Amanda and Hector
“Our wedding design was inspired by modern luxury estate elegance — clean lines, refined details, and an atmosphere that felt both elevated and intimate. We were drawn to a neutral, sophisticated palette with layered textures and candlelight. Our wedding colors were black, white, touches of antique gold, natural greenery, and warm wood tones, creating a look that felt timeless, warm, and intentionally curated.” -The Bride
FEATURING
Amanda and Hector’s luxurious Dade City wedding blended modern estate elegance with warm, immersive details, set beneath towering oak trees in a setting rich with personal meaning. Their fall celebration welcomed 145 guests into a refined palette of black, white, antique gold, natural greenery, and warm wood tones that felt both timeless and inviting. From a thoughtfully designed ceremony to a reception layered with candlelight, curated lounge spaces, and seamless transitions between live music and high-energy entertainment, the celebration moved effortlessly from one moment to the next, creating a night that lingered long after it ended.
“The most important elements of our wedding were experience, family, and intention,” the bride shared. “First and foremost, we cared deeply about how it felt. We wanted the evening to be immersive — something guests didn’t just attend, but truly experienced. That’s why we focused so heavily on taste and sound. The menu wasn’t just food; it told our story. Each course had meaning tied to our cultures, our travels, and the life we’re building together.”
The Proposal
“When it came time to propose, Hector chose a moment that felt completely true to us — surrounded by the people we love most, full of joy, and entirely unfiltered. At my birthday party, with family and friends who had flown in from around the country, he asked me to be his forever.
There was something incredibly meaningful about beginning our next chapter in a room filled with the people who have shaped and supported our lives. It reflected exactly who we are: family-centered, celebratory, and grounded in love. It was joyful, unexpected, and completely us.”
Researching Wedding Vendors
“We absolutely used Marry Me Tampa Bay during our planning process. It was incredibly helpful as a trusted resource, especially when reviewing preferred vendors. We used it as a starting point to explore professionals who were already vetted within the Tampa wedding community. It made the search process feel more curated and less overwhelming because we knew we were looking at experienced vendors with strong reputations.
We especially appreciated being able to cross-reference vendors recommended by Covington Farm with those featured on Marry Me Tampa Bay. That alignment gave us extra confidence in our choices. As Tampa locals, supporting vendors within our community was important to us, and Marry Me Tampa Bay made it easy to discover and validate the incredible talent right here at home.”
The Venue
The Barn at Covington Farm
“When we were looking for a wedding venue, we wanted something that felt timeless, warm, and elevated — but not overly formal. We weren’t drawn to traditional ballrooms. Instead, we were looking for a space with character and natural beauty that didn’t need to be overdesigned. The mature oak trees were a big part of that, creating a stunning backdrop and adding a sense of history and permanence without feeling rustic.
We also wanted a venue that could support our vision of an immersive evening centered around food, music, and atmosphere. Flexibility was important, and we needed a layout that allowed for a seamless guest experience. Ultimately, we chose a space that felt elegant yet inviting, with presence, warmth, and architectural interest that aligned perfectly with our black, white, antique gold, greenery, and natural wood aesthetic.
We chose The Barn at Covington Farm because it felt both personal and timeless. The property has a warmth and character that immediately stood out to us, and what made the venue especially meaningful is that it now belongs to my best friend since kindergarten. It added a layer of depth to the celebration that can’t be replicated.
The service at Covington was exceptional. The team was organized, responsive, and genuinely invested in making the day seamless, allowing the space itself to shine while ensuring every detail was handled. It felt intentional, elevated, and deeply personal without trying too hard.”
Most Memorable Moment
“Without question, the most memorable moment for both of us was the ceremony. Walking down the aisle as Alex Harris sang live in front of our closest family and friends is something we will never forget. There is something incredibly powerful about live music in such an intimate setting — it slows time. It made the moment feel almost suspended.
Seeing each other at the end of the aisle, surrounded by the people who have shaped and supported our lives, was overwhelming in the best way. It wasn’t about the décor or the production — it was about the commitment. Saying our vows, in that space, under those trees, in front of our loved ones, felt grounding and deeply meaningful. It was the most honest and intentional part of the entire day. Everything else was beautiful and joyful — but the ceremony was sacred. It was the reason for it all.”
The Bach Party & Honeymoon
“My fabulous wedding party chartered a yacht, and we spent the day cruising the waterways of Tampa Bay in full celebration mode — it was iconic. From the moment we stepped onboard, it felt like high-glam meets girls’ weekend. Sunshine, champagne, music, and the most stunning backdrop of the Tampa skyline and open water — it was equal parts luxury and carefree fun. They created the cutest ‘Set Sail Before the Veil’ nautical theme, and the details were everything. Think playful sailor energy with a polished twist — coordinated looks, themed décor, it was all so fun!
We’re planning our honeymoon in Africa — starting with a safari and then traveling to Marrakech. We chose that combination because we wanted something immersive and adventurous. A safari feels once-in-a-lifetime — being surrounded by wildlife, open landscapes, and that kind of raw beauty is such a powerful way to begin a new chapter together. From there, Marrakech offers a completely different energy — rich culture, incredible design, vibrant markets, and layered history. It’s romantic but dynamic, which feels very aligned with us. We didn’t want a traditional beach honeymoon. We wanted an experience — something that would feel unforgettable and a little bit adventurous. After all…who doesn’t love adventure?”
