Wedding

Navy and Silver Black-Tie Tampa Wedding | Armature Works

Tampa Bay Wedding Planning Advice Group

Read and Kevin's Tampa Heights wedding was an elegant black-tie event that brought the bride and groom's friends and family from all over the country to Tampa Bay. The formal affair was decorated in navy, white and silver, and featured an event painter, photo booth, and a live band that played music throughout the night.

“We didn't really have a theme for the wedding; I just wanted it to be an easy day with no stress! I wanted it to be nice as we did choose black-tie. I wanted something classic and beautiful,” the bride beamed. “We both love the color navy as it is very classic, and a pop of silver just added something a little more formal.”

MORE: BLACK TIE WEDDING INSPIRATION

Since the couple initially met while living in Boston, Read and Kevin sought a highly reputable Tampa wedding planner who would provide guidance and insight while also creating a fun and stress-free planning experience.

“We wanted a wedding planner who was extremely organized, who would recommend great people, who didn't seem to stress out, and someone who could control the day and tell me where to go and when. I also wanted someone I could see myself being friends with,” Read explained. “I thought Katy and her team at Coastal Coordinating were amazing, and I highly recommend them to anyone who asks. She has a way of dealing with anything that might come up and not causing any stress to the bride. She had great referrals, and we were able to use some of the wedding items that she has in stock. I work full-time and travel a lot, and I didn't have time to deal with a lot of the vendors.”

LEARN MORE ABOUT COASTAL COORDINATING | EMAIL

Wanting a wedding cake that would complement their theme and a dessert table that could satisfy their 210 guests, Read sought out a beloved South Tampa bakery to create the perfect combination of treats.

“We wanted to incorporate our colors into the cake. When we walked into Alessi Bakeries, they had a sample cake, and we ended up going with a version of that! We wanted a formal cake with beautiful piping and to incorporate our colors, so we needed navy ribbon, navy flowers, and silver pearls,” the bride shared. “We also knew cake goes to waste a lot at a wedding and people really like the dessert tables, so we made a smaller cake and added in mini cupcakes, chocolate strawberries, cannolis, and mini pies. We also added a candy bar so people could grab some candy in the custom bags we had.”

LEARN MORE ABOUT ALESSI BAKERIES | EMAIL

To plan an entertaining evening for their guests, the couple included live music with upbeat hits to keep their guests on the dance-floor all night.

Bay Kings Band was recommended by my wedding planner. We saw them at another venue, and we loved them, so we chose them,” the bride beamed. “We were also able to pick out which singers and players we wanted for our wedding day.”

LEARN MORE ABOUT BAY KINGS BAND | EMAIL

As Read reminisced on her wedding day, it was the moment she and Kevin first locked eyes during the ceremony that left her with the sweetest smile.

“The day went by so fast, but I think walking down the aisle was memorable for me and just seeing my soon to be husband waiting for me,” the bride exclaimed. “Also when we were able to walk in and go straight to our first dance and see the beautiful venue and how everything came together, it was so amazing having all the people that mean the most to us in one place and everyone having a great time!

Nautical Bridal Detail Shot, Navy and White Striped Monogram Tote, Personalized Cup, Customized Makeup Bag

Modern Bridal Accessories Details, Rhinestone Sparkle Shoes and Garter Belt

Tampa Bay Dog in Tie for Wedding, Blue and White Striped Pet Accessory

Florida Bride Getting Ready, Wearing Elegant Romona Keveza Wedding Dress, White Halter Top Style Dress

Florida Bride and Bridesmaids, Wearing Romona Keveza Wedding Dress, Bridesmaids in Hayley Paige Occassions Long Mix Matched Navy Blue Dresses, Holding White, Ivory and Silver Floral Bouquets with Greenery | Tampa Bay Wedding Planner Coastal Coordinating | South Tampa Bridesmaids Dress Boutique Bella Bridesmaids | Tampa Luxury Wedding Dress Shop Isabel O'Neil Bridal Collection | University of Tampa

What was your bridesmaid dress inspiration? 
For the bridesmaid dresses, I wanted something that was easy for everyone to get to. Bella Bridesmaids has locations where each of my bridesmaids lived. I knew I wanted each girl to be able to pick the dress they wanted for their body style, so I picked the color and the designer, and they would pick whichever dress they wanted. Bella had quite a few options and that way each girl could pick a dress they loved and that they would wear again. I chose a navy blue for the color. I also love how their own personalities reflected in the pictures with their different styles. I think it made everyone feel more comfortable on the wedding day.

Elegant Wedding Bouquet with Ivory Roses, White Hydrangeas, Navy Floral Accents, Eucalyptus Leaves and Greenery | Tampa Bay Luxury Wedding Planner Coastal Coordinating

What was your wedding dress inspiration?
I checked a few bridal stores, even going to Atlanta with my maid of honor to look. However, I just couldn't find anything that worked for me. I wanted a classic and timeless dress and did not want all the beading etc.

I found the Romona Keveza dress online, and Isabel O'Neil Bridal Collection was a vendor for the line. They were so nice and ordered the sample dress for me so that I could try it on. I also waited a while to find a dress, and they were able to meet my timeline to make the dress since they had a great relationship with the designer. They were very go-with-the-flow, which matched my style attitude for the wedding.

Downtown Tampa Historic Wedding Venue Sacred Heart Catholic Church

Classic Black and White Formal Wedding Program from Shutterfly

The Proposal:
Kevin had already asked my father for permission and was planning to ask me to marry him on Thanksgiving when our family was going to be in town. However, he thought it might be slightly overwhelming, so he decided to move it to the Saturday before Thanksgiving. I thought we were going out to dinner with friends, so I was getting ready and rushing him since we were late. I came downstairs, and there were a dozen roses with a sign that said, “Follow me.” I walked outside and followed a trail of roses to a gazebo in our neighborhood where he was waiting. He had decorated the gazebo with lights and flowers. It was very sweet. He got down on one knee and asked me to marry him!

Classic Florida Bride Walking Down the Aisle During Downtown Tampa Wedding Ceremony At Sacred Heart Catholic Church | Florida Luxury Wedding Planner Coastal Coordinating

Florida Bride and Groom Wedding Portrait Outside University of Tampa, Wearing Romona Keveza Halter Styler Wedding Dress | Tampa Bay Wedding Planner Coastal Coordinating | South Tampa Dress Shop Isabel O'Neil Bridal Collection

Classic Wedding Reception and Decor, Tall Elegant Centerpieces with Large White Floral Design, on Round Tables with White Lines, Farmhouse Cross Back Chairs, In The Gathering Ballroom At Armature Works in Tampa Heights | Downtown Tampa Wedding Planner Coastal Coordinating | Tampa Bay Entertainers Bay Kings Band

Classic, Tall Floral Centerpieces with White, Blush Pink, Navy and Ivory Flowers with Greenery, on Towering Crystal Vase | Tampa Bay Luxury Wedding Planner Coastal Coordinating

What was your theme?
We didn't really have a theme for the wedding, I just wanted it to be an easy day with no stress! I wanted something classic and beautiful.

What were your colors?
Navy, white, and silver. We both love the color navy as it is very classic, and a pop of silver just added something a little more formal.

Classic Florida Wedding Decor at Reception, Low Centerpieces with Candlelight Votives, Navy and Gold Table Number | Tampa Wedding Planner Coastal Coordinating

Classic, Tall Floral Centerpieces with White, Blush Pink, Navy and Ivory Flowers with Greenery, on Towering Crystal Vase | Tampa Bay Luxury Wedding Planner Coastal Coordinating

What did you look for in a wedding planner?
We wanted a wedding planner who was extremely organized, who would recommend great people, who didn't seem to stress out, and someone who could control the day and tell me where to go and when. I also wanted someone I could see myself being friends with!

I thought Katy and her team at Coastal Coordinating were amazing, and I highly recommend them to anyone who asks. She has a way of dealing with anything that might come up and not causing any stress to the bride. She had great referrals, and we were able to use some of the wedding items that she has in stock. I work full-time and travel a lot, and I didn't have time to deal with a lot of the vendors; I looked for recommendations that she had both on additional vendors and styles.

Classic Wedding Reception and Decor, Tall Elegant Centerpieces with Large White Floral Design, on Round Tables with White Lines, Farmhouse Cross Back Chairs, In The Gathering Ballroom At Armature Works in Tampa Heights | Downtown Tampa Wedding Planner Coastal Coordinating | Tampa Bay Entertainers Bay Kings Band

Romantic Starry Sky Florida Wedding Decor at Reception, Low Centerpieces with Candlelight Votives, Navy and Gold Table Number | Tampa Wedding Planner Coastal Coordinating

Florida Wedding Dessert and Cake Table, Classic Two Tier Buttercream Frosted Wedding Cake with White Iced Piping, Navy Ribbon, and Silver Accents, Italian Treats and Desserts | South Tampa Bakery Alessi Bakeries

What was your wedding cake inspiration?
We wanted to incorporate our colors into the cake. When we walked into Alessi Bakeries, they had a sample cake, and we ended up going with a version of that! We wanted a formal cake with beautiful piping and to incorporate our colors, so we needed navy ribbon, navy flowers, and silver pearls. We also knew cake goes to waste a lot at a wedding, and people really like the dessert tables, so we made a smaller cake and added In mini cupcakes, chocolate strawberries, cannolis, and mini pies. We also added a candy bar so people could grab some candy in the custom bags we had. I have used Alessi Bakeries In the past, and they have always been great. You can custom anything you want, and they are extremely reasonable when it comes to pricing.

Florida Bride and Groom First Dance in The Gathering at Armature Works in Tampa Heights | Tampa Bay Entertainers Bay Kings Band | Tampa Wedding Planner Coastal Coordinating

What did you look for in a wedding band?
Bay Kings Band was recommended by my wedding planner. We saw them at another venue, and we loved them, so we chose them! We were also able to pick out which singers and players we wanted for our wedding.

Tampa Bay Wedding Entertainer Live Painting Bride and Groom First Dance | Florida Wedding Planner Coastal Coordinating

What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Enjoy the day because it goes by fast. Have a wedding planner like Coastal Coordinating who will make sure everything is perfect!

Ceremony Venue: Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Reception Venue: Armature Works
Photographer: Tara McGovern
Videographer: Eli Meyer Studio
Planner: Coastal Coordinating *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wed Pro
Florist: 2Birds Events
Caterer: Puff ‘n Stuff Catering
Cake: Alessi Bakeries *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wed Pro
Band: Bay Kings Band *Marry Me Tampa Bay  PreferredWed Pro
Officiant: Father George
Invitations: Shutterfly
Transportation: Luxor Limo
Dress Shop and Designer: Isabel O'Neil Bridal Collection, Romona Keveza *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wed Pro
Bridesmaid Dress Shop and Designer: Bella Bridesmaids, Hayley Paige *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wed Pro
Hair & Makeup: KyleLynn Weddings
Photobooth: Chubby's Photo Booth & Games
Live Event Painter: Talia Garcia Art




Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pros

Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pros are highly respected by our local wedding community and have been personally vetted by our editor.