Alex and Jeffrey's luxurious outdoor Clearwater wedding was filled with whimsy and elegance set in the heart of the historic town of Belleair that overlooks the intercoastal waters of Tampa Bay. The vibrant affair featured a live band, seated dinner, and showstopping florals that transported guests into the couple's own secret garden paradise.
“The first time I toured the property, I noticed a lot of flowers in different shades of pink and red around the hotel. I felt it was important to incorporate the natural beauty as our wedding was going to be outside in a tent. The hotel is historic and classically southern. I wanted to incorporate both the classic architecture and the natural color around the Inn,” the bride shared. “I chose different shades of pink from light to bright. We also used vintage-inspired blue and white vases. I've always loved these vases and the color combination with the pink was both elegant and fun!”
Prioritizing bringing 135 of their friends and extended family to the groom's hometown in Florida, the couple selected Tampa Bay for their destination wedding due to its accessible location and ideal winter weather for their January nuptials.
“Jeff and I live in Atlanta. We knew we wanted a destination wedding, ideally somewhere warm. Jeff is from St. Pete, and we happened to be in town for a golf tournament the weekend after he proposed,” Alex explained. “Our family and friends are very important to us. The intimate feel of the tent and seated dinner were very much our style.”
While her destination Florida wedding, Alex quickly realized she would need a full-service wedding planner to assist with designing the day and to provide trustworthy vendor referrals who would execute her vision. Parties A'La Carte's excellent reputation and pristine portfolio made the process seamless for the busy couple.
“Once we booked the venue and the band, my mom and I were pretty overwhelmed with the search for vendors. We both work full-time so we needed someone in the Tampa area that knew reputable vendors and could get the vendors booked,” the bride explained. “My mom had the initial conversation with Jessica of Parties A' La Carte. She was very impressed with her expertise from the first conversation. We can't say enough good things about them! The team is incredibly effective and efficient. They created our budget and stayed within the budget while making my exact vision come to life. Once we began working with Parties, the process was completely stress-free.”
Following a traditional chapel ceremony, the wedding reception took place on the lawn of the historic hotel with clear Chiavari chairs and elegant silver-rimmed chargers by Gabro Event Services. Bruce Wayne Florals filled the space with brightly colored flowers to complement the natural flora of the venue and designed four showstopping chandeliers adorned with romantic greenery that created a secret garden ambiance.
“I sent my vision to my planners at Parties A' La Carte, and they worked with Bruce Wayne Florals to make it a reality,” the bride detailed. “Jessica has worked with Bruce Wayne Florals for years. We were happy to have planners suggest vendors and work directly with the florist on our behalf. The bright florals were really special and unique to our wedding. We couldn't have been happier with the wedding flowers. It was exactly what I envisioned!”
As the bride reminisced on her wedding weekend, celebrating at her reception was one of Alex's fondest memories.
“There was a moment during dinner when I looked around to take in the beauty of the tent with all of our family and closest friends smiling and enjoying the occasion,” Alex revealed. “It's really hard to choose one moment because the entire wedding weekend was flawless.”
What did you look for in a wedding planner?
Once we booked the venue and the band, my mom and I were pretty overwhelmed with the search for vendors. We both work full-time so we needed someone in the Tampa area that knew reputable vendors and could get the vendors booked.
My mom had the initial conversation with Jessica of Parties A' La Carte. She was very impressed with her expertise from the first conversation. We can't say enough good things about them! The team is incredibly effective and efficient. They created our budget and stayed within the budget while making my exact vision come to life. Once we began working with Parties, the process was completely stress-free.
The Proposal:
Jeff completely surprised me. I love Sundays, so after a casual brunch at my favorite spot, he proposed at home. His sister snuck in while we were gone and decorated the house with beautiful flowers. It was intimate and the perfect surprise!
Where did you spend your honeymoon?
We went to Hawaii for two weeks and split our time between Maui and Kaui. My husband went as a child and thought I would love it. He was right! It was the perfect combination of relaxation and activity.
How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
The first time I toured the property, I noticed a lot of flowers in different shades of pink and red around the hotel. I felt it was important to incorporate the natural beauty as our wedding was going to be outside in a tent. The hotel is historic and classically southern. I loved the veranda and the bougainvillea around the property. I wanted to incorporate both the classic architecture and the natural color around the Inn. I chose different shades of pink from light to bright. We also used vintage-inspired blue and white vases. I've always loved these vases and the color combination with the pink was both elegant and fun!
What did you look for in a wedding florist?
“I sent my vision to my planners at Parties A' La Carte, and they worked with Bruce Wayne Florals to make it a reality.
Jessica has worked with Bruce Wayne Florals for years. We were happy to have planners suggest vendors and work directly with the florist on our behalf. The bright florals were really special and unique to our wedding. We couldn't have been happier with the wedding flowers. It was exactly what I envisioned!”
Which vendors really exceeded your expectations?
We were thrilled with every vendor we worked with throughout the weekend. Jessica and her team at Parties A'La Carte did such an amazing job hiring vendors and managing those vendors. We honestly could not have done this without them.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
You must use Parties A'La Carte! Choosing a wedding planner you trust with your vision and your budget will make the wedding planning process and your wedding day completely stress-free!
