Wedding

Luxurious Downtown St. Pete Burgundy Garden Wedding | Vinoy Renaissance

Rochelle and Nirmel's downtown St. Pete destination wedding featured a fusion of their Indian and Filipino cultures, an outdoor waterfront ceremony, and a showstopping cascading floral cake table.

“Our theme was an elegant garden wedding. We chose it because I love nature and flowers, and my overall style is classy and elegant,” the bride shared. “We chose burgundy as our main motif because it is a deep and romantic color that complements every skin tone and paired it with pink, white, and greens to balance the palette and contribute to the elegant garden theme.”

The South Florida couple focused on incorporating their heritages and respecting the meaning of the day.

“Our faith, our Indian and Filipino cultures coming together, and the significance of our commitment to each other were the most important elements of our wedding,” Rochelle revealed. “Nirmel's affection and playfulness and my caring nature were most on display through our personalized vows which we read during the ceremony. We also incorporated fun cultural dances throughout the reception. The cultural elements, costumes, dances, and traditions that we each brought made our wedding so unique.”

To make sure things went smoothly for their destination wedding, the pair searched for a downtown St. Pete wedding planner who could create a unique and memorable day.

“We wanted our wedding planner to understand our unique vision and values and bring those to life on our wedding day,” the bride explained. “Breezin' Weddings came highly recommended by our family friends, and they made the many moving parts of our very full wedding program come together beautifully. They put out so many day-of potential fires that we could not have addressed on our own. They are a huge part of the success of our wedding!

To capture the day's memories, the couple wanted an experienced wedding photographer who brought an upbeat energy.


“We looked for someone who was talented, professional, and fun to work with,” the bride shared. “We chose Limelight Photography because their bright and modern photo aesthetic is what we were looking for. Rebecca and Michael were such an expert, calming, yet joy-filled presence at our wedding, on top of taking gorgeous photos of our most important moments. Their talent is unparalleled, they were an absolute pleasure to work with, and they made our day flow more smoothly.


Florals were an important part of the day from the oversized arrangements framing the ceremony arch to the tall luxurious centerpieces, to the cascading cake table and flower-filled sweetheart table.

“We were inspired by outdoor garden weddings with plenty of beautiful, elegant florals. Lemon Drops had such incredible creative vision and went above and beyond in execution,” Rochelle raved. ” All of our guests were whisked away from our current pandemic reality and transported to a romantic, luscious, modern, yet elegant garden wedding thanks to Melanie and her team.

Looking back, Rochelle shared that the entire day was filled with unforgettable moments.

“Every moment was so memorable: our first touch at the Vinoy's Tea Garden, walking down the aisle to each other while surrounded by such beauty and all our loved ones, our vows, and the cultural dances. These are most memorable because we put so much of ourselves into preparing for each other. They express who we are as a couple and our love for each other,” the bride reminisced.

Downtown St. Pete Wedding Venue The Vinoy Renaissance
Elegant Garden Wedding, White Lace Pointed Toe Wedding Shoes Lace Garter, Crystal Bridal Jewelry, Bridal Accessories, White and Gold Wedding Invitation with Lace Overlay | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Limelight Photography | Wedding Florist Lemon Drops
Elegant Garden Wedding, Brides Lace Fitted Wedding Dress Hanging, Red, Pink and Yellow Roses with Berries and Greenery Floral Bouquet | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Limelight Photography | Wedding Florist Lemon Drops
Elegant Garden Wedding, Bride Getting Wedding Ready, Natural makeup, Curl Half Up Do Beauty Portrait | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Limelight Photography | Wedding Hair and Makeup Femme Akoi Beauty Studio
Elegant Garden Wedding, Bride Getting Wedding Ready Putting on Sweetheart Neckline Wedding Dress with Mom | Tampa Bay Wedding Hair and Makeup Femme Akoi Beauty Studio | Wedding Photographer Limelight Photography
Elegant Garden Wedding, Bride Getting Wedding Ready, Natural makeup, Curl Side Ponytail Hair Do, Beauty Portrait | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Limelight Photography | Wedding Hair and Makeup Femme Akoi Beauty Studio

What were your hair and makeup inspiration?

My wedding beauty inspiration came from hair and makeup pictures on Pinterest that were glowing, elegant, and glamorous, but still natural enough to feel comfortable and look like myself on the big day.

I chose Femme Akoi Beauty Studio because of their professionalism and talent. I felt like they truly listened and understood my personal style and preferences the best. My day of hair and makeup was even better than my trial! They did an excellent job; both my hair and makeup looked phenomenal throughout the day and night. I highly recommend them!

