Maggie and Chris’ garden themed Tampa wedding featured a color palette of ivory, blush and green.
“Our venue had so much character and brings in a lot of outdoor elements, so I wanted to complement that. I wanted a natural feel as part of our romantic, garden theme.”
MORE: GARDEN WEDDING INSPIRATION
The Chicago couple planned their destination Florida wedding in only three months, and it was important to the bride that she find a Tampa wedding photographer who was familiar with her venue and who specialized in natural light photography.
“Ailyn of Ailyn La Torre Photography completely exceeded my expectations!” Maggie gushed. “She struck the perfect balance between accommodating my requests and encouraging me to consider different shots. Our photos were absolutely beautiful! I couldn’t have asked for anything more.”
Looking back on their wedding day, the bride reflects that her most cherished memories were sprinkled throughout the evening.
“Walking down the stairs after our ceremony when we were introduced as husband and wife, my dad’s welcome speech, seeing Chris and his mom dance and tearing up the dance floor with my sisters stand out as memorable moments for me,” the bride reminisced.
The Proposal:
It was very low key. We had dinner plans and Chris showed up earlier than I was expecting, with a ring in his hand. He definitely surprised me!
“We planned our wedding in three months so we had to make quick decisions and not worry about every little detail. I relied a lot on my mom and sisters who live in Tampa. My sisters actually stuffed and mailed my invitations,” Maggie shared.
What did you look for in a wedding photographer?
It was important to me that the photographer knew the venue. I also wanted a photographer who specialized in natural light.
Ailyn of Ailyn La Torre Photography came recommended by a friend of a friend. She completely exceeded my expectations! She struck the perfect balance between accommodating my requests and encouraging me to consider different shots. She was also very organized. Our photos were absolutely beautiful! I couldn’t have asked for anything more.
How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
Romantic, garden. Our venue already had so much character and brings in a lot of outdoor elements, so I wanted to complement that.
What were your colors?
Ivory, blush, and green. I wanted a natural feel as part of our romantic garden theme.
How did you incorporate you and your spouse’s personalities into the wedding?
I made the decisions when it came to décor. Chris cared more about food/drink and the music. We each chose a signature drink, Old Fashions for Chris and French Gimlets for me, and we decided on the menu together. We had a harpist and violinist play during our ceremony and each chose some of our favorite songs. Fake Plastic Trees by Radiohead (one of Chris’ favorites) during the prelude and Edelweiss from The Sound of Music and Canon in D (for me).
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Focus on the things you care about most and don’t feel like everything has to be perfect. Take time to soak it in and enjoy.
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Oxford Exchange
Photographer: Ailyn La Torre Photography
Videographer: Life’s Highlights
Planner: One Fine Day
Florist: Botanica International Design Studio
Cake: Chocolate Pi
Band: The Hit Factory
Officiant: Reverend Drew Bennett (my cousin)
Invitations: Occasions
Dress Shop and Designer: Weddings 826 (Chicago), Robert Bullock
Hair & Makeup: Brandi Lynn Tort
Harpist: Rebecca Cosa
Violinist: Rebecca Zapen