The Details
“We were very intentional about making our wedding feel like us — not just beautiful, but experiential. That meant focusing on taste, sound, and story. Hector and I both love gathering people around food and music, so instead of a traditional format, we built the night around an elevated culinary experience. Every dish had meaning, and we included menu notes explaining why we chose each one — tying in our cultures, our travels, and moments from our relationship. It wasn’t just dinner; it was storytelling through flavor.
Music was just as important. We curated the sound of the evening to reflect different chapters of our lives — from romantic and timeless to celebratory and high-energy — because that’s very much who we are. We’re sentimental, but we also love to celebrate. We wanted the entire evening to feel immersive — something guests didn’t just attend, but truly experienced — with a balance of romance and celebration that reflects us.
Family was everything to us. We blended not just two people, but two families, and making sure our children felt included and honored was a priority. This wasn’t just a wedding — it was the beginning of a shared legacy. Every detail had a reason behind it. Nothing was random. Everything reflected who we are: intentional, passionate, and deeply personal.
What made our wedding unique was its intentional layering. We focused on creating an experience that felt like us, where every element had purpose. The cocktail hour transformed into a curated lounge experience with layered rugs and sofas that encouraged guests to gather and connect, creating an atmosphere that felt elevated yet welcoming. There was also something incredibly meaningful about hosting our wedding at The Barn at Covington Farm, a venue that now belongs to my best friend since kindergarten, adding a full-circle connection that made the day even more special.
At the end of the day, what mattered most was creating a night that felt like us — meaningful, emotional, and unforgettable.”
The Design
“Our wedding design was inspired by modern luxury estate elegance — clean lines, refined details, and an atmosphere that felt both elevated and intimate. We were drawn to a neutral, sophisticated palette with layered textures, candlelight, and understated statement pieces that allowed the setting to shine without feeling overdone.
We chose this aesthetic because it reflects our personal style: timeless, polished, and intentional. We wanted the celebration to feel effortlessly luxurious — not trendy, but enduring — creating an experience that felt warm and beautifully curated from start to finish.
Our wedding colors were black, white, touches of antique gold, natural greenery, and warm wood tones. We chose black and white because they’re timeless. The antique gold added warmth and a subtle old-world romance, while the greenery made the space feel alive and organic, grounding the design and making it feel inviting rather than formal.
We also incorporated natural wood elements for warmth. The wood complemented the venue and echoed the strength and history of the oaks, softening the palette and making the overall aesthetic feel layered, intentional, and connected to the setting.”
The DJ
Grant Hemond & Associates
“We worked with Rafa Santiago from Grant Hemond & Associates, who was our DJ, and he was exceptional. Rafa understood flow and timing perfectly. He knew when to build anticipation, when to shift the energy, and how to keep the dance floor full without overpowering the moment.
We chose Grant Hemond because the decision felt effortless after our first meeting. From the moment we sat down with Rafa, we could immediately tell he understood exactly what we were looking for. Rafa approached the conversation like a true partner — asking thoughtful questions about flow, timing, and the overall atmosphere we wanted to create.
On the day of the wedding, that confidence translated seamlessly. The pacing of the evening was flawless. He read the room beautifully and kept the dance floor full without ever overpowering the experience. Grant Hemond, as a company, was organized, responsive, and polished throughout the process. After one meeting, we knew we were in the right hands — and they absolutely delivered.”
Which vendors really exceeded your expectations?
“Several of our vendors truly exceeded expectations in ways that felt both personal and transformative. EmpowerBeauty by Vladimir Hernandez was the very first vendor I booked because I understood how important it is to feel your absolute best. Vladimir is a true artist. He doesn’t simply apply makeup — he studies structure, light, and movement. My look was elevated, sculpted, and refined — glamorous without ever feeling heavy or overdone. He enhanced rather than masked, and everyone felt confident, which changed the energy of the room.
Our second call was to Aesthetiica by Alicia Fierro, because we knew photography would live on long after the celebration ended. Alicia completely understood our cinematic, editorial style and went above and beyond by doing multiple shoots with us before the wedding. By the wedding day, there was an established rhythm and trust. Her eye for contrast, movement, and emotion — combined with her technical skill — is unmatched.
Flock Decor transformed our cocktail hour space, curating lounge areas with gorgeous oriental rugs and rich sofas that made the space feel warm and intentional. Guests naturally gathered, lingered, and connected there.
LC Floral Design also went above and beyond, creating a custom silk ceremony sign holder simply because she wanted the moment to feel complete.
And finally, the S. Alan Encounter Band exceeded every expectation. They attended rehearsals and took the time to practice specific songs we loved. Their performance wasn’t just entertainment — it was the heartbeat of the night.
Each of these vendors didn’t just deliver a service. They invested in the vision and elevated the entire experience.”
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Be intentional about what matters most to you — and protect that vision. It’s easy to get pulled into trends or feel like you have to check every box, but your wedding should reflect your values, your style, and the experience you want to create for yourselves and your guests. Start with the elements that are most important to you — whether that’s music, photography, design, or the emotional moments — and build around those. Hire vendors whose work you genuinely love and who understand your vision. When your team feels aligned, planning becomes collaborative rather than stressful.
Also — enjoy the process. It goes by so fast. Take moments to pause, breathe, and actually feel what you’re creating together.
Finally, lean into the community here in Tampa Bay. There’s incredible talent, professionalism, and creativity right in our backyard. We were intentional about supporting local vendors, and it made the experience feel even more personal and meaningful. Your wedding isn’t just a day — it’s the beginning of a partnership. Make it feel like you.
