Inspired by the fall season and trendy bohemian vibe, this team of wedding pros channeled warm neutral colors and rustic elements to invoke the feeling of Autumn and the natural beauty that comes with it.
“I chose neutral colors like brown, whites, and greens with pops of oranges and blush. These colors were chosen to create the look of a fall season. We even added dry elements into the florals to really make it feel like the fall,” Delaney Driver, lead event planner at Wilder Mind Events explained. “Being in Florida, fall is a term we use loosely, so we wanted to create a vibe that reflected a Florida ‘fall’.”
This styled inspiration shoot featured unique details that perfectly fit the rustic wedding venue and offbeat style, including a floral brimmed hat, bouquet hoop, teepee, and even an alpaca! The furry farm animal, named Chewy, would need to be thoughtfully cared for throughout the day, so Delaney turned to Fairytail Pet Care to assist with his wedding day experience.
“Fairytail were the first people I thought of when this idea came to mind since they have worked with an alpaca before. I immediately texted the owner Ilana, and she was on board instantly,” Delaney recalled. “When Chewy first arrived, he was very nervous and out of his element. The Fairytail team was there to help get him acquainted and make sure that he was taken care of first and foremost. With a few treats and pets on the head later, Chewy was Ilana’s best friend and completely trusted her. It gave us a lot of opportunities to successfully get the photos we needed with their help, we couldn’t have done it without them.”
Another jaw-dropping detail was the unusual cake, featuring a floating layer suspended from a halo stand that framed the dessert and created a stunning focal point. The three-tier structure featured a combination of geometric patterned fondant and a watercolor ombre effect accented with delicate sugar flowers created by hand, all courtesy of Tampa Bay Cake Company.
“I wanted to do something that was a bit more organic. I wanted to include lots of texture, but I knew there would be beautiful burnt-orange roses, so I had to include that on the cake. I used watercolor because it’s just so elegant and beautiful,” Emily Lopez, owner of Tampa Bay Cake Company, shared. “The suspended cake design is a super fun option that will take your wedding cake to the next level and will be an absolute show stopper.”
The planner shared that her favorite aspect of the inspiration shoot was the adorable alpaca who appeared to be smiling in all of his photos! She added that it’s unique elements like that which can make an event truly special and memorable.
“There are always ways to add a creative touch and elements to your wedding day even if it’s a theme you see over and over again,” Delaney advised. “A wedding planner is a great resource to hone in on the theme/vibe a couple wants to achieve, and then find ways to make it uniquely theirs. I encourage everyone to put in the extra effort to make their day theirs and find little niches to make it special to the couple, and if that includes an alpaca, then even better.”
How would you describe your theme?
Being in Florida, fall is a term we use loosely, so we wanted to create a vibe that reflected a Florida “fall.” The bohemian look continues to trend, and is one of my favorite themes, so I wanted to add that in.
What were your colors?
Neutral colors like brown, whites, and greens with pops of oranges and blush. These colors were chosen to create the look of a fall season. We even added dry elements into the florals to really make it feel like the fall.
Where did the inspiration to incorporate an Alpaca come in?
I like to go all out and be different, so naturally, an alpaca crossed my mind. I’ve always wanted to do a shoot or wedding with a more unique animal, and this seemed like the perfect opportunity since the venue allowed alpacas, and it went with our theme. Fairytail Pet Care were the first people I thought of when this idea came to mind since they have worked with an alpaca before. I immediately texted Ilana, and she was on board instantly.
When Chewy first arrived, he was very nervous and out of his element. The Fairytail team was there to help get him acquainted and make sure that he was taken care of first and foremost. With a few treats and pets on the head later, Chewy was Ilana’s best friend and completely trusted her. It gave us a lot of opportunities to successfully get the photos we needed with their help, we couldn’t have done it without them.
What were your favorite elements of this shoot?
My favorite part of the shoot was definitely the alpaca. He was so sweet, and I was smiling from ear to ear because I couldn’t believe I pulled it off. Outside of the alpaca, my favorite part was the teamwork of the vendors. Everyone was beyond amazing and brought their individual talent and creativity to pull this off. Vendors who were just there to do a “drop off” even stuck around to hang out and help where it was needed. I’m always reminded how great it is to work in a people-focused industry, and I built some incredible relationships from this shoot.
How much would you estimate this wedding would cost for 75-100 guests?
Planner: $1,500-$5,000 | Photography: $3,200 | Cinema: $2,400-$3,500 | Florist: $3,500 | Venue: $4,500 |Coffee Cart: $750-$1,500 | Invitations: Starting at $1,200 |Harpist: $400-$600 | Rentals: $1,300-$1,500 | Cake: $720-$945 | Tabletop Decor: $850-$1,400 | Hair & Makeup for Bride: $160 | Alpaca: $500-$750 | Fairytail Petcare: $500-$600 | Grazing Board: $80
Venue: LoveLock Ranch
Photographer: Garry and Stacy Photography Co.
Videographer: JS Media Film
Planner: Wilder Mind Events
Florist: Blooming Flower Art
Hair and Makeup: Just Beauty Hair and Makeup
Stationery/ Place Cards: Hey Hunn Paperie
Alpaca Handling: FairyTail Pet Care *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro
Dress: The Dressing Room
Men’s Suit: All Brides 2 Be
Styling Accessories: ADR Decor
Cake: Tampa Bay Cake Company *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro
Vintage Coffee Bar: Cafe Ala Carte
Cheese Board: Adored Boards
Harpist: Emma the Harpist
Furniture: Traditions Rentals
Linens: Elite Events and Rentals
Models: Haley and Drew
Quotes have been lightly edited for clarity and brevity.
*Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pros are highly respected by our local wedding community and have been personally vetted by our editor.