Elegant Bridal Details, Bride Wearing Lace and Illusion Gloves | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Limelight Photography
Elegant Garden Wedding, Creative Unique Bride Behind Floral Applique Veil Portrait | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Limelight Photography | Wedding Hair and Makeup Femme Akoi Beauty Studio
Elegant Garden Wedding, Bride and Groom Back to Back First Look, Groom Wearing Black Tuxedo with Red Rose Boutoniere, Bride Wearing Lace Wedding Dress and Gloves Reading Letter from Groom | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Limelight Photography | Wedding Hair and Makeup Femme Akoi Beauty Studio | Wedding Florist Lemon Drops

The Proposal:
Nirmel brought me blindfolded to our favorite park where he set up a picnic and a sign saying, “Will you be my forever?” He got down on one knee with a gorgeous engagement ring in hand and asked me to take off the blindfold.

Wooden Cross Wedding Ceremony Decor | St. Pete Wedding Florist Lemon Drop
Elegant Garden Wedding Ceremony Decor, Wooden Arch with Lush Burgundy and Pink Floral Arrangements and White Linen Draping | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Limelight Photography | Planner Breezin Weddings | Florist Lemon Drops | Rentals Outside the Box Event Rentals
Elegant Garden Waterfront Wedding Ceremony Decor, Large Floral Vases with Red, Pink and White Roses with Greenery Floral Arrangements, White Drapery, White Folding Garden Chairs, Red Rose Petals, White Linen Aisle Runner, Wooden Arch with Floral Arrangements and White Draping | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Limelight Photography | Wedding Planner Breezin Weddings | Wedding Florist Lemon Drops | Wedding Rentals Outside the Box Event Rentals | Vinoy Wedding
Elegant Garden Wedding Ceremony Decor, Wooden Arch with Lush Burgundy and Pink Floral Arrangements and White Linen Draping | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Limelight Photography | Planner Breezin Weddings | Florist Lemon Drops | Rentals Outside the Box Event Rentals | Downtown St. Pete Venue The Vinoy

How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?

Our wedding theme was an elegant garden wedding. We chose it because I love nature and flowers, and my overall style is classy and elegant.

What were your colors?

We chose burgundy as our main motif because it is a deep and romantic color that complements every skin tone and paired it with pink, white, and greens to balance the palette and contribute to the elegant garden theme.

Groom Emotional Reaction to Watching Bride Walking Down the Wedding Ceremony Aisle | Tampa Bay Wedding Photography Limelight Photography
Elegant Garden Wedding Ceremony, Traditional Religious Ceremony, Bride and Groom Hand on Bible, Wooden Cross with Red and Blush Pink Roses with Greenery Floral Wreath | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Limelight Photography | Wedding Hair and Makeup Femme Akoi Beauty Studio | Wedding Planner Breezin Weddings | Wedding Florist Lemon Drops
Elegant Garden Wedding, Bride and Groom Black and White Portrait | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Limelight Photography

What did you look for in a wedding planner?

We wanted our wedding planner to understand our unique vision and values and bring those to life on our wedding day.

Breezin' Weddings came highly recommended by our family friends, and they made the many moving parts of our very full wedding program come together beautifully. They put out so many day-of potential fires that we could not have addressed on our own. They are a huge part of the success of our wedding!

powered by Typeform
Bride and Groom Wedding Portrait Under Arch of St. Petersburg Wedding Venue The Vinoy Renaissance

What did you look for in a wedding photographer?


We looked for someone who was talented, professional, and fun to work with.

We chose Limelight Photography because their bright and modern photo aesthetic is what we were looking for. Rebecca and Michael were such an expert, calming, yet joy-filled presence at our wedding, on top of taking gorgeous photos of our most important moments. Their talent is unparalleled, they were an absolute pleasure to work with, and they made our day flow more smoothly.

Bride and Groom Waterfront COVID Mask Portrait | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Limelight Photography

Where did you spend your honeymoon?
We chose Maui, Hawaii because of the gorgeous views, local culture, delicious food, and the secluded feel of the island. It was the perfect place to escape and relax after throwing the biggest event of our lives!

Where did you host your bachelorette party?
My maid of honor chose to host my bachelorette party at Amelia Island because of the beautiful beachfront properties and all the outdoor activities the island offers.

