Madison and Matt's downtown Tampa wedding was inspired by the bride and groom's alma mater, Florida State University.
“We met when we lived across the street from each other at FSU and since our college played such a huge role in our early dating, we both agreed an FSU themed wedding was perfect for us! Our wedding date is even on the anniversary of the 2013 Seminole’s National Championship win,” the bride beamed. “Incorporating so much FSU also showed our personalities because we are huge college sports fans! We bleed garnet and gold.”
The South Tampa couple incorporated a burgundy and gold color palette into their elegant winter wedding atop the highest point in city at downtown Tampa wedding venue, The Tampa Club.
“We are from Palm Beach County, and we first started looking at venues there; however, being the Catering Coordinator at The Tampa Club, each venue seemed to be missing something that we could find at the Tampa Club,” the bride explained. “The Tampa Club truly meets the needs and desires of every couple, and it didn’t take us long to realize that our dream wedding would exceed our expectations there.”
When it came to choosing a Tampa wedding photographer, Madison and Matt wanted someone who made them comfortable and could capture the beauty of their wedding venue.
“Photography was very important to us because once the moment and day are over you can’t redo it! We both have large families and wanted to get as many pictures as possible,” the bride explained. “Carrie Wildes Photography not only was very experienced at photographing at The Tampa Club, but had a fair price. Their team made taking pictures a breeze, and they all came out amazing! With Miriam and Greta we got ever single picture that we wanted!”
MORE: CARRIE WILDES PHOTOGRAPHY WEDDINGS
Entertainment and guest experience were the most important elements to the bride and groom.
“[We wanted] our guests to have an incredible time. We both love upbeat music, so every one of our first dances was to upbeat songs,” Madison shared. “Our DJ, Grant Hemond & Associates, played fun and upbeat dance music so literally everyone danced, even our 85-year-old grandmothers!
MORE: GRANT HEMOND & ASSOCIATES WEDDINGS
Looking back, the bride's most cherished memory was having her cousin be a part of her wedding day.
“The most memorable moment was having my six-year-old cousin be my flower girl. She is currently going through treatment for Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare childhood bone cancer, and her doctor cleared her to attend and be in the bridal party just four days before the wedding! Her mother was my mother’s flower girl in her wedding, so I really wanted her to be in mine. We are so happy that she got to be a part of our special day!” Madison reminisced.
What did you look for in a wedding photographer?
We wanted someone who made us feel comfortable and was able to capture the windows in The Tampa club as they are not easy to work with. Miriam was super fun and made taking pictures a breeze. We both have large families and wanted to get as many pictures as possible. With Miriam and Greta we got ever single picture that we wanted!
I want to learn more about Carrie Wildes Photography
Carrie Wildes Photography not only was very experienced at photographing at The Tampa Club but had a fair price. Photography was very important to us because once the moment and day are over you can’t redo it! Their team made taking pictures a breeze and they all came out amazing!
The Proposal:
Matt and I had planned a trip to Salt Lake City, Utah at the end of winter hoping to see some snow before summer kicked into gear. We had both never been before, but we wanted to do some hiking and have a little getaway trip before Matt started his new job. I was starting to give up hope of Matt proposing since Christmas, Valentines Day and my birthday had all passed and no proposal. I helped him pack before the trip (so he wouldn’t forget anything) and looked for signs of him hiding a ring. There were none. The first few days of our trip I did my makeup and hair perfect, just in case. Finally, on the fourth and final day, I had decided to give up. I rocked a dog mom t-shirt, a messy pony tail and no makeup at all! We decided to do a hike up a mountain to end our trip. It was a three-mile hike, very difficult but the views were gorgeous! When we got to the top, I sat down to eat my snack, and Matt left me to walk to the other side. I just continued with my granola bar. Matt then called me over to where he was saying that the view was much better. The view was much better, as Matt got down on one knee! The ring and view were gorgeous! So, I finally got my proposal, I just had to climb a mountain for it!
What did you look for in a wedding venue?
Since we are from Palm Beach County, we first started looking at venues there; however, being the Catering Coordinator at The Tampa Club, each venue seemed to be missing something that we could find at the Tampa Club.
The Tampa Club truly meets the needs and desires of every couple, and it didn’t take us long to realize that our dream wedding would exceed our expectations there. The venue accommodated all of our guests: vegetarians, gluten-free, etc.
How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
Our theme was definitely inspired by our alma mater Florida State. We met when we lived across the street from each other at FSU and since FSU played such a huge role in our early dating, we both agreed an FSU themed wedding was perfect for us! Our wedding date is even on the anniversary of the 2013 Seminole’s National Championship win.
What were your colors?
Our color scheme was garnet and gold, my mom even carried an FSU purse as her mother of the bride bag.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
To not sweat the small stuff. If you forget to buy sparklers for an exit, or personalized Beverage napkins, just forget about it. We got so worked up on some small things that our guests and honestly, we would forget shortly after the wedding day. Also, everything goes so fast, your engagement, the rehearsal dinner, and wedding day are over in a flash so take in every minute and enjoy it! Don’t forget to breathe.
Ceremony and Reception Venue, Caterer and Rentals: The Tampa Club
Photographer: Carrie Wildes Photography *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Planner: Confetti Events
Florist: Northside Florist
Cake: Sam’s Club
DJ: Grant Hemond & Associates – Tony *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Officiant: Family Member
Invitations: Vista Print
Dress Shop and Designer: CC's Bridal Boutique, Maggie Sottero
Bridesmaid Dress Shop: Azazie
Hair & Makeup: Allure Artistry
