Briana and Jamie
“I’m really big on candles and lighting so my vision centered on wanting a ton of candles for a glowy, romantic look. I technically didn’t choose wedding colors because we didn’t have a traditional wedding party with specific attire – my only request was bright, spring time colors to match the season and also the vibrancy of Hotel Haya.” -The Bride
FEATURING
Briana and Jamie’s Ybor City wedding combined romantic candlelight, a soft palette or springtime pastel hues, and delicate flora set against the backdrop of a historic building. The couple exchanged vows in front of sweeping windows filled with natural sunlight before dining and dancing surrounded by their closest friends and family.
“I’m really big on candles and lighting so my vision centered on wanting a ton of candles for a glowy, romantic look,” the bride shared. “I technically didn’t choose wedding colors because we didn’t have a traditional wedding party with specific attire, my only request was pastel, spring time colors to match the season and also the vibrancy of Hotel Haya.”
The St. Petersburg couple sought a special setting for their 100-guest May celebration. The historic charm, delicious on-site catering, and convenient lodging at Hotel Haya made it the perfect venue choice.
“I wanted somewhere with a unique character. Hotel Haya had such a cute vibe, and the food menu was so unique and fun,” Briana raved. “Their service was amazing, they really worked with us and made the planning process a breeze. The day of, the entire team was so helpful and kind.”
Crisp white linens and chic gold chairs courtesy of Kate Ryan Event Rentals elevated the ballroom space to create a formal reception setting. The pair incorporated their relationship and personalities through several details, from the music selections to the guest activities. Each element was thoughtfully curated to reflect their shared hobbies along with the bride’s favorite recording artist.
“I’m a huge Taylor Swift fan, and I arranged for our ceremony prelude music to be instrumental Taylor Swift covers. Jamie and I both love doing crosswords together, so we created a personalized giant crossword for our guests to help complete during cocktail hour,” Briana detailed. “We also both love cooking together and had our guest book be a newlywed cookbook for guests to sign with messages. We also hosted our wedding welcome party at Tampa Pickleball Crew in Ybor and that was a huge hit!”
With a focus on lively music that would keep the party going all night long, the bride and groom relied on the experts at Tampa Bay DJ Co. to create the perfect atmosphere for the evening. Their DJ customized a playlist that embodied the couple’s tastes while also allowing flexibility to tailor the tunes to reflect the energy of the crowd.
“I wanted a DJ who would read the room and be able to pick up on our vibe as a couple. My wedding planner recommended Tampa Bay DJ Co., and I’m glad I listened because they were amazing!” the bride gushed.
Briana recalls two stand-out moments from the celebration, bookending the beginning of the festivities and the end of the evening as favorite memories.
“Our ceremony was my favorite part of the day because we wrote our own personal vows,” the bride reminisced. “I also loved doing our private last dance while all the guests lined up outside to do a bubble exit. It was so nice to have a moment with just the two of us.”
Where did you host your bachelorette party?
Rosemary Beach. Getting married at 29, I’ve had my fill of wild bachelorette parties and wanted one that was more laid back and I also wanted to go someplace I’ve never been before.
Where did you spend your honeymoon?
We went to St Thomas and St John, USVI. We rarely relax when we vacation; we’re usually driving all over trying to see as much as possible so we intentionally chose a place that would be relaxing and chill.
What did you look for in a wedding venue?
I wanted somewhere with a unique character. Hotel Haya had such a cute vibe, and the food menu was so unique and fun. Their service was amazing, they really worked with us and made the planning process a breeze. The day of, the entire team was so helpful and kind.
The Proposal:
Jamie had a work trip in Budapest, Hungary and of course I had to tag along. He planned for us to go see the sunrise at Fisherman’s Bastion (a local landmark that looks kind of like a castle) and hired a local photographer to capture the big moment, then do a full engagement shoot afterwards. It was the most magical, perfect day.
We then spent a week in Budapest and Vienna on what I like to call an “engagement moon.”
How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
I’m really big on candles and lighting so my vision centered on wanting a ton of candles for a glowy, romantic look.
What were your colors?
I technically didn’t choose wedding colors because we didn’t have a traditional wedding party with specific attire, my only request was pastel, spring time colors to match the season and also the vibrancy of Hotel Haya.
How did the rentals enhance the ambiance of your event?
We used chairs and linens from Kate Ryan Event Rentals, and it really brought the room together.
What did you look for in a wedding DJ?
I wanted a DJ who would read the room and be able to pick up on our vibe as a couple. My wedding planner recommended Tampa Bay DJ Co., and I’m glad I listened because they were amazing!
Which vendors really exceeded your expectations?
The holy trinity of my wedding planner, Bri Thomas, my photographer, Jessica Cruz, and my videographer, Shannon Kelly, were absolute perfection. With Bri executing the entire event I didn’t have to use a single brain cell the entire day; I could just enjoy the moment. I have to give all the credit to our wedding planner; I gave her very little guidance, and she was able to create the perfect design, Jess and Shannon made me feel so confident and beautiful during all the photos and were just the sweetest, kindest humans I’ve ever met.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Have the day you want to have and ignore what anyone outside you and your fiancé thinks. You don’t have to compete with social media and have the most elaborate fancy wedding. Whatever you want to do is perfect.
