Gabi and Kyle
HOWEY MANSION
“Our inspiration was eclectic vintage European. As a lover of color and vintage, I didn’t want to shy away from it, but I still love a timeless element. We did a variety of oranges, fall colors, purple, and neutrals. The purple and orange are our pops of eccentric dynamic. We wanted to get a little out of the city. It was our way of doing a destination-like wedding that was not a destination. We just loved the venue and how it looked European.” -The Bride
FEATURING
Gabi and Kyle’s Howey-in-the-Hills wedding took place in front of a historic Central Florida mansion, where their 130 guests enjoyed the cool January evening with an eclectic and vibrant celebration infused with unique design elements. The bridesmaids wore dresses in different colors, materials, and styles, while the guests were all dressed in black.
“Our inspiration was eclectic vintage European. As a lover of color and vintage, I didn’t want to shy away from it, but I still love a timeless element. We did a variety of oranges, fall colors, purple, and neutrals. The purple and orange are our pops of eccentric dynamic,” the bride explained. “We wanted to get a little out of the city. It was our way of doing a destination-like wedding that was not a destination. We just loved the venue and how it looked European.”
As Marry Me Tampa Bay’s Visual Curation Director, Gabi utilized her extensive wedding network to source her vendors and select her carefully curated vendor team.
“My lovely team at Marry Me Tampa Bay was there for advice at every stage of the process, just as we are for all couples we encounter!” Gabi beamed.
“Copper River + Co’s involvement in the design process centered around guiding the base color palette, while the bride and the rest of the dream vendor team brought her vision to life,” Gabby Romanello, Owner and Creative Director of Copper River + Co. explained. “We drew inspiration from the Howey Mansion’s enchanting undertones of peach, lavender, and gold, which were beautifully highlighted through the florals by the incredibly talented Flowersmith.”
Opting for an outdoor lawn ceremony with the historic Howey Mansion as the backdrop, the 360-degree runway aisle seating featured chic ghost chairs from Kate Ryan Event Rentals and a colorful array of florals cascading down the aisle.
“Kate Ryan Event Rentals went above and beyond for my ceremony ghost chairs and my wine rack shelf,” Gabi shared. “The team was incredible through the setup and breakdown process, even helping with my uniquely shaped ceremony setup!”
“A unique and unconventional ceremony seating arrangement was one of the bride’s key desires. Copper River + Co meticulously considered the space and the angle of the dramatic entry point to create a floor plan that not only complemented the setting but also enhanced the overall experience. We designed an arched seating section at the top of the aisle, with slanted rows on both sides, creating a visually striking and intimate atmosphere,” Gabby detailed. “The Howey Mansion provided a stunning backdrop from various angles, adding to the charm. There was no better team than Kate Ryan Event Rentals to execute the setup of this unique concept. Given that the wedding party would remain seated during the ceremony, the bride wanted them to feel especially significant. To honor this, we reserved the arched seating section for family and the wedding party, ensuring they were highlighted and felt a part of the ceremony’s special moments.”
The Tampa bride and groom prioritized finding a professional officiant who would respect their vision and bring a calming presence to their ceremony. Weddings by Bonnie was the perfect fit, even incorporating a sageing ritual at the couple’s request.
“We wanted someone professional who wanted to take our direction and vision with no biases,” the bride explained. “Bonnie is the kindest soul and most dynamic personality. She has a calming presence to her that puts both of us at ease even through wedding day butterflies! She took every note and really took the time to learn our love story. Weddings by Bonnie was also a wealth of knowledge when it came to all the legality points of getting married and had great ceremony ideas we had never thought of.”
Attire was a focal point for the influencer bride and model, who donned two wedding dresses and a custom embroidered neck scarf instead of a traditional bridal bouquet. The bridesmaids were adorned in different colors, materials, and styles of dresses while the guests were instructed to dress in all black.
“My whole style and the wedding itself are juxtapositions, and that’s how I like it: timeless and funky. I did a neck scarf instead of a veil, and it was full of colorful flowers; it was not super traditional, but I loved it. My first dress was intricate and unique with a sheer skirt, while my reception dress from Truly Forever Bridal was a timeless high-neck low-back sheath dress. They were so opposite but so complementary,” Gabi revealed. “I loved that Truly Forever has the ability to let you leave with your dress that day. There are very few bridal shops that do that, and it was a huge turn-on for me. I loved my experience from the setup, my bridal stylist, the owner, and everything in between.”
A wedding content creator herself through Behind the Vows, the social media-savvy bride wanted documentary-style videos capturing every moment of her day and appreciated the next-day turnaround content creation provides.
