Aimee and William's destination Clearwater Beach wedding provided a getaway experience for their 38 closest friends and family amidst the Coronavirus pandemic. Although they had originally scheduled to get married in March, the couple postponed to a summer date.
“We decided to move forward with our wedding date because we honestly just didn't want to wait any longer. We even contemplated postponing again, but ultimately decided to move forward with it. We were wanting to start a family as soon as possible,” the bride shared. “And although it wasn't exactly how we planned it, it ended up being the best day ever! I would encourage other couples to be patient and know things happen for a reason. The day will be perfect no matter what because you will be marrying your best friend.”
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The Indiana couple selected Clearwater Beach for their wedding as a nod to the groom's Florida roots, then booked the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach sight-unseen based on the photos and reviews.
“We wanted something close to the beach that had amazing views. We initially wanted to get married outside but didn't want to have to deal with the sand at the beach. The views looked amazing, and the Sky Terrace was the winning point,” the bride shared. “However, with having to change our date from March to August, we ended up getting married inside due to the heat and the fact that it rained. We couldn't be happier with the Hyatt's service and flexibility. The venue and all the vendors were very understanding and accommodating. We cannot say enough good things about the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach!” the bride raved.
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The couple relied heavily on online research and recommendations for local vendors while planning from a distance and were elated to find Lifelong Photography Studio.
“We wanted someone with lots of experience who would be able to guide us and give us different ideas for poses. Not being from the area we went off of recommendations,” Aimee explained. “We decided to go with Lifelong Photography Studio because of their professionalism and quality of their pictures we saw online. They did an amazing job and we would recommend them to everyone! They made us feel like royalty.”
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Aimee and Will agreed that being surrounded by their loved ones was the most important aspect of their special day, and they wanted everyone to enjoy the celebration. They turned to Grant Hemond & Associates to create a memorable party.
“We were looking for someone who would be able to read our audience and play appropriate music based on the crowd,” the bride explained. “Grant Hemond & Associates were so professional and on top of things. We did not have to worry about a thing. They took charge of the reception and everyone had a great time!”
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Looking back, one of the bride's favorite memories just before the evening came to a close.
“One of the most memorable moments was at the end of the reception. All the guests circled around Will and I and we all sang Piano Man by Billy Joel,” Aimee reminisced.
What did you look for in a wedding venue?
We wanted something close to the beach that had amazing views. We initially wanted to get married outside but didn't want to have to deal with the sand at the beach.
We did not go see the venue before we booked it, so we went off of online reviews and pictures. The views looked amazing and the Sky Terrace was the winning point. However, with having to change our date from March to August, we ended up getting married inside due to the heat and the fact that it rained. We couldn't be happier with their service and flexibility. The Hyatt and all the vendors were very understanding and accommodating. We cannot say enough good things about the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach!
What were your hair and makeup inspiration?
I wanted something simple but elegant.
We decided to go with Michele Renee The Studio based on recommendations! I'm so glad we did. They did a fantastic job! They arrived on time and took the necessary precautions for COVID. They were friendly and made us all look like a million bucks!
The Proposal:
We didn't really have a proposal. The jeweler accidentally called me instead of Will when the ring was done. Of course, we had to go pick up the ring right away. After we picked up the ring, we went to dinner at the same place where we had our second date.
What did you look for in a wedding photographer?
We wanted someone with lots of experience who would be able to guide us and give us different ideas for poses.
Not being from the area, we went off of recommendations. We decided to go with Lifelong Photography Studio because of their professionalism and the quality of their pictures we saw online. They did an amazing job and we would recommend them to everyone! They made us feel like royalty.
What did you look for in a wedding DJ?
We were looking for someone who would be able to read our audience and play appropriate music based on the crowd.
Grant Hemond & Associates were so professional and on top of things. We did not have to worry about a thing. They took charge of the reception and everyone had a great time!
What advice would you give to other couples who have been affected by COVID-19?
Be patient and know things happen for a reason. The day will be perfect no matter what because you will be marrying your best friend.
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Venue
Photographer: Lifelong Photography Studio *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro
Videographer: Lens Culture Photography
Florist: Iza's Flowers
Cake: Chantilly Cakes
DJ: Grant Hemond & Associates *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro
Officiant: Randy Morris
Invitations: Occasions of Jasper
Dress Shop: Gretchen's Bridal Gallery
Bridesmaid Dress Shop: David's Bridal
Hair & Makeup: Michele Renee The Studio *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro
Grooms Suit: JoS. A Bank
Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music: Sunset Strings
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
