Downtown Tampa Wedding | The Florida Aquarium Wedding
When the groom loves the ocean and fishing, Tampa Bay makes for a perfect wedding location. Lindsey and Steve’s modern, under the sea Tampa wedding was a perfect combination of the couple’s modern style.
The St. Pete couple searched for a wedding venue that was beautiful and unforgettable and that also provided an entertaining environment for their friends and family.
“We chose the Florida Aquarium because of the atmosphere. Our guests got the opportunity to look at the exhibits and didn’t have time to be bored at cocktail hour or the reception,” Lindsey explained.
The couple pulled out all the stops to wow their guests by including some of the Aquarium’s cutest residents.
“I think the penguins that walked down the aisle was definitely one of the most unique parts of the wedding,” Lindsey beamed. “I wanted our guests to all have a blast and be a part of our special day. Knowing that they had an unforgettable night really makes us happy,” the bride explained.
MORE: FLORIDA AQUARIUM WEDDINGS
Flowers were one of the most important elements to the bride, who wanted all white florals for a clean, neutral look.
“I am absolutely in love with flowers. My flowers were everything I dreamed of and more!” Lindsey gushed. “Cassie at Wonderland Floral Art was amazing to work with. I showed her pictures of things that I liked, and she took those pictures and made them into something even more amazing.”
Having a Tampa wedding photographer familiar with their venue and who matched their style was at the top of the couple’s wish list.
“Kristen Marie Photography was so incredibly professional and kind,” the bride shared. “She really planned ahead of time and let me know what the schedule would be like. After the wedding day she had our pictures done very quickly, and they were gorgeous. I can’t thank her enough for her work.”
MORE: KRISTEN MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY WEDDINGS
Looking back, the bride’s most memorable moments happened right before she walked down the aisle.
“Seeing the penguin run down the aisle and hearing our guests laugh took a lot of the pressure off of me right before the wedding started,” Lindsey reminisced.
What did you look for in a wedding florist?
The flowers were one of the most important parts of my wedding. I always knew I wanted all white flowers at my wedding. Cassie at Wonderland Floral Art was amazing to work with. I showed her pictures of things that I liked, and she took those pictures and made them into something even more amazing. My flowers were everything I dreamed of and more!
What did you look for in a wedding venue?
We looked for a venue that was beautiful and unforgettable, a place where our friends and family could have a great time celebrating our marriage. We chose The Florida Aquarium because of the atmosphere. We loved that the wedding and reception would take place in an aquarium. Our guests got the opportunity to look at the exhibits and didn’t have time to be bored at cocktail hour or the reception. My wedding coordinator, Lara, was awesome and made sure everything looked spectacular. It was great that I didn’t have to stress the day of, because I knew she was taking care of it for me.
The Proposal:
We were celebrating our anniversary and Steve wanted to plan a surprise date. He surprises me all the time with date nights, so I didn’t really suspect anything. We got in his car that rainy Friday night and ended up at the Loews Don CeSar. We walked to the back patio, and he dropped to one knee and asked me to marry him. After that, my parents and his mom joined us for dinner.
What did you look for in a wedding photographer?
We wanted to find a wedding photographer who had already done weddings at the Florida Aquarium. There were a lot out there, but we wanted a photographer who matched our style.
Kristen Marie Photography was at the top of the list. We loved her photography style and knew she would do a great job. Her service went above and beyond our expectations. If anyone were to ask me for photographer recommendations, I would always recommend her. I know she would never let anyone down.
How would you describe your theme?
Modern, under the sea.
What were your colors?
Grey, white, and gold. Grey is one of my favorite colors, and I knew it wouldn’t take away from the beautiful tank. I then fell in love with a gold toned lace bridesmaid dress and knew that I had to incorporate some gold accents into my wedding.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay Brides?
Don’t get upset over the things that go wrong that day, everything happens for a reason and will be sorted out. Those things don’t matter the minute you see your husband standing there waiting for you to come down the aisle.
Take a few minutes to be by yourself that day and breathe. Remember the day is about you and your husband’s love.
Ceremony and Reception Venue: The Florida Aquarium
Photographer: Kristen Marie Photography *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro
Videographer: Trinity Wedding Cinema
Florist: Wonderland Floral Art and Gift Loft
Caterer: The Florida Aquarium/Aramark
Draping: Elaine’s Silks
Cake: Publix
DJ: Grant Hemond and Associates *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro
Officiant: Groom’s Aunt
Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas
Dress: Kleinfeld Bridal
Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal
Hair: Katie Charos
Makeup: Lili’s Weddings
Photo Booth: Shutterbooth Tampa
