Samantha and Chris' rustic chic Spring Hill wedding took outdoor elegance to a new level with hanging wine glass chandeliers and whimsical S'mores party favors.
“My wedding colors were blush, grey, and gold,” the bride shared. “The vision I was going for was definitely rustic chic. I had always wanted to get married outdoors, and the beautiful oak trees was exactly my style.”
MORE: RUSTIC WEDDING INSPIRATION
Excited to find a Tampa Bay wedding photographer who could perfectly capture every detail of the day, the bride and groom looked to Lifelong Photography Studios because of their rave reviews and excellent reputation.
“I was looking for a photographer who had the ability to tell our story with all of the beautiful details from that special day,” the bride explained. “Lifelong Photography Studios were great at capturing soft, romantic photos with natural light. I was able to look through their portfolios and tell that their photos were exactly the style I was looking for. Plus, it helped that they were really well-known and highly rated!”
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Samantha knew she wanted a natural look with a little bit of shimmer to make her feel beautiful for her big day and was ecstatic when she came across a glam squad that she instantly loved.
“I wanted to look like the best version of myself, and Femme Akoi accomplished just that!” the bride gushed. “I had been following them on social media, and I really liked what I saw. I went in for a trial and they were able to make me look and feel great! I booked them that day!
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Looking back on their outdoor celebration, Samantha remembers the surreal moments before the ceremony.
“About five minutes before walking down the aisle, my parents and I were sitting in the car just outside of the ceremony site watching the wedding party walk down the aisle. In those moments, I realized I was basically watching my own wedding from afar. It was a pretty surreal experience,” the bride reminisced. “Seeing my loved ones in the pews and my soon-to-be husband at the altar made me even more excited than ever to get married! It was a feeling I'll never forget.”
What was your wedding beauty inspiration?
I wanted a natural look, but nothing too extravagant. I think mostly I wanted to feel like a bride, so shimmer and false eyelashes were a must for me!
I want to learn more about hair & makeup from Femme Akoi.
I wanted to look like the best version of myself, and Femme Akoi accomplished just that! I had been following them on social media and I really liked what I saw. I went in for a trial and they were able to make me look and feel great! I booked them that day!
The Proposal:
I went to work on December 21, just like any other day. I got a text from Chris saying he wanted to meet me for dinner downtown that night, which was strange because our plans for dinner are always a last minute decision. My initial thought was that he had bad news to discuss with me or something else unusual was up. He ended up suggesting one of the first restaurants we went to when we moved to St. Pete. During our entire dinner, I was anxious, waiting for news or something, but I got nothing. He paid, and we were on our way.
When we were leaving the restaurant, he suggested we walk downtown and look at the Christmas lights. This caught me off guard because Chris definitely isn't the romantic type. I could tell he was nervous, so I stayed calm and kept my cool because I didn't want to get my hopes up, just in case. We got to the park, and then it happened! Underneath the twinkling lights, he got down on one knee. I don't remember the small details because I was probably having a mini heart attack, but I do remember accidentally knocking the ring out of his hand and him panicking, grabbing the ring from the ground. We had a Christmas party at our house the next day, which kind of turned into an engagement party celebrating with friends. The following morning, I left to spend the holidays with my family. My favorite part about that Christmas was finally not having to answer when we would get engaged!
What did you look for in a wedding photographer?
I was looking for a photographer who had the ability to tell our story with all of the beautiful details from that special day. I also wanted candid, natural photos, along with a few traditional wedding photos.
I want to Learn more about Lifelong Photography Studio
I hired Lifelong Photography Studio because they were great at capturing soft, romantic photos with natural light. I was able to look through their portfolios and tell that their photos were exactly the style I was looking for. Plus, it helped that they were really well-known and highly rated!
What was your wedding theme/design inspiration?
My wedding colors were blush pink, grey, and gold. The vision I was going for was definitely rustic chic. I had always wanted to get married outdoors, and the beautiful oak trees was exactly my style.
What advice do you have for other Tampa Bay couples?
Take your time and enjoy the process. Have fun. It's over in the blink of an eye!
Venue: The White Barn
Photographer: Lifelong Photography Studio *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Videography: Blanton Creative
Cake: Sweet Divas Chocolates
Entertainment: Matthew DLOUHY
Hair and Makeup: Femme Akoi *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Bridesmaids Dress: David's Bridal
