stuck to simple colors that ended up matching the venue's theme really nicely. Our venue has a very modern and clean look throughout the whole place, so our simple springtime theme worked really well,” the bride beamed. “Our colors were whites, sage greens, and greys.”
The Seminole couple sought a picturesque venue that offered beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces with the convenience of on-site amenities and lodging for their 100 guests while also providing seclusion, which is often uncommon at other private event spaces.
“We wanted a calm area that didn't have a lot of traffic going in and out, along with some accommodations for a small number of friends and family,” the bride explained. “While looking at a couple of other venues, there were just too many people around all the time. It would be impossible to have privacy throughout the whole wedding. We chose The Concession Golf Club because of how peaceful their property is. You feel like you aren't even in Florida anymore as it is really secluded and was absolutely beautiful for pictures. It felt intimate, was beautiful, and just what we were looking for.”
The bride and groom prioritized their wedding day experience by hosting their nuptials at one inclusive location, maximizing the quality time they could spend with their loved ones.
“We kept the wedding simple and small. For the ceremony, we just had a maid of honor and best man. It made it less stressful and more intimate,” Lauren detailed. “Also, having a venue that allowed the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception to all be in one location was the best part. It allowed everyone to be together at all times.”
Lauren envisioned a romantic reception filled with incandescent candlelight and classic floral arrangements of white blossoms and greenery. The creative floral team at Beneva Weddings took her vision to the next level, transforming the space into an elegant dream of soft blooms dimly lit by flickering flames.
“I wanted greens along with soft white flowers to match the springtime theme but also stay on the conservative side. Along with the flowers, I imagined a candle theme throughout the whole wedding. Beneva Weddings created the exact image, if not even better than what I wanted,” the bride raved. “They were extremely professional and went above and beyond for us. Every single piece they created for our wedding was spectacular.”
The pair focused on being present with their friends and family and providing a fun atmosphere through great food and music. The result was an exuberant celebration, with a feeling of joy that was palpable all around them.
“Tad and I are very go-with-the-flow people. One thing that is most important to both of us is having the people that matter most to us there and having a good time,” the bride revealed. “Food, drinks, and music bring everyone together. It was heartwarming watching everyone together for one night enjoy themselves. You don't get that often in life.”
What did you look for in a wedding venue?
We wanted a calm area that didn't have a lot of traffic going in and out, along with some accommodations for a small number of friends and family. While looking at a couple of other venues, there were just too many people around all the time. It would be impossible to have privacy throughout the whole wedding.
We chose The Concession Golf Club because of how peaceful their property is. You feel like you aren't even in Florida anymore as it is really secluded and was absolutely beautiful for pictures. It felt intimate, was beautiful, and just what we were looking for.
The Proposal:
Tad proposed on Martha's Vineyard at the Edgartown Lighthouse. We stayed at the Harbor View Inn across the street and before dinner, we took a walk out there.
Where did you spend your honeymoon?
We went to Napa Valley and stayed in St. Helena. Being such wine lovers, it was something we both loved to do and had never gone. It was the most magical time in one of the nicest areas. We stayed at the Meadowood and highly recommend it to anyone!
How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
We are very neutral people, so we stuck to simple colors that ended up matching the venue's theme really nicely. Our venue has a very modern and clean look throughout the whole place, so our simple springtime theme worked really well.
What were your colors?
Our colors were whites, sage greens, and greys.
What was your wedding day floral inspiration?
I wanted greens along with soft white flowers to match the springtime theme but also stay on the conservative side. Along with the flowers, I imagined a candle theme throughout the wedding.
Beneva Weddings created the exact image, if not even better than what I wanted. They were extremely professional and went above and beyond for us. Every single piece they created for our wedding was spectacular.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Don't think twice about hiring a wedding planner. At first, we wanted to do a destination wedding with only our closest family, but my parents didn't want to let that happen. When we started planning I was so overwhelmed and had no idea what I was doing.
Thankfully, my husband said to go ahead and hire a wedding planner, and it was the best decision we ever made. Once they took over, I was completely at ease. It is worth the extra money!
On your wedding day, embrace it all. When people say it goes by really fast, it does. We wish we could do it all over again. It was the best day of our lives with all the people we love.
