Darah and Alex
The Fenway
“Our wedding theme was a blend of timeless elegance and modern flair. We wanted it to feel classic, incorporating elements that never go out of style while adding contemporary touches for a modern vibe. Our goal was to keep everything simple yet sophisticated—uncluttered but never boring. We chose a neutral palette of black, white, beige, gold, and silver to create an elegant and refined look without being too flashy or overly colorful.” -The Bride
FEATURING
Darah and Alex’s romantic Dunedin wedding featured a fusion of timeless elegance with modern elements, lush floral arrangements, and a neutral color palette.
“Our wedding theme was a blend of timeless elegance and modern flair. We wanted it to feel classic, incorporating elements that never go out of style while adding contemporary touches for a modern vibe. Our goal was to keep everything simple yet sophisticated—uncluttered but never boring,” the bride stated. “We chose a neutral palette of black, white, beige, gold, and silver to create an elegant and refined look without being too flashy or overly colorful.”
The Tampa bride and groom hosted a March wedding that showcased their love for Florida’s rich history and tropical charm.
“We live in Tampa and are true Floridians,” the bride revealed. “We chose Dunedin because we wanted our wedding to evoke a tropical vibe, without the need to be directly on the beach. We also wanted to capture the feel of historic Florida.”
The ceremony took place on the front lawn of a historic Jazz-inspired hotel, providing a picturesque setting for the 120 guests. All eyes were on the bride as she made a grand entrance, arriving in style alongside her father in a stunning 1964 bright red Ford Mustang convertible. Darah and Alex exchanged heartfelt vows beneath the warm Florida sunshine, framed by a breathtaking semi-circular white floral arrangement that added a touch of elegance to the romantic moment.
The reception unfolded in an intimate ballroom illuminated by romantic chandeliers, creating a warm and elegant ambiance. Tall centerpieces added a touch of grandeur, while the couple’s sweetheart table was a stunning focal point, adorned with floor-length linens, an abundance of candles, and framed by a breathtaking floral arch. Behind them, a glowing neon sign featuring their last name added a personalized and luminous touch.
To add more personal and unique touches to the wedding, the bride and groom carefully curated every detail to reflect their fun-loving and social nature.
“We infused our personalities into the wedding through the music, selecting songs for both the ceremony and reception that reflected our love and captured our social and fun nature,” the bride beamed. “What made our wedding unique was an unexpected ‘crazy hour.’ Guests discovered tropical accessories like hula skirts, straw hats, crazy sunglasses, and coconut bras hidden under their tables. Everyone put them on and headed to the dance floor, turning it into such a fun and unforgettable party! Guests got very into it!”
The celebration was crafted with one goal in mind: to create an unforgettable experience for both the couple and their guests.
“The most important aspect of our wedding was ensuring it was not only beautiful but that it also created a lively atmosphere where everyone could truly celebrate and enjoy the party,” Darah gushed.
Out of all the memorable events of the day, there was one that stood out above the rest.
“The most unforgettable moment of our wedding was the ceremony entrance,” the bride reminisced. “I made my way down the aisle riding atop my brother’s vintage red Ford convertible, which completely took our guests by surprise. As I arrived, Alex, my groom, began to tear up. Later, everyone told us it was such a ‘wow’ moment, and it will always remain a highlight of the day.”
The Proposal:
Our proposal happened during a beautiful trip to Hawaii. Alex led me to a hidden spot, where we walked up a scenic path. At the edge of a cliff, with the most breathtaking backdrop, he got down on one knee and proposed. To make it even more perfect, Alex had hired a photographer to capture the moment. It was absolutely magical.
Where did you spend your honeymoon?
We chose Greece for our honeymoon because it was the perfect blend of everything we wanted. We visited Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete, experiencing both rich culture and stunning tropical beaches. Since neither of us had been to Europe before, we were excited to explore a new culture while still enjoying the ocean views we love so much. With its romantic settings and vibrant nightlife, Greece was truly the ideal destination for our trip.
Where did you host your bachelorette party?
I chose Key West for my bachelorette trip because it wasn’t too far away and had the perfect beachy vibe. The nightlife was insanely fun, and our sandbar boat trip was an unforgettable experience. It was the perfect destination, making everything easy and enjoyable for the 12 girls in my bachelorette party.
How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
Our wedding theme was a blend of timeless elegance and modern flair. We wanted it to feel classic, incorporating elements that never go out of style while adding contemporary touches for a modern vibe. Our goal was to keep everything simple yet sophisticated—uncluttered but never boring.
What were your colors?
We chose a neutral palette of black, white, beige, gold, and silver to create an elegant and refined look without being too flashy or overly colorful.
Which vendors really exceeded your expectations?
My wedding day was absolutely perfect, thanks to all the incredible vendors who exceeded my expectations. My florist went above and beyond, creating breathtaking arrangements—especially my stunning bridal bouquet. From the arch to the ballroom, every detail was flawless, a testament to their hard work and artistic talent. Our planner ensured that every aspect of the reception area was perfectly presented, while our DJ kept the energy high all night. And the cupcakes? Our guests couldn’t stop raving about them the next day! I truly couldn’t have asked for anything more!
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Hire a wedding coordinator—you don’t want to be stressed on the best day of your life. Stay true to yourself and include only the things that will genuinely make you happy. Don’t forget to pause, look around, and commit the moment to memory. In the end, it’s all about you, the person you’re marrying, and how special that is.
