Historic Downtown Tampa Wedding | The Vault Wedding
Jessica and Ryan’s Downtown Tampa wedding incorporated a bright color palette, vintage local postcards and cigar boxes to celebrate their hometown and heritage.
“I wanted to capture the old Floridian culture throughout our wedding,” the bride explained. “We were both born and raised in the Tampa Bay area and having our wedding here just seemed appropriate. It’s the place we will forever call home, and I just love this city.”
The Lutz bride and groom searched for a historic Tampa wedding venue with unique character.
“When we visited The Vault, I knew it was ‘the one.’ The history of the building and its intricate details won me over. It was different from most venues I had been to, and I believe that it undeniably worked with our old Floridian theme,” Jessica gushed. “The staff was nothing but helpful and accommodating, and they did everything they could to make sure we had the perfect day.”
To keep their wedding day stress-free, the couple hired Downtown Tampa wedding planner Blush by Brandee Gaar.
“I had already spent so much time in the planning process and making sure that every detail was perfect, that I really needed someone who understood exactly what I wanted. I also wanted to make sure that the person I hired would take care of everything so that my family or I didn’t have to worry about a thing,” the bride said. “Maria from Blush by Brandi Gaar made me feel so at ease with her organization and expertise. On the day of my wedding, if anything went wrong, I didn’t know about it, which was amazing! Everything I envisioned came to life and, in my eyes, it was the most perfect and unforgettable day.”
Jessica and Ryan wanted to relive their wedding day through the photos and searched for a Tampa wedding photographer who could record their memories.
“Photos are the one aspect of any event that you can look back on and cherish the memory of that time forever, so I knew I needed someone to capture the emotions of our day with grace and perfection, the bride shared. “Rana’s photo style [of Roohi Photography] and work ethic are so admirable. She adds a personal touch to the whole process that I’m not sure you can find with anyone else. She takes the time to get to know her clients and makes every single one of us feel special. Rana made our photos reflect our personalities, and there is no doubt in my mind that Roohi Photography will be there with us throughout our entire lives capturing our biggest moments.”
Looking back, one Jessica’s most memorable moments was the father/daughter dance.
“My favorite part of the night had to have been the dance with my Papi. I chose a song that really spoke to me about our relationship, so we danced to that for a short time. Then, my dad’s longtime friend and musician generously took time out of his busy schedule to perform a song that my Papi has been playing for me since I was a little girl. For that moment, time stood still and it was only me and him in that room. It was such a special moment that I will cherish forever,” the bride reminisced.
What was your wedding dress inspiration?
I absolutely loved my dress! My wedding dress inspiration was classic and timeless and something that also fit into the theme of our wedding and my Latin culture.
What was your wedding hair and makeup inspiration?
I wanted my hair and makeup to look classy, timeless and beautiful, yet soft and natural.
Michele with Lasting Luxe did a perfect job of getting both my hair and makeup just right! I have recommended them to many of my friends for their weddings, and they all have loved their looks.
The Proposal:
Ryan proposed to me in front of both of our families at our home on December 20. We invited everyone over for an ugly sweater party to celebrate the Christmas holiday, and I had no idea what was really happening. He made the day so special and unique; I will never forget it.
What did you look for in a wedding photographer?
Photos are the one aspect of any event that you can look back on and cherish the memory of that time forever, so I knew I needed someone to capture the emotions of our day with grace and perfection.
Rana with Roohi Photography had done a friend’s wedding the year before ours, so the moment I started looking for photographers, she was on the top of my list. Her photo style and work ethic are so admirable. She adds a personal touch to the whole process that I’m not sure you can find with anyone else. Her clients become more than just people she works with. She takes the time to get to know them and makes every single one of us feel special. I couldn’t think of anyone better to capture our wedding. Rana made our photos reflect our personalities, and there is no doubt in my mind that Roohi Photography will be there with us throughout our entire lives capturing our biggest moments.
What did you look for in a wedding venue?
I wanted a venue that encompassed the history of Florida. I didn’t want a standard hotel ballroom; I wanted a space with character.
When we visited The Vault, I knew it was “the one.” The history of the building and its intricate details won me over. It was different from most venues I had been to, and I believe that it undeniably worked with our old Floridian theme. The staff was nothing but helpful and accommodating, and they did everything they could to make sure we had the perfect day. In my opinion, the day went off without a hitch, and I know that it was mostly in part to their hard work.
How would you describe your theme?
Being that we both have been in Tampa our entire lives, I wanted to capture the old Floridian culture throughout our wedding. We are both of Latin and Italian descent, so we wanted to recognize that, as well.
What were your colors?
I went with an overall understated palette of grays, but with bright pops of coral, orange and yellow to complement our Floridian theme.
What did you look for in a wedding planner?
I wanted a “day of” coordinator who could take my ideas and make them happen without my assistance. I also wanted to make sure that the person I hired would take care of everything so that my family or I didn’t have to worry about a thing. When I first met with Maria from Blush by Brandee Gaar, I knew that I would move forward with hiring her. She made me feel so at ease with her organization and expertise. I had already spent so much time in the planning process and making sure that every detail was perfect, that I really needed someone who understood exactly what I wanted. On the day of my wedding, if anything went wrong, I didn’t know about it, which was amazing! Everything I envisioned came to life and, in my eyes, it was the most perfect and unforgettable day.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay Brides?
Do what your heart tells you to do. Sometimes the stress of everything can leave you torn or second guessing yourself. But at the end of the day, you have to do what’s right and special for you and your future husband. Make it yours and nothing else will matter.
Hire an amazing “day of” coordinator!
Ceremony and Reception Venue: The Vault *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Venue
Photographer: Roohi Photography
Videographer: Photo Guy Oh My
Planner: Blush by Brandee Gaar
Florist: Family Friend
Caterer: S & S Catering
Linen Rentals: Connie Duglin Linen
Dinnerware Rentals: Rent All of Tampa
Column Rentals: Shaffer Designs
Band: Freddy Montes y Su Son
Photobooth: Chi Photography
Officiant: Sensational Ceremonies
Dress Shop and Designer: Isabel O’Neil Bridal Collection *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro – Ines Di Santo
Dress Alterations: Pegah Stegeman
Bridesmaid Dresses: Weddington Way
Hair & Makeup: Lasting Luxe