Brittany and Carl’s romantic Tampa Heights wedding dazzled from top to bottom with gorgeous gold details, tall geometric floral centerpieces, and sweet personal details that represented the bride and groom’s quirky personalities.

“Our theme had a very modern, romantic Tuscan feel. I wanted simple yet elegant, with plenty of unique details. Since Carl and I both have an Italian heritage, we wanted to ensure our vision really was captured the day of,” the bride shared. “We both have very similar tastes, and we felt like the decor of our wedding truly reflected us as a couple. From the donut station to our interactive band, everything really showcased who we really are down to Star Wars themed cuff links Carl wore!”

Searching for a Tampa wedding photographer with a great personality who could help them capture every special detail, the bride and groom hired Carrie Wildes Photography.

“When I met with Carrie she was so kind and easy-going! I knew we would work well together come the day of the wedding,” the bride beamed. “She was calm and organized and didn’t push us to do anything we weren’t comfortable doing. Our pictures looked natural and timeless. I would highly recommend her to any bride!”

LEARN MORE ABOUT CARRIE WILDES PHOTOGRAPHY | EMAIL

Envisioning a gorgeous dress that matched her modern, romantic ambiance, the bride turned to South Tampa bridal salon Isabel O’Neil Bridal Collection.

“Isabel O’Neil Bridal provides the most breathtaking couture wedding gowns,” the bride gushed. “My experience was great! I had so much fun drinking champagne and trying on dresses. The day I chose my dress, they stayed late as I struggled between two dresses. Throughout my experience, they were easy to get a hold of when I had questions, and they provided a wonderful seamstress who perfected my dress!”

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Looking to tie together their 196-person modern-day celebration with rentals to create a romantic setting, Brittany and Carl enlisted the help of a South Tampa wedding rental company known for eye-catching decor.

“We used Kate Ryan Event Rentals for glasses, silverware, and chargers. They brought an elegant and upscale feel to our modern, romantic vision,” the bride shared. “They were excellent to work with. I was able to see the products in person before ordering, and it was easy to adjust the number of rentals we needed as the wedding day approached. We also used them for linens on the cocktail tables and the farm tables!”

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Looking back on their day of bliss, the bride loved getting ready with her bridal party and sharing the spotlight with a special someone on her big day.

“Getting ready at my mom’s house with my bridesmaids and flower girls was so much fun! It was great to be able to just relax and enjoy everyone’s company,” the bride reminisced. “Something extra special about my wedding was getting to celebrate my grandmother’s 80th birthday. With it being a few days earlier, we all sang Happy Birthday, and she danced to Frank Sinatra. It was a small gesture for an amazing woman!”

What were you looking for in a wedding dress?
I was looking for a dress that I felt comfortable in, but also felt special enough to wear on my wedding day. I wanted it to complement the modern, romantic feel I envisioned for our big day.

I chose Isabel O’Neil Bridal Collection because they provide the most breathtaking couture wedding gowns. My experience was great! I had so much fun drinking champagne and trying on dresses. The day I chose my dress they stayed late as I struggled between two dresses. Throughout my experience, they were easy to get a hold of when I had questions and they provided a wonderful seamstress who perfected my dress!

What was your bridesmaids dress inspiration?
I knew I wanted my bridesmaids to have different style dresses while all wearing the same color and fabric. I wanted a pinkish-nude color. I actually ordered a lot of fabric samples in order to find just the right color!

Bella Bridesmaids provided the largest dress selection and styles in order for my bridesmaids to be able to try on their dresses before ordering.

What did you look for in a wedding photographer?
The most important thing I looked for in a wedding photographer was someone who would work well with both Carl and I the day of the wedding and make taking pictures fun.

When I met with Carrie of Carrie Wildes Photography she was so kind and easy-going! I knew we would work well together come the day of the wedding. She was calm and organized and didn’t push us to do anything we weren’t comfortable doing. Our pictures looked natural and timeless. I would highly recommend her to any bride!

The Proposal:
Carl and I were in Chicago during Christmas time, and as we were walking to dinner we stopped to take a picture in front of the Christmas tree. He asked the police officers to take the picture, and the next thing I know he was down on one knee, and my jaw was on the floor! It was the best surprise ever!

How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
Our theme had a very modern, romantic Tuscan feel. I wanted simple yet elegant, with plenty of unique details. Since Carl and I both have an Italian heritage, we wanted to ensure our vision really was captured the day of. Tuscany is also one of my favorite places I have visited and was one of the destinations for our honeymoon!

What did you look for in a wedding rental company?
We used Kate Ryan Event Rentals for glasses, silverware, and chargers.

They brought an elegant and upscale feel to our modern, romantic vision. Kate Ryan Event Rentals was excellent to work with. I was able to see the products in person before ordering, and it was easy to adjust the number of rentals we needed as the wedding day approached. We also used them for linens on the cocktail tables and the farm tables

What did you look for in a wedding bakery?
I have a gluten and dairy allergy, so I was looking for a bakery that could meet my needs and taste good!

I hired The Artistic Whisk because of their ability to meet my specific needs in making a gluten and dairy-free cake. During the tasting, the flavors tasted great, so I chose them to make our cake!

What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Meet with several vendors and find the people who you will enjoy being around and working with! Choose what reflects you and your spouse the best and enjoy your big day.

Ceremony Venue: First Presbyterian Church Downtown Tampa
Reception Venue: Armature Works
Photographer: Carrie Wildes Photography *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Videographer: Randall Productions
Planner and Florist: Couture Weddings and More
Caterer: Puff N’ Stuff
Linens: Over The Top Rental Linens *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Rentals: Kate Ryan Event Rentals *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Cake: The Artistic Whisk *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Band: The New Royals (Atlanta, GA)
Officiant: Fitz Connor
Invitations: Doyle Paper Co.
Dress Shop and Designer: Isabel O’Neil Bridal Collection – Galia Lahav *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Bridesmaid Dress Shop and Designer: Bella Bridesmaids – The Dessy Group *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Makeup: IQ of Beauty
Hair: Femme Akoi *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro