Sarika and Shivan’s vibrant Clearwater Beach wedding perfectly blended their cultural backgrounds resulting in a glamorous oceanside celebration, and the destination wedding couple looked to Marry Me Tampa Bay for guidance in finding specific vendors that were in their budget.
“For our theme, we really wanted both our Indian and Sri Lankan cultures to shine through. Since we were having a beach wedding we opted for lighter colors such as gold, ivory, and baby pink. The colors looked so amazing against the picturesque backdrop because they perfectly complimented the ocean blue color and weren’t too distracting,” the bride gushed. “As for our reception, we wanted a Hollywood vintage design with plenty of glamour and a color palette of gold and red. Our inspiration truly came from both of our colorful ethnic backgrounds.”
MORE: INDIAN WEDDING INSPIRATION
Picturing a gorgeous waterfront wedding venue with breathtaking views, the bride and groom chose the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach.
“We knew we wanted a venue on the water, however, we did not want guests to be dragging their heels and saris through the sand. To give our wedding variety, we incorporated three different spaces for the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. The Hyatt offered absolutely stunning views overlooking the beach from a high level, which was exactly what we were looking for to capture our vision,” the bride explained. “The service was absolutely excellent. Their wedding coordinator was on par with mine and truly made my event memorable!”
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As they pieced together their big day, Sarika and Shivan planned a welcome party that incorporated food trucks, live music, and a live henna artist.
“For our Moroccan inspired welcome night, we put on an event that featured two food trucks, a local Tampa band and a live henna designer. We really envisioned something where all of our friends and family could get together, have fun and enjoy each others company.”
The bride knew she wanted a classic yet vintage look and was ecstatic to find a hair and makeup studio that understood the intricacy of Indian weddings.
“Destiny & Light Hair and Makeup Group draped my sari and did my tikka and Indian dupatta/veil placement. Somehow my veil never came off, and it was really heavy!” the bride shared. “My artist was amazing! I envisioned my look like Vivian Leigh from Gone with the Wind – classic yet vintage, with a touch of glamour and Destiny & Light nailed it.”
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Looking to back on their blissful day, the bride and groom can’t help but reminisce of all of the moments that made their day so special.
“When I walked into the mandap with Shivan and we were overlooking the beach, I truly felt at peace. The feeling was so unreal,” the bride gushed. “Something that also was very special to us was getting to hear our parents speeches. They were so incredibly heartfelt and really moved both Shivan and me.”
What were your hair and makeup inspiration?
Vivian Leigh from Gone with the Wind was my inspiration. I wanted a classic yet vintage look with my long hair and makeup, and a touch of glamour.
I want to learn more about Preferred Wedding Hair & Makeup Vendor
Destiny & Light Hair and Makeup Group is familiar with Indian weddings so they draped my sari and did my tikka and Indian dupatta/veil placement. Somehow my veil never came off, and it was really heavy!
What did you look for in a wedding venue?
We knew we wanted a venue on the water, however, we did not want guests to be dragging their heels and saris through the sand.
I Want to Learn More about Weddings at the Hyatt Clearwater Beach.
The Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach offered absolutely stunning views overlooking the beach from a high level, which was exactly what we were looking for to capture our vision. To give our wedding variety, we incorporated three different spaces for the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. Cocktail hour on the Caladesi deck was absolutely stunning with amazing views! I also particularly wanted to overlook the beach from a high level and the Hyatt Regency offered just that for the wedding ceremony. The service was absolutely excellent. Their wedding coordinator was on par with mine and truly made my event memorable!
The Proposal:
Shivan is from North Carolina, and I am from Los Angeles. We met in Phoenix. For the proposal, he whisked me away to Asheville, N.C. to the Biltmore Estate which is spectacular and on a beautiful hill overlooking the castle. During a horse and carriage ride, Shivan popped the question with champagne flutes delicately hidden to the side. It was just like a fairytale. I love a good view, and he certainly made a Cinderella moment come true.
How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration and colors?
For our theme, we really wanted both our Indian and Sri Lankan cultures to shine through. Since we were having a beach wedding we opted for lighter colors such as gold, ivory, and baby pink. The colors looked so amazing against the picturesque backdrop because they perfectly complemented the ocean blue color and weren’t too distracting. As for our reception, we wanted a Hollywood vintage design with plenty of glamour and a color palette of gold and red. Our inspiration truly came from both of our colorful ethnic backgrounds.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Just have fun because it truly goes by in the blink of an eye. Stay focused and keep excel spreadsheets of everything along with your wedding planner because organization is key!
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Venue
Photographer: Limelight Photography
Videographer: Sundial Creatives
Planner: Days Remembered by ND
Florist: Maharani Designs
Caterer: Flames Tampa and The Twisted Indian Food Truck
Rentals: On the Move Productions
Cupcakes/Falooda Bar Dessert: Baked by Melissa (NYC), Flames Tampa
DJ: DJ Philip
Officiant: Bhavin Joshi (Phoenix, AZ)
Invitations: Paperless Post
Transportation: Jolley Trolley
Hair & Makeup: Destiny & Light Hair and Makeup Group *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro