Melanie and Josh's downtown St. Pete wedding embodied old Hollywood with classic elegance and modern decor. With gorgeous florals and a color palette of emerald, gold, and black, the charming ambiance was romantic yet simplistic.
“Our theme had hints of an old Hollywood vintage feel to it,” the bride shared. “I always knew that when the day finally came for me to plan my wedding that I would incorporate a classic elegance type of vibe. I really wanted to capture a vision as if I was getting married in that time period with dark colors and pops of gold.”
MORE: OLD HOLLYWOOD INSPIRED WEDDINGS
Throughout the stages of planning, Melanie used Marry Me Tampa Bay as a resource to gain inspiration and learn more about local vendors. During one of her searches, she came across The Birchwood, a downtown St. Pete wedding venue that not only embodied her classic vintage vision but also offered everything she needed in one place.
“I found The Birchwood on Marry Me Tampa Bay. When we walked into the hotel, we knew our search was over. It was perfect, and had everything I envisioned for my wedding theme,” the bride gushed. “Their colors and vintage ambiance were exactly what I was looking for, and the water view from the ballroom's balcony was a huge plus. From start to finish, The Birchwood’s service was impeccable! They were calming, professional, knowledgable and overall full of great people. They were everything and then some!”
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An important aspect to the bride and groom was finding a St. Pete wedding photographer who could not only capture their love story, but also do it in a professional and passionate way.
“Professionalism is always a big thing, but equally important I wanted a passionate photographer who had an eye for photography and the guidance to help us be ourselves in front of the camera. For such an important day, I wanted a photographer who naturally captured our love through the lens!” the bride explained. “I was in awe of how passionate and professional Lifelong Photography Studios was. Their service was phenomenal, and they all are such amazing individuals!”
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Envisioning her vintage look, the bride looked to Destiny and Light Hair & Makeup to perfect her soft waves and colorful makeup.
“I wanted to connect with a stylist who understood my vision, and I found exactly that in Destiny & Light Hair and Makeup.” the bride shared. “I went to a trial run and left with no doubts in my mind that they would be doing my hair and makeup. They were able to perfectly incorporate my colors into my makeup and give me the old Hollywood glam look I was going for. Their service was wonderful!”
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Looking back on their day of bliss, the bride reminisced of a special moment between her and her groom.
“After the ceremony, Josh told me that his watch battery died earlier, and he set the watch to say 6:30 p.m. because that is when we officially became husband and wife. It was a really sweet moment between the two of us and I couldn't help but smile,” Melanie reminisced.
What were your hair and makeup inspiration?
I had vintage waves with a gold hairpiece accessory to match Josh’s gold bow tie. For my makeup, I went with winged eyeliner and emerald green and gold eyeshadow. I wanted my makeup to incorporate my wedding colors too because it really was all about the details to me. My bridesmaids' dresses were also green, and I wanted my eye makeup to complement that.
I want to learn more about Preferred Wedding Hair & Makeup Vendor
I wanted to connect with a stylist who understood my vision, and I found exactly that in Destiny and Light Hair & Makeup. I went to a trial run and left with no doubts in my mind that they would be doing my hair and makeup. They were able to perfectly incorporate my colors into my makeup and give me the old Hollywood glam look I was going for. Their service was wonderful!
What did you look for in a wedding venue?
I looked for that classic vintage feel in a venue. Josh and I toured only a total of three venues in one day and on the last day we found The Birchwood. When we walked in we knew our search was over; they were perfect.
I want to learn more about weddings at The Birchwood
The Birchwood had everything I envisioned for my wedding theme. Their colors and vintage ambiance was exactly what I was looking for, and the water view from the ballroom's balcony was a huge plus. From start to finish, The Birchwood’s service was impeccable! They were calming, professional, knowledgable and overall full of great people. They were everything and then some!
What did you look for in a wedding photographer?
I looked for professionalism and passion. Professionalism is always a big thing, but equally important I wanted a passionate photographer who had an eye for photography and the guidance to help us be ourselves in front of the camera! For such an important day, I wanted a photographer that naturally captured our love through the lens!
I want to Learn more about Lifelong Photography Studio
I was in a friend's wedding and they had hired Lifelong Photography Studios. When they got their wedding pictures back, I was in love. I was awe of how passionate and professional Lifelong Photography Studios was. When my special day came, it was the obvious choice to go with them. Their service was phenomenal and they all are such amazing individuals!
The Proposal:
Josh proposed on my birthday! That morning started off with our normal routine, but on his way home he told me I should wait in another room because he had a “surprise gift” he wanted to bring in. I assumed it was something I wanted for the house. After a few minutes, he told me to come to the living room, and when I walked in I saw my best friend, who lives out-of-state, standing there! I was in complete shock at my wonderful birthday surprise! The three of us went out to lunch and ended up in the area of the park where Josh and I had our first kiss. Josh turned into the park, and we showed my best friend the lookout tower there. Suddenly, Josh was proposing to me while she recorded it! To finish this perfect day, Josh planned a surprise birthday/engagement celebration at my favorite restaurant with all our closest family and friends!
How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
Our theme had hints of an old Hollywood vintage feel to it. I always knew that when the day finally came for me to plan my wedding that I would incorporate a classic elegance type of vibe. I really wanted to capture a vision as if I was getting married in that time period with dark colors and pops of gold.
What were your colors?
Emerald, gold, and black. I knew right away what I wanted for our colors! I love the color green, and I hadn’t seen very many weddings that have incorporated these particular colors. When I started planning, I'd have people ask what my colors were and were surprised when I said green! However, with our theme, I was confident that my vision would come to life perfectly!
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Trust in your vision! It’s your wedding, and even though it can get stressful planning, you are doing great! Also, don’t forget to have fun! Your day will be beautiful!
Ceremony and Reception Venue, Caterer: The Birchwood *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Venue
Photographer: Lifelong Photography Studio *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Planner: Blue Skies Events
Florist: Leaf It To Us
Rentals: Custom Linens
Cake: Chantilly Cakes
DJ: Nick Potts
Officiant: Arma Peddle
Invitations: Shutterfly
Dress: Athena’s Bridal Boutique
Bridesmaid Dresses: Azazie
Hair & Makeup: Destiny and Light Hair & Makeup *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
