Kara and Joe were high school sweethearts and continued their relationship while co-eds at Florida State. After graduation the Tampa couple returned to their hometown and bought a house together.
While finishing up renovations to their new home, Joe proposed.
“We were wrapping up one of our last projects, the master bedroom closet. I was really burnt out on all the work. So instead of changing into clothes I could get messy, I cornered Joe in the kitchen and stalled, ” Kara explained. “He was being really weird, but I thought it was just because he wanted me to get to work and stop slowing the process down. Finally, he convinced me to make sure the paint and rollers were in the closet. I told him they definitely were not but he insisted I go double-check anyway. When I opened the closet doors I saw ‘Will you marry me?' painted on the inside. I stepped out and saw him on his knee with the ring. A naturally romantically-awkward person and avid sarcasm user, I responded with ‘I told you the paint brushes weren’t in there.' Then I said ‘yes' of course!”
Navy Blue & Purple Backyard Tampa, FL Wedding
Since the pair grew up and lived in Tampa, it was only natural for them to hold their wedding here. They had a lot of history at Joe's aunt and uncle's home and chose it for their Tampa wedding venue.
“Our relationship basically started at Elaine and Joe’s house,” Kara explained. “When we started dating, we spent all of our spare time on the lake. We had a graduation party there; it was another home for us. Once we started talking about having the wedding in their backyard, I couldn’t imagine doing it anywhere else.”
Instead of focusing on a particular theme, Kara concentrated on hosting an unforgettable celebration that reflected her and Joe's witty personalities.
“We are both pretty sarcastic and not comfortable with romantic attention on us, so our program was titled So You Are Going to Sit through a Wedding. A Practical Guide to Not Falling Asleep and Figuring Out What the Heck is Going On,” the bride joked.
Family played an important role as the wedding was held at a family home, with Kara's grandfather officiating.
The pair also featured a dessert table filled with family recipes as they didn't want a traditional wedding cake.
“Joe’s cousin and one of my bridesmaids made cupcakes. Wed had my family's traditional German Christmas cookies, and Italian wedding cookies made by Joe’s aunt and mother,” Kara explained.
Kara opted for simpler wedding floral designs and, on a recommendation, met with Tampa wedding florist Northside Florist.
“Kathy [of Northside Florist] was fabulous. She had some really great ideas and was such a pleasure to work with, plus her prices were totally reasonable. I gave her a little direction and she ran with it,” Kara said. “I was so happy with all of the arrangements she put together.”
Looking back on her wedding day, Kara's most memorable moment came at the end of the night.
“Joe hates country music and it’s my favorite. Unbeknownst to me, Joe requested the wedding DJ play Friends in Low Places by Garth Brooks (my go-to karaoke song). Somehow, everyone who was left in the wedding formed a circle around us while Joe and I danced in the middle. Everyone was singing and laughing, then during the last few lines everyone rushed in and we had a mini-mosh pit (without the shoving and dirt) to finish up the song. It was a huge surprise and a really fun way to wrap up the night with some of our closest friends,” the bride reminisced.
We are both pretty sarcastic and not comfortable with romantic attention on us so our program was titled ‘So You Are Going to Sit through a Wedding. A Practical Guide to Not Falling Asleep and Figuring Out What the Heck is Going On.' – The Bride.
Kathy of Northside Florist was fabulous. She had some really great ideas and was such a pleasure to work with plus her prices were totally reasonable. I gave her a little direction and she ran with it. I was so happy with all of the arrangements she put together. – The Bride
Joe’s cousin and one of my bridesmaids made cupcakes. Wed had my family's traditional German Christmas cookies, and Italian wedding cookies made by Joe’s aunt and mother. – The Bride
Everyone who was left in the wedding formed a circle around us while Joe and I danced in the middle. Everyone was singing and laughing, then during the last few lines everyone rushed in and we had a mini-mosh pit to finish up the song. It was a huge surprise and a really fun way to wrap up the night with some of our closest friends. – The Bride
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay Brides?
Have fun! It is so easy to get caught up in the drama of wedding planning (Stepping on people’s toes, hurting people’s feelings, worrying about silly details). At the end of the day, this is an expensive party celebrating the relationship between you and your husband. It should be what both of you want and should be fun! Don’t waste such an important milestone worrying about things you won’t even remember.
Tampa Wedding Venue: Family Home
Tampa Wedding Photographer: Carolina Media Star
Tampa Wedding Planner: Go For Brides
Tampa Wedding Florist: Northside Florist
Tampa Wedding Caterer: Affordable Catering
Tampa Wedding Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas
Tampa Wedding DJ: SG Mobile DJ
Tampa Wedding Tent Rental: Tents and Stuff
Tampa Wedding Lighting Rental: Tampa Lights
Tampa Wedding Dress: David's Bridal
Tampa Bridesmaid Dresses: Olga’s Bridal Boutique
Tampa Groomsmen Suits: Men's Warehouse
Tampa Wedding Hair & Makeup: Salon Sciame – Melissa Azzarelli
We are proud to have Northside Florist as a Marry Me Tampa Bay sponsor!
