George and Nathan's modern Tampa Heights wedding featured a striking palette of black and gold along with chic dรฉcor elements mixed with warm wood details. The grooms exchanged vows in a rooftop ceremony overlooking Tampa's Riverwalk before dining and dancing the night away with their closest friends and family.
“Our design was modern and tailored urban. We are fond of modern design, and it informs much of what we do,” George shared. “Our colors were black and gold with lots of white and green in the floral design. We kept it modern yet classic and tasteful.”
The Clearwater Beach couple turned to Marry Me Tampa Bay for ideas and real wedding inspiration. The abundant resources helped them to find their wedding photographer from the list of preferred wedding pros.
“Marry Me Tampa Bay gave us great ideas; it was helpful to see how others did things,” George noted. “We found Carrie Wildes Photography through Marry Me Tampa Bay.”
The couple sought a wedding photographer who would understand their vision and capture their love story in stunning photos. From their first phone call with Carrie Wildes Photography, they immediately connected with Carrie and knew her experience and talent were the perfect fit.
“We wanted someone who listened to our needs and desires. We did not fit into a cookbook recipe for wedding photography. After having an initial phone conversation, we liked Carrie Wildes a lot. She seemed to understand us,” the pair beamed. “We also like the unique options for products that she offered. She did an amazing job, and the pictures are beautiful.”
The elegant black invitation suite from A&P Design Co. immediately set the tone for an elegant evening, while chic menu cards featuring gold print accented each place setting for an extra touch of glamour.
“The service from A&P Design Co. was wonderful,” the couple raved. “We did not want to deal with any home printing. We wanted it all done professionally. We wanted the invitation to be extra large on the thickest possible card stock. We wanted them to have a formal feel as if it was a black-tie wedding. We also wanted to reflect our black and gold theme. They addressed the invitations and Save-the-Dates as well.”
George and Nathan combined modern decorative elements with timeless details to create a warm and inviting setting for their 120 guests. Glimmering gold flatware and chic acrylic chairs paired with warm wood tables created a polished look.
“We used Kate Ryan Event Rentals‘ clear Chiavari chairs with white cushions for the ceremony on the rooftop. We also used farm tables in the reception which enhanced the look,” the groom detailed. “We had black silverware on the farm tables with no tablecloths and used gold silverware on black tablecloths on the round tables. The silverware had a modern design, while the china was white with a simple gold border.”
The attentive pair put their guests first to create a unique, weekend-long celebration for all the enjoy. The focus on guest experience resulted in additional quality time and memories with their favorite people.
“Our attention to detail regarding the convenience factor for all our guests made it special. We are natural-born hosts, and we love to entertain friends and family in our home. So naturally, at our wedding, the guests' needs came first,” George articulated. “There was transportation provided for all guests, three days of dinners and parties, and a beautiful Sunday brunch to cap it all off.”
Looking back, the gorgeous setting, paired with the sentimental guest list made for an unforgettable evening for the newlyweds.
“The ceremony at sunset on a beautiful day with all of our friends and family was very special,” George reminisced. “The design and color schemes told a lot about us, but more importantly, the people in our wedding and those who attended are all close friends who in many ways reflect who we are.”
What was your wedding invitation inspiration?
The service from A&P Design Co. was wonderful. We did not want to deal with any home printing. We wanted it all done professionally. We wanted the invitation to be extra large on the thickest possible card stock. We wanted them to have a formal feel as if it was a black-tie wedding. We also wanted to reflect our black and gold theme. They addressed the invitations and Save-the-Dates as well.
The Proposal:
Nathan proposed on my birthday. We believed that after 15 years together it was time.
What did you look for in a wedding photographer?
We wanted someone who listened to our needs and desires. We did not fit into a cookbook recipe for wedding photography. After having an initial phone conversation, we liked Carrie Wildes Photography a lot. Carrie seemed to understand us. We also like the unique options for the products that she offered. She did an amazing job and the pictures are beautiful.
How did the rentals enhance the ambiance?
We used Kate Ryan Event Rentals‘ clear Chiavari chairs with white cushions for the ceremony on the rooftop. We also used farm tables in the reception which enhanced the look. We had black silverware on the farm tables with no tablecloths and used gold silverware on black tablecloths on the round tables. The silverware had a modern design, while the china was white with a simple gold border.
How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
Our design was modern and tailoredย urban. We are fond of modern design, and itย informs much of what we do.
What were your colors?
Black and gold with lots of white and green in the floral design. We kept it modern yet classic and tasteful.
What did you look for in a wedding bakery?
We searched for a company with experience and good reviews. The Artistic Whisk had good reviews and a long track record of excellence. After doing a tasting we were sold! Their design was beautiful.
Where did you host your bachelor party?
George's bachelor party was a weekend in Fort Lauderdale, and Nathan's was the same weekend in San Juan.
Where did you spend your honeymoon?
Hawaii; we just wanted to get far away after all the planning. We chilled out for two weeks in a beautiful place.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Know what you want before you start.