“I wanted authentic clips capturing the day and loved even more that, unlike video and photo, it would mean almost instant gratification,” the bride explained. “I knew Behind the Vows‘ extensive knowledge superseded that of other content creators who are newer to the wedding industry. They knew to be respectful of my other vendors, capture candid moments, deliver them in a timely manner, and feel like a piece of the day almost joining in on the bridal party.”
As someone who favors experiences, Gabi incorporated meaningful details and planned a flash mob for her groom that included the entire wedding party dancing and singing to Shania Twain’s 90’s hit Man! I Feel Like a Woman.
“The colors were so me, and we had an espresso martini tower. Kyle’s a classic guy so those more timeless simplicity elements were all a representation of everlasting class and timelessness. I loved how we sourced different wines from our travels for guests to sample,” the bride revealed. “Our pup also attended the ceremony and walked down the aisle!”
“Reflecting on this unforgettable wedding, Copper River + Co feels deeply privileged to have played a role in bringing the bride’s vision to life. Guiding the color palette to echo the timeless elegance of the Howey Mansion and creating a unique ceremony seating arrangement that honored every guest’s presence were highlights for us,” the wedding planner shared. “Being entrusted with such a significant day is a responsibility I cherish. I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to a celebration that was not only beautiful but also deeply meaningful, reflecting the love story of Gabi & Kyle.”
While the design was important to the bride, the best part of the day was celebrating with loved ones. The special touches in decor and the unique elements, such as the wedding newspaper and the wine tasting, made the day truly memorable.
“Spending the morning with my friends was a top three life moment for me; having all of your people in one place is an unmatched feeling,” the bride reminisced. “Our favorite moments were the surprise dance for Kyle, my dad’s speech with the ‘Dadinators,’ and screaming Blink 182 and Cher’s Believe with my entire family.”
Where did you spend your honeymoon?
Tasmania! I used to live in Australia and always wanted to take Kyle there but had never visited the Australian island of Tasmania so it was a no-brainer!
Where did you host your bachelorette party?
Portugal! As a travel blogger and lover, I wanted something different. All of my friends were so excited and didn’t even hesitate. It was more of a girls’ trip than a bachelorette, and I would not have had it any other way.
The Proposal:
Kyle proposed at our favorite spot in Tampa, Davis Islands Beach. He flew in my maid of honor, who is also a photographer, to capture the moment and my family. Afterward, we had an engagement party with friends and family at DI Coffee Bar.
How did your rentals enhance the ambiance of your wedding?
Kate Ryan Event Rentals went above and beyond for my ceremony ghost chairs and my wine rack shelf. The team was incredible through the setup and breakdown process, even helping with my uniquely shaped ceremony setup!
What did you look for in a wedding officiant?
We wanted someone professional who wanted to take our direction and vision with no biases.
Bonnie is the kindest soul and most dynamic personality. She has a calming presence to her that puts both of us at ease even through wedding day butterflies! She took every note and really took the time to learn our love story. Weddings by Bonnie was also a wealth of knowledge when it came to all the legality points of getting married and had great ceremony ideas we had never thought of.
Why did you choose to hire a wedding content creator?
I wanted authentic clips capturing the day and loved even more that unlike video and photo, it would mean almost instant gratification.
I knew Behind the Vows‘ extensive knowledge superseded that of other content creators who are newer to the wedding industry. They knew to be respectful of my other vendors, capture candid moments, deliver them in a timely manner, and feel like a piece of the day almost joining in on the bridal party.
How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
Our inspiration was eclectic vintage European. As a lover of color and vintage, I didn’t want to shy away from it, but I still love a timeless element.
Which vendors really exceeded your expectations?
Behind the Vows was an incredible addition I never knew I needed but now would recommend to every couple.
My planner, Gabby, went above and beyond and to manage and make sure I was never once stressed or had anything to worry about. My photographer, Ashley, her editing and stylistic choices never cease to amaze me. The Flower Smith, Ali, and her team ran completely with her own vision, and she crushed it! She also handwrote me a personal note on my wedding day and it melted my heart, such a genuine and authentic soul.
What was your bridal dress look inspiration?
My whole style and the wedding itself are juxtapositions, and that’s how I like it: timeless and funky. I did a neck scarf instead of a veil, and it was full of colorful flowers; it was not super traditional, but I loved it.
My first dress was intricate and unique with a sheer skirt, while my reception dress from Truly Forever Bridal was a timeless high-neck low-back sheath dress. They were so opposite but so complementary. I loved that Truly Forever has the ability to let you leave with your dress that day. There are very few bridal shops that do that, and it was a huge turn-on for me. I loved my experience from the setup, my bridal stylist, the owner, and everything in between.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Do what makes you happy not everyone else. Focus on the guest experience. Don’t be afraid of investing in videography and flowers; they change the day.