Julieanna and Henry's downtown St. Pete wedding enchanted their guests with a sophisticated soirée that featured a romantic ballroom ambiance. The luxurious St. Petersburg wedding was filled with neutral-toned florals that perfectly complemented the tropical paradise of Tampa Bay.
“My favorite period is the 1920’s Great Gatsby era, so we tried to incorporate the decadence and glamour in a modern way. I’ve always loved a romantic, elegant, and sophisticated feel to a wedding. We both wanted guests to feel they were taken into a dreamy, luxurious event overflowing with gorgeous florals and decor that set the wedding's mood,” the bride explained. “Our colors were a variation of neutrals and metals. Primarily white, cream, gold, rose gold, champagne, soft pink with royal blue navy suits for the men in the wedding, which complemented everything perfectly.”
After the groom's picturesque proposal in Central Park, Julieanna began her vendor research and relied on Marry Me Tampa Bay to provide real wedding inspiration.
“I referred to Marry Me Tampa Bay's Instagram and website for ideas and inspiration throughout the planning process,” the bride shared. “I saw a lot of local Tampa and St. Pete vendors' work, and it helped me narrow down some of my choices.”
The Miami couple envisioned a destination wedding getaway while still having the convenience of staying in Florida. After touring The Vinoy Renaissance, both Julieanna and Henry knew the beauty of Tampa Bay would provide the perfect wedding weekend backdrop.
“In a venue, it came down to three things for us: location, style, and space. The location we both agreed should be near or on the ocean, in a city that was easily accessible and had plenty of accommodation options for our guests. For style and design preference, we wanted a luxurious and beautiful hotel venue that had amenities like a spa, resort pool, on-site restaurants, and high-end service. The most important was the actual space. We loved the idea of having an outdoor ceremony with an indoor reception and knew whichever venue we chose needed to have those options,” the bride revealed. “The Vinoy is unique because it has the historical look and charm, but with all of the modern features and amenities, you could need. The location was absolutely perfect and met all of our requirements. The wedding planners, staff, and servers were all five stars during the planning and day-of.”
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To plan a luxury destination wedding for 150 guests, the bride entrusted wedding planner Parties A'La Carte to assist her in carefully shaping every detail of her dream day.
“I wanted to be very involved in every little step and detail of the wedding and needed someone who would let me make the decisions and not force their ideas on me. Of course, I wanted guidance since they are the true experts but didn’t want my vision for the day overshadowed or changed. I also wanted someone who had plenty of experience in the Tampa and St. Pete areas, but most importantly, at the venue we had chosen for the wedding,” Julieanna detailed. “Parties A’La Carte is absolutely amazing at what they do! They are so professional, knowledgeable, quick-thinking, and detail-oriented. They went over everything to expect on the wedding day, mishaps that may happen, or things to be prepared for if last-minute changes were needed. I felt 100% confident that they would ensure the day went smoothly. They were truly on top of every little detail, and our wedding wouldn’t have been the same without them!”
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While Julieanna reminisced on their once-in-a-lifetime wedding day, it was the subtle moments that were the most significant to Henry and her.
“The cake cutting was so fun! Being on the stage surrounded by our loved ones, sharing that genuinely happy moment with everyone was so awesome,” the bride gushed. “For both of us, that first moment of seeing each other as I walked down the aisle to then standing together at the altar was the most special. Everything became real and the love and happiness we felt at that moment were incredible.”
What did you look for in a wedding venue?
It came down to three things for us: location, style, and space. The location we both agreed it should be near or on the ocean, in a city that was easily accessible and had plenty of accommodation options for our guests. For style and design preference, we wanted a luxurious and beautiful hotel venue that had amenities like a spa, resort pool, on-site restaurants, and high-end service. The most important was the actual space. We loved the idea of having an outdoor ceremony with an indoor reception and knew whichever venue we chose needed to have those options.
The Vinoy Renaissance is unique because it has the historical look and charm, but with all of the modern features and amenities you could need. The location was absolutely perfect and met all of our requirements. The Grand Ballroom is what really sold us, along with the ability to have the ceremony in the Tea Garden. The wedding planners, staff, and servers were all five stars during the planning and day-of.
What did you look for in a wedding planner?
I wanted to be very involved in every little step and detail of the wedding and needed someone who would let me make the decisions and not force their ideas on me. Of course, I wanted guidance since they are the true experts but didn’t want my vision for the day overshadowed or changed. I also wanted someone who had plenty of experience in the Tampa and St. Pete areas, but most importantly, at the venue we had chosen for the wedding.
Parties A’La Carte is absolutely amazing at what they do! They are so professional, knowledgeable, quick-thinking, and detail-oriented. They went over everything to expect on the wedding day, mishaps that may happen, or things to be prepared for if last-minute changes are needed. I felt 100% confident that they would ensure the day went smoothly. They were truly on top of every little detail, and our wedding wouldn’t have been the same without them!
The Proposal:
It was around Christmas time, and we had gone to New York City to spend the holidays with his family. We try to go back and forth evenly between his families and my families during the holidays. The day after Christmas, Henry, myself, and his sister was planning to meet up with his mother for lunch, and he had suggested we walk through Central Park because it was such a nice day. It was a normal thing we did whenever we could, so I didn’t think anything of it. Also, lucky for him, I had asked if we could take pictures together in the park, so I did my hair and makeup and wore a cute outfit. He brought us over to a very pretty spot in front of one of the lakes in the park, and his sister got out her phone to take a few photos. Before I knew it, he got down on his knee and proposed. I was so surprised and couldn’t stop smiling. The people around us were all cheering, and it was truly a beautiful moment.
Where did you spend your honeymoon?
We had planned to spend a few weeks in Thailand, visiting the city for a few days and then retreating to the gorgeous beaches and luxury resorts. Unfortunately, our trip had to be postponed due to COVID-19, but we feel very fortunate to have had our wedding before things shut down. It’s a place we both have been dreaming of visiting, so hopefully, soon enough we can go!
How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
I’ve always loved a romantic, elegant, and sophisticated feel to a wedding. We both wanted guests to feel they were taken into a dreamy, luxurious event overflowing with gorgeous florals and decor that set the wedding's mood. My favorite period is the 1920’s Great Gatsby era, so we tried to incorporate the decadence and glamour in a modern way.
What were your colors?
A variation of neutrals and metals. Primarily white, cream, gold, rose gold, champagne, soft pink with royal blue navy suits for the men in the wedding, which complemented everything perfectly.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Do your research. There are so many vendors that fit different styles better than others. Find a team of people who meshes well with you and who understand your vision and needs. Don’t stress the little things because you can’t control every aspect as much as you think you can. And lastly, really just enjoy it because it goes by so fast!
Ceremony, Reception Venue, Caterer and Cake: Renaissance Vinoy *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Venue
Photographer: Kristen Weaver Photography
Videographer: Sunshine City Films
Planner: Parties A’La Carte *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Florist, Designer, and Rentals: Botanica International Design Studio
Dance Floor and Draping: The Production Crew
DJ: All-Star Entertainment
Officiant: New Vision Church
Stationary: Gloria Designs Boutique
Dress Shop & Designer: Kleinfeld Bridal – Eve of Milady
Bridesmaid Dress Shop & Designer: Bella Bridesmaids Winter Park – Jenny Yoo
Hair & Makeup Bridesmaids: Destiny & Light Hair and Makeup Group
Brides Hair & Makeup: The 911 Stylist
Photo Booth: My Selfie Photo Booth
Sparkler Fountains: Spark Wedding Events
