Victoria and Brandon's destination Clearwater Beach wedding was a beachfront celebration that even COVID-19 couldn't hold back. The San Antonio, Texas bride and groom originally planned a wedding for earlier in the year, but due COVID-19 pushed their date back into the summer.
“Our original date was April 25, 2020, but we had to move the date due to COVID. We also lost about 10 guests due to the change. Don’t stress if you have to move the date. Try not to worry so much about the guest count. Your friends and family who can make it will be there, and it will be just as memorable as your original date,” the bride shared. “The ceremony was perfect, but we plan to have a reception/party to get together with family and friends who couldn’t travel during pandemic once life gets back to normal.”
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The couple had their hearts set on a destination wedding where 38 of their closest family and friends could join them at the beach for a weekend of love and laughter. Over the following 18 months, they virtually planned their wedding day.
“We always knew we wanted to have a destination wedding, and we love the beach. We chose Clearwater Beach without ever visiting since it was named the most beautiful beach in Florida,” the bride beamed. “We wanted a beach ceremony with fresh flowers and close family and friends.”
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While searching for the right Tampa Bay wedding venue, the couple prioritized a location that was convenient to shops and restaurants, while also offering in-house planning services. For an idyllic beachfront wedding, the bride and groom relied on the expertise at Hilton Clearwater Beach to orchestrate a fairytale experience.
“The Hilton Clearwater Beach was amazing! Perfect location, exceptional amenities, and top-notch staff! We’re already in talks of a return to Clearwater for our anniversary and couldn’t imagine staying at a different location,” Victoria gushed. “Everyone did an exceptional job. From the moment we arrived, we felt welcomed. Candice was amazing throughout the entire process. She played a big role in the selection of the majority of the vendors we used for our special day. I’m not sure if we could have put this all together without her assistance.”
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The bride complemented the modern beachfront venue aesthetic with a sophisticated wedding day look. Victoria's classic fit-and-flare wedding dress was paired with an elegant side-swept updo that tied in the refined look she was seeking.
“Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, ‘Jackie O,' was my [beauty] inspiration. I loved that Michele Renee The Studio specialized in big hair and big buns,” the bride explained. “After my trial run, I fell in love with my makeup.”
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As Victoria and Brandon look back on the memories made, they each held a fondness of when they first saw each other during the ceremony.
“Watching Victoria walk down the aisle with her father and taking her hand [was my most memorable moment]. After nearly five years of dating, we finally made it to this point,” Brandon reminisced. “All of our friends and family who had been there for us throughout this journey were there to rejoice and celebrate such a special milestone for us!”
“Walking down the aisle on this beautiful beach to the man of my dreams while surrounded my so much unconditional love [was my most memorable moment],” Victoria added.
What were your hair and makeup inspiration?
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, “Jackie O,” was my inspiration. I loved that Michele Renee The Studio specialized in big hair and big buns. After my trial run, I fell in love with my makeup.
What did you look for in a wedding venue?
Close beach access, walking distance to shops and restaurants (McDonald’s for kids), in-house wedding coordinator that helped with all aspects of the wedding!
The Hilton Clearwater Beach was amazing! Perfect location, exceptional amenities, and top-notch staff! We’re already in talks of a return to Clearwater for our anniversary and couldn’t imagine staying at a different location. Everyone did an exceptional job. From the moment we arrived, we felt welcomed. Candice was amazing throughout the entire process. She played a big role in the selection of the majority of the vendors we used for our special day. I’m not sure if we could have put this all together without her assistance.
The Proposal:
New Year's Eve dinner with friends and family all coordinated by Brandon. He made a photo album of us and had the waiter bring it out with the dessert menu. He dropped down on one knee as I thumbed through the album!
What advice would you give to other couples who have been affected by COVID?
Don’t stress if you have to move the date. Try not to worry so much about the guest count. Your friends and family who can make it will be there, and it will be just as memorable as your original date.
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Hilton Clearwater Beach *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Venue
Photographer and Videographer: Fabian Photo + Films
Florist: Iza's Flowers
Cake: Kristen Marie Cakes
DJ: DJ Darryl J
Officiant: Sensational Ceremonies
Hair & Makeup: Michele Renee The 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.
