Fran and Greg’s South Tampa wedding was an elegant affair filled with classic white flora, chic black formalwear, and monochromatic decor. The pair exchanged vows in a natural-light-filled atrium before dining at long tables surrounding a trickling fountain in the conservatory, and then partying the night away on a checkered dance floor.

“Our theme would best be described as a modern and classy design. We didn’t want anything too over the top or colorful; it’s not who we are as people. We wanted something to feel very intimate and when looking back at it, knowing it’s us,” the bride shared. “We chose to have black and white as our primary colors. Its classy and elegant but also they are colors we wear on a daily basis so it did not feel like a stretch for us.”

The Miami couple sought to document their 55-guest April celebration in a modern way, opting for a wedding content creator instead of a traditional videographer. The bride had already trusted Marry Me Tampa Bay to provide reliable vendor recommendations throughout the planning process, so hiring their content creation team, Behind The Vows, to capture their big day was a natural choice.

“We didn’t want an overly produced video to look back on; instead we wanted to be able to see things we wouldn’t have noticed on that day, and the snippets we got through a content creator were perfect and exactly what we wanted,” Fran gushed. “While searching Marry Me Tampa Bay for recommended content creators, they also told us that they had a content creation team. It only felt right to hire Behind The Vows since they are already so in tune with weddings and the processes and who we had been speaking with already. I already felt comfortable leaning on them in the planning process, so it was an easy choice to also have them be a part of our wedding day.”

The bride and groom prioritized their guests’ experience by selecting an iconic venue, creative cuisine, and crowd-pleasing music. They sought a skilled DJ with a broad portfolio of music and a keen sense for the crowd’s energy to ensure that everyone had a great time at the reception.

“We wanted someone who knows how to read the atmosphere and has a good knowledge of songs for different cultures to enjoy. I am Filipina, my husband is Caucasian, and most of our friends are Hispanic, so we wanted to make sure all of us could get on the dance floor and have fun! Grant Hemond & Associates was recommended by our venue, by Marry Me Tampa Bay, and by our photographer. Every review we read aligned with what we were hoping for, and they totally delivered!” Fran raved.

Fran and Greg personalized the event through creative signage, delectable desserts, and thoughtful guest favors that all coordinated with their tastes and styles. Even the couple’s love story was reflected in their venue choice incorporated a meaningful part of their initial connection.

“What made our wedding unique was the fact that the venue had a tea bar, and my husband and I met and worked at a tea bar,” Fran detailed. “It was full circle!”

The bride envisioned a beauty look that felt authentic yet elevated. Upon seeing the expansive work of Femme Akoi Beauty Studio on social media, she knew their talented team of artists would be the perfect choice.

“My beauty inspiration was ‘me but better,’ so essentially soft glam makeup that still felt and looked like me but enhanced!  Femme Akoi Beauty Studio was top-rated, and had great recommendations from Marry Me Tampa Bay, and when reviewing their work through Instagram I knew they could achieve the look I was thinking of. They were absolutely wonderful,” the bride beamed. “Luci and Ana provided hair and makeup for me, my four bridesmaids, and my mom and mother-in-law. We had a blast and everyone felt incredible thanks to their work!”

In addition to seeing each other for the first time, the bride and groom planned special reveal experiences with their closest friends and family, resulting in core memories that they will forever treasure.

“The most memorable moments were our first looks,” the bride reminisced. “We had four in total (with our wedding party, parents, and each other) and all four were equally unique and memorable!”

What was your wedding day beauty inspiration?
My beauty inspiration was ‘me but better,’ so essentially soft glam makeup that still felt and looked like me but enhanced! 

Femme Akoi Beauty Studio was top-rated, and had great recommendations from Marry Me Tampa Bay, and when reviewing their work through Instagram I knew they could achieve the look I was thinking of. They were absolutely wonderful. Luci and Ana provided hair and makeup for me, my four bridesmaids, and my mom and mother-in-law. We had a blast and everyone felt incredible thanks to their work!

The Proposal:
The proposal was nice, relaxed, and in the sanctuary of our home. I don’t like being the center of attention, so I made it abundantly clear that the proposal had to be private!  

Why did you choose to hire a wedding content creator?
We didn’t want an overly produced video to look back on; instead we wanted to be able to see things we wouldn’t have noticed on that day, and the snippets we got through a content creator were perfect and exactly what we wanted.

While searching Marry Me Tampa Bay for recommended content creators, they also told us that they had a content creation team. It only felt right to hire Behind The Vows since they are already so in tune with weddings and the processes and who we had been speaking with already. I already felt comfortable leaning on them in the planning process, so it was an easy choice to also have them be a part of our wedding day.

What did you look for in a wedding DJ?
We wanted someone who knows how to read the atmosphere and has a good knowledge of songs for different cultures to enjoy. I am Filipina, my husband is Caucasian, and most of our friends are Hispanic, so we wanted to make sure all of us could get on the dance floor and have fun! 

Grant Hemond & Associates was recommended by our venue, by Marry Me Tampa Bay, and by our photographer. Every review we read aligned with what we were hoping for, and they totally delivered!