Bride and Groom Exchanging Vows during Waterfront Outdoor Wedding Ceremony in Harbour Island Downtown Tampa | Sheath Satin Charmeuse V Neck Lace Bodice Spaghetti Strap Bridal Gown | Groom Wearing Classic Charcoal Grey Suit

Minimalist Downtown Tampa Wedding | Tampa Bay History Center

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Jen and Vince’s downtown Tampa wedding combined waterfront ceremony views, an abundance of greenery, and nods to Tampa’s colorful history. To reflect their minimalist approach, the bride and groom chose neutral colors and natural elements in shades of white, grey, navy, and greenery.

“Our wedding design was simple and modern. We wanted something that reflected both of our styles,” the bride shared. “Navy is a favorite color for both of us and went well with our décor.”

The busy couple knew they needed help balancing the demands of wedding planning with their professional schedules. They were referred to Christi Winsor of Winsor Event Studio and instantly knew that her organization and attentive approach would make their wedding planning process personalized, enjoyable and stress-free.

“We wanted to work with someone who was organized and who would work with us to create a wedding tailored for us. We had a great personal recommendation and upon meeting Christi we knew she was the perfect planner for us,” Jen raved. “Winsor Event Studio has the absolute best service, and I would recommend them to anyone. I had high expectations for Winsor Event Studio and yet they still exceeded my expectations.”

The bride and groom personalized their wedding of 75 in various aspects, including subtle test tube style bud vases that paid homage to their careers in the lab.

“We had a friend officiate to provide a more personal experience and incorporated small decorations that played up our jobs as scientists and the fact that we met while going to graduate school,” the bride revealed.

When deciding on a team of artists to beautify the bridal party, Jen turned to the seasoned pros at Michele Renee The Studio after seeing their broad portfolio of work showcasing their expertise in creating the natural look she envisioned.

“My beauty look was inspired by photos I found on Pinterest. I wanted to keep it simple and look like myself (just a really good version of myself),” the bride explained. “I decided to work with Michele Renee the Studio based on my planner’s recommendation and their availability on our wedding day. I also really liked their portfolio and knew they would do a great job for our wedding.”

The local couple lives in the city and frequents the nearby Columbia Café (where the groom had previously revealed to their friends that he would soon propose), so choosing venues along the renowned Riverwalk fit them perfectly. Jen and Vince’s biggest priority was the experience of their celebration and not getting caught up in too many unnecessary stressors and details.

“Keeping things simple was important to us; we wanted both ourselves and our guests to fully enjoy the day,” Jen recalled. “Beyond that, the venue and food were our most important considerations.”

Tampa Wedding Invitation Suite Classic Simple Navy and White with QR Code RSVP Online
Wedding Dress Hanger Shot | Sheath Satin Charmeuse V Neck Lace Bodice Spaghetti Strap Bridal Gown on Hotel Wall Art
Bride and Groom Outdoor Portrait | Sheath Satin Charmeuse V Neck Lace Bodice Spaghetti Strap Bridal Gown | Groom Wearing Classic Charcoal Grey Suit | Greenery and White Bridal Bouquet

The Proposal:
Vince told me that we were going to a nice dinner with his family and then doing a game night with friends. Before meeting his parents we went to Honeymoon Island to walk around. Before we left, we decided to sit on the bench to watch the sunset.

It was at this moment that Vince proposed, and I was completely surprised even after being together for four years (my response was “!re you sure?”). After this, we went to his parent’s house to celebrate, and to my surprise, Vince had invited all of our friends over and had flown my sister in for the celebration, yet another surprise!

Outdoor Downtown Tampa Harbour Island Waterfront Wedding Ceremony with Potted Plants Greenery Palm Tree Backdrop
Bride and Groom Exchanging Vows during Waterfront Outdoor Wedding Ceremony in Harbour Island Downtown Tampa | Sheath Satin Charmeuse V Neck Lace Bodice Spaghetti Strap Bridal Gown | Groom Wearing Classic Charcoal Grey Suit
Bride and Groom Exchanging Vows during Waterfront Outdoor Wedding Ceremony in Harbour Island Downtown Tampa | Sheath Satin Charmeuse V Neck Lace Bodice Spaghetti Strap Bridal Gown | Groom Wearing Classic Charcoal Grey Suit

What did you look for in a wedding planner?

