Brittany and Anthony’s outdoor Dade City wedding combined a soft neutral palette with garden-inspired rustic details for a memorable al fresco celebration.

“We wanted our wedding to be pretty relaxed. It was very important to us that the day be enjoyable and low stress for us as well as the guests,” Anthony explained. “We went with a dusty sage and charcoal. It just fit us.”

The Tampa bride and groom utilized Marry Me Tampa Bay as part of their wedding vendor research process.

“Brittany did exhaustive searches for all the vendors. She started researching online, read reviews from various sites, and then we made the decision together. Our DJ was found through Marry Me Tampa Bay,” the groom shared.

Knowing the lasting impact of investing in their wedding photography, Brittany and Anthony sought an experienced photographer renowned for wedding photos that will stand the test of time.

“We wanted the best. While each vendor plays an important role the day of, the photos are the only physical mementos we will have down the road,” the groom reasoned. “Carrie of Carrie Wildes Photography is just so fantastic. In every regard, you can just tell she knows what she’s doing. From posing and separating the families, her excitement at experimenting with different shots (specifically the sparklers) and of course the finished product. We cannot speak highly enough of her services!”

The couple partook in a unique unity ceremony and also provided homegrown favors that complemented their rustic garden theme.

“For wedding favors, we grew (with help from my mother) succulents in mini pots. They were a huge hit!” Anthony revealed. “Also, during the ceremony, instead of candle lighting, we watered a tree and combined soils from each of our childhood homes. Now the tree, a magnolia, is planted in our front yard.”

Anthony recalled many unforgettable moments throughout the celebration; too many to pinpoint a favorite.

“There were so many memorable moments, seeing my bride for the first time, almost forgetting to say our own vows, the sparkler exit, and so many more,” the groom reminisced.

The Proposal:
We were visiting family in the area for the holiday season, and I contacted our friends to stage a dinner at the mall where we had our first date at. When we got to the restaurant, I pretended to leave my wallet in the car, and Britt actually joked about there being a ring in the car.

We ate dinner, then made our way to the Christmas tree lighting, where I got down on one knee and asked the question before waiting what felt like forever for an answer. She was in such shock that it took some time to register, and I actually had to check that the ring was still in the box.

Where did you spend your honeymoon?
We waited on the honeymoon and went to Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone. It’s been a bucket list item for years, and it’ll be a while before we get so much time off again.

Which vendors really exceeded your expectations?
Our venue. There was a situation where the planner we had been working with for months had to step away from the wedding two days before the big day, and our venue just handled it, coordinating a wedding that was absolutely gorgeous.

Our florist was so understanding and answered so many questions for us.

Our caterer was absolutely fantastic, and the staff were so friendly and kind.

What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Make a list of the most important aspects of your big day, and don’t settle on any of those things, but still don’t expect perfection. This day is about celebrating the promises you’re making to each other, not what color the napkins are, or other minor things like that.