Florida Bride and Groom Wedding Portrait at Wedding Ceremony Gates Entrance | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Lifelong Photography Studios | Florida Rustic Wedding Venue The White Barn

Romantic Rustic Blush Pink and Grey Spring Hill Wedding | The White Barn

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Tampa Bay Wedding Planning Advice GroupSamantha 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!”

LEARN MORE ABOUT LIFELONG PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIOS | EMAIL

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!

LEARN MORE ABOUT FEMME AKOI | EMAIL 

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.”

Floral White, Pink and Gold Wedding Invitation Suite, Round Diamond and Yellow Gold Wedding Ring, Black Groom Wedding Ring | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Lifelong Photography Studios

Diamond and Rose Gold Teardrop Wedding Earrings on Blush Pink Rose | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Lifelong Photography Studios

Round Diamond and Halo Yellow Gold Engagement Ring and Diamond and Yellow Gold Wedding Ring | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Lifelong Photography Studios

Lace V Neckline Tank Top Strap Fit and Flare Wedding Dress on Personalized Hanger | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Lifelong Photography Studios | Florida Wedding Venue The White Barn

Florida Bride and Bridesmaids Getting Ready Wedding Portrait with Custom Socks and Silk Floral Pink Robes | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Lifelong Photography Studios

Lace and Illusion Back with Buttons Cap Sleeve Fitted Wedding Dress | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Lifelong Photography Studios

Florida Bride Outdoor Wedding Portrait in Lace and Illusion Back V Neckline and Tank Top Strap Fit and Flare Wedding Dress with Ivory, Blush Pink and Greenery Floral Bouquet | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Lifelong Photography Studios | Tampa Bay Hair and Makeup Artist Femme Akoi

Florida Bride and Bridesmaids Outdoor Wedding Portrait, Bridesmaids in Blush Pink Long Mismatched Style Dresses, Bride in Lace V Neckline and Tank Top Strap Fit and Flare Wedding Dress with Blush Pink, Ivory and Greenery Floral Bouquet | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Lifelong Photography Studios | Tampa