Allie and Dan’s magical downtown Tampa wedding found all the right ways to make a splash with elegant modern details, a picture-perfect sparkler send-off, and a wedding ceremony filled with sea life creatures.
“I love animals of all kinds and have always had an affinity for aquariums. I find them so peaceful, transporting, and overall just so visually stunning. I wanted a venue that was unique and created a conversation amongst guests,” Allie shared. “It was important to us that we didn’t take the whole ‘under the sea’ theme too far. With our modern decor and classic white floral arrangements, we were able to elevate the space and avoid overdoing anything too nautical or beachy.”
MORE: DOWNTOWN TAMPA WEDDING INSPIRATION
Including her dog in the wedding was an absolute must for the bride and with the help of Tampa Bay wedding pet planners, FairyTail Pet Care, Murphy was in good hands.
“My dog is truly my best friend, and I consider him my child. He has helped me and my family through so many difficult times, including the recent passing of my father. In fact, my mom said that she would not let anyone else aside from my dog, Murphy escort her down the aisle,” the bride gushed. “Working with FairyTail Pet Care was amazing! I can’t say enough about how wonderful the team was. They were worth every penny. Ilana immediately connected with my Murphy, put both him and me at ease, and did a phenomenal job getting him to walk down the aisle in a calm manner!”
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Securing a Tampa wedding bakery that could produce a delicious cake that was also gluten-free and dairy-free was important to the couple. When they came across The Artistic Whisk, they instantly fell in love.
Jovana, the owner of The Artistic Whisk is so genuine, kind, talented and just made us feel like she would do a great job. She understood my vision immediately. Her samples were to die for as well! Also, she got married at The Aquarium, so it made me feel comfortable knowing that she was familiar with the venue,” Allie beamed. “We went simple, with lots of white to counteract all the turquoise and aqua for the cake design, and a simple garland of white and pink flowers. It was also partially gluten-free and dairy-free. We went with a unique flavor of cinnamon roll, my favorite breakfast treat!”
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Wanting the perfect wedding day look, Allie enlisted the help of Femme Akoi Beauty Studio for glowing makeup and soft, loose curls.
“Femme Akoi did a great job, and they really understood what a bride wants with just a little description and a photo or two,” the bride shared. “They are also really organized and really nice!”
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Looking back, one of Allie and Dan’s favorite wedding day moments was surprising their guests with something they had been practicing for weeks.
“Our first dance was probably one of my favorite memories! We took dance lessons leading up to the big day, and it was a lot of fun for us to take a break from all the planning and just enjoy being together — almost like a date night each week,” the bride beamed. “It was also a really cool opportunity to show our friends and family what we had been working on!”
The Proposal:
Dan took me to a Japanese steak house and arranged for the hibachi chef to flip the ring box over the grill and into Dan’s hands. He caught it, and then got down on one knee and proposed.
Why did you choose to incorporate your pet into your wedding day?
My dog is truly my best friend, and I consider him my child. He has helped me and my family through so many difficult times including the recent passing of my father. In fact, my mom said that she would not let anyone else aside from my dog, Murphy escort her down the aisle.
FairyTail Pet Care was amazing! I can’t say enough about how wonderful the team is. They were worth every penny. Ilana immediately connected with my Murphy, put both him and me at ease, and did a phenomenal job getting him to walk down the aisle in a calm manner!
What were your wedding hair and makeup inspiration?
I wanted my hair and makeup to be simple yet elegant, but I also wanted to look like myself. I don’t typically wear a lot of makeup and my hair always feels better when it is down.
Our photographers had recommended Femme Akoi Beauty Studio, and after I did a trial with them, I saw why! They did a great job and they really understood what a bride wants with just a little description and a photo or two. They are also really organized and really nice!
What was your theme?
I love animals of all kinds and have always had an affinity for aquariums. I find them so peaceful, transporting, and overall just so visually stunning. I wanted a venue that was unique and created a conversation amongst guests. It was important to us that we didn’t take the whole ‘under the sea’ theme too far. With our modern decor and classic white floral arrangements, we were able to elevate the space and avoid overdoing anything too nautical or beachy.
What did you look for in a wedding bakery?
We were looking for a bakery with a beautiful portfolio, delicious cakes, and the ability to create part of the cake gluten and dairy-free.
Jovana, the owner of The Artistic Whisk is so genuine, kind, talented and just made us feel like she would do a great job. She understood my vision immediately. Her samples were to die for as well! Also, she got married at The Aquarium, so it made me feel comfortable knowing that she was familiar with the venue. We went simple, with lots of white to counteract all the turquoise and aqua for the cake design, and a simple garland of white and pink flowers. It was also partially gluten and dairy-free, and we went with a unique flavor of cinnamon roll, my favorite breakfast treat!
What advice do you have for other Tampa Bay couples?
Hire a wedding planner and use resources like Marry Me Tampa Bay! I did it all myself, and I was definitely stressed leading up to the big day. It was all worth it, and some of it was fun but looking back, I would have used a wedding planner if I had to do it all over again. Also, plan and reserve things early, it’s never too soon, and the day comes before you know it!
Venue: The Florida Aquarium
Photography: Matlock and Kelly Photography
Planner: Nevar Campbell
Florist: Redman Steele
Stationery: Medici Invites
Cake: The Artistic Whisk *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Band: Phase 5 Band
Hair and Makeup: Femme Akoi Beauty Studio *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Pet Planners: FairyTail Pet Care *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Wedding Dress: The Wedding Salon
Bridesmaid Dress: BHLDN
