Modern Tampa Wedding | The Centre Club
Braedon and Andrew’s modern Tampa wedding featured a black and white color palette with pops of gold accents.
“We didn’t have a theme; we mainly we just chose a color scheme for our wedding,” the bride explained. “One thing we did incorporate was black and white stripes. I liked the black and white with the pop of the colorful flowers and gold accents.
Searching for a Tampa wedding venue that was inclusive and offered a great view of the Bay for their out-of-town guests, the bride and groom selected the Centre Club.
“We wanted to find a venue that was within a decent distance from the church and the hotel where we had reserved a block of rooms, and of course, we wanted a reception venue that was appealing to the eye,” Braedon explained. “The Centre Club was very appealing with its fabulous cocktail hour area, lots of windows and views of the city, as well as the Bay (from the 8th floor). It was priced well in comparison to other venues, and it was inclusive of tax and service charges which was different than most venues. Our guests raved about the food and views. The extra decorations and small details that we added were perfectly displayed by Melissa and her team.”
Hoping to find a Tampa wedding photographer who would match their personality as a couple and who weren’t afraid to play with light or new things, the couple hired Rad Red Creative.
“We didn’t just want basic, traditional photos. We looked through Rad Red Creative’s photos of their engagements and weddings and loved them. We met with Leo and Brittany for the first time over craft brews, and they were very welcoming,” the bride shared. “We absolutely loved both our engagement photos and wedding photos. They even made it look like we were floating in the clouds in some of our photos. They are so friendly and easy to work with. Our guests kept approaching us about how great they were and how much they liked our photographers, as well as how the pictures turned out.”
Looking back, Braedon’s most cherished memory was seeing her groom for the first time as she walked down the aisle.
“We didn’t do a first look, and we stayed apart the night before our wedding, so, the moment when we saw each other for the first time up close (once I walked down the aisle of the church) was special. We were both so nervous, and it was comforting to be reunited and holding hands,” the bride reminisced. “The moment after we first became husband and wife, Andrew began to cry, and we were both so happy and overwhelmed with emotion.”
The Proposal:
Andrew was ready to propose to me on my 30th birthday weekend, as I had always joked about wanting to be engaged by the time I was 30. We had been dating about five years by then. He had the ring in his pocket, ready to propose in a private room at a speakeasy in Tampa, but my parents also were in town to surprise me that weekend, so he got overwhelmed and waited. The following week Andrew found out he would have to leave for a work trip on Sunday, but we had already made plans all weekend and no moment felt right to propose. We went to a concert, and had a few drinks (or maybe more than a few) that Saturday night and the next morning were a bit hungover. Andrew went to get us our favorite hangover cure, breakfast sandwiches from Jimbo’s BBQ. As we sat eating our sandwiches, with our pups on the couch, he decided to propose before leaving town. He was so emotional in his delivery that I was initially concerned he was breaking up with me. We both cried, and it was an amazing moment. We FaceTimed our families in the car as I drove him to the airport. We can look back and cherish the memory of getting engaged in such a private and emotional moment, but can also laugh at the context.
What did you look for in a wedding venue?
We liked the idea of venues that had reception packages. We looked into venues that would require hiring many separate vendors, but it felt more daunting and complicated than venues that had food/beverage packages, etc. We also wanted to find a venue that was within a decent distance from the church and the hotel where we had reserved a block of rooms, and of course, we wanted a reception venue that was appealing to the eye.
The Centre Club was very appealing with its fabulous cocktail hour area, lots of windows, and views of the city, as well as the Bay (from the 8th floor). It was priced well in comparison to other venues (and it was inclusive of tax and service charges which was different than most venues). They included food, alcohol, set up and tear down, as well as the dance floor. They made it simple by offering the upgrades to linens, chairs, etc. without needing to reach out to other vendors, and they made recommendations for vendors when needed. The service was very good from start to finish. Melissa Davidson is well-versed in the industry and made the process smooth and simple for us. Our guests raved about the food and views. The food was delicious, and portion sizes were awesome. The extra decorations and small details that we added were perfectly displayed by Melissa and her team. The linens, chairs and set up were exactly what we wanted.
How would you describe your theme?
We didn’t have a theme for our wedding, mainly we just chose a color scheme. One thing we incorporated was black and white stripes. I liked the black and white with the pop of the colorful flowers and gold accents.
What were your colors?
Black, white and gold were the main colors, but our flowers were very colorful. We liked the simple and classic colors, but wanted some bright colors since it was a June wedding in Florida.
What did you look for in a wedding photographer?
We were looking at work done by different photographers in the area to see if it matched our personalities. We didn’t just want basic, traditional photos. We wanted photographers who aren’t afraid to play with light and try new things.
We looked through Rad Red Creative‘s photos of their engagement and wedding and loved them. We met with Brittany and Leo for the first time over craft brews, and they were very welcoming. They had an edge that we liked, and it played out well in the photos they took of us. We absolutely loved both our engagement photos and wedding photos. They know how to use light and they know what they’re doing; they aren’t afraid to try new things. They even made it look like we were floating in the clouds in some of our photos. Brittany and Leo are so friendly and easy to work with. Our guests also kept approaching us about how great they were and how much they liked them, as well as how the pictures turned out.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Enjoy the process of wedding planning. It can be stressful, but it’s a once in a lifetime experience. It’s true what everyone says: the wedding day goes by so fast. You blink, and it’s over, so really try to “stop and smell the roses” that day. Take time out alone as a couple whenever you can to be present in the moment and remember what the day is all about. Some parts of wedding planning can be corny, but again, it’s a once in a lifetime experience, so do it anyway! Wear the bride sunglasses at your bachelorette and play the silly games at the bridal shower and enjoy drinking coffee out of a “bride-to-be” mug. You’ll get gifts that say Future Mrs. and Lucky Mr., or coozies that say Mr. Right and Mrs. Right, etc. Those things felt a bit silly or corny at first but eventually I was like, I’m only doing this once, might as well enjoy it!
Ceremony Venue: Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Reception Venue and Caterer: Centre Club *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Venue
Photographer: Rad Red Creative
Florist: Florist Fire
Rentals: Fotobox, Love Letters
Cake: Publix
DJ: Grant Hemond & Associates – Michael Planas *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro
Officiant: Father George at Sacred Heart
Invitations: Paper Source
Transportation: All Access Limos
Dress Shop and Designer: The Dressing Room – Stella York
Hair: Amy Arenas
Makeup: Alaina Debernardis
