Destination Clearwater Beach Wedding | Hilton Clearwater Beach
Meagan and Brandon's destination Clearwater Beach wedding featured a relaxed outdoor celebration and navy blue and light peach color palette.
“I wanted to keep the wedding beach related, but not too nautical, so I did a starfish theme. It was more laid back and calm, rather than your typical New England nautical theme,” Meagan explained. “We had a seashell ceremony, where after the vows, all the guests went to the ocean and threw a seashell into the ocean for well wishes for our marriage.”
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The Manhattan couple searched for a Clearwater Beach wedding venue that would check all of their boxes for price, proximity to the airport and having family nearby to help with planning.
“It was important that the venue to be on the beach and have an outdoor area for the reception, as I wanted to walk down the aisle barefoot in the sand,” the bride explained. “The Hilton Clearwater Beach met all my required criteria in what I was looking for in a venue: response time, great reviews, trustworthy brand, outdoor venue, pricing, etc. Working with the venue was great. They were able to accommodate our special requests, were very detailed and responded to any questions by the next day. It was very clear they knew what they were doing and knew the answer to any question I had.”
To showcase the bride's elegant strapless Hayley Paige sweetheart ballgown, Meagan opted for a side-swept updo complete with a floral accent and natural makeup by Tampa Bay wedding hair and makeup artists Michele Renee The Studio.
“I chose Michele Renee The Studio as they had great reviews and sample work on their website. My stylist, Savannah, was awesome! I decided at the last minute to do an up-do the day of the wedding, and she was great with offering me recommendations with what she thought would look best with my hair and facial features and what would hold up with the weather as it was very windy.”
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Looking back, the bride's most cherished wedding moments included romantic and hilarious emotions.
“I think the two most memorable moments were walking down the aisle just after our “I do’s” and when one of the groomsmen ripped off his shirt in a dance off!” Meagan reminisced.
The Proposal:
Brandon planned a scavenger hunt from the movie Serendipity. He hired a photographer, a coordinator and got two of my good friends to assist. We started at the restaurant Serendipity, then went to the places as seen in the movie such as the Waldorf Astoria and Central Park, where each location had a clue from the movie to lead us to the next location. We then finished at Columbus Circle (my favorite location in the city) where he proposed!
What did you look for in a wedding venue?
It was important that the venue to be on the beach and have an outdoor area for the reception, as I wanted to walk down the aisle barefoot in the sand. Response time was the most important to me, as I wanted to ensure the main contact for the venue was very responsive. Cost was also an important factor.
The Hilton Clearwater Beach met all my required criteria in what I was looking for in a venue: response time, great reviews, trustworthy brand, outdoor venue, pricing, etc. Working with the venue was great. They were able to accommodate our special requests, were very detailed and responded to any questions by the next day. It was very clear they knew what they were doing and knew the answer to any question I had. Even though they do so many weddings, we felt we received very personalized treatment throughout the whole process.
What was your wedding beauty inspiration?
Everything the day of went seamlessly, and everyone's hair and makeup came out beautifully! I chose Michele Renee The Studio as they had great reviews and sample work on their website. My stylist, Savannah, was awesome! I decided at the last minute to do an up-do the day of the wedding, and she was great with offering me recommendations with what she thought would look best with my hair and facial features and what would hold up with the weather as it was very windy.
How would you describe your theme?
I wanted to keep it beach related, but not too nautical, so I did a starfish theme. It was more laid back and calm, rather than your typical New England nautical theme. I incorporated starfish in a few areas, such as the bridesmaids jewelry to the aisle decor. We had a seashell ceremony, where after the vows, all the guests went to the ocean and threw a seashell into the ocean for well wishes for our marriage.
What were your colors?
Navy blue and light peach.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Do your research. Know what you are looking for when you look for your vendors. Read reviews as they offer valuable insight into the company so you have an idea of what to expect. Set a budget list so you know your parameters and a timeline of what needs to be done when. I feel like this really helped take the pressure off as there is so much to do.
Always remember to have fun! Hopefully you are only doing this once, so try to enjoy the whole process, take it step by step. When you feel you are getting stressed out, ask for help or take a break! You don’t want to be the bride that says, “I had a great time, but I’m glad it’s over.”
Ceremony/Reception Venue and Caterer: Hilton Clearwater Beach
Photographer: K&K Photography
Planner: Confetti Events
Florist: Iza's Flowers
Linen Rentals: Over the Top Rental Linens *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro
Cake: Chantilly Cakes
Band: C'Nergy & Caladesi Steel Band
Officiant: Sensational Ceremonies
Invitations: Etsy – CCPrintsbyTabitha
Photo Booth: My DJ Entertainment
Dress Shop and Designer: Kleinfeld Bridal – Hayley Paige
Bridesmaid Dress Shop and Designer: Rent the Runway – Monique Lhuillier
Hair & Makeup: Michele Renee The Studio *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro
