Jessica and Ryne's timeless Bushnell wedding featured a monochromatic palette of classic black and white tones, timeless greenery and ivory flora, and a unique blank slate setting for their November nuptials.
“Because our wedding venue was stunning on its own, we wanted our decor to complement the space while not becoming overwhelming. While we included various non-traditional aspects to our wedding, it was our goal to have a timeless yet elevated day. We love our neutrals and highly encourage our guests to abide by the following color palette,” the bride detailed. “Our wedding was a flood of neutral black and white. We wanted moody yet modern tablescapes with minimalistic details to accent our stunning florals. Our reception space was filled with a romantic candlelight glow. A lush white rose and greenery arch was the perfect addition to our beautiful backdrop.”
While most couples are wrapping the final details leading up to their wedding day, this groom was making history on the baseball field.
“Seven days before our wedding, we won the World Series!” Jessica exclaimed. “Days before our wedding, we were on the opposite side of the country, anticipating the Series’ outcome. After we won, our lives only got more exciting as we were about to enter the most important day of our lives!”
The dual Texas and Tampa residents wanted a local wedding planner for their 150-guest celebration. Upon their first conversation with Kelci of Kelci Leigh Events, they were impressed by her organization and detail and put at ease by her warm personality.
“While searching for a planner, it was important that they were able to understand our vision and wants. We wanted the connection between us and our planner to feel natural, fun, and progressive. We interviewed a few wedding planners before we found our match. We scheduled a Facetime call with Kelci Leigh Events, and our interaction felt natural and refreshing. Kelci entered the call well-prepared and got us excited about all the possibilities! We booked her directly on the call!” the bride beamed. “I wanted someone I could trust and who understood my vision, and Kelci did just that. Since we planned our wedding from afar, we worked with Kelci to help pick our vendors. We leaned on her expertise within the industry, and she was able to put together a dream team of vendors just from our phone calls and inspiration pictures. She worked with me to make sure everything I needed was done and was always available when I needed her and helped me accomplish my vision on the day of the wedding. I felt relaxed and calm knowing Kelci had a very clear picture of what I saw in my head. I knew everything would be executed correctly.”
As guests arrived at the lush outdoor wedding venue, they were serenaded by live instrumental strings from musicians.
“Breezin’ Entertainment was able to add that touch of elegance to our ceremony and cocktail hour. They were professional and chose music that complemented our decor!” the bride shared.
Fluffy white roses and hydrangeas created by the floral team at Bloom Shakalaka cascaded from lush greenery arrangments. Inside the industrial wedding venue, coordinating white and greenery centerpieces adorned the modern dining tables, while a show-stopping floral chandelier hung above the dance floor.
“We worked with our planner and put in a lot of time into designing our florals. It was our goal to make our day feel elegant and romantic. Florals were a way for us to express our vision for the day and set a tone,” the bride explained.
“The floral inspiration for this wedding was a blend of modern touches with a classic and timeless feel, reflecting the couple's vision. The flowers were carefully selected to align with Jessica and Ryne's vision for a timeless and elegant wedding. We were able to take their floral priorities and incorporate them to strategically enhance each area of their day. The ceremony space played a crucial role in bringing the couple's vision to life. They opted for a floral arch installation, infusing the space with romance and sophistication, which elevated the entire aesthetic of the ceremony,” Catherine Marrinan, Brand Manager at Bloom Shakalaka, added. “Another highlight of the wedding was the hanging floral installation at the reception. This unique design element not only added a touch of grandeur to the space but also served as a striking focal point. It made a big impact in bringing together the modern flair to the classic and timeless aesthetic.
The couple incorporated personalized details to reflect their relationship and personalities in the celebration, including custom attire with sentimental touches and a special treat for their guests – a pretzel food truck as an homage to Ryne's Major League Baseball career.
“We incorporated our personalities in many ways into our wedding. Ryne plays for the Houston Astros, and his time in the MLB has shaped our family's lives in many ways. As a tribute to his and my love for the game, we hired the iconic Auntie Anne's truck as a late-night snack for our guests!” Jessica gushed. “Our daughter, Joelle, is our world. It was important that our day revolved around Ryne and I’s love and the family we created with Jo. He wore a custom suit filled with pictures of the ones he loved most! Similarly, I wore a heart-shaped patch from one of Jo’s baby pajamas to add a personal touch to my beautiful dress.”
The pair envisioned a casual menu filled with crowd-pleasing favorites that would leave guests satisfied after a night on the dance floor, and Amici's Catered Cuisine delivered, creating a delicious menu of comforting dishes that were as amazing as their service.
“We chose popular foods that we knew everyone would love and that would fuel them for the energy-filled night ahead! Amici's Catered Cuisine came highly recommended by various vendors. They not only provided delicious food, but they also were refreshing to work with and provided outstanding service,” the bride raved. “We really enjoyed working with them.
With the bar being set for an epic dance party, the pair turned to the experts at Graingertainment to keep everyone entertained by offering a wide range of music that would appeal to all of their honored guests.
“Our reception/dance party was the most important and thought-about aspect of our day. I even switched into a fun sparkly fringe dress to let everyone know to get their dancing shoes ready! We knew DJ Dylan from Graingertainment from the past and always knew that we wanted him to be a part of our day. We felt comfortable with him and knew he understood our vision! We wanted someone who was lively and able to get everyone on the dance floor,” Jessica detailed. “DJ Dylan was knowledgeable of today’s top hits as well as throwbacks. These song selections ensured that individuals of all ages would enjoy the evening! Not only did our DJ get everyone on the dance floor, but he kept them dancing all night long!”
While the processional down the ceremony aisle is a core memory for Jessica, there were also a few butterfly moments during the reception that she will forever treasure.
“The most memorable moments were Ryne meeting me halfway down the aisle so I didn’t walk alone and watching our daughter walking down the aisle,” the bride reminisced. “Our reception reveal was also unforgettable! Walking into reception and seeing the full vision come to life was a feeling we will never forget! Not to mention that ‘first dance- feeling'. We felt as though we were the only two people in the world while sharing our first dance as husband and wife.”
Where did you host your bachelorette party?
Fort Lauderdale. It was close to home and gave me a break after a busy travel season. My maid of honor graciously planned the whole thing, and the weekend was filled with relaxing girl time, champagne, and life-size cutouts of Ryne!
How did live musicians add to the vibe of your wedding?
Breezin’ Entertainment was able to add that touch of elegance to our ceremony and cocktail hour. They were professional and chose music that complemented our decor!
The Proposal:
Once Ryne got traded from the Miami Marlins to the Houston Astros, we were about to face months of long distance. It was then that we decided we couldn’t be without each other. When Ryne was in West Palm Beach for spring training, he popped the question, and our lives have never been the same since!
What did you look for in a wedding planner?
While searching for a planner, it was important that they were able to understand our vision and wants. We wanted the connection between us and our planner to feel natural, fun, and progressive. We interviewed a few wedding planners before we found our match. We scheduled a Facetime call with Kelci Leigh Events, and our interaction felt natural and refreshing. Kelci entered the call well-prepared and got us excited about all the possibilities! We booked her directly on the call!
I wanted someone I could trust and who understood my vision, and Kelci did just that. Since we planned our wedding from afar, we worked with Kelci to help pick our vendors. We leaned on her expertise within the industry, and she was able to put together a dream team of vendors just from our phone calls and inspiration pictures. She worked with me to make sure everything I needed was done, was always available when I needed her, and helped me accomplish my vision on the day of the wedding. I felt relaxed and calm knowing Kelci had a very clear picture of what I saw in my head. I knew everything would be executed correctly.
Where did you spend your honeymoon?
We spent our honeymoon traveling all across Europe (Amsterdam, Paris, Venice, and Rome). We hit some of the most iconic spots on the planet and continuously think about our adventures around the globe together.
How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
“Because our wedding venue was stunning on its own, we wanted our decor to complement the space while not becoming overwhelming. While we included various non-traditional aspects to our wedding, it was our goal to have a timeless yet elevated day. We love our neutrals and highly encourage our guests to abide by the following color palette.
What were your colors?
Our wedding was a flood of neutral black and white. We wanted moody yet modern tablescapes with minimalistic details to accent our stunning florals. Our reception space was filled with a romantic candlelight glow. A lush white rose and greenery arch was the perfect addition to our beautiful backdrop at White Rock Canyon. Our selected decor for the wedding was chosen in order to accent our already beautiful venue while bringing in a taste of modern yet moody decor.
What was your wedding menu inspiration?
We chose popular foods that we knew everyone would love and that would fuel them for the energy-filled night ahead! Amici's Catered Cuisine came highly recommended by various vendors. They not only provided delicious food, but they also were refreshing to work with and provided outstanding service. We really enjoyed working with them.
“The floral inspiration for this wedding was a blend of modern touches with a classic and timeless feel, reflecting the couple's vision. The flowers were carefully selected to align with Jessica and Ryne's vision for a timeless and elegant wedding. We were able to take their floral priorities and incorporate them to strategically enhance each area of their day. A highlight of the wedding was the hanging floral installation at the reception. This unique design element not only added a touch of grandeur to the space but also served as a striking focal point. It made a big impact in bringing together the modern flair to the classic and timeless aesthetic.
-Catherine Marrinan, Floral Designer at Bloom Shakalaka
What did you look for in a wedding DJ?
Our reception/dance party was the most important and thought-about aspect of our day. I even switched into a fun sparkly fringe dress to let everyone know to get their dancing shoes ready! We knew DJ Dylan from Graingertainment from the past and always knew that we wanted him to be a part of our day. We felt comfortable with him and knew he understood our vision! We wanted someone who was lively and able to get everyone on the dance floor. DJ Dylan was knowledgeable of today’s top hits as well as throwbacks. These song selections ensured that individuals of all ages would enjoy the evening! Not only did our DJ get everyone on the dance floor, but he kept them dancing all night long!
Which vendors really exceeded your expectations?
My photographer exceeded my expectations. Tiffany and I have worked together for years and she was the only person I trusted with such a job like capturing my wedding day. I also knew Ryne and I would be our most authentic and comfortable with Tiffany behind the lens. Photos are one of the only things you get to keep from your wedding day, and I’m always thankful I had Tiffany there.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
There is no right way to plan a wedding. Voice your opinion, and be sure to verify the vendors understand your vision for the big day. It is your vendors who create your dream day, and it is important that you choose wisely!
