Wedding

Elegant White Downtown Tampa Wedding | The Florida Aquarium

 

Tampa Bay Wedding Planning Advice Group

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!”

LEARN MORE ABOUT FAIRYTAIL PET CARE | EMAIL

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!”

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ARTISTIC WHISK | EMAIL

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!”

LEARN MORE ABOUT FEMME AKOI BEAUTY STUDIO | EMAIL

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!”

Getting Ready Wedding Location | Tampa Hotel Marriott Water Street

Elegant Classic Ivory and Gold Wedding Invitation Suite, Something Blue Pointed Toe Wedding Shoes with Floral Pearl Embellishment, Brides Jewelry, Round Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring in Pink Velvet Ring Box

Classic Cap Sleeve Lace V Neckline Wedding Dress Hanging, Something Blue Pointed Toe Wedding Shoes with Pearl Embellishments, Simple White, Ivory and Blush Pink Roses Floral Bridal Bouquet

Tampa Bride, Bridesmaids in Matching Blush Pink Robes and Dog on Hotel Bed Getting Wedding Ready Portrait | Wedding Hair and Makeup Femme Akoi | Wedding Pet Planner FairyTail Pet Care

Tampa Bride, Bridesmaids in Matching Blush Pink Robes and Dog on Hotel Bed Getting Wedding Ready Portrait | Wedding Hair and Makeup Femme Akoi | Wedding Pet Planner FairyTail Pet Care

Tampa Bay Classic Bride with Mother Getting Ready Wedding Portrait | Wedding Hair and Makeup Femme Akoi

Tampa Bride Getting Ready Beauty Wedding Portrait, Delicate Cap Sleeve Open Back Fitted Wedding Dress with Loose Waves Hair Down Bridal Style | Wedding Hair and Makeup Femme Akoi

Classic Tampa Bride Wedding Beauty Portrait Holding Pink Balloons in Delicate Cap Sleeve V Neckline Wedding Dress | Wedding Hair and Makeup Femme Akoi

Tampa Bride and Groom Hotel Hallway First Look Wedding Portrait | Wedding Hair and Makeup Femme Akoi

Tampa Bay Bride and Groom First Look Wedding Portrait, Delicate Cap Sleeve Wedding Dress, Groom in Blue Suit with Ivory Rose Boutonniere | Wedding Hair and Makeup Femme Akoi

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.

Florida Bride and Groom with Pitbull Dog in Tuxedo Wedding Portrait on Marriott Hotel Staircase | Tampa Wedding Pet Planner FairyTail Pet Care

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!

Classic Bride and Bridesmaids in Mix and Match BHLDN Gray and Nude Floor Length Flowy Dresses with Organic Ivory Roses and Greenery Floral Bouquets | Tampa Bay Wedding Hair and Makeup Femme Akoi Beauty Studio

Florida Bride Beauty Wedding Portrait Holding Garden Inspired Blush Pink and Ivory Roses, Yellow and Green Leaves and Dusty Miller Floral Bridal Bouquet | Tampa Bay Wedding Hair and Makeup Femme Akoi

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!

Florida Bride and Bridesmaids in Mix and Match Silver, Gray and Nude Dresses Holding Garden Inspired Blush Pink and Ivory Roses with Yellow and Green Leaves and Dusty Miller Floral Bouquets

Unique Wedding Ceremony Decor at Downtown Tampa Florida Aquarium, Silver Chiavari Chairs, Lanterns, Flower Petal Aisle Runner, Pedestals with Floral Arrangements, White Linen Draping

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.

Bride and Groom Exchanging Vows During Wedding Ceremony at Unique Downtown Tampa Venue The Florida Aquarium, Silver Pedestals with White Floral Arrangements and Flower Petal Aisle Runner

Bride and Groom Wedding Ceremony Recessional Portrait at Unique Downtown Tampa Venue The Florida Aquarium

Classic Bride and Groom Kissing Wedding Portrait with Penguins on Silver Chiavari Chairs at Unique Downtown Tampa Wedding Venue The Florida Aquarium, Bride Holding Garden Inspired Ivory and Blush Pink Roses Floral Bouquet

Classic Elegant Wedding Reception Decor, Round Tables with White Tablecloths and Linens, Tall Glass Cylinder Vase with White Hydrangeas, Blush Pink Roses, Baby's Breath and Greenery Leaves Floral Centerpiece | Downtown Tampa Wedding Venue The Florida Aquarium

Classic Elegant Wedding Reception Decor, White Hydrangeas, Blush Pink Roses, Baby's Breath and Greenery Low Floral Centerpiece, White and Gold Font Custom Table Name Sign

Classic Elegant Wedding Reception Decor, Round Tables with White Tablecloths and Linens, Tall Glass Cylinder Vase with White Hydrangeas, Blush Pink Roses, Baby's Breath and Greenery Leaves Floral Centerpiece | Downtown Tampa Wedding Venue The Florida Aquarium

Elegant Classic Six Tier Round White Wedding Cake with Cascading White Hydrangeas, Blush Pink Roses and Greenery Leaves | Tampa Wedding Baker The Artistic Whisk

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!

Classic Round White Wedding Cake with Cascading Blush Pink and White Roses, Baby's Breath and Greenery Leaves Flowers

Romantic Bride and Groom Wedding Reception Sparkler Exit Nighttime Portrait

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





Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pros

Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pros are highly respected by our local wedding community and have been personally vetted by our editor.