Lauren and Mark’s waterfront Siesta Key Beach wedding featured a romantic and timeless color palette of rose gold, blush, gold and ivory. Incorporating a garden inspired feel to their waterfront nuptials, the bride and groom opted for an abundance of florals and candles.
“We wanted to be married on the sand where we could hear the waves, smell and feel the ocean breeze. We chose to get married in Siesta Key Florida because it was close enough to home so that not to inconvenience our guests, yet far enough away to feel like a destination wedding. Siesta Key was rated one of the best beaches in the world as well and we knew we wanted a “toes in the sand” beach wedding since we are both beach lovers,” the bride explained. “We wanted to bring the romantic botanical gardens of Martha’s Vineyard to the beach, essentially with just lots of flowers and lots of candle light for a very intimate, romantic, whimsical and classy feel.”
MORE: SIESTA KEY BEACH WEDDINGS
The Tampa couple’s dreamy beach wedding was captured by luxury Siesta Key wedding photographer Djamel Photography. Focusing on beautiful portraits and the glamorous details of the reception, Djamel effortlessly shared Lauren and Mark’s love through romantic, intimate portraits.
“We wanted a photographer who could not only capture our detail and portrait shots, but also one that could incorporate some high fashion style and candid shots,” the couple explained. “Djamel showed us his previous work, which incorporated all the styles of photography we were looking for. We meshed well personality-wise and shared the same visions.”
Looking back on their wedding day, Lauren and Mark reflected that their ceremony was one of the most memorable moments because of how romantic, heart felt and sincere it was.
“Our love and commitment for each other was well expressed and received to each other and everyone attending. There wasn’t a dry eye anywhere. Our pastor was truly amazing at conveying our love story and intentions to everyone,” the couple reminisced.
The Proposal:
For Christmas I bought Lauren and I a custom engraved brick paver on the Tampa Riverwalk. I was considering giving it to her as a Christmas gift, but I decided to hold on to it, because it might just be the perfect place to ask Lauren to marry me. On our four-year anniversary, I took Lauren to a very quaint Italian restaurant called La Terrazza in Ybor City for dinner. My anniversary gift to her was a framed picture of our custom engraved brick paver on the Tampa Riverwalk, which I gave to her at dinner. She loved it and asked to go see it after dinner. When we finished, we went to the Tampa Riverwalk to see the paver. We started at the beginning of the Tampa Riverwalk and walked ever so slowly, looking down at each paver. I knew exactly where it was…but of course Lauren didn’t. After about 10 minutes she located it. It was engraved with “MS & LH, September 21st, 2012, Our love story never ends.” (September 21st, 2012 was when we started dating). She was so excited about how unique and special the anniversary gift was, she almost cried.
Lauren had no idea what was coming next. She raved about how much she loved the paver and about a minute later, I pulled the ring out of my pocket. I got down on one knee and asked Lauren to spend the rest of her life with me in front of our paver. Lauren gasped, covered her mouth with her hands, and starting weeping. With tears of joy in her eyes, she said yes! We celebrated with some champagne at the Columbia Café, which is right next to our paver on the Tampa Riverwalk. We called our parents when we returned home to share the wonderful news of our engagement. The next morning we were off for vacation to St. John USVI to celebrate our four-year anniversary together and of course celebrate our engagement.
How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
We wanted to bring the romantic botanical gardens of Martha’s Vineyard to the beach, essentially with just lots of flowers and lots of candle light for a very intimate, romantic, whimsical and classy feel.
How did you incorporate you and your spouse’s personalities into the wedding?
Lauren’s personality was incorporated with the décor and mine was incorporated through the music and entertainment.
What were your colors?
Rose gold, blush, gold, and ivory. We chose them because they felt very warm and inviting. They achieved the intimate feel of our theme: romantic and timeless.
What did you look for in a wedding photographer?
We wanted a photographer who could not only capture our detail and portrait shots, but also one that could incorporate some high fashion style and candid shots.
Djamel, of Djamel Photography, showed us his previous work, which incorporated all the styles of photography we were looking for. We meshed well personality-wise and shared the same visions.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Allow yourself plenty of time to plan and work out all the kinks, but know that inevitably something won’t go according to plan. Just remember to be present for every second and moment of your special day because it will be over in the blink of an eye.
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Sunset Beach Resort
Photographer: Djamel Photography
Videographer: Baby Blue Film
Planner: Days Remembered by ND
Florist: Bruce Wayne Florals
Caterer: Simply Gourmet
Rentals: Daycor Events
Cake: Publix Green Wise Hyde Park
DJ: DJ Coz
Officiant: Pastor Brian Jones
Invitations: The Buttercup Stationery
Transportation: VIP Valet Inc.
Dress Shop: Brides by Demetrios
Bridesmaid Designer: Vera Wang
Hair & Makeup: Eyes On You Salon & Spa
Pre Ceremony & Ceremony String Quartet: Bella Musica Ensembles
Cocktail Hour Live Music: Guitarist Jim Garrett
Live Band: Caribbean Vibes
Menswear: Vera Wang
Photo Booth: Priceless Capture
Custom Ring Designer: Classic Creations
