Kelly and James' rustic Plant City wedding and featured wood details, copper-hued flora, natural greenery, and a grand exit through a tunnel of sparklers.
“I would describe our wedding style as more of a rustic wedding that had a beautiful barn mixed with nature-inspired elements. It was very open and outdoorsy which was great due to the COVID pandemic,” the bride shared. “We had a lot of shades of greens and oranges which went really well with the nature/rustic theme.”
The outdoorsy Safety Harbor couple and their 48 guests celebrated at a venue with plenty of Southern charm surrounded by nature which checked all the bride and groom's boxes during their search.
“We really wanted a barn and nature vibes for our special day. The service provided by Florida Rustic Barn Weddings was exceptional in every way; we were very pleased with all staff and the venue. They went above and beyond for us and really made our day special,” Kelly beamed.
Romantic and rustic elements graced the ceremony and reception, from wood and burlap signage to delicate flora to lawn games and a fire pit. It was those little touches that Kelly attributed to making her celebration so special.
“All the different accents such as the décor, wedding favors, wedding cake, s'mores, bonfire, and the send-off made our wedding very unique,” the bride recalled.
Kelly channeled a woodland fantasy for her bridal beauty, drawing inspiration from the ceremony locale. Loose, natural curls adorned with a halo of fresh flowers and foliage provided her ethereal style.
“I really wanted a goddess look that would go really well with the natural scenery, especially for the ceremony,” the bride divulged. “When I looked at Femme Akoi Beauty Studio‘s videos to see if I liked their work, I realized I had actually seen the hair and makeup done for a bride at a wedding I attended months earlier, and she looked absolutely stunning! I had no idea it was that same company!”
Two key memories stood out for Kelly, both of which occurred during their outdoor ceremony under the canopy of trees.
“Reading our wedding vows and our first kiss as a married couple were definitely the two most memorable moments of our day,” the bride reminisced.
How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
Our wedding style was more of a rustic wedding that had a beautiful barn mixed with nature-inspired elements. It was very open and outdoorsy which was great due to the COVID pandemic.
What were your colors?
We had a lot of shades of greens and oranges which went really well with a nature-inspired/rustic theme.
The Proposal:
We went to the park with my sister for her to take photos of us and that is where James surprised me with the proposal. We were on a little road that had lots of trees hovering above. When I turned around, he was down on one knee with the ring. It was such a beautiful moment.
What were your wedding hair and makeup inspiration?
I really wanted a goddess look that would go really well with the natural scenery, especially for the ceremony.
When I looked at Femme Akoi Beauty Studio‘s videos to see if I liked their work, I realized I had actually seen the hair and makeup done for a bride at a wedding I attended months earlier, and she looked absolutely stunning! I had no idea it was that same company!
What did you look for in a wedding venue?
We really wanted a barn and nature vibes for our special day.
The service provided by Florida Rustic Barn Weddings was exceptional in every way; we were very pleased with all staff and the venue. They went above and beyond for us and really made our day special.
Where did you spend your honeymoon?
We love nature so we stayed in Tallulah Falls, Georgia in a very cute cabin. It was very cold during that time but we very much enjoyed the beauty of the area and the cabin was right on the river. We could always hear the river running which was very soothing. The area also was quiet and only a short distance from traveling to town.
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Florida Rustic Barn Weddings *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Venue
Photographer: Janel Herranz Photography
Videographer: Henry M. Productions
Florist: Milly's Flowers and Events
Caterer: Catering by the Family
Cake: Petite Madelyn's Bakeshop
DJ: Celebrations of Tampa Bay
Officiant: Pastor Landers
Invitations: Shutterfly
Dress and Bridesmaids Dresses: David's Bridal
Shoe Designer: Boot Barn
Groom Attire: Men's Wearhouse
Hair & Makeup: Femme Akoi Beauty Studio *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding
Rehearsal Dinner: MOJO Federal Swine & Spirits
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.