We wanted to work with someone who was organized and who would work with us to create a wedding tailored for us. 

We had a great personal recommendation and upon meeting Christi we knew she was the perfect planner for us.

Winsor Event Studio has the absolute best service, and I would recommend them to anyone. I had high expectations for Winsor Event Studio and yet they still exceeded my expectations.

Bride and Bridesmaid Portrait with Greenery and Ivory Bouquets
Bride and Bridesmaid Portrait with Greenery and Ivory Bouquets
Bride and Groom Outdoor Wedding Party Portrait Champagne Pop Spray | Long Chiffon Navy Bridesmaid Dresses | Sheath Satin Charmeuse V Neck Lace Bodice Spaghetti Strap Bridal Gown | Groom and Groomsmen Wearing Classic Charcoal Grey Suit
Bride and Groom Outdoor Wedding Party Portrait | Long Chiffon Navy Bridesmaid Dresses | Sheath Satin Charmeuse V Neck Lace Bodice Spaghetti Strap Bridal Gown | Groom and Groomsmen Wearing Classic Charcoal Grey Suit
Bride and Groom Outdoor Wedding Portrait in Harbour Island Downtown Tampa | Sheath Satin Charmeuse V Neck Lace Bodice Spaghetti Strap Bridal Gown | Groom Wearing Classic Charcoal Grey Suit
Bride and Groom Outdoor Wedding Portrait | Sheath Satin Charmeuse V Neck Lace Bodice Spaghetti Strap Bridal Gown | Groom Wearing Classic Charcoal Grey Suit

What was your wedding beauty inspiration?

My beauty look was inspired by photos I found on Pinterest. I wanted to keep it simple and look like myself (just a really good version of myself).

I decided to work with Michele Renee the Studio based on my planner’s recommendation and their availability on our wedding day. I also really liked their portfolio and knew they would do a great job for our wedding. 

Elegant Modern Wedding Reception with Wooden Folding Chairs and Fern Greenery Centerpieces | Winsor Event Studio
Elegant Modern Wedding Reception with Wooden Folding Chairs and Fern Greenery Centerpieces

How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
Our wedding design was simple and modern. We wanted something that reflected both of our styles.

What were your colors?
Navy is a favorite color for both of us and went well with our décor.

Modern Bohemian Eucalyptus and Fern Greenery Inspired Centerpieces | Winsor Event Studio | Modern Wedding Table Numbers

“Winsor Event Studio has the absolute best service, and I would recommend them to anyone. I had high expectations for Winsor Event Studio and yet they still exceeded my expectations.”

-The Bride

Modern Bohemian Eucalyptus and Fern Greenery Inspired Centerpieces | Winsor Event Studio
Monstera Leaf Drink Menu with Greenery Inspired Decor
Bride and Groom First Dance Wedding Portrait | Outdoor Tampa Wedding Reception

What did you look for in a wedding DJ?

Someone who would read the crowd and keep the event fun.

We chose Grant Hemond & Associates based on strong recommendations. They were amazing to work with and had outstanding service.

Which vendors really exceeded your expectations?
I had high expectations for Winsor Event Studio and yet they still exceeded my expectations. The same was true for our photographer and videographer. They were amazing to work with and the end products were everything we wanted.

What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Get a planner and identify what is important to you and focus on those aspects of your wedding. There are so many moving parts the day of the event so make sure the things that matter most are taken care of so you can enjoy your day.

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.

Feature Credits

Vendors and venues marked with

are Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pros and have been personally vetted by our editor.

Rehearsal Dinner VenueDavis Island Garden Club
Florists/Decorarlene floral design
RentalsCBC Plants
Cakes & DessertPublix
DJ/Band & Live EntertainmentGrant Hemond & Associates
DJ/Band & Live EntertainmentBella Musica
Dress and Bridesmaid AttireThe White Magnolia Bridal Collection

About the Author

Anna Coats

Marry Me Tampa Bay editor Anna Coats created Marry Me Tampa Bay in 2012 to showcase the area’s best local weddings and vendors. She has been featured as a wedding expert on the national talk show Daytime, Fox13, ABC Action News, Great Day Tampa Bay, and Bay News 9 (now Spectrum).

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