Real Tampa Wedding Inspiration
Garnet, Gold and Ivory Ybor City 1930 Grande Room Wedding | Limelight Photography
Lauren and Cory’s Ybor City wedding focused on a traditional Catholic ceremony and showing love for their alma mater, Florida State University, with a garnet, gold and ivory color palette.
“We both wanted a traditional wedding in the evening where everything and everyone could feel fancy,” the bride explained. “We love those colors and felt they were great for a November wedding.”
The Tallahassee bride is originally from the Tampa area and searched for a Tampa wedding venue that was in a central location her wedding guests.
“We wanted somewhere that we could make our own and put our own touches on it, while also being in our budget and having all the amenities included, considering we were planning our wedding from Tallahassee,” Lauren shared. “The 1930 Grande Room turned all of our ideas into reality and made it even better. We loved that they did everything in-house including the catering, lighting, tables and linens. We also loved the charm of it being right in Ybor City with all the history and Hispanic charm.”
Hiring a Tampa wedding photographer who could capture every aspect of the day was important to the couple.
“We wanted the best photographer we could find that was still within our budget. I researched and spoke with several Tampa photographers, as well as read several reviews,” the bride explained. “Limelight Photography not only had amazing reviews, but Rebecca the owner, really worked with me and my budget. We thought their service was impeccable, and the photos turned out even better than we imagined!”
MORE: LIMELIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY WEDDINGS
What did you look for in a wedding photographer?
We wanted the best photographer we could find that was still within our budget.
I researched and spoke with several Tampa photographers as well as read several reviews. Limelight Photography not only had amazing reviews, but Rebecca the owner, really worked with me and my budget. We thought their service was impeccable, and the photos turned out even better than we imagined!
What did you look for in a wedding venue?
We wanted somewhere that we could make our own and put our own touches on it, while also being in our budget and having all the amenities included, considering we were planning our wedding from Tallahassee.
We absolutely loved working with Jenny and Chef Anthony [at the 1930 Grande Room] from day one. They turned all our ideas into reality and made it even better. We loved that they did everything in-house, including the catering, lighting, tables, linens, etc. We also loved the charm of it being right in Ybor City with all the history and Hispanic charm.
What did you look for in a wedding caterer?
We wanted people to leave our wedding remembering how good the food was.
Chef Anthony’s food was outstanding! Even though we did a plated dinner, StoneChef‘s prices were very reasonable, especially for how amazing the food tasted and looked. They catered to the bride and groom during the tasting, as well as on our wedding night. We felt so special!
How would you describe your theme?
Our theme was traditional and classic, with a romantic and elegant feel. We both wanted a traditional wedding in the evening where everything and everyone could feel fancy.
What were your colors?
Garnet, gold and ivory. We chose them as we are both Florida State University alumni and love those colors. We felt they were great for a November wedding.
What did you look for in a wedding DJ?
After people remembered the food we wanted the dancing to be unforgettable, so we wanted a fabulous DJ who could keep the fun going all night long.
We went solely off of reviews and we were not disappointed. DJ Cory [from Grant Hemond & Associates] was fabulous! We had a huge variety of music we wanted played at the wedding, and he did exactly that and more.
Ceremony Venue: Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church | Reception Venue: 1930 Grande Room (Venue Closed) | Photographer: Limelight Photography *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro | Florist: Artistic Florist | Caterer: StoneChef | Cake: Laurie Molina | DJ: Grant Hemond & Associates – Cory Barron *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro | Officiant: Deacon Santiago Molina | Invitations: DIY | Transportation: Family | Dress Shop and Designer: Vocelles Bridal (Tallahassee) – Casablanca Bridal | Bridesmaid Dresses: Brides by Demetrios | Hair & Makeup: MaryKay consultants Julianne Sanchez and Renee Morris
Purple and Silver, Tampa Wedding | Caroline & Evan Photography
Nikki and Nick’s waterfront Tampa wedding focused the elements that would create a polished atmosphere, which allowed their big day to naturally develop.
