Rustic Glam Tampa Bay Wedding | Cross Creek Ranch Wedding
Erin and Steven's rustic Tampa Bay wedding featured an outdoor ceremony under towering Spanish moss trees, followed by a glamorous barn reception.
“We wanted our wedding to have a soft, whimsical feel with a bit of glam, from the flowers and the lanterns that hung from the trees, to the gorgeous luscious green chandeliers,” the bride beamed. “My husband was 100% part the wedding planning process, down to the colors and flowers. We chose purple, greens and gold. Steven knew it would look great against the greenery of the outdoor ceremony.”
The Tampa bride and groom searched for an open air wedding venue that would complement their rustic, glam theme.
“We both wanted an outdoor venue that had the WOW factor,” Erin explained. “Cross Creek Ranch was perfect for this vision. We knew they would take care of every detail, which in return would allow us to actually enjoy our wedding without the stress of planning. The staff was extremely accommodating, helpful and wanted nothing more than to make sure everything was exactly how we envisioned it for our day.”
MORE: CROSS CREEK RANCH WEDDINGS
When it came to hiring a Tampa Bay wedding photographer, the pair focused on personality and artistic talent.
“We wanted someone with experience, along with someone we would feel comfortable with,” the bride said. “Caroline & Evan Photography were the perfect match! They made us feel comfortable and confident when they were shooting and made sure to get to know us on a personal level, which made the photo taking a breeze. They also definitely have a keen eye for amazing shots!”
MORE: CAROLINE & EVAN PHOTOGRAPHY WEDDINGS
Looking back, one of the bride's most memorable moments occurred just after she and Steven said their “I dos.”
“The time after the ceremony, just my husband and I, definitely gave us time to enjoy and remember this day,” Erin reminisced. “Any bride will tell you that the day flies by, which it true, so just getting to enjoy the little moments definitely made it memorable.”
The Proposal:
Steven proposed on a trip to California on Pismo Beach. He set up a camera and everything to capture the moment!
How would you describe your theme?
We wanted our wedding to have a soft, whimsical feel with a bit of glam, from the flowers and the lanterns that hung from the trees, to the gorgeous luscious green chandeliers.
What were your colors?
My husband was 100% part the wedding planning process, down to the colors and flowers. We chose purple, greens and gold, which honestly, Steven picked out. He knew it would look great against the greenery of the outdoor ceremony. He has always had a knack for coordinating.
What did you look for in a wedding photographer?
We wanted someone with experience, along with someone we would feel comfortable with.
Caroline & Evan Photography were the perfect match! They made us feel comfortable and confident when they were shooting and made sure to get to know us on a personal level, which made the photo taking a breeze. They also definitely have a keen eye for amazing shots!
What did you look for in a wedding venue?
We both wanted an outdoor venue that had the WOW factor.
Cross Creek Ranch was perfect for this vision. We knew they would take care of every detail, which in return would allow us to actually enjoy our wedding without the stress of planning. The staff was extremely accommodating, helpful and wanted nothing more than to make sure everything was exactly how we envisioned it for our day. They do a great job of not duplicating any wedding. Every tiny detail that was put into place, such as the greenery covered chandeliers, made our wedding unique. Cross Creek Ranch made sure all our guests had an enjoyable time. We have gotten nothing but compliments since.
What was your inspiration for your wedding cake?
Steven and I wanted something simple and elegant, but also something that met everyone's sweet tooth.
Alessi Bakery did an impeccable job with all of the pastries and sweets we ordered for our wedding. From the mini tiramisu to the flawless wedding cake, every person at our wedding found something to hit the spot. It was such a pleasure to work with their team and taste everything they offered without any pressure. It was even better that Alessi's allowed us to bring along our mothers to enjoy the tasting process, as well. They loved it!
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Don't settle for anything but what you envision. The majority of wedding professionals want to make sure your day is perfect, and that can be done on any budget. Do you research, and you will find exactly what you are looking for, but don't rush into anything.
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Cross Creek Ranch *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro
Photographer: Caroline & Evan Photography *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro
Florist: Alta Fleura
Caterer: Catered by VESH
Cake: Alessi Bakery *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro
DJ: Grant Hemond and Associates *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro
Officiant: Sean Bush (friend of the family)
Invitations: VistaPrint
Dress & Bridesmaid Dresses: CC's Bridal Boutique
Hair: Kandice ShaRhea
Makeup: Epik Beauty
