Winter weddings in Tampa Bay are revered for their off-season tropical aesthetics, so Lauren Gertz, owner of MDP Events, sought to create a winter wonderland wedding inspiration that would match Florida's sunny skies. The enriched color palette's bold jewel tones and dark accents popped against the bright beachside setting of The West Events, creating the perfect contrast for the winter-wonderland-meets-moody styled shoot.
“I wanted to showcase a winter wedding theme in a more funky, dark, moody yet beautiful way. Given a December date, I chose to get out of the typical winter wonderland theme and instead focus on more modern, dark, and crisp details,” the wedding planner explained. “[Our colors were] emerald green, black, copper, and white. Showcasing the emerald green was most important with the contrast of black and copper. I utilized copper instead of gold to show a different type of metal that can pair with emerald. The jewel tones truly popped with the darker black details.”
Unlike traditional Tampa Bay beach venues, The West Event offers a unique atmosphere for being directly across the street from the sandy shores of Madeira Beach. The salty air and warm sunshine radiate through the private outdoor lawn area. At the same time, the natural lighting fills the inside setting, cultivating a ceremony space that's both comfortable and creative.
“I love how the venue not only offers a gorgeous indoor space with natural lighting for the ceremony but also a rustic yet modern space for the reception,” Lauren shared. “We enjoyed utilizing the stunning bar and outdoor space for a cocktail hour setup. Their turf patio space with some shade covering for guests was perfect for our snow scene.”
To enhance the Tampa Bay beach venue, elegant rentals were brought in to create an elevate experience filled with lush greenery and glamourous gold accents. Gabro Event Services‘ diverse selection of lavish decor created the dark and moody ambiance the wedding planner was seeking.
“We used napkins, runners, and table linens from Gabro Event Services, which gave texture and color to our tablescape. Our cocktail hour set-up showcased their stunning vintage lounge furniture giving those who attended the event the idea to offer more comfortable seating to guests who might want to relax and chat together or take a break from dancing,” Lauren explained. “Their ghost chairs were the perfect modern touch for our head table, and their gold Chiavari chairs set the tone for guest arrival and seating for the ceremony.”
The couple was sophisticatedly styled to complement the luxurious surroundings of their ceremony and reception. The bride's Truly Forever Bridal wedding dress featured lovely lace applique sleeves that matched the flowing train on the classic column-shaped gown. The diamond dangle earrings added a subtle elegance to the effortless styling, while the rectangular emerald-cut engagement ring provided by International Diamond Center took center stage in the jewelry lineup.
“International Diamond Center was with us the entire day, letting us utilize their gorgeous rings, emerald drop earrings, and diamond accessories,” Lauren revealed.
How did the West Events Space fit within your theme?
Amazingly! I love how The West Events not only offers a gorgeous indoor space with natural lighting for the ceremony but also a rustic yet modern space for the reception.
We enjoyed utilizing the stunning bar and outdoor space for a cocktail hour set-up. Their turf patio space with some shade covering for guests was perfect for our snow scene.
“I wanted to showcase a winter wedding theme in a more funky, dark, moody yet beautiful way. Given a December date, I chose to get out of the typical winter wonderland theme and instead focus on more modern, dark, and crisp details.”
-Lauren Gertz, MDP Events
What was your inspiration for this shoot?
Winter Wonderland gone modern and moody with just a touch of whimsy. Blooming Flower Art brought my whimsical floral vision to life with its moss and flower table installation.
How would you describe your theme?
I wanted to showcase a winter wedding theme in a more funky, dark, moody yet beautiful way. Given a December date, I chose to get out of the typical winter wonderland theme and instead focus on more modern, dark, and crisp details.
What were your colors?
Emerald green, black, copper, and white. Showcasing the emerald green was most important with the contrast of black and copper. I utilized copper instead of gold to show a different type of metal that can pair with emerald. The jewel tones truly popped with the darker black details.
What were your favorite elements of this shoot?
I was so excited for this shoot because there were many unique elements and so many that were my favorites! We had a champagne wall from Posy Exchange repurposed as a cheese and charcuterie wall. The cheese, charcuterie, and accoutrements were packed in bamboo cones for ease of enjoyment while walking around a cocktail hour from Board in Boston. Also from Posy Exchange was their gorgeous Alice flower wall and specialty ordered a neon sign that said, Tis the Season to be Married. I really wanted to bring the winter theme to life through fake snow and Spark Wedding Events truly brought that vision to life with their snow machines! I also wanted to defy gravity through a partial floating green cake with copper foliage floral detailing and Kristen Marie Cake truly nailed it.
As a detail lover, another unique piece of the shoot and live event were the acrylic pieces from Kulgra. We designed crisp black and emerald tones for bar signage, table numbers, and place cards that even had a copper tassel on them! CB Lundy's designed two upscale holiday cocktails for the guests to enjoy and stay cool since it was a very warm December day. Set and Styled provided the copper flatware and crystal glassware while ADR Decor supplied tapered candles, lanterns, and copper arch to bring all of the details together.
International Diamond Center was with us the entire day letting us utilize their gorgeous rings, emerald drop earrings, and diamond accessories. Korynne Co designed the most perfect clean and gorgeous invitation suite and menu cards. Since this was a live event, Jam All Day was the perfect entertainment. Last but certainly not least, our incredible models Jackey and Jeff had so much love to show throughout the shoot. Jackey was in a breathtaking long sleeve winter gown from Truly Forever Bridal Tampa with stunning makeup from Brides by Kelly Anne.
How did the rentals enhance the ambiance of your event?
We used napkins, runners, and table linens from Gabro Event Services, which gave texture and color to our tablescape.
Our cocktail hour set-up showcased their stunning vintage lounge furniture giving those who attended the event the idea to offer more comfortable seating to guests who might want to relax and chat together or take a break from dancing!
Their ghost chairs were the perfect modern touch for our head table, and their gold Chiavari chairs set the tone for guest arrival and seating for the ceremony.
Estimated Cost of Select Items Based on 150 Guests: Venue: $3,800-$4,200 | Photography: $2,500-$4,000 | Florals: $3,000-$5,000 | Invitations & Printed Materials: $800-$1,500 | Tabletop Rentals: $2,000-$4,000 | Chair Rentals: $1,500-$2,500 | Cake: $800-$1,500
