Marissa and Thomas’ Brooksville wedding boasted lush arrangements of white flora and greenery, rustic wood tables and luxurious gold chairs, and sweeping views of rolling hills and mature trees. The Italian-inspired villa set the tone for the al fresco celebration, where guests dined and danced under string lights and stars.

“We wanted an elegant provincial style that was inspired by the venue. We used large wood farm tables paired with rose gold chairs. The enhanced table arrangements of white flowers and greenery were a romantic element that left my guests speechless,” the bride shared. “I went with all-white florals because it’s timeless and elegant.”

The Brooksville bride found wedding shows and open houses through Marry Me Tampa Bay. Attending those events gave her insight into unique ideas and finding reputable vendors.

“Marry Me Tampa Bay offered a wide array of mock wedding events. I was able to take a little piece from each wedding to help create my vision. I highly recommend all future brides to attend their events in Tampa,” the bride advised. “We found our DJ, Graingertainment, through Marry Me Tampa Bay. I loved their music selections and clean look. They did a great job selecting songs and creating a diverse playlist that had everyone dancing all night.”

The couple sought a wedding venue that would make their 120 guests feel transported out of Florida. The stunning wooded landscape, rolling hills, and on-site accommodations at La Hacienda on Snow Hill made it the ideal setting for their October celebration.

“We wanted to celebrate our marriage in the city we love most, Brooksville. La Hacienda on Snow Hill is one of the most unique venues in all of Florida. From the moment you turn into the estate, you feel like you are in a place of beauty and elegance. You are welcomed by massive, sprawling oaks and huge wooden doors past a lovely fountain. The lookout is, without a doubt, the most breathtaking view in the state. You feel like you are not in Florida but instead in the Italian countryside as you look down upon rolling hills,” Marissa beamed. “Everything about La Hacienda is welcoming and overflows with hospitality and charm. There is an exquisitely appointed bridal guest house steps away from the venue. There is also a groom’s guest house with four full-size bunk beds, a kitchen, and a den area, which is the ultimate men’s retreat. To top it off, the bride has a private bridal room and restroom to wait in before she makes her grand entrance. No detail has been omitted. Guests to La Hacienda come away with a truly unique experience that sets itself apart from the barn-type venues that are so common today. I don’t think there is another venue in the greater Tampa area that offers an acrylic dance floor over the pool! The owners, Jessica and Steve, are friendly, detailed, responsive, and easy to work with. I can’t say enough good things about La Hacienda.”

Marissa envisioned a showstopping gown with more pizazz than a traditional dress. The expansive inventory and on-site seamstress services at Truly Forever Bridal allowed her to find her dream dress in the vast selection, along with the opportunity to customize it to suit her personality and taste.

“I really wanted more of a party dress versus a bridal look. I had an amazing shopping experience because Truly Forever Bridal had the most inventory out of all the bridal shops, and I was able to try on all different styles. They also have a seamstress on site who did a fantastic job with my alterations,” the bride gushed. “The material of my dress was a thicker glitter fabric that was still form-fitting. My mom had the idea of adding the thicker strap that fell off my shoulder. I couldn’t recommend Truly Forever Bridal enough for brides-to-be!”

The newlyweds infused their personalities with thoughtful details throughout the event. The bride’s taste in cuisine and the groom’s taste in music were both on full display.

“I love seafood, so we incorporated a raw bar during the cocktail hour. Guests enjoyed fresh shucked oysters and shrimp cocktail that was on display with a custom ice sculpture,” the bride detailed. “Thomas worked on the playlist for the DJ, and we took dance lessons. We surprised everyone with a choreographed first dance. Graingertainment offered live instruments along with mixing music and did a great job selecting songs and creating a diverse playlist that had everyone dancing all night.

Looking back on the highlights of the day, Marissa shared that the touching well-wishes and beautiful landscape left a lasting impression.

“It was important that family and friends had the opportunity to give a toast. All the speeches were fantastic, and our celebration even made history. Mayor Blake Bell read a proclamation for the city of Brooksville, marking our wedding day as a local government holiday!” the bride beamed. “[I’ll never forget] being surrounded by friends and family while celebrating our marriage in a gorgeous venue with a beautiful sunset and majestic moonrise.”

What did you look for in a wedding venue?
We wanted to celebrate our marriage in the city we love most, Brooksville. La Hacienda on Snow Hill is one of the most unique venues in all of Florida. From the moment you turn into the estate, you feel like you are in a place of beauty and elegance. You are welcomed by massive, sprawling oaks and huge wooden doors past a lovely fountain. The lookout is, without a doubt, the most breathtaking view in the state. You feel like you are not in Florida but instead in the Italian countryside as you look down upon rolling hills.

Everything about La Hacienda is welcoming and overflows with hospitality and charm. There is an exquisitely appointed bridal guest house steps away from the venue. There is also a groom’s guest house with four full-size bunk beds, a kitchen, and a den area, which is the ultimate men’s retreat. To top it off, the bride has a private bridal room and restroom to wait in before she makes her grand entrance. No detail has been omitted.

Guests to La Hacienda come away with a truly unique experience that sets itself apart from the barn-type venues that are so common today. I don’t think there is another venue in the greater Tampa area that offers an acrylic dance floor over the pool! The owners, Jessica and Steve, are friendly, detailed, responsive, and easy to work with. I can’t say enough good things about La Hacienda.

What was your wedding dress inspiration?
I really wanted more of a party dress versus a bridal look.

I had an amazing shopping experience because Truly Forever Bridal had the most inventory out of all the bridal shops, and I was able to try on all different styles. They also have a seamstress on site who did a fantastic job with my alterations. The material of my dress was a thicker glitter fabric that was still form-fitting. My mom had the idea of adding the thicker strap that fell off my shoulder. I couldn’t recommend Truly Forever Bridal enough for brides-to-be!

What did you look for in a wedding DJ?
Thomas worked on the playlist for the DJ, and we took dance lessons. We surprised everyone with a choreographed first dance.

We found Graingertainment through Marry Me Tampa Bay. I loved their music selections and clean look. They offered live instruments along with mixing music and did a great job selecting songs and creating a diverse playlist that had everyone dancing all night.