Modern Tampa Wedding | Ybor City Wedding Venue 1930 Grande Room
To bring together Jim’s simple style and Lori’s over-the-top tendencies, the pair hosted a modern Tampa wedding with a hint of sparkle for their 110-person Ybor City wedding.
“Our theme was elegant and glam with just enough bling. I have always thought black, white and silver look so elegant, and I wanted those colors for my wedding. Tiffany blue is my favorite color, so we sprinkled that in here and there,” the bride explained.
The Land O Lakes couple searched for a modern Tampa wedding venue with contemporary elements.
“We both really loved the exposed venting and stained concrete floors look. We wanted something that was not going to require a lot of draping, that was not the look we wanted at all,” Lori stated. “The 1930 Grande Room surpassed what we were looking for. As soon as I toured it, I knew we had our venue!”
To add to the ambience of their glamorous wedding, the couple hired Tampa wedding florist Events in Bloom.
“The detail to our flowers and tables was even more than I could have imagined. Jana [of Events in Bloom] created our alter backdrop, did our cocktail tables, décor and much more; everything was so beautiful!” the bride gushed. “She surprised us with the aisle runner by adding our names and wedding date; it was so beautiful.”
To enhance their modern style, Lori and Jim searched for an “edgy and contemporary” Tampa wedding photographer.
“We wanted our pictures not to look like the typical wedding photos and ‘staged poses’ that are so often done,” the bride explained. “The pictures on Limelight Photography’s website were exactly what we were looking for, not many have that touch. They truly captured everyone’s emotions throughout the night; every time I look at the pictures it is like I am at our wedding again! They got every shot we wanted and more.”
MORE: LIMELIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY WEDDINGS
Looking back, one of Lori’s most memorable moments came at the end of her Tampa wedding.
“Our sparkler send off was one of the most magical things I have ever experienced. Having all our family and friends lined up with the huge sparklers just took my breath away!” the bride reminisced.
What did you look for in a wedding photographer?
We wanted our pictures not to look like the typical wedding photos and “staged poses” that are so often done. We wanted something more edgy and contemporary, with a New York feel. We wanted our excitement captured.
The pictures on Limelight Photography’s website were exactly what we were looking for, not many have that touch. They truly captured everyone’s emotions throughout the night; every time I look at the pictures it is like I am at our wedding again! They got every shot we wanted and more.
Rebecca and Michael also photographed our engagement session. As soon as we worked with them, we knew they were the ones. Jim cannot stand getting his picture taken, however with them it’s not work; he was having fun and they captured that. They have an incredible eye! The compliments continue to come in regarding our photos.
The Proposal:
We were at Little Gasparilla Island, just south of Tampa in Boca Grande, with close friends over Labor Day weekend. We had all gathered our beach chairs and wine to go to the beach and watch the sunset. Jim and I went ahead of everyone and unbeknownst to me, all our friends were in on this, had followed behind and were hiding behind the sea grass.
We started walking along the shore line, and Jim stopped, got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife. I was in shock and so surprised! Of course I said, “Yes;” he has always been the one!
Our friends jumped out of the sea grass cheering and started pouring the champagne; it was the most beautiful sunset I will ever remember.
How would you describe your theme?
Elegant and glam with just enough bling. I have always loved Audrey Hepburn’s Breakfast at Tiffany’s, such class and elegance with just enough sparkle!
What were your colors?
Black, white, silver with touches of tiffany blue. I have always thought black, white and silver look so elegant, and I wanted those colors for my wedding. Tiffany blue is my favorite color, so we sprinkled that in here and there.
What did you look for in a wedding venue?
We wanted something more modern and contemporary. We both really loved the exposed venting and stained concrete floors look. We wanted something that was not going to require a lot of draping, that was not the look we wanted at all.
The 1930 Grande Room surpassed what we were looking for. As soon as I toured it, I knew we had our venue! The décor is amazing. [The owners] Jennifer and Anthony are about as good as you can get! They are both a rare find! They are beyond amazing and are a huge part of why we selected 1930 Grande Room as our venue. You have to be able to trust and communicate well when planning all of this, and they went above and beyond. Jennifer’s genuine concern of ensuring we were happy and her attention to detail let us enjoy our day with no hiccups; everything was so smooth. The food from Stone Chef [the venue’s in-house caterer] and the details Chef Anthony placed on the plates were beyond amazing! Who knew food could look so beautiful? Our guests taste buds melted everything was delicious!
We also loved how there were two separate rooms so we could have our ceremony and reception at the same venue. The cocktail room allowed our guests to have a great time, while our ceremony room was being flipped into the reception room.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay Brides?
Be organized, start early and most importantly have fun. I am pleased to say I did not have one melt down or bridezilla moment! It’s supposed to be fun and a day you have been looking forward to, so don’t stress the small things. They won’t matter in the end; I promise you!
Enjoy your moment, it goes by so fast! Make sure to take a second during your reception and watch your guests. This is what you have been planning; take a moment and look at your family and friends celebrating with you!
Ceremony and Reception Venue: 1930 Grande Room (Venue Closed)
Photographer: Limelight Photography *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro
Florist: Events in Bloom
Caterer: Stone Chef
Cake: The Cake Zone
DJ: Music on the Move DJ’s
Officiant: Laura Muellerleile
Transportation: Skyline Limousine
Dress Shop and Designer: The Perfect Dress, Maggie Sottero
Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal
Hair & Makeup: Aquali Bridal
