Rachel and Leo's intimate Tampa backyard wedding was adorned in rustic touches and floral details. With an atmosphere of farmhouse elegance from the comfort of their home, the bride and groom incorporated colors surrounding the arrival of their baby boy which was a unique and personal touch.
“We live in Riverview and chose our backyard as the area for our wedding since we have the space, and we loved the idea of having our wedding from the comfort of our cozy home. We both are family-oriented and reserved, so our wedding was intimate with only our closest family and friends,” the bride shared. “The colors we chose were green, soft pink, and baby blue. I like the color combination of greens and pink flowers, and the baby blue flowers were for our baby boy due in May.”
“Our wedding was unique because it’s not every day you see a farmhouse-style backyard wedding that’s organized at your own home. I’ve seen many rustic weddings that take place at a venue that’s in the country, or at a barn, but we made our farmhouse-style wedding happen from the comfort of home,” Rachel added.
The couple hosted an intimate wedding for the day after New Year's, and Rachel and Leo elected to hire a wedding planner so that they didn't have to worry about the logistics of the day.
“I wanted a wedding planner who was great at communicating, organized, friendly, and truly wanted the best for me and my family,” the bride explained. “My mom chose EventFull Weddings. They had awesome online reviews and had quite a bit of experience. I’m so glad my mom found Karen, our wedding planner. Her service was amazing and really made the wedding planning process stress-free and enjoyable for me.”
Complementing her romantic long-sleeve lace wedding dress, the bride chose a natural yet elegant look for her hair and makeup.
“I’m not one to wear much makeup, to begin with, so I did not want something too dramatic,” Rachel revealed. “My wedding planner recommended Femme Akoi Beauty Studio, and they provided great service. Our artist was friendly, so talented, and able to accomplish exactly the look I envisioned.”
Looking back the bride shared that her favorite memory of the day occurred during the ceremony.
“The most memorable moment was when we both said I do and kissed and walked back down the aisle together. The look we had in our eyes was of pure love, contentment, and excitement to start the rest of our lives together. I’ll never forget it,” Rachel beamed.
The Proposal:
I thought I was going over to Leo's parents' home to have a nice dinner with both of our families to celebrate us buying our first home. I walked into his parents' home, and the house was dark with candles and rose petals illuminating the walkway to get to the living room. Our song, Can’t Help Falling in Love by Elvis Presley was playing in the background. As soon as I heard that, I knew what was about to happen. I got emotional and started crying. It was an incredibly emotional and perfect moment.
What were your wedding hair and makeup inspiration?
I wanted a natural but elegant look for both hair and makeup. I’m not one to wear much makeup to begin with, so I did not want something too dramatic.
My wedding planner recommended Femme Akoi Beauty Studio, and they provided great service. Our artist was friendly, so talented, and able to accomplish exactly the look I envisioned.
What did you look for in a wedding planner?
Someone who was great at communicating, organized, friendly, and truly wanted the best for me and my family.
My mom chose EventFull Weddings. They had awesome online reviews and had quite a bit of experience. I’m so glad my mom found Karen, our wedding planner. Her service was amazing and really made the wedding planning process stress-free and enjoyable for me.
Where did you spend your honeymoon and why did you choose that location?
Due to COVID-19, we have not gone on a honeymoon. Possibly during the summer, depending on how the situation is by then, we will have our honeymoon in Key West, Florida.
How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
Rustic farmhouse and elegant. I like the beauty and comfort that the farmhouse style brings.
What were your colors?
Green, soft pink, and baby blue. I like the color combination of greens and pink flowers, and the baby blue flowers were for our baby boy due in May.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
I highly recommend looking for a good wedding planner, whether it be EventFull Weddings or another company, and also use Marry Me Tampa Bay as a guide for vendors and wedding planning.
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Private Residence
Photographer: Photo Harp Weddings
Planner: EventFull Weddings *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Florist: Blooming Flower Art
Caterer: Puff N Stuff Catering
Rentals: A Chair Affair *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Cake: A`levri & Co
Officiant: WinniesweddingsTampa
Dress Shop and Designer: Azazie
Shoe Designer: Naturalizer
Bridesmaid Dress Shop: David’s Bridal
Hair & Makeup: Femme Akoi Beauty Studio *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
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.
