Mackenzie and Joe
J.C. Newman Cigar Co
“Our wedding theme was romantic, timeless, and slightly moody. We got married in a cigar factory, so that definitely set the tone of the wedding. Our wedding colors were black and ivory. They complemented the historic venue and created a romantic ambiance. We also asked all of our guests to wear black.” -The Bride
FEATURING
Makenzie and Joe’s timeless Ybor City wedding featured a monochromatic black and white color palette with classic flora and romantic candlelight in a charming, historic setting. The local Tampa bride and groom exchanged vows in front of their 90 closest friends and family before hosting a chic al fresco reception under a canopy of stars and string lights.
“We incorporated our personalities into the wedding by focusing on intentional details: a smaller guest list, curated cocktails (including our favorites), and sentimental moments woven throughout the ceremony and reception,” the bride revealed. “The most important element of our wedding was the people in attendance. We did not want to have to introduce each other to anyone at our wedding. Those in attendance were the ones closest to us. The most memorable moments were seeing all of our favorite people together in one room, celebrating us. Those moments felt incredibly meaningful and surreal.”
Researching Wedding Vendors
“Marry Me Tampa Bay assisted us by providing vendor recommendations, budget guidance, and real wedding inspiration. We found the majority of our vendors through referrals and Marry Me Tampa Bay. We specifically discovered our wedding planner, B. Eventful, through Marry Me Tampa Bay. B Eventful provided an all-encompassing list of vendors they’ve worked with in the past, which was very helpful. J.C. Newman also provided a list of preferred vendors, which helped us narrow it down.”
The Proposal
“Joe proposed on our recently purchased plot of land we bought to build a house on. He said, ‘we are going to make a lot of memories here, but this might be my favorite,’ then proceeded to get down on one knee.”
The Planning
B Eventful
“We knew we wanted someone to jump in 60 days in advance rather than the traditional 30 days. We also wanted someone organized, good at communicating and experienced with Tampa vendors and venues.
We chose B Eventful because of their organization and ability to help us 60 days in advance. They also helped with design planning, which was a huge plus. Their service exceeded expectations; they were attentive, detail-oriented, and made the entire process seamless and enjoyable.”
The Bach Party & Honeymoon
“We hosted my bachelorette party in Napa Valley because I love wine.
We are spending our honeymoon in Japan, splitting time between Tokyo and Kyoto, because we’ve always wanted to go and we can’t wait for all the food and shopping.”
The Florals
Lemon Drops Weddings and Events
“Our wedding floral inspiration focused on greenery, layered white blooms, and lots of candles.
We hired Lemon Drops Weddings and Events because, from the initial introductory call, they were so detailed. They had me thinking about aspects of the wedding I would have never even thought of, so I could just tell they knew exactly what they were doing. When they provided the initial quote, the proposal was exactly what I had in mind. They were spot on with the vision! “
From The Florist
“We wanted to lean into a classic and romantic atmosphere that candlelight and white blooms instill. Mackenzie and Joe wanted the vibe to be elegant and lush, which we definitely love and were set on delivering. This consisted of completely white flowers with hints of dark greenery throughout to add a bit of texture and dimension. A statement piece for an arch and white roses everywhere really brought that classic wedding feeling to life.
For the reception, we wanted to really bring the romance, so we used lots of candle lighting that can set the mood anywhere. This brought a beautiful glow to the outdoor dining space, truly transforming it. Everything was a collaborative effort from the beginning. Mackenzie came to us with a vision, and we worked with her to meet her expectations while also considering factors like reusability and budget.”
-Kristine Campbell, Wedding and Event Manager, Lemon Drops Weddings and Events
The Venue
J.C. Newman Cigar Co.
“We looked for a venue with character, historic charm, indoor-outdoor flexibility, and a space that was unique rather than a traditional ballroom. We wanted the ceremony and reception all at the same location.
We chose J.C. Newman Cigar Co. because of its vibe. It just felt so unique and totally like us, since we live in Ybor City. It is just so beautiful on its own, so we didn’t need to do much in terms of decor. My husband is a big cigar smoker, so that was a plus. The fact that we were able to smoke cigars inside throughout the entire reception made the wedding pretty unique! J.C. Newman was exceptional at providing day-of planners and communication throughout the entire process.”
The Inspiration
“Our wedding theme was romantic, timeless, and slightly moody. We got married in a cigar factory, so that definitely set the tone of the wedding. Our wedding colors were black and ivory. They complemented the historic venue and created a romantic ambiance. We also asked all of our guests to wear black.
We incorporated our personalities into the wedding by focusing on intentional details: a smaller guest list, curated cocktails (including our favorites), and sentimental moments woven throughout the ceremony and reception.”
The Decor Rentals
A Chair Affair
“We rented linens, tables, and bars from A Chair Affair. They were the perfect finishing touches to our wedding.”
Which vendors exceeded your expectations?
All of our vendors truly exceeded our expectations with their creativity, professionalism, and flawless execution. They made our vision come to life even better than we imagined.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Hire experienced local vendors you trust, make sure the food is good, and spend time on your guest list.
