Taylor and Huw’s romantic Longboat Key wedding was a picture-perfect coastal affair defined by soft coastal tones of tan, blue, and green, complemented by lush natural florals set against an enchanting beach backdrop that evoked effortless elegance and seaside charm.

“We leaned into the beach setting for our wedding, keeping everything organized and cohesive to match the vibe. Soft beach-inspired colors set the tone, creating a relaxed and easygoing atmosphere—exactly what we envisioned for the day. To tie it all together and bring the theme to life, we even had our guests wear beach colors,” the groom shared. “We chose soft beach tones of tan, blue, and green because they felt right for the setting and reflected the laid-back vibe we envisioned. The colors complemented the beach backdrop perfectly and matched us as a couple, relaxed and easygoing. With the sunny weather, everything popped beautifully and came together even better than we imagined.”

The local bride and groom wanted a Florida destination that felt both meaningful and effortlessly inviting. They choose a location that blended personal history with the relaxed coastal atmosphere they love.

“We live in Tampa, Florida, but Longboat Key felt like the perfect place for our wedding,” the groom explained. “I grew up visiting there, giving it an already special meaning. It has the beach vibe we both love, offering the perfect balance of a getaway without being a hassle for friends and family traveling from Tampa.”

The couple turned to Marry Me Tampa Bay as a valuable resource, which helped them navigate their options and refine their vision.

“We used Marry Me Tampa Bay mostly in the early stages of planning. When you’re just getting started, it’s hard to know exactly what you want until you see it. Being able to scroll through venues and vendors gave us a clearer idea of what we were looking for and definitely helped put our minds at ease as we started piecing everything together,” Huw revealed.

The October ceremony unfolded at The Resort at Longboat Key Club, where pristine white sand and sweeping Gulf views created a breathtaking backdrop for their ceremony. Surrounded by 110 loved ones, the couple exchanged vows beneath a stunning deconstructed arch of white florals and lush greenery, blending with the natural beauty of the setting.

“We knew from the start that we wanted a beach setting, but we also needed a venue that could accommodate our guest list and allow us to celebrate exactly how we envisioned. Many beach venues seemed better suited for smaller gatherings, so finding one that checked all the boxes, like The Resort at Longboat Key Club, made the decision an easy one,” the groom shared. “We chose The Resort at Longboat Key Club because it offered the perfect combination of a stunning beach setting and ample space to comfortably host our guests. Their team was fantastic throughout the planning process, always quick to answer questions, whether from us or our planner, Carlie. They truly made the entire weekend feel seamless, and we’re already looking forward to going back for a visit.”

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, the celebration continued in the elegant John Ringling Ballroom, where cascading white fabric and softly glowing ceiling drapery transformed the space into a dreamlike setting. Infused with timeless coastal charm, the reception exuded a breezy elegance, blending natural textures with refined details. Taylor and Huw took their place at a beautifully styled sweetheart table, framed by the deconstructed arch and wicker accents that had graced their ceremony. This thoughtful continuity not only echoed the natural beauty of their vows but also created a seamless transition between the beachfront ceremony and the elegant indoor celebration.

While the décor and setting were breathtaking, the couple knew that the true magic of the day lay in the moments they would want to remember forever, making their choice of photographer all the more important.

“We were looking for a photographer who truly understood us and could capture the day in a way that felt natural and unposed. It was important to have someone who would put us at ease and focus on taking candid, authentic shots that reflected all the moments—big and small—that made the day so special,” Huw beamed. “We chose Eddy Almaguer Photography because we already knew his work and trusted him completely. Taylor had worked with him at her previous company, and one of her friends recommended him when I was planning the surprise proposal. From that moment, I could tell that Eddy’s approach wasn’t just about taking photos—it was about capturing moments with attention, thought, and care. We also used him for our engagement photos, so by the time the wedding day arrived, we knew we were in good hands. Eddy and his team delivered exactly what we had hoped for—natural, authentic shots that perfectly captured the essence of the day. Honestly, his work was the one thing we never had to worry about.”

The couple wanted their wedding to be a true reflection of who they are as a couple, blending meaningful moments with a laid-back, fun-filled celebration. From personal touches to unexpected surprises, every detail was thoughtfully chosen to make the day feel uniquely theirs.

“We wanted our wedding to feel like us—laid-back, fun, and anything but overly formal. Our ceremony was short and sweet, keeping things lighthearted and meaningful,” the groom explained. “While we couldn’t have our dog, Finley, there in person, we made sure he was still part of the day—his face was on our napkins, bar signs, and even surprise cutouts our wedding planner added for the reception. Since I’m from England, we added a nod to my roots with classic British touches, including Pimm’s on the menu. When it came time to hit the dance floor, we cranked up the fun with glow sticks, hats, and anything else to keep the party going and make sure everyone had as much fun as we did.”

As they eagerly counted down to their wedding weekend, an unexpected challenge arose—one that made the experience even more meaningful.

“Our wedding took place right after Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton—so we were pretty relieved everything could go ahead as planned! Despite the stress leading up to it, the weather turned out perfect, and it made us appreciate the day even more knowing how close we came to having to make last-minute changes,” Huw revealed.

Amid the excitement of the day, Taylor and Huw’s most memorable moment was a quiet, intimate pause to take it all in.

“One of the most memorable moments for us was right after the ceremony,” the couple reminisced. “After the whirlwind of the day—getting ready, the vows, and the cocktail hour—we had a quiet moment together on the beach during sunset. It might seem small compared to everything else, but for me, it’s one of those moments I’ll always hold onto. It was a chance to step back, take it all in, and just enjoy being in the moment as a newly married couple.”

What did you look for in a wedding venue? 
We knew from the start that we wanted a beach setting, but we also needed a venue that could accommodate our guest list and allow us to celebrate exactly how we envisioned. Many beach venues seemed better suited for smaller gatherings, so finding one that checked all the boxes, like The Resort at Longboat Key Club, made the decision an easy one.

We chose The Resort at Longboat Key Club because it offered the perfect combination of a stunning beach setting and ample space to comfortably host our guests. Their team was fantastic throughout the planning process, always quick to answer questions, whether from us or our planner, Carlie. They truly made the entire weekend feel seamless, and we’re already looking forward to going back for a visit.

The Proposal:
 Huw proposed at Seaplane Basin Park on Davis Islands—a quiet, beautiful spot that’s one of our favorites in Tampa. Both of our parents were there to share the moment, including my family who traveled all the way from England. Even our dog, Finley, got to be part of it, which made it that much more special.

What did you look for in a wedding photographer? 
We were looking for a photographer who truly understood us and could capture the day in a way that felt natural and unposed. It was important to have someone who would put us at ease and focus on taking candid, authentic shots that reflected all the moments—big and small—that made the day so special.

We chose Eddy Almaguer Photography because we already knew his work and trusted him completely. Taylor had worked with him at her previous company, and one of her friends recommended him when I was planning the surprise proposal. From that moment, I could tell that Eddy’s approach wasn’t just about taking photos—it was about capturing moments with attention, thought, and care. We also used him for our engagement photos, so by the time the wedding day arrived, we knew we were in good hands. Eddy and his team delivered exactly what we had hoped for—natural, authentic shots that perfectly captured the essence of the day. Honestly, his work was the one thing we never had to worry about.