Wedding

Old Florida Inspired Gold Downtown Tampa Wedding | Tampa Marriott Waterside

 

Gabriella and Aric's downtown Tampa wedding featured an elegant old Florida inspired theme and mauve, peach, ivory and gold color palette.

“I love Florida’s history and specifically, Tampa Bay’s rich history with all of the Latin flare, as I am Venezuelan,” the bride shared. “We had a cigar roller, live band and of course a Columbia-inspired 1905 salad. I love the grandeur of those times, and I wanted to reflect that.”

MORE: DOWNTOWN TAMPA WEDDINGS

The Tampa couple wed in downtown Tampa as they love the area, and specifically their neighborhood. Searching for a venue large enough to accommodate their 250-person guest list, and in proximity to their ceremony venue, the bride and groom selected the Tampa Marriott Waterside.

“We liked how large the Marriott's ballrooms are, how we could customize the look of it and their capability to handle a large group of people efficiently. We also liked that the venue could have us stay late. We had the room until 1 a.m., even though the party ended around midnight!”

MORE: TAMPA MARRIOTT WATERSIDE WEDDINGS

Sometimes finding the perfect vendor like your Tampa wedding photographer, happens out of unfortunate circumstances. Thankfully for Gabriella and Aric, they were grateful to their wedding planner for recommending Andi Diamond Photography to save their day.

“Funny story, we had originally booked a different wedding photographer, who about five months into the wedding planning journey, told us she could no longer be our photographer. I was in such a panic and my wedding planner suggested Andi [of Andi Diamond Photography],” the bride explained. “We are so happy it worked out the way it did. Andi understood our needs immediately and did such a wonderful job capturing our day. We consider Andi family now! We love keeping up with her, and she holds such a big place in our heart. Andi and team were such a pleasure to work with and went above a beyond to capture every moment.”

MORE: ANDI DIAMOND PHOTOGRAPHY WEDDINGS 

Having their entire family present for their nuptials was ever important to the couple. From Venezuela, Italy, and all across the U.S., the couple infused their tastes and cultural aspects into the wedding to make it unique.

“Instead of the traditional ‘midnight snack' at the end of the wedding, we had an arepa bar, where our guests could make their own arepa (a Venezuelan snack made of cornmeal that you can stuff with cheese and different meats). We also had two signature drinks and a large variety of local craft beers,” the bride revealed. “I am glad we could bring new tastes and experiences to our loved ones.”

Looking back, Gabriella's most memorable moment was filled with emotion as she took her first steps towards her groom.

“Walking down the aisle seeing Aric and my father tear up [was unforgettable]. Both of those men never cry, and it was such a tender moment. Also, during the ceremony Father Zack asked my mother to bring our daughter to the altar so he could bless her, that was very special to me to have her incorporated on that important day,” the bride reminisced.

View from Waterfront Downtown Tampa Hotel Wedding Venue Tampa Marriott Waterside

Badgley Mischka Open Toe Cream Bejeweled Wedding Shoes and Jeweled Bridal Garter

A Line Pronovias Wedding Dress with Belt On Hanger | Tampa Wedding Bridal Salon Isabel O'Neal Bridal

 

Elegant White and Gold Wedding Invitation Suite with Red, Peach, and White Rose | Wedding Stationery Invitation Galleria

Red and White Rose with Pink Flower and Greenery Bridal Bouquet

Bridal Portrait with Jeweled Beaded Headband | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Andi Diamond

Downtown Tampa Wedding Ceremony Venue Sacred Heart Catholic Church

Outdoor Bridal Portrait on Church Steps Wearing A Line Cathedral Train Pronovias Wedding Dress with Beaded Headband, White and Red with Greenery Bouquet | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Andi Diamond Photography | Downtown Tampa Wedding Ceremony Venue Sacred Heart Catholic Church | Tampa Dress Shop Isabel O'Neale Bridal

What was your wedding dress inspiration?
My wedding dress inspiration was to look regal, but not in a princess bridal gown. I envisioned lots of lace and long sleeves, but that is not what I ended up choosing. My bridal experience was lovely, I ended up picking the first dress I ever saw on the rack. I went to three stores and tried on about 15 dresses, and ended up going back to the first store for the first dress I ever saw!

I want to learn more about wedding attire from Isabel O'Neil Bridal.

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I chose Isabel O’Neil Bridal because they had the gown I wanted, and I loved their seamstress. Their service was great; they really helped me focus and hone into what I wanted.

Outdoor Church Steps Bridal Party Portrait with Magenta and White Rose with Greenery and Ribbon Bouquets, Bridesmaids in Mismatched Mauve Dresses | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Andi Diamond Photography

Traditional Church Ceremony Wooden Pew Decor with Magenta Rose and Greenery with White Ribbon Florals and Hanging Antique Lanterns

Bridal Bouquet with Magenta and White Roses, Pink Flowers and Greenery

Downtown Tampa Traditional Church Wedding Ceremony Sacred Heart Catholic Church | Tall Peach Rose and White Hydrangea with Natural Greenery Florals in Tall Gold Vase

Traditional Wedding Ceremony Bridal Aisle Portrait | Downtown Tampa Wedding Ceremony Venue Sacred Heart Catholic Church | Photographer Andi Diamond Photography

The Proposal:
My husband invited all our families and friends to a Fourth of July BBQ at his mother’s house. I was inside playing on the floor with our niece when his mother suggested we all get up and take a family picture in front of the fireplace. When I stood up for the picture and turned around, Aric was on one knee and he proposed! I was so surprised and not expecting it, I didn’t even notice that the entire party had come inside to watch.Outdoor Bride and Groom Wedding Portrait on Church Steps | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Andi Diamond Photography | Hair & Makeup Femme Akoi Beauty Studio

What did you look for in a wedding photographer?
Funny story, we had originally booked a different wedding photographer, who about five months into the wedding planning journey, told us she could no longer be our photographer. I was in such a panic and my wedding planner suggested Andi Diamond Photography.

I want to learn more about Andi Diamond Photography.

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We are so happy it worked out the way it did! Upon meeting Andi for the first time, I vibed with her so well, and she was truly a pleasure to work with. She understood our needs immediately and did such a wonderful job capturing our day. We consider Andi family now! We love keeping up with her, and she holds such a big place in our heart. Andi and team was such a pleasure to work with and went above and beyond to capture every moment.

Outdoor Bride and Groom Wedding Portrait on Church Steps | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Andi Diamond Photography | Hair & Makeup Femme Akoi Beauty Studio

Bride and Groom Wedding Portrait on a Boat | Downtown Tampa Waterfront Wedding Venue Tampa Marriott Waterside | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Andi Diamond Photography

Bride and Groom Wedding Portrait, Bride with Beaded Headband and Drop Silver Earrings | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Andi Diamond Photography | Hair & Makeup: Femme Akoi Beauty Studio

Old Florida Inspired Ballroom Wedding Reception with Navy Blue Favors, Gold Chargers and Chiavari Chairs, and Tall Gold and Glass Candle Lantern Antique Candelabra Red Rose with White Hydrangea and Greenery Centerpiece | Downtown Tampa Hotel Wedding Venue Tampa Marriott Waterside

What did you look for in a wedding venue?
We needed a large venue to accommodate our wedding of about 250 guests, and we wanted it to be near of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, where we got married.

Send me pricing and availability for Tampa wedding venues.

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We hired the Tampa Marriott Waterside because we liked how large their ballrooms are, how we could customize the look of it, and their capability to handle a large group of people efficiently. We also liked that the venue could have us stay late. I believe we had the room until 1 am, even though the party ended around midnight.

Old Florida Style Ballroom Wedding Table Decor with Tall Antique Gold and Silver Peach, Red, and White Rose with Greenery Centerpieces, and Gold Mercury Votive Candles

Old Florida Inspired Ballroom Wedding Reception Table Decor with Antique Glass Candle Jeweled Candelabra with Stylish Table Number and Navy Blue Favors and Red and White Roses with Greenery

How would you describe your theme?
Our wedding inspiration was old Florida style. We had a cigar roller, live band and Columbia-inspired 1905 salad. I loved the grandeur of those times and wanted to reflect that. I chose the style because I love Florida’s history and specifically, Tampa Bay’s rich history with all the Latin flare, as I am Venezuelan.

What were your colors?
Mauve, peach, ivory and gold. I picked those colors because I think they look beautiful together and elegant.

Stylish Navy and White Printed Wedding Menu on Gold Charger with Blue Wedding Favor with Round Printed Tag | Day of Stationery Invitation Galleria

Old Florida Inspired Wedding Reception Vintage Bar Sign with Lights and Small Red and White Rose with Greenery Flowers

Old Florida Theme Wedding Reception Sweetheart Table with Vintage Couch, Floral Linens, and Stylish Gold Mr and Mrs Sign, and Medium Height Pink, White, and Red Rose with Greenery Centerpiece | Tampa Wedding Rentals Connie Duglin Linens

Four Tier Round White Wedding Cake with Stylish Mr Mrs Cake Topper, Red Roses with Greenery, and Gold Cake Stand

Outdoor Nighttime Downtown St Pete Bride and Groom Wedding Portrait, Bride in Belted Pronovias Wedding Dress | Tampa Bay Bridal Shop Isabel O'Neale Bridal | Tampa Wedding Photographer Andi Diamond Photography

What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Find a wedding planner! It is not as expensive as you think, and they are worth their weight in gold. Especially if you are working full-time, they really facilitate everything and get the ball rolling.

Ceremony Venue: Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Reception Venue and Caterer: Tampa Marriott Waterside *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Venue
Photographer: Andi Diamond Photography *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro
Planner: Winsor Event Studio
Florist: FH Weddings
Linen Rentals: Connie Duglin Linens
Cake: Greenwise Publix
Entertainment: Bay Kings Band
Officiant: Father Zachary Elliott, OFM
Invitations & Stationery: Invitation Galleria
Transportation: OMG Trolley
Dress Shop and Designer: Isabel O’Neil Bridal – Pronovias *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro
Hair & Makeup: Femme Akoi Beauty Studio *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro
Photobooth: Foto Box Tampa
Cigar Roller: Delite Entertainment




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.