Jennie and Jay's intimate Clearwater Beach destination wedding featured soft pastel hues and understated yet romantic details. The Illinois couple chose to wed in Florida because of its stunning beach backdrop and beautiful climate. The bride and groom wanted the overall experience of their celebration to be the focus of the day, instead of focusing on a million little details.
“We didn't have an actual theme for our wedding. I just wanted it to be simple and elegant. I think that is exactly what it was,” Jennie beamed. “Our colors were dusty blue, white, silver, and a touch of light pink. I love these colors together, and they have been my favorite colors since I was a kid.”
Upon finding the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach, the destination couple knew it was the perfect combination of convenience and location for their 20 guests, and the coordinating pink exterior was the perfect complement to their elected color palette.
“We wanted to have the ceremony and reception at the same place, and we wanted the venue to have in-house catering to make things easier. What was really important was for the venue to be close to the beach and to be a place where everyone would enjoy going,” the bride shared. “The Hyatt Regency had everything we were looking for. Their service was outstanding! I have nothing but positive things to say about our experience.”
Spending quality time with their closest friends and family, whom they don't get to see often, was the most important element for Jennie and Jay's big day. It was their guests who truly made their day special.
“Our wedding was everything we wanted. The day was pretty close to perfect. All of our closest friends and family were there. It was elegant and it was just a happy occasion,” Jennie gushed.
The bride sought a wedding photographer who offered flexible packages to accommodate their intimate event, and who was experienced capturing stunning wedding photos at their venue.
“Since we were having a small wedding we wanted a photographer who could meet our needs. We chose Lifelong Photography Studio because they were able to give us a package that met exactly what we wanted,” Jennie explained. “Our photographer was awesome. She got so many great pictures and encouraged us to take pictures that she knew we would want after the fact. I would definitely request her again for another event.”
The anticipation of seeing each other for the first time was one of the most exciting parts of the entire celebration according to the groom.
“The most memorable moments for us were definitely our first look and the ceremony. We were so happy that we chose to do a first look. Neither of us was expecting to be so emotional, and after spending the night and most of the day apart we were so excited to see each other. The night before the wedding was the first night we have spent apart since we started dating,” Jay recalled. “The ceremony was just so special for us; it was small and intimate. Standing there staring into each other’s eyes with the beautiful view of the gulf and my dad officiating made it a moment we will always remember.”
The Proposal:
We went out to a nice dinner and then went to the local arboretum to walk through and see all the Christmas lights. Jay pulled me off the path next to a lake overlooking the lights and got down on one knee to propose. Then he pulled out my dream ring. Put simply, it was amazing.
What did you look for in a wedding photographer?
Since we were having a small wedding we wanted a photographer who could meet our needs.
We chose Lifelong Photography Studio because they were able to give us a package that met exactly what we wanted. Our photographer was awesome. She got so many great pictures and encouraged us to take pictures that she knew we would want after the fact. I would definitely request her again for another event.
What did you look for in a wedding venue?
We wanted to have the ceremony and reception at the same place, and we wanted the venue to have in-house catering to make things easier. However, what was really important was for the venue to be close to the beach and be a place where everyone would enjoy going.
The Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach had everything we were looking for, and I could just picture us getting married there. Their service was outstanding. Their staff is friendly and always ready to help. I have nothing but positive things to say about our experience.
How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
We didn't have an actual theme for our wedding. I just wanted it to be simple and elegant. I think that is exactly what it was.
What were your colors?
Dusty blue, white, silver, and a touch of light pink. I love these colors together, and they have been my favorite colors since I was a kid.
Where did you spend your honeymoon?
We had planned on taking a trip to Europe but because of the pandemic we had to postpone it, so instead, we spent a few days after the wedding at the Hyatt Regency.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Try not to stress over every little detail, and remember it’s about the two of you. Breathe and enjoy the day because it goes by way too fast. Eat before the ceremony. With everything going on it's hard to find the time or the appetite during the celebration.
Venue & Caterer: Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Venue
Photographer: Lifelong Photography Studio *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro
Florist: 2Birds Events
Cake: Chantilly Cakes
Officiant: Groom's Father
Invitations: WhiteLaceDesign (Etsy)
Dress: Here Comes The Bride
Tux Shop: Men's Wearhouse
Bridesmaid Dresses: JJ's House
Hair & Makeup: Destiny & Light
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.
