MJ and Mark's downtown Tampa wedding incorporated each of their personalities, with masculine touches like deep blue linens and a champagne wall that suited the groom, and elegant gold accents reflecting the bride's taste. The Tampa residents hosted an elegant, modern affair fitting their museum venue, with classic colors offset with citric accents indicative of Florida.
“Our wedding theme was chic and romantic with a touch of citrus fruit in the centerpieces. I wanted to match the theme of the venue by keeping the decor modern with a fun Florida twist. Our main inspiration came from a styled shoot I had seen, especially the minimalist ideas and color scheme,” the bride shared. “My colors were blush, navy, champagne, and glitter gold. I absolutely had to have glitter gold! The blush and champagne softened this bold color, and the navy adds a touch of masculinity for the groom.”
The Tampa bride looked to Marry Me Tampa Bay for inspiration and unique ideas for their big day.
“We used Marry Me Tampa Bay to get a feel for the type of venue we wanted and to gather ideas from other couples. This process was extremely helpful during our search to find ideas to match our personalities and overall vibe!” MJ beamed.
The couple elected to move forward with their wedding plans despite the COVID pandemic, viewing the situation as a novel experience that will make for interesting stories to tell their grandchildren. Although not everyone from their original guest list could attend, MJ and Mark say that the 90 guests who were present are what made their event so special.
“The people [made the day unique]. Everyone who attended truly wanted to be there considering we are still in the midst of a global pandemic,” MJ explained.
When COVID forced the pair to transition their seated dinner to a cocktail-style reception, Kate Ryan Event Rentals modified their original vision into an elegant evening filled with gorgeous decor and details that left a lasting impression.
“We were looking for a rental company with a good track record and trendy items. We originally included items like flatware and chargers in our contract, but COVID put a damper on that. We knew even the smallest of details matter in relation to the story we wanted to convey. I am a detail-oriented person and I didn’t want to settle on my vision for timeless elegance,” the bride revealed. “Kate Ryan Event Rentals was super flexible; so we re-worked our contract to include hedge walls, gold Chiavari chairs, bar accents, satin and taffeta tablecloths, and drapery to break up the museum space. We received so many compliments on all the extra attention to detail, and their service was outstanding!”
There were several key moments that MJ recalls as the most memorable elements of her and Mark's celebration.
“I will always treasure the first look and all the feelings of joy and excitement of marrying my best friend. Joining hands in prayer behind the scenes with all of our family and friends (especially with my new in-laws!) was so special too,” the bride reminisced. “My husband really enjoyed the boat send-off and the outdoor ceremony overlooking the Hillsborough River. He also loved having his alma mater, the University of Tampa, in the background.”
The Proposal:
We were hiking in Banff, Canada on a cold morning in the forest. It was just the two of us when Mark proposed on a bridge crossing a small stream. We took a selfie to capture the moment!
How did the decor rentals set the tone for your wedding?
We knew even the smallest of details matter in relation to the story we wanted to convey. I am a detail-oriented person and I didn’t want to settle on my vision for timeless elegance.
We were looking for a rental company with a good track record and trendy items. We originally included items like flatware and chargers in our contract, but COVID put a damper on that. Kate Ryan Event Rentals was super flexible, so we re-worked our contract to include hedge walls, gold Chiavari chairs, bar accents, satin and taffeta tablecloths, and drapery to break up the museum space. We received so many compliments on all the extra attention to detail, and their service was outstanding!
Where did you spend your honeymoon?
We were originally planning on traveling around Italy, Spain, and Croatia but we ended up going to Island Park, Idaho! We chose that location because we would be near West Yellowstone, Wyoming, and Montana (where I grew up.) The mountains are so peaceful and being near wildlife was a great choice to get away from all the stressors everyone is going through right now.
How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
Our wedding theme was chic and romantic with a touch of citrus fruit in the centerpieces. I wanted to match the theme of the venue by keeping the decor modern with a fun Florida twist. I had no idea where to begin, so I’m grateful for my bridesmaid Emmy for helping me conceptualize all I envisioned! Our main inspiration came from a styled shoot I had seen, especially the minimalist ideas and color scheme.
What were your colors?
Blush, navy, champagne, and glitter gold. I absolutely had to have glitter gold! The blush and champagne softened this bold color, and the navy adds a touch of masculinity for the groom.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
We definitely believe hiring a quality wedding planner is worth every penny! We also have zero regrets moving forward with our wedding, despite all the compromises we had to make for COVID. We encourage every couple to move forward with their plans even when they feel like giving up.
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Tampa Museum of Art
Photographer: Jennifer Martin Photography
Planner: Oh My Occasions
Florist: Florist Fire
Caterer: SaltBlock Hospitality
Rentals: Kate Ryan Event Rentals *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro
Furniture Rentals: FH Events
Cake: Publix
DJ: Island Sound
Officiant: Pastor Ryan Miller
Invitations: Minted.com
Transportation: Uber
Dress and Shoe Designer: Anomalie
Hair & Makeup: Kellie Riana
Gelato Carte: Cafe ala Carte
Quotes have been lightly edited for clarity and brevity.
*Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pros are highly respected by our local wedding community and have been personally vetted by our editor.
