Destination Florida Beach Wedding | Hilton Clearwater Beach

Tammy and Jason’s Clearwater Beach wedding featured a beach ceremony overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, followed by an outdoor wedding ceremony just steps from the sandy beach. The Connecticut couple chose Clearwater Beach for their destination Florida wedding after the bride’s father recommended the area.

“My husband and I wanted a destination wedding, but did not want guests to have to travel too far. My dad mentioned that he had been to Clearwater Beach, and the area was absolutely beautiful. I decided to take a trip there with my mother, father and older sister to check out the area and different venues,” Tammy said. “The minute we arrived to Clearwater Beach I knew it was the perfect location, but I needed to show Jay. The minute he saw the pictures of the wind, sand and beautiful blue water he was sold!”

With outdoor ceremony and reception spaces, spanning views of the Gulf of Mexico and plenty of rooms for their out-of-town wedding guests, the Hilton Clearwater Beach was an easy chose for the pair’s destination wedding.

“The Hilton Clearwater Beach created such a calming and relaxed atmosphere from the minute my family and I met with them,” Tammy shared. “We loved that the deck we had our reception on was a step from the beach. Our guests were able to take a break from dancing and walk barefoot to the beach.”

Photography was one of Tammy and Jason’s most important elements, and they searched for a Clearwater wedding photographer who could capture all of the elements of their big day.

“We wanted a photographer who took photos that were vibrant, full of color and made things pop,” the bride explained. “When I saw Limelight Photography‘s photos there was no turning back! They were amazing! Sarah and her team made sure they captured everything from details to intimate moments with family and friends.”

MORE: LIMELIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY WEDDINGS

 

The Proposal:
Jason proposed to me at a beautiful inn in Connecticut. We were celebrating my graduation from graduate school and I thought if he was going to propose, it was going to be on the day of my graduation. I began to give up hope and thought it was not the right time.

The next morning we woke up, and it was very rainy. Jason still wanted to go for a walk, and I just could not understand why. I knew the grounds at the inn were beautiful, but it was just so rainy! He finally convinced me to go once he found an umbrella. We walked down by the flower garden, and the rain started to let up, and the sun started to peek through. I turned around and, all of sudden, I saw Jay down on one knee. I was speechless! He told me he could not imagine spending his life with anyone else. Of course, I said “Yes!”

What did you look for in a wedding venue?
My husband and I wanted a destination wedding, but did not want guests to have to travel too far. The minute we arrived to Clearwater Beach I knew it was the perfect location, but I needed to show Jay. The minute he saw the pictures of the wind, sand and beautiful blue water he was sold!”

We loved the Hilton Clearwater Beach because they created such a calming and relaxed atmosphere from the minute my family and I met with them. We loved that the deck we had our reception on was a step from the beach. Our guests were able to take a break from dancing and walk barefoot to the beach.

What did you look for in a wedding photographer?
We wanted a photographer who took photos that were vibrant, full of color and made things pop.

When I saw Limelight Photography‘s photos there was no turning back! They were amazing! Sarah and her team made sure they captured everything from details to intimate moments with family and friends.

How would you describe your theme?
Our theme for our wedding was casual with a touch of elegance. We wanted our guests to come and enjoy themselves and feel relaxed.

What were your colors?
I have always loved the color pink, but I did not want pink overload. I decided to incorporate the burlap runner and the twigs at the beginning and end of our aisle because I thought it was add a rustic touch.

What did you look for in a wedding DJ?
We looked for a DJ who was fun and interactive with the crowd. We wanted someone who was going to play music that got people out of their seats! We picked Grant Hemond and Associates because they were highly recommended by the Hilton and we could not have been happier with the decision we made.

What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay Brides?
Definitely look into Limelight Photography and Lucky Lemon Films. Their work is outstanding, and they are so fun to work with!

Ceremony and Reception Venue: Hilton Clearwater Beach
Photographer: Limelight Photography
Videographer: Lucky Lemon Films
Planner: Confetti Events
Florist: Iza’s Flowers
Caterer: Hilton Clearwater Beach
Cake: Chantilly Cakes
DJ: Grant Hemond & Associates *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Vendor
Officiant: Sensational Ceremonies – Rev. Rick Lackore
Dress: Casablanca Bridal
Bridesmaid Dresses: Jcrew Bridal
Hair & Makeup: Jess Waldrop Makeup Artists