Zoe and Matthew's downtown Tampa wedding was a springtime soiree set against the backdrop of the iconic Riverwalk. The bride and groom exchanged vows overlooking the water before hosting a chic reception featuring a neutral palette with pastel floral accents and personalized details.
“I wanted a little bit of everything at my wedding: timeless, modern, and whimsical. I wanted it to stay very elegant but to incorporate spring florals because they are so beautiful. Our venue was very modern and gave us a lot of room to be creative,” the bride detailed. “Our wedding colors were champagne and black. I have always loved champagne bridesmaid dresses, and the colors are so elegant and timeless. These colors allowed us a lot of freedom in the décor.”
A long engagement gave Zoe ample time to research her vendors and look for inspiration on Marry Me Tampa Bay.
“I love the Instagram polls from Marry Me Tampa Bay. They are fun to do and helped give me insight on some of my options for things like dress, venue, and just checking in on how the planning was going,” the bride explained. “I also opted in for emails, and I am so glad I did! They had great advice on wedding music, and I even read a book from their honeymoon book list! I found my venue from Marry Me Tampa Bay. It was an article written on it, and I knew I had to go and see it!”
The local couple relied on Katy Turchich and her team at Coastal Coordinating to assist in the planning process for their 130-guest celebration. Katy's attention to detail and professional experience guided the bride's decisions, while the entire team's care and organized manner made for a seamless wedding day experience.
“I wanted someone who I would feel comfortable emailing, calling, and texting after any random thought I had, and that was Katy! I can be very indecisive, so I wanted someone who would give me their true opinion. I specifically chose Coastal Coordinating because they did such an amazing job with my sister’s wedding, but I had an amazing experience with them myself. Katy called regularly to check in, updated my mood board with any changes I made, helped me through tough choices, and was outstanding on the day of my wedding,” the bride raved. “One of my bridesmaids had a water stain from the steamer, and Katy called the dress shop immediately to figure out the best way to get it out. She even offered me her spare pair of socks when I couldn’t find mine to change into my wedding sneakers. Katy and her team made sure I had food, drinks, and anything my husband and I needed during the ceremony and reception. They truly went above and beyond!”
The pair incorporated their personalities through attire selections, menu offerings, and decorative elements. Personalizing the April celebration created an authentic experience for the guests, who immediately noticed the unique selections.
“We had a cookie cake instead of traditional wedding cake and a macaroon wall for our seating chart that said, ‘Find Your Sweet.' My dress was my personality in a gown; I love sparkle. Most of our guests' first comment was, ‘OMG, this is you in a dress!'” Zoe gushed. “We added signature drinks, incorporated our dog, and our table numbers were fun facts about ourselves.”
Zoe and Matthew's furbaby, Milo, was a very special guest on the big day. With the help of Fairytail Pet Care, he arrived at the venue, posed for photos, and was escorted back home for even more care and attention, all while the bride and groom enjoyed their day without worrying about the logistics.
“Kylo is our first baby! We got him in college, and it was our first real-life experience together. Just as we have seen him grow, he has watched us grow as a couple. It was so fun for us and him to see all the people he has met over the years in one place. He is truly one of the best things in my life, and I am so glad we included him!” the bride gushed. “I chose FairyTail Pet Care because I know they have done a lot of work with the Humane Society of Tampa Bay which is an organization I am always supporting. Ilana went above and beyond! From our first visit with her at the house, Kylo instantly loved her! He was even lying on her feet as we went over the planning. Fairytail completely customizes your day with whatever you want, and you can even arrange overnight care. We had Kylo picked up around four, and he met us at the venue. Matthew and I were so excited to see him, and he practically lunged toward us when he saw us; it was such a great way to break the nerves! We took photos with him while Ilana did everything in her power to get him looking at the camera, and it worked! When she took him home, she gave him dinner and even went upstairs with him and gave our kitty cat some loving! She was phenomenal, and I would recommend her to anyone wanting their pet in their wedding.”
Elegant black and white invitations with gold foil accents from A&P Design Co. set the tone for the chic celebration. Modern black chairs from A Chair Affair elevated the industrial event space, while a vignette of soft seating added color and warmth.
“I wanted a very formal invite. I had seen invites with the venue on them and loved them. We decided to do black and white with touches of gold foil. Inside our envelope was The River Center sketch, and there was a sketch on our details card. Instead of an RSVP card, we added a QR code to our website, which I totally recommend! We wrapped the three cards in black twine with a wax seal that had our initials,” the bride detailed. “I had a great experience with A&P Design Co. because we actually met with Alicia Rohan, the designer, and got to pick out the paper and style we wanted with her.”
The couple enjoyed a uniquely private moment together, opting for a ‘room reveal' wherein they could soak in their reception space when it came to fruition before their guests entered the room. They even partook in an impromptu dance rehearsal thanks to their DJ from Graingertainment, creating an unforgettable memory that the bride will forever treasure.
“Matthew and I snuck into our reception area before the ceremony, and it was so exciting to see how amazing everything looked. This is something I recommend everyone does. It is different to see your vision come to life without everyone in there; you get to really take it all in,” Zoe reminisced. “During this time, our DJ came in and played our first dance song so we could practice, and it was such a reassuring feeling! We had so much fun in this little moment to ourselves!”
What was your wedding invitation design inspiration?
I wanted a very formal invite. I had seen invites with the venue on them and loved them. We decided to do black and white with touches of gold foil. Inside our envelope was The River Center sketch, and there was a sketch on our details card. Instead of an RSVP card, we added a QR code to our website, which I totally recommend! We wrapped the three cards in black twine with a wax seal that had our initials.
I had a great experience with A&P Design Co. because we actually met with Alicia Rohan, the designer, and got to pick out the paper and style we wanted with her.
Where did you host your bachelorette party?
I chose to do a cruise and I am so glad I did! It was so nice not having to worry about planning dinners or events. We didn’t have to get Ubers or worry about paying for anything either. My sister helped organize and plan everything which I am so grateful for.
We did a four-night cruise to Mexico on Royal Caribbean, and it was a blast. In Mexico, we took a catamaran and went snorkeling, then took a party boat on the way back. My bridesmaids outdid themselves, making sure I had fun and everything I needed! It was so fun to do with all my girls!
The Proposal:
Matthew and I had been planning to go to Washington D.C. but had to wait because of COVID, so we went the next year with my sister and husband and his brother and girlfriend. The day after Thanksgiving, we were walking through a park in D.C. with views of the monument. It was a beautiful park, and just as I turned around, Matthew was getting down on one knee! I was freaking out, but I said yes, and he put the most beautiful pear-shaped diamond ring on my finger!
What was your wedding hair and makeup inspiration?
I got inspiration pictures from my dress designer's Instagram. I wanted soft waves and soft glam. I actually had a poor experience with another company and decided to reach out to Femme Akoi Beauty Studio, and I am so glad I did!
I liked Femme Akoi because I could pick the artist from their page, which was a huge help! I went with Monica, and we had an amazing trial! She was so easy to speak with, and I felt very comfortable. I loved my makeup!
Why did you choose to include your dog on your wedding day?
Kylo is our first baby! We got him in college, and it was our first real-life experience together. Just as we have seen him grow, he has watched us grow as a couple. It was so fun for us and him to see all the people he has met over the years in one place. He is truly one of the best things in my life, and I am so glad we included him!
I chose FairyTail Pet Care because I know they have done a lot of work with the Humane Society of Tampa Bay which is an organization I am always supporting. Ilana went above and beyond! From our first visit with her at the house, Kylo instantly loved her! He was even lying on her feet as we went over the planning. Fairytail completely customizes your day with whatever you want, and you can even arrange overnight care. We had Kylo picked up around four, and he met us at the venue. Matthew and I were so excited to see him, and he practically lunged toward us when he saw us; it was such a great way to break the nerves! We took photos with him while Ilana did everything in her power to get him looking at the camera, and it worked! When she took him home, she gave him dinner and even went upstairs with him and gave our kitty cat some loving! She was phenomenal, and I would recommend her to anyone wanting their pet in their wedding.
What did you look for in a wedding planner?
I wanted someone who I would feel comfortable emailing, calling, and texting after any random thought I had, and that was Katy! I can be very indecisive, so I wanted someone who would give me their true opinion.
I specifically chose Coastal Coordinating because they did such an amazing job with my sister’s wedding, but I had an amazing experience with them myself. Katy called regularly to check in, updated my mood board with any changes I made, helped me through tough choices, and was outstanding on the day of my wedding. One of my bridesmaids had a water stain from the steamer, and Katy called the dress shop immediately to figure out the best way to get it out. She even offered me her spare pair of socks when I couldn’t find mine to change into my wedding sneakers. Katy and her team made sure I had food, drinks, and anything my husband and I needed during the ceremony and reception. They truly went above and beyond!
How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
I wanted a little bit of everything at my wedding: timeless, modern, and whimsical. I wanted it to stay very elegant but to incorporate spring florals because they are so beautiful. Our venue was very modern and gave us a lot of room to be creative.
What were your colors?
Our wedding colors were champagne and black. I have always loved champagne bridesmaid dresses, and the colors are so elegant and timeless. These colors allowed us a lot of freedom in the décor.
How did your rentals add to the ambiance of your wedding?
We used the clear ghost chairs from A Chair Affair for our ceremony and the black chairs inside. We also had a soft seating section that was so cute. The soft seating gave a seating option for cocktail hour, which was so nice for our grandparents. It also filled in some space while adding color and warmth to our venue.
What did you look for in a wedding DJ?
I wanted someone who would be super personable and energetic!
Graingertainment was a vendor my sister used; I did look for other DJs just to keep an open mind, but I thought they had the best reviews, and I liked how I could pick my DJ! Dylan came into the reception area before the ceremony and played our first dance song so we could practice, and it was awesome! He did an awesome job! I provided him a list of artists that we like, and he delivered an amazing night!
Where did you spend your honeymoon?
Sandals Dunns River in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. We didn’t want the stress of traveling too far, and we wanted all-inclusive so we could just be in the moment and not have to worry about how much we spent! We had a fantastic time there and really enjoyed each other’s company as newlyweds! Sandals is a great option because so many other couples are on their honeymoon, too!
Which vendors really exceeded your expectations?
Fairytail Pet Care went above and beyond! My photographer was also amazing! I got a huge wedding preview the next day, which I could not believe! I was so excited about this because I was able to post my professional photos so quickly! Every time I look at my photos, my flowers catch my eye; they were so insanely beautiful.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Don’t rush! I loved having a longer engagement. It gives you time to just enjoy your engagement. I also was able to manage the planning much better while balancing everything else on my plate. If you want it, it's out there! Don’t deny yourself something because it is hard to find!
