Kyra and Lorenzo's Tampa Heights wedding was a dynamic downtown affair in the city's historic Heights neighborhood. The bohemian-inspired bash took a left turn from traditionally-styled white weddings by embracing neutral tones, a custom-made altar, a hanging floral chandelier, and a modern neon sign.
“Our wedding design was very earthy bohemian with a splash of modern chic. We love the neutral look, and it was inspired by my photography style,” the bride explained. “[Our colors were] all neutrals. It was a mixture of browns, tans, creams, terracotta, bronze, gold, etc.”
The Virginia Beach couple selected Tampa for their destination wedding as it is the bride's hometown. Because she was planning from afar, Kyra hired Wilder Mind Events to organize the details of her day and provide trustworthy vendor referrals.
“We wanted a wedding planner to keep us organized and take the lead. Delaney was very personable and did a good job,” the bride shared. “Her priority was helping with the design planning, and she nailed it.”
For an avant-garde floral style, the muted color palette incorporated eccentric blooms instead of traditionally all fresh-cut flowers. Wedding florist Save the Date Florida intertwined elements of pampas grass and dried florals to create texture while opulent orchids cascaded down the bride's bouquet.
“We wanted a florist that could bring a new and unique look to the table,” the bride revealed. “Save the Date Florida brought our concepts to life and made it even better than we imagined.”
Wilder Mind Events is known for its creative design aesthetic, and the planning and design company incorporated several unique pieces to achieve the bride's off-beat look.
“We really wanted to focus on statement pieces within her wedding design to make sure that we accomplished that ‘wow' factor without going over budget. A few elements we honed in on was the ceremony arch. We loved doing the more unique arches that had the different shades of her wedding colors in each arch. We added rugs to go down the aisle to create more of that ‘barefoot' boho vibe. The ceremony arches were then transferred to behind the sweetheart table, as well as the rug, and we added a neon sign to get a double feature of the beautiful arch,” Delaney Driver, planner and owner of Wilder Mind Events detailed. “We also did a unique seating chart to add another ‘wow' factor. This was a fun one to incorporate because it included the guest and made it more of a fun experience for them to find their names for each seat.”
For a beautiful boho-glam look, Femme Akoi styled the bride's long brunette hair in loose curls. The matching floral hairpiece was perfectly paired with Kyra's gown's long flowy lacy sleeves that flared at the end.
The bride and groom, who are both in the military, incorporated their nod to the Navy throughout the day and especially on the dance floor while Graingertainment brought its high energy to the reception for the 80 guests.
“We are both active duty Navy so we had Lorenzo wear his uniform and rather than party favors, we bought props like a Navy sailor and Navy captain hats for our guests to wear with funky glasses,” the bride beamed.
“It was an adorable way to showcase who they are and add some fun to the party,” the wedding planner added.
When looking back on her most cherished memory of the wedding day, Kyra shared it was the nearly three-year wait to declare their love publically that meant the most to the blushing bride.
“Our most memorable moments include finally getting to exchange our vows. We both had to go on our separate deployments, so we got married in the Virginia Beach courthouse first and finally had our ceremony two and a half years later,” the bride reminisced. “Another memorable moment was finally seeing all of our loved ones gathered and having a blast during the reception. Being in the military and constantly traveling, our friends and family are sprinkled all over the country!”
What were your wedding hair and makeup inspiration?
My hair and makeup were inspired by boho glam.
Femme Akoi Beauty Studio was recommended by our wedding planner, and they did a great job making my vision come to life.
The Proposal:
Lorenzo took me to one of my favorite restaurants on the water and for a sunset walk on the beach.
What did you look for in a wedding planner?
We wanted a planner to keep us organized and take the lead.
Delaney of Wilder Mind Events was very personable and did a good job. Her priority was helping with the design planning, and she nailed it
Where did you spend your honeymoon?
We went to the Sandals Resort on the island of Antigua. We loved the beaches there and heard so much about the great culture.
Where did you host your bachelorette party?
We had a bachelorette week! We had a private boho picnic on Davis Island, a spa day and brunch at Soho Wellness & Med Spa, went bar hopping in Ybor and Soho, and so much more.
How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
Our wedding design was very earthy bohemian with a splash of modern chic. We love the neutral look and it was inspired by my photography style.
What were your colors?
All neutrals. It was a mixture of browns, tans, creams, terracotta, bronze, gold, etc.
What did you look for in a wedding florist?
We wanted a florist that could bring a new and unique look to the table.
Save the Date Florida brought our concepts to life and made them even better than we imagined.
What did you look for in a wedding DJ?
We wanted them to bring the ultimate dance party. A memorable moment was finally seeing all of our loved ones gathered and having a blast during the reception. Being in the military and constantly traveling, our friends and family are sprinkled all over the country!
Which vendors really exceeded your expectations and how?
We were blown away by our photographer. She was not only a photographer but basically our second wedding planner. She kept us organized, rounded the crowd up when we needed to, took charge, and made suggestions so that we didn't have to make any decisions, and she always made sure our glasses were always full. It was the little details and the care that she put into the whole wedding that made her so special.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Have fun with your wedding and truly prioritize who you invite, hold yourself accountable to your limit, and don't waste your money on little details that don't matter.
