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.”
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!”
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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