Modern tropical weddings are always fitting in the sunshine state and Tampa Bay event planner and designer EventFull Weddings combined inspiration from Ybor City’s historical roots with elements of the past and the trends of today.
As part of the Tie the Knot Ybor wedding showcase, Karen Cerboni, Owner and Lead Planner of EventFull Weddings, transformed The Cuban Club, a three-story building listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which represents generations of Tampa’s cigar rollers and Cuban-American culture.
“Inspired by the venue, we honored the building’s historical significance to Tampa and to Ybor City by choosing a Cuban-themed photo shoot. We wanted an Old Havana Cuban feel but with a more formal twist consistent with the building’s architecture and interior,” the wedding planner explained. “The ballroom has a beautiful turquoise ceiling, so we decided to play off that with turquoise linens. We used tropical florals in peach and pinks and a lot of tropical greenery. Gold was used for accents to compliment all of the gold chandeliers.”
The tropical celebration featured multiple guest experiences such as a popsicle cart and mimosa bar, as well as a greenery wall from Gabro Event Services adorned with a collection of fedoras that created an eye-catching seating chart while giving a nod to Cuban culture. The third floor brought in beams of sunshine through the original stained glass windows, showcasing the luxurious details of the ceremony and the reception’s gold Napoleon chairs from A Chair Affair. Originally known as a hidden paradise, the old-Florida aesthetic was blended into the tablescape with exotic fruit, turquoise linens, and Key Lime seating cards.
“I loved incorporating the fruit into the floral design and the fedora seating chart. Head to the grocery store and pick out all kinds of tropical fruits to accent your floral design and use as décor around your venue and purchase décor items like the fedoras that are consistent with the tropical theme,” Karen shared about recreating the look. “Have your florist help with choosing tropical florals and colors consistent with the theme. Renting tropical plants goes a long way to enhance your floral budget and fill in spaces.”
Not to be outshined by the creativity of the decor, the bride’s boho glam aesthetic from Adore Bridal and The Dressing Room created endless wow-worthy photography moments.
“My favorite elements of this shoot were the wedding dress and crown. It was so perfect for the theme.” the planner revealed.
What was the inspiration for the design of this shoot?
We decided to honor the building’s historical significance to Tampa and to Ybor City by choosing a Cuban-themed photo shoot.
How would you describe your theme?
The theme was inspired by the venue. We wanted an Old Havana Cuban feel, but with a more formal twist consistent with the building’s architecture and interior.
What were your colors?
The ballroom has a beautiful turquoise ceiling, so we decided to play off that with turquoise linens. We used tropical florals in peach and pinks and a lot of tropical greenery. Gold was used for accents to compliment all of the gold chandeliers.
What were your favorite elements of this shoot?
My favorite elements of this shoot were the wedding dress and crown. It was so perfect for the theme. I also loved incorporating the fruit into the floral design and the fedora seating chart.
Estimated Cost of Wedding for 150 Guests: Pricing: Ceremony and Reception Venue: $4,000 | Photographer: $3,500 | Designer an Stylist for Full Planning and Day of Coordination: $4,000 | Florist: $5,000 | Furniture, Tabletop Rental and Decor: $6,000 | Cake: $600 | Models: Emma Grace Pitts and Tyler Donahue