Elegant Garden Burgundy Ballroom Wedding Reception Decor, Red Silk Table Linen, Gold Chiavari Chairs, Gold Stand with Lush Red, Pink and White Roses and Greenery Floral Centerpiece | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Limelight Photography | Wedding Florist Lemon Drops | Wedding Planner Breezin Weddings | Wedding Rentals Outside the Box Event Rentals | Vinoy Wedding
Elegant Garden Burgundy Ballroom Wedding Reception Decor, Red Silk Table Linen, Gold Chiavari Chairs, Gold Stand with Lush Red, Pink and White Roses and Greenery Floral Centerpiece | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Limelight Photography | Wedding Florist Lemon Drops | Wedding Planner Breezin Weddings | Wedding Rentals Outside the Box Event Rentals | Vinoy Wedding
Lush Burgundy, Pink and White Roses and Greenery Floral Centerpieces for Garden Inspired Wedding | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Limelight Photography | Florist Lemon Drops | Planner Breezin Weddings
5.22.21RochelleNirmelRZ 0242Elegant Downtown St. Pete Garden Wedding Limelight Photography Lemon Drops

How did your rentals enhance the ambiance of your wedding?

We used linens, silverware, chargers, chairs, and the photo booth rental from Outside the Box Event Rentals, which added such elegance and a fun, festive, and memorable dynamic to our reception, which our guests absolutely enjoyed.

Elegant Garden Burgundy Ballroom Wedding Reception Decor, Burgundy Table Linen, Gold Chargers and Flatware with Lasercut Name Place Setting| St. Petersburg Rentals Outside the Box Event Rentals
Elegant Garden Burgundy Ballroom Wedding Reception Decor, Red Silk Table Linen, Gold Chiavari Chairs, Gold Stand with Lush Red, Pink and White Roses and Greenery Floral Centerpiece | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Limelight Photography | Wedding Florist Lemon Drops | Wedding Planner Breezin Weddings | Wedding Rentals Outside the Box Event Rentals | Vinoy Wedding
Lush Burgundy, Pink and White Roses and Greenery Floral Centerpieces for Garden Inspired Wedding | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Limelight Photography | Florist Lemon Drops | Planner Breezin Weddings

What was your wedding floral inspiration?

We were inspired by outdoor garden weddings with plenty of beautiful, elegant florals.

Lemon Drops had such incredible creative vision and went above and beyond in execution. All of our guests were whisked away from our current pandemic reality and transported to a romantic, luscious, modern, yet elegant garden wedding thanks to Melanie and her team at Lemon Drops.

Lush Burgundy, Pink and White Roses and Greenery Floral Sweetheart Table for Garden Inspired Ballroom Wedding | Tampa Bay Photographer Limelight Photography | Florist Lemon Drops | Planner Breezin Weddings
Lush Burgundy, Pink and White Roses and Greenery Floral Cascading Cake Table with 4-Tier White and Gold Wedding Cake for Garden Inspired Ballroom Wedding | Tampa Bay Photographer Limelight Photography | Florist Lemon Drops | Planner Breezin Weddings
Lush Burgundy, Pink and White Roses and Greenery Floral Cascading Cake Table with 4-Tier White Wedding Cake for Garden Inspired Ballroom Wedding | Tampa Bay Photographer Limelight Photography | Florist Lemon Drops | Planner Breezin Weddings
Lush Burgundy, Pink and White Roses and Greenery Floral Cascading Cake Table with 4-Tier White and Gold Wedding Cake for Garden Inspired Ballroom Wedding | Tampa Bay Photographer Limelight Photography | Florist Lemon Drops | Planner Breezin Weddings

What was your wedding cake inspiration?

Our wedding cake had to continue with our elegant garden wedding theme.

We said a resounding yes at the first bite of the pistachio cake from The Artistic Whisk. They came up with the perfect marriage of texture and flavor, and each flavor is out of this world!

Lush Burgundy, Pink and White Roses and Greenery Floral Cascading Cake Table with 4-Tier White Wedding Cake for Garden Inspired Ballroom Wedding | Tampa Bay Photographer Limelight Photography | Florist Lemon Drops | Planner Breezin Weddings

What did you look for in a wedding DJ?

Our DJ had to be fun, flexible, and be able to entertain different demographics.

We hired Manny from Breezin' Entertainment because he and his team brought so much value helping to plan and execute our vision for entertainment. They did excellently and had our program running smoothly, a full dance floor, and a perfect ending to the night.

What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Take advantage of the gorgeous outdoors!!

Quotes have been lightly edited for clarity and brevity.

Vendor Credits

 

Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pros

Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pros are highly respected by our local wedding community and have been personally vetted by our editor.