Erika and James’ garden inspired South Tampa wedding combined gorgeous DIY details, natural organic elements, and a color palette of mauve, gold, and navy blue.
“Our theme represented us in so many ways. We incorporated lots of greenery to match our wedding venue, and we chose our natural design because we love simple and elegant. A lot of our wedding was made up of DIY projects that we added our own personal touches to,” the bride shared. “The venue was completely blank which gave us an opportunity to incorporate the little things we wanted to help bring our design to life. We spent so much time crafting and preparing for our special day and in the end, it all came together seamlessly!”
MORE: GREENERY INSPIRED WEDDINGS
With help from Marry Me Tampa Bay, the bride gained plenty of inspiration and discovered which wedding pros other couples had hired.
“We loved seeing the different recommended vendors and vendors that other brides and grooms had used,” Erika shared.
With floral being a top priority, the bride enlisted the help of a highly experienced Tampa wedding florist who could bring her vision to life.
“Monarch Events and Designs came highly recommended. Not only did Jean listen to my requests and help bring my greenery vision to life, she genuinely cared about giving me exactly what I wanted for my big day,” the bride gushed. “Somehow Jean knew how to tie in the right amount of greenery with the right amount of flowers perfectly. I tend to be very indecisive at times, but she truly helped me see exactly what I envisioned. Jean was so understanding and helped me pick and choose what would look best with our theme. She also went above and beyond to make sure that not only the flowers were perfect, but that the table settings were as well. We were so lucky to have Monarch Events and Designs on our special day!”
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Searching for a wedding dress that accented her figure, Erika looked to Tampa bridal shop Truly Forever Bridal.
“I knew I wanted a dress that was form fitting, but also had a sense of elegance to it. I also wanted beading and a sweetheart neckline,” the bride explained. “I chose to get my dress from Truly Forever Bridal because I had a few friends who had found their dress there and had great experiences with them!”
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Wanting lighting that could provide the perfect mood, Erika and James turned to Gabro Event Services for their extensive knowledge and excellent reputation.
“The lighting created such a romantic setting. Since we got married in November, the sun was set by 5:30 p.m., and we wanted to have the lighting so people could enjoy being outside by the water,” the bride shared. “We chose Gabro Event Services because they were very reasonably priced, and they had such high reviews online. They did a fantastic job!”
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Looking back on their special day, the bride and groom will always remember a special moment from their ceremony and their first dance.
“Exchanging rings was a physical representation of the connection that solidified our relationship in front of all of our friends and family. It was truly an incredible moment that was followed by a great message from the pastor,” the bride reminisced. “Another memorable moment was our first dance as husband and wife. We danced to the song Then by Brad Paisley. It was so special to have all of our family and friends surrounding us as we danced the night away!”
What did you look for in a wedding dress?
I specifically knew I wanted a dress that was form fitting but also had a sense of elegance to it. I also wanted beading and a sweetheart neckline.
I want to learn more about wedding attire from Truly Forever Bridal
I chose to get my dress from Truly Forever Bridal because I had a few friends who had found their dress there and had great experiences with them!
What did you look for in a wedding florist?
I wanted someone who was highly recommended, within my budget, and most importantly someone who could make my vision come to life.
I want to learn more about floral and decor from Monarch Events and Design.
Monarch Events and Designs came highly recommended. Not only did Jean listen to my requests and help bring my greenery vision to life, she genuinely cared about giving me exactly what I wanted for my big day. Somehow Jean knew how to tie in the right amount of greenery with the right amount of flowers perfectly. I tend to be very indecisive at times, but she truly helped me see exactly what I envisioned. Jean was so understanding and helped me pick and choose what would look best with our theme. She also went above and beyond to make sure that not only the flowers were perfect, but that the table settings were as well. We were so lucky to have Monarch Events and Designs on our special day!
How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
Our theme represented us in so many ways. We wanted to incorporate lots of greenery to match our wedding venue, and we chose our natural design because we love simple and elegant. A lot of our wedding was made up of DIY projects that we added our own personal touches to and the hints of mauve and gold really made everything stand out. The venue was completely blank which gave us an opportunity to incorporate the little things we wanted to help bring our design to life. We spent so much time crafting and preparing for our special day and in the end, it all came together seamlessly!
What were your colors?
Mauve, gold, and navy with hints of greenery throughout the venue. We picked these colors because they were absolutely beautiful for a November wedding. I always envisioned my bridesmaids in a shade of pink and the groomsmen in navy. It looked beautiful with the greenery backdrop!
The Proposal:
The proposal was atop a sand dune near the ocean on Clearwater Beach. A casual stroll led us to the setting full of framed photos that had us reminiscing about all the great times we shared. Bread and red wine added to the elegant setting. That day, James asked me to spend the rest of my life with him, which was greeted with an embrace and a resounding “Yes!” We ventured off to a nearby restaurant for dinner on the beach, letting all of our family and friends know what had happened.
How did the lighting enhance the overall feel of your wedding?
The lighting created such a romantic setting. Since we got married in November, the sun was set by 5:30 p.m., and we wanted to have the lighting so people could enjoy being outside by the water.
I want to learn more about decor and draping from Gabro Event Services
We chose Gabro Event Services because they were very reasonably priced, and they had such high reviews online. They did a fantastic job!
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Enjoy every single moment of your special day. Soak everything in and take time to enjoy it with just your significant other. We took ten minutes to soak it all in after the ceremony, and it was so special because it was the first few minutes as husband and wife. The day goes by so fast, so it’s important that you really spend time to take it all in. Don’t stress the little things. Nobody at your wedding is going to notice if something small is out of place, except you!
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Davis Island Garden Club
Photographer: Ashley Izquierdo
Planner/Coordinator: Amanda Bowers Events and Design
Florist: Monarch Events and Design *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro
Caterer: Affordable Catering
Rentals: Esaw’s Elegant Events and Rentals
Cake: Nothing Bundt Cakes
DJ: Fast Break Entertainment
Officiant: Pastor Matthew Hartsfield
Invitations: Minted
Transportation: Skyline Limo
Dress Shop and Designer: Truly Forever Bridal *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro
Bridesmaid Dress Designer: Azazie
Hair & Makeup: KyleLynn Weddings
Lighting: Gabro Event Services *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro
