Hilary and Ryan
Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club
“I really wanted a modern black and white wedding with a wow factor! I have always been drawn to how simple and classic a black and white palette is.” -The Bride
FEATURING
Hilary and Ryan’s chic South Tampa wedding was an elegant evening set amidst the backdrop of a historic golf and country club. The couple exchanged vows overlooking the pristine green of the course, before dining and dancing in a monochromatic ballroom setting filled with all-white flora and an abundance of candlelight.
“I really wanted a modern black and white wedding with a wow factor!” the bride beamed. “I have always been drawn to how simple and classic a black and white palette is.”
The Arkansas couple knew the value of working with a seasoned wedding planner for their 195-guest destination celebration. Upon first meeting the team at Parties A La Carte, Hilary knew they would be in excellent hands and truly get to enjoy the planning process and wedding day experience.
“I looked for someone who was creative and organized. From the moment I met with Jessica Ralph at Parties A La Carte, I knew her and her team would execute my dream day to perfection,” the bride raved. “They were organized and vision driven. I appreciated how much they respected our budget and was able to execute every little detail I asked for. They had an impressive team of vendors they worked with.”
“Hilary and Ryan’s wedding day beautifully blended modern elegance with classic charm. Among the standout features were the inverted tulip centerpieces, the dog-themed escort chart, and the exquisite espresso martini ice sculpture. Numerous personalized details made this celebration distinctively theirs,” Jessica Ralph, planner at Parties A La Carte detailed. “A highlight of the event was the inclusion of their beloved dogs, which were thoughtfully woven into the day’s branding. We particularly loved how their furry friends were celebrated throughout the bar details and the escort chart.”
The ceremony space featured crisp white chairs and white floral arrangements, while the reception setting injected contrasting tones of black via linens, chairs, and rimmed-glass chargers. A lotus-motif pattern repeated through various details including the bars, seating chart, and overhead centerpieces helped tie everything together to feel cohesive and stylish.
The pair’s mutual love for their pets was at the forefront of the wedding design, with custom displays, signage, and favors that reflected a personal touch.
“My husband and I are huge dog lovers, so we wanted to showcase that,” Hilary revealed. “Our seating chart was created used a collection of little dog statues. We also featured our dogs on drink menus, napkins, and koozies.”
As a fun keepsake favor for their guests, the bride and groom hired The Gala Photobooth to help preserve the memories of the celebration. The classic black and white photo booth offered a luxe feel compared to the more common and traditional options, and the resulting album of images were such a delight for Hilary and Ryan to scroll through after the big day.
There were so many special moments throughout the evening that Hilary couldn’t possibly choose a favorite, but their exchange of vows, dog-themed details, and epic dance party stood out as core memories.
“The most memorable part was our ceremony. Having our friend as our officiant made it extremely special and really helped our guests feel connected to our marriage,” the bride reminisced. “And people still talk about our dog seating chart and still have their keepsake dogs. Plus our band was unforgettable; everyone had an amazing time because they were so awesome.”
Where did you spend your honeymoon?
Boca Grande. It’s the island I grew up going to, so it was a great quick quiet get away for us. We love the Gasparilla Inn.
Where did you host your bachelorette party?
We went to Chicago because it’s a city I love!
The Proposal:
Ryan proposed by a lake in Little Rock, Arkansas. We loved to go for walks and look at the ducks and geese. So that day he took me to feed them and then got down on one knee. It was a short lived moment because a goose started chasing us!
What did you look for in a wedding planner?
I looked for someone who was creative and organized. From the moment I met with Jessica Ralph at Parties A La Carte, I knew her and her team would execute my dream day to perfection. They were organized and vision driven. I appreciated how much they respected our budget and was able to execute every little detail I asked for. They had an impressive team of vendors they worked with.
How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
I really wanted a modern black and white wedding with a wow factor! I have always been drawn to how simple and classic a black and white palette is.
Which vendors really exceeded your expectations?
They were all amazing! A huge stand out was our florist. I had a crazy idea for a hanging arrangement, and they made it happen. I also loved Ashlee Ann, Hair and Makeup; I still use her to this day! She’s amazing and makes you look and feel your best.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Start planning early, and if you can afford it get a wedding planner. Parties A La Carte made our lives so easy and removed the stress for us.