“We wanted a classy, elegant event that didn’t feel casual, but didn’t feel too formal either,” the bride explained. |I love jewel tones, and purple just always catches my eye. It took a little while to decide on silver accents versus gold, but I know we made the right decision as everything started coming together.”
The St. Petersburg couple placed a priority on hiring Tampa wedding photographer who could capture their big day, while also making them feel relaxed.
“I have always known that photography was super important when it came to our wedding day. If done well, it tells the story of your day, and these photos are what bring your memories to life,” Nikki shared. “Caroline and Evan [of Caroline & Evan Photography] made us feel comfortable from the moment we met for coffee, all the way through the album design process. I knew right then how much fun they would be to work with and they did not disappoint! They made us feel like friends and not just another client for the books.”
MORE: CAROLINE & EVAN PHOTOGRAPHY WEDDINGS
The bride did her research when it came time to selecting a Tampa wedding hair and makeup team who had a great reputation and could guide her into selecting a look that was right for her big day.
“I wanted a romantic updo with lots of curls. I’m definitely not afraid of makeup or lipstick, but I knew it needed to go with the romantic look of the hair,” Nikki explained. “When I had my consultation with Michele of Michele Renee The Studio, she listened to what I wanted, and it was like she knew exactly and made it come to life. Plus, she was so much fun!”
MORE: MICHELE RENEE THE STUDIO WEDDINGS
What was your wedding hair and makeup inspiration and what did you look for in an artist?
I wanted a romantic updo with lots of curls. I’m definitely not afraid of makeup or lipstick, but I knew it needed to go with the romantic look of the hair. I looked for someone with a great reputation who listens to the bride and what they want, but could also guide me to what’s best.
When I had my consultation with Michele of Michele Renee the Studio, she listened to what I wanted and it was like she knew exactly and made it come to life. Plus, she was so much fun! She and her team were punctual, fun, and made all the ladies (bridesmaids, mothers, and me) look beautiful!
What did you look for in a wedding photographer?
Before I was even engaged, I have always known that photography was the number one thing on my list when it came to my wedding. If done well, it tells the story of your day, and these photos are what bring your memories to life everyday. As silly as it may sound, I knew I wanted a “team” of photographers so that Nick and I could have every moment captured, and what better team than a husband and wife?!
Caroline and Evan [of Caroline & Evan Photography] made us feel comfortable from the moment we met for coffee, all the way through the album design process. I knew right then how much fun they would be to work with and they did not disappoint! They made us feel like friends and not just another client for the books. Another main point of their service was how quick they turned around our edited images. They provided a few images on the cake table at the reception, a preview of images on Facebook the following morning and all edited images within a couple weeks! It was pretty amazing!
How would you describe your theme?
Nick and I wanted a classy, elegant event that didn’t feel casual (even though our ceremony was at 1:30 p.m.), but didn’t feel too formal either. I wasn’t the bride that had pre-planned everything before I was engaged, but when I did picture the general look of my wedding, I always knew it would be an elegant, yet fun.
What were your colors?
I love jewel tones, and purple just always catches my eye. It took a little while to decide on silver accents versus gold, but I know we made the right decision as everything started coming together.
Ceremony Venue: Nativity Catholic Church | Reception Venue: The Rusty Pelican | Photographer: Caroline & Evan Photography *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro | Videographer: The Cinematic Moment | Florist: Arlene Floral & Event Design | Caterer: The Rusty Pelican | Photo Booth Rental: SnapShoot PhotoBooth | Cake: Chantilly Cakes | DJ: Frank Lebano & Co. Mobile DJs | Officiant: Father Victor Amarose | Invitations: Sprinkles Design | Transportation: VIP Limos | Dress Shop and Designer: CC’s Bridal Boutique – Maggie Sottero | Bridesmaid Dress Shop and Designer: CC’s Bridal Boutique –Bill Levkoff | Hair & Makeup: Michele Renee The Studio *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
