Allison and Eric’s tropical-inspired St. Petersburg wedding was filled with lush greenery and exotic florals with delicate orchids, along with a jungle-inspired circle arch and bamboo chairs to transform the couple’s backyard into a romantic oasis. The intimate evening was a casual affair that featured pizza and dancing in the rain.
“We wanted everyone to feel like they were someplace tropical. When we finally landed on a backyard wedding, we had the perfect jungle ready-made,” the bride shared. “Our colors were gold, green, and white. We always knew we wanted a lush, tropical look. I loved how the darks greens went so well with gold!”
The uptown St. Petersburg couple moved their wedding date twice due to the pandemic, however, they still found the perfect way to celebrate despite the everchanging guidelines. The bride stayed up-to-date with Marry Me Tampa Bay’s social media accounts to keep her inspired throughout the planning process.
“Even before moving our wedding, twice, we knew we wanted to get married in St. Pete. It’s where we met, where we fell in love, and it seems like every corner has a memory at this point. It’s a magical city,” Allison gushed. “Our personalities came out in our song choices for walking down the aisle, our first dance song, the cake, and the overall laidback feeling. We served pizzas for dinner; our wedding could not be more us. Marry Me Tampa Bay’s Instagram had some great ideas!”
As the bride and groom visualized their October wedding, they sought a seasoned wedding planner who could create the perfect safer-at-home style of celebration for their 35 closest friends and family members. Parties A’La Carte creatively managed their requested safety precautions while delivering an unforgettable guest experience.
“I wanted reliability in a wedding planner and openness to new ideas as things changed constantly with COVID,” Allison explained. Parties A’La Carte did a phenomenal job. They turned our backyard into a jungle oasis. With the help of our planner and all of the vendors, we made what was looking like a backyard barbecue into a simple but beautiful and intimate wedding. We couldn’t have been more pleased with how the entire day went. They set the mood perfectly!”
As the bride reminisced on the unforgettable memories that took place in her backyard, she shared that the weather made a lasting impression.
“Our first look was one of the best moments,” Allison gushed. “But really the reception stole the show. Is there anything like dancing in the rain to Toto’s Africa with your family and best friends?”
The Proposal:
Eric surprised me at home after I walked in from hot yoga. He really nailed the element of surprise.
How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
We wanted everyone to feel like they were someplace tropical. When we finally landed on a backyard wedding, we had the perfect jungle ready-made.
What were your colors?
Gold, green, and white. We always knew we wanted a lush, tropical look. I loved how the darks greens went so well with gold!
What did you look for in a wedding planner?
I wanted reliability in a wedding planner and openness to new ideas as things changed constantly with COVID.
Parties A’La Carte did a phenomenal job. They turned our backyard into a jungle oasis. With the help of our planner and all of the vendors, we made what was looking like a backyard barbecue into a simple but beautiful and intimate wedding. We couldn’t have been more pleased with how the entire day went. They set the mood perfectly!”
Where did you spend your honeymoon?
Hawaii has been postponed due to COVID until 2022. We took a mini-moon to Highlands, NC that was lovely.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
With the highs and lows of wedding planning during a pandemic know at the end of the day you’re still marrying your best friend.
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Private Residence
Photographer: Native Expressions
Planner: Parties A’La Carte *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Florist: 2Birds Events
Caterer: Catering Specialties
Rentals: Gabro Event Services
Cake: Publix
Officiant: It’s Official
Dress Shop and Designer: Show Me Your Mumu
Hair & Makeup: Stefania Glamour
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.
