Dagmar and Daniel's waterfront Davis Island wedding combined subtle hues of white and natural greenery with warm wood tables and chairs and romantic candlelight. Guests enjoyed a gourmet meal and sweeping views of Tampa Bay during the all-outdoor celebration.
“We wanted an elegant, outdoor garden wedding with views of the water and lots of natural greenery. We saw some weddings in Montenegro, and we wanted to capture the feel of an Old European city by the sea,” the bride detailed. “Our colors were white, champagne, and green. I wanted as little color as possible. We chose white flowers and greenery because those colors were everywhere in the garden.”
The bride used Marry Me Tampa Bay to search for wedding vendors and view photos of real local weddings. Through her search of the site, Dagmar found countless inspirational photographs, which led to her discovering her venue.
“I went through the website numerous times to look for location and inspiration. I discovered the Davis Island Garden Club on Marry Me Tampa Bay. I checked almost all the wedding blogs on the website featuring that venue, and it made me choose that location!” the bride revealed. “Most of the time, I searched for vendors, which I discussed with my wedding planner.”
The Tampa couple originally planned for a destination wedding, but when COVID thwarted their plans for traveling to Europe, they opted for a local wedding for 50 guests. the bride knew the importance of having a wedding planner to help relieve any stressors on the wedding day, and she also wanted someone who could guide her through the planning process and the customs that are part of an American wedding.
“I wanted someone who could see things my way and capture my vision. I needed someone to completely take over the event while I enjoyed my wedding day,” the bride explained. “I found Amanda at The Olive Tree Weddings, and after our first meeting, we clicked right away. I wasn’t raised in the U.S. so I knew very little about weddings here. I needed a true professional who could not only help me during the day of my wedding but guide me through the process. She was my right hand, and I would not be able to get this wedding done without her!”
The bride and groom exchanged vows overlooking the bay while guests enjoyed a cocktail hour on the covered veranda. During the reception, strands of bistro lights, strung by Gabro Event Services, decorated the towering branches of mature oak trees, adding ambiance to the outdoor reception with dining tables nestled beneath moss-clad limbs.
“A few of our guests made comments that our wedding felt like dancing under the stars,” the bride beamed. “They enjoyed our table set up, décor, and sit-down dinner with full service. We didn’t have a sweetheart table. Instead, we had a big head table where we were seated with our family.”
The couple prioritized their wedding day meal service, envisioning an attentive four-course meal with bountiful hors d'oeuvres and desserts so no guest would go hungry. Amici's Catered Cuisine pulled out all the stops to deliver an unforgettable menu and dining experience for the al fresco reception.
“We wanted upscale service and excellent-quality food. My husband wanted a formal four-course menu with full service and no buffet tables. We had a classic sit-down dinner,” the bride shared. “Amici's Catered Cuisine did an excellent job! Our menu included blue crab cakes, roasted pear salad, spinach and ricotta stuffed chicken, petit sirloin, garlic mashed potatoes, asparagus bundles, a Viennese dessert table, and late night snack. Everything was delicious!”
With dinner under the stars complete, Dagmar and Daniel entertained their guests with a dance party for all ages and music tastes.
“We wanted to find someone who could be entertaining and bring the crowd to the dance floor. We also wanted someone who was reliable and had a good reputation,” the bride explained. “DJ Justin of Events Done Right was exceptional. He was able to find very old nostalgic songs for my dad, who was requesting them aside from our list. Justin had a great attitude, was extremely flexible, and was willing to accommodate all our requests. It was a pleasure to work with both Ed, the owner, and Justin!
The intimate wedding brought together their closest friends and family, but a special moment between the bride and her children will forever hold a special place in her memory.
“I was very happy my teen kids were part of my wedding ceremony. My son was one of the groomsmen, and my daughter was one of the bridesmaids. It was beautiful when they walked down the aisle, brother and sister, to support me on my special day,” Dagmar reminisced.
How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
We wanted an elegant, outdoor garden wedding with views of the water and lots of natural greenery. We saw some weddings in Montenegro, and we wanted to capture the feel of an Old European city by the sea.
What were your colors?
White, champagne, and green. I wanted as little color as possible. We chose white flowers and greenery because those colors were everywhere in the garden. My bridesmaids had champagne dresses.
The Proposal:
I took Daniel to Prague for his birthday. We had his b-day dinner one night. The next day after a nice dinner at Old Town Square, we went up to the hotel room, and he pointed with his finger at my pillow and said, “Hey, look what’s up there.” There was a jewelry box sitting on my pillow. I froze a little but eventually opened the box and said, “YES!” It was a shock; I didn’t expect this trip to turn out as our engagement!
What did you look for in a wedding planner?
I wanted someone who could see things my way and capture my vision. I needed someone to completely take over the event while I enjoyed my wedding day. I found Amanda at The Olive Tree Weddings, and after our first meeting, we clicked right away. I wasn’t raised in the U.S. so I knew very little about weddings here. I needed a true professional who could not only help me during the day of my wedding but guide me through the process. She was my right hand, and I would not be able to get this wedding done without her!”
Where did you spend your honeymoon?
We are heading to where else other than Montenegro, where we originally wanted our wedding. We will also make two stops at Santorini and Athenas.
Where did you host your bachelorette party?
My friends rented a boat in downtown Tampa. We had a great day on the Bay and finished it with dinner at Jackson’s Bistro at Harbor Island. It was very casual and fun day with my friends.
What did you look for in a wedding caterer?
We wanted upscale service and excellent-quality food. My husband wanted a formal four-course menu with full service and no buffet tables. We had a classic sit-down dinner. Amici's Catered Cuisine did an excellent job! Our menu included blue crab cakes, roasted pear salad, spinach and ricotta stuffed chicken, petit sirloin, garlic mashed potatoes, asparagus bundles, a Viennese dessert table, and late night snack. Everything was delicious!
What did you look for in a wedding DJ?
We wanted to find someone who could be entertaining and bring the crowd to the dance floor. We also wanted someone who was reliable and had a good reputation. DJ Justin of Events Done Right was exceptional. He was able to find very old nostalgic songs for my dad, who was requesting them aside from our list. Justin had a great attitude, was extremely flexible, and was willing to accommodate all our requests. It was a pleasure to work with both Ed, the owner, and Justin!
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
If you are having an outdoor wedding, be ready for a lot more problems and issues than an indoor wedding. Rain, wind, heat, and cold don’t care you are trying to impress everyone.
