Julia and Jeff
The Bay Club at WEstshore Yacht Club
“Our wedding was an elevated coastal Florida inspired wedding. We wanted something different and outdoors since our guests were from up north. We both like clean and minimal design so we chose classic colors of navy, white and gold. We opted for a unique twist of color with the mismatched bridesmaid dresses. Navy is my husband’s favorite color (go Xavier Musketeers!), and we wanted something timeless but unique with the bridesmaids colors.” -The Bride
Julia and Jeff’s waterfront South Tampa wedding featured a neutral palette of white and gold accented with pops of nautical navy. The couple exchanged vows overlooking the bayfront marina before dining and dancing with their guests in a candlelit poolside al fresco reception under a canopy of bistro lights.
“Our wedding was an elevated coastal Florida inspired wedding. We wanted something different and outdoors since our guests were from up north,” the bride shared. “We both like clean and minimal design so we chose classic colors of navy, white and gold. We opted for a unique twist of color with the mismatched bridesmaid dresses. Navy is my husband’s favorite color (go Xavier Musketeers!), and we wanted something timeless but unique with the bridesmaids colors.”
The Wimauma couple sought an inclusive venue that offered a range of services and stunning views for their 150-guest celebration. They were stunned by the beautiful space at The Bay Club at Westshore Yacht Club, but even more impressed by the attentive service, delicious cuisine, and overall stellar event day experience.
“We chose Tampa because all our guests were from out of town and the airports and hotels nearby to the venue made it easy for them! I wanted outdoor space for the ceremony and reception, with flexible pricing options, a great coordinator, and the ability to fit up to 200 people. Amy Winkleman was the primary reason we went with The Bay Club at Westshore Yacht Club. After reaching out to many Tampa venues, she got back to me immediately, and she put together a customizable budget and told me that she would work diligently with me to make sure we get what we need!” Julia raved. “The space speaks for itself and is an absolutely gorgeous venue, especially in the month of November where the weather was perfect! All of the food and drinks were top tier. Overall, Amy made this experience one to remember, and ensured our day ran completely smoothly.”
The pair prioritized the guest experience by focusing on the atmosphere, menu, and libations. They added coastal details to reflect their destination celebration and their shared affinity for the beach.
“The most important elements were the venue , food drink and music. We wanted the overall vibe to be a elevated cocktail party feel,” Julia revealed. ” We both like unique touches so we personalized cups with our logo and added seashells within our theme for our love for the beach! I also customized and designed all of the signage, invitation, suites, and guest book which made it even more special.”
The experts at Tampa Bay DJ Company ensured the dance floor was full all night long, delivering the party atmosphere that Julia and Jeff envisioned.
“We wanted someone with lots of experience, who knows how to keep a dance floor running. We met with Ivan from Tampa Bay DJ Company multiple times and his professionalism and knowledge is what sold us on his service,” the bride praised. “There was a very detailed questionnaire that I went through to ensure that we had all of the music choices and vibes for the night, and it turned out perfect.”
Recognizing the importance of documenting all of the emotions and details as the evening unfolded, Julia relied on Amber Yonker Photography to capture the memorable day through creative storytelling on film, while Pine and Forge preserved the festivities through artful cinematography.
“It was important we found someone with a reasonable price and with lots of reviews, plus someone who I could click with for the whole day since they will be there for eight hours. I ultimately love the Amber Yonker Photography’s style. I wanted someone with expertise who knew what she was doing and felt like a fly on the wall throughout the day and that is exactly what I got!” the bride gushed. “Amber and her service is impeccable. She makes sure that you get all the important shots that you want but also lets you be in the moment and captures the day through her lens. Her editing skills are beautiful and her timing is amazing. She got our full wedding gallery back to us far before what was stated in our contract. She is a pleasure to be around and her work speaks for itself.”
“We searched for a company with a reasonable price and good reviews with video examples. Heidi from Pine and Forge was referred to me by my photographer, so I knew that she was a trusted resource!” Julia beamed. “I met with Heidi on multiple occasions via Zoom, and she answered all of my questions and was very professional. It seemed like she could do a variety of different styles and music based off the vibe of the day. I also love that all of her previous brides’ videos were authentic, and I trusted her completely in this process to capture our special day.”
What was once a completely foreign location now turned into their home, and Julia and Jeff will forever treasure getting to host their closest friends and family in the beloved Sunshine State.
“Jeff and I moved to Florida to start our lives here where we knew not a single person other than each other. It only felt right to start our marriage in our new home state where 90% of the guests traveled far and wide to celebrate us!” the bride reminisced.














Where did you spend your honeymoon?
Excellence Resort Oyster Bay in Jamaica. My friend went there on her honeymoon, and our travel agent recommended it. It was great!
Where did you host your bachelorette party?
Seaside, Florida; I wanted something more low key and a house that could fit 17 girls.









What did you look for in a wedding videographer?
We searched for a company with a reasonable price and good reviews with video examples. Heidi from Pine and Forge was referred to me by my photographer, so I knew that she was a trusted resource! I met with Heidi on multiple occasions via Zoom, and she answered all of my questions and was very professional. It seemed like she could do a variety of different styles and music based off the vibe of the day. I also love that all of her previous brides’ videos were authentic, and I trusted her completely in this process to capture our special day.






What did you look for in a wedding venue?
We chose Tampa because all our guests were from out of town and the airports and hotels nearby to the venue made it easy for them! I wanted outdoor space for the ceremony and reception, with flexible pricing options, a great coordinator, and the ability to fit up to 200 people.
Amy Winkleman was the primary reason we went with The Bay Club at Westshore Yacht Club. After reaching out to many Tampa venues, she got back to me immediately, and she put together a customizable budget and told me that she would work diligently with me to make sure we get what we need! The space speaks for itself and is an absolutely gorgeous venue, especially in the month of November where the weather was perfect! All of the food and drinks were top tier. Overall, Amy made this experience one to remember, and ensured our day ran completely smoothly.







What did you look for in a wedding photographer?
It was important we found someone with a reasonable price and with lots of reviews, plus someone who I could click with for the whole day since they will be there for eight hours. I ultimately love the Amber Yonker Photography’s style. I wanted someone with expertise who knew what she was doing and felt like a fly on the wall throughout the day and that is exactly what I got!
Amber and her service is impeccable. She makes sure that you get all the important shots that you want but also lets you be in the moment and captures the day through her lens. Her editing skills are beautiful and her timing is amazing. She got our full wedding gallery back to us far before what was stated in our contract. She is a pleasure to be around and her work speaks for itself.







How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
Our wedding was an elevated coastal Florida inspired wedding. We wanted something different and outdoors since our guests were from up north.
What were your colors?
We both like clean and minimal design so we chose classic colors of navy, white and gold. We opted for a unique twist of color with the mismatched bridesmaid dresses. Navy is my husband’s favorite color (go Xavier Musketeers!), and we wanted something timeless but unique with the bridesmaids colors.












What did you look for in a wedding DJ?
We wanted someone with lots of experience, who knows how to keep a dance floor running. We met with Ivan from Tampa Bay DJ Company multiple times and his professionalism and knowledge is what sold us on his service. There was a very detailed questionnaire that I went through to ensure that we had all of the music choices and vibes for the night, and it turned out perfect.

Which vendors really exceeded your expectations?
All of my vendors I would give 110% too. They all were professional, priced reasonably, a pleasure to be around, and their work far exceeded my expectations. I would recommend them to anyone.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Do your research on vendors, don’t book the first one just to knock it off the list. Most of your budget goes towards your venue so find one for the most bang for your buck, and 100% absolutely hire a day of coordinator.
