Alison and James’ downtown St. Pete wedding featured a luxurious, whimsical evening overlooking the waterfront of Tampa Bay. The outdoor ceremony was transformed into a majestic marina-view setting with imported trees of cascading white florals.
“I love a romantic and sleek feel, so we went with a lot of white, green, and gold. We wanted something elegant and clean feeling,” the bride shared. “The ceremony trees stood out and gave off a majestic vibe because it was like walking into a beautiful dream. The room truly looked amazing and very elegant, which was more than I could have ever dreamed of!”
The couple’s 200-guest wedding took place in their hometown of downtown St. Pete, reflecting their own history and love of the area. To ensure their day would be perfectly planned, Alison enlisted Jessica Ralph, owner and lead planner of Parties A’ La Carte, for her extensive repertoire of weddings at the luxury resort.
“Jessica was the most informative, knowledgeable, and hard-working planner I spoke to, and I knew she was the one I wanted,” the bride beamed. “I have nothing but amazing things to say about Jessica and her team at Parties A’ La Carte. They make you feel included, which I loved, and we were even able to be hands-on by sealing all our invitations to the guests. Her team members came to our home and helped show us the ropes. Each person had their job to do, so the process moved smoothly.”
When Alison and James got married, they knew that they wanted to be able to relive the day in a way that would make them feel like they were there again, so they hired Mars and the Moon Films to capture the May afternoon in a relaxed yet stylish way. From the excitement of getting ready to the beautiful natural lighting from the windows that radiated the reception, Bonnie Newman’s artistic style created captivating memories.
“I looked for a videographer who captured every important moment of that day,” Alison shared. “I loved that Mars and the Moon Films captured all of those moments, and Bonnie sure did. We loved the results.”
After the stunning ceremony, guests were escorted to the ballroom, which had been transformed with elegant floral arches, dramatic draping, and an all-white dance floor. Looking back on their wedding day, it was the moments before everyone joined them during the reception that meant the most to the bride.
“Practicing our first dance by ourselves before all the guests came in was a hugely memorable moment because even though we had the band and vendors watching us, we felt like we were dancing on clouds by ourselves,” the bride reminisced.
The Proposal:
James, myself, and a few of our closest friends were in Vail, Colorado skiing. It was the first day on the mountain, and we went to the top of the gondola. We skied the bunny hills once so everyone could get a grip on how to ride. We then walked to go take “pictures.”
James and I were taking the first picture when all of a sudden, he gave me a big hug and started whispering how much he loves me in my ear. He then expressed how he talked to everyone in my family and asked to marry me. I, of course, was crying and said YES! It was very unexpected, but I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect way to feel on Cloud 9 (literally).
How did your rentals add to your ambiance?
We rented the feasting tables, green boxwood walls, and ceremony chairs from A Chair Affair. The green boxwood walls definitely created more privacy for the ceremony.
“I have nothing but amazing things to say about Jessica and her team at Parties A’ La Carte. Jessica was the most informative, knowledgeable, and hard-working planner I spoke to, and I knew she was the one I wanted.”
-The Bride
What did you look for in a wedding planner?
I looked at reviews and went off a phone conversation. If I got along with them on the phone call and first meeting, I knew it would be a fit.
Jessica Ralph was the most informative, knowledgeable, and hard-working planner I spoke to, and I knew she was the one I wanted. I have nothing but amazing things to say about Jessica and her team at Parties A’ La Carte.
They make you feel included, which I loved, and we were even able to be hands-on by sealing all our invitations to the guests. Her team members came to our home and helped show us the ropes. Each person had their job to do, so the process moved smoothly.
Where did you host your bachelorette party?
I went to Fort Lauderdale. I chose this location because it isn’t that far, there were so many fun things to do there, and all of my friends were able to attend.
Where did you spend your honeymoon?
A month after our wedding, we went on a mini-moon to Missoula, Montana, and stayed at a place called The Triple Creek Ranch. We wanted more of a western feel because we both are from Florida and wanted to do something different.
A year later, we went to Milan, Parma, Florence, and Rome. Our Italy adventure was our true honeymoon, and we just happen to do it a year later.
“I looked for a videographer who captured every important moment of that day. I loved that Mars and the Moon Films captured all of those moments, and Bonnie sure did. We loved the results.”
-The Bride
How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration and colors?
I love a romantic and sleek feel, so we went with a lot of white, green, and gold. We wanted something elegant and clean feeling. The ceremony trees stood out and gave off a majestic vibe because it was like walking into a beautiful dream. The room truly looked amazing and very elegant, which was more than I could have ever dreamed of!”
Which vendors really exceeded your expectations?
Our florist and designer went above and beyond to show us everything they had made for our wedding.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Get a wedding planner if possible because having a team to take the stress off of you on such a big day is meant to be the happiest day of your life. No stress is needed. Jessica and her team at Parties A La Carte did that for us, and I would choose them again!
