Inspired by the iconic elegance of the Gilded Age of the 1920s, this downtown Tampa wedding inspiration shoot seamlessly blended contemporary design elements with vintage styles. Heather Tyler, Owner/Lead Planner and Designer of Blue Skies Weddings and Events, created a striking contrast of black and white details with a backdrop that evokes a vintage meets modern allure.

“Our theme was inspired by the timeless elegance of the Old Hollywood era. We selected this inspiration as it beautifully blends the elegance of Old Hollywood with today’s modern aesthetic, ” Heather explained. “We opted for classic black and white with accents of gold, as nothing embodies timelessness quite like that combination that has been stylish for centuries!”

Known for their creative designs, the Blue Skies Weddings and Events planning team combined a timeless color palette with modern trends, such as mirrored disco balls, vintage Polaroids, and romantic bows.

“We balanced current wedding trends with classic elements in our black and white styled shoot by carefully selecting modern design elements while incorporating timeless details. We focused on innovative decor while adding elegant bows at every turn to reflect current trends,” Heather revealed. “At the same time, we infused classic elements using the elegant black and white color scheme. This harmonious blend allowed us to create a sophisticated atmosphere that felt both fresh and enduring, appealing to couples who appreciate the beauty of both modern and classic styles.”

Izabela Rekawek, Creative Director of Design at Iza’s Flowers, envisioned white roses and baby’s breath, creating a dreamy and romantic atmosphere. The simplicity of the flowers removed all distractions and allowed the blooms to take center stage.

“Our floral inspiration was a mix of classic old Hollywood glamour and modern black and white elegance. We wanted to create a look that was both timeless and contemporary, with a nod to the iconic style of old Hollywood stars like Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly. To achieve this, we used a combination of white roses and baby’s breath for a clean and sophisticated look. We also incorporated black accents to add a touch of drama and contrast,” the florist explained. “Overall, the floral design for this shoot was all about creating a sense of opulence and luxury while still keeping it modern and chic. The black-and-white color palette allowed the flowers to stand out and make a bold statement, while the classic Hollywood inspiration added a touch of vintage glamour. The end result was a stunning display of flowers that perfectly complemented the old Hollywood modern black-and-white wedding theme, creating a truly unforgettable and elegant atmosphere for the shoot.”

Style was paramount in the design, and Truly Forever Bridal Tampa’s showroom provided a variety of wedding dresses for multiple looks. Adore Bridal Hair and Makeup perfected the art of Hollywood Glam curls, ensuring they held up in the summer humidity.

“Our inspiration for this styled shoot was to embrace the electrifying and exquisite styles of today while honoring the timeless roots of classic fashion. We aimed to capture the essence of elegance while celebrating the timeless allure that laid the foundation for it all,” the wedding planner shared.

Originally the home of downtown’s first post office, the historic structure of Hotel Flor has been an iconic landmark in Tampa’s skyline since 1926. The $30 million renovation touched every floor of the 20-story high-rise while honoring original details that have stood the test of time.

“Hotel Flor fit perfectly within our inspiration due to its charming architecture and elegant ambiance. The venue exuded a sense of timeless sophistication reminiscent of classic old Hollywood glamour, ornate details, and luxurious furnishings. The hotel’s ballroom provided a stunning backdrop, featuring high ceilings and classic moldings that evoked a sense of opulence. The lavish interiors, adorned with rich colors and textures, complemented our black and white color scheme beautifully,” Heather beamed. “Additionally, the venue’s history and character added depth to the theme, allowing us to create a narrative that felt both nostalgic and enchanting. The combination of modern amenities and elegant charm made Hotel Flor an ideal setting for capturing this so beautifully!”

With a diverse range of styles, Buffy Feldman, owner and lead photographer of Lifelong Photography Studio, brought a journalistic style to the portraits, while Behind the Vows wedding day content creation documented the raw and authentic moments.

“Modern trends and classic elements were combined through a thoughtful blend of design choices and aesthetics from every element. The photography style was absolutely key to capturing this so perfectly! The shoot embraced timeless black and white photography, evoking nostalgia while using modern techniques and editing styles to create a fresh perspective,” the wedding planner explained. “By weaving together these elements, the shoot beautifully captured the essence of timeless glamour while remaining relevant and appealing to today’s modern trends.”

The tablescape was carefully curated with Emma Black chairs and tables from Kate Ryan Event Rentals, tabletop decor from Treasury Rentals, and linens from Over the Top Rental Linens. Tampa Bay DJ Company brought in special effects with a fog and cold spark machine, adding a flair to the day.

“By combining classic white blooms with modern black accents, we created a floral design that seamlessly blended the old Hollywood and modern aesthetics. The result was a visually striking and unique floral display that perfectly complemented the overall theme of the shoot,” the wedding florist detailed.

Looking back on the creative vision, the wedding planner gushed about all of the elements that made this inspiration shoot a phenomenal success.

“My favorite elements of this shoot truly encompassed everything! The customized bows added a trendy yet elegant touch that beautifully tied the theme together. The exquisite, candy apple red 1939 Ford Deluxe Convertible served as a stunning focal point, evoking glamour and adding a playful pop of color,” the wedding planner gushed. “The florals were simply breathtaking, blending classic blooms with contemporary arrangements that enhanced the overall aesthetic. Each aspect of the shoot contributed to a cohesive and enchanting experience, making it hard to choose just one favorite element. The entire ensemble came together to create a visually stunning celebration of style and romance!”

How did the venue fit within your theme?
Hotel Flor fit perfectly within our inspiration due to its charming architecture and elegant ambiance. The venue exuded a sense of timeless sophistication reminiscent of classic old Hollywood glamour, ornate details, and luxurious furnishings. The hotel’s ballroom provided a stunning backdrop, featuring high ceilings and classic moldings that evoked a sense of opulence. The lavish interiors, adorned with rich colors and textures, complemented our black-and-white color scheme beautifully.

Additionally, the venue’s history and character added depth to the theme, allowing us to create a narrative that felt both nostalgic and enchanting. The combination of modern amenities and elegant charm made Hotel Flor an ideal setting for capturing this so beautifully!

How were modern trends and classic elements combined in this shoot?
Modern trends and classic elements were combined through a thoughtful blend of design choices and aesthetics from every element. The photography style was the absolute key to capturing this so perfectly! The shoot embraced timeless black and white photography, evoking nostalgia while using modern techniques and editing styles to create a fresh perspective. By weaving together these elements, the shoot beautifully captured the essence of timeless glamour while remaining relevant and appealing to today’s modern trends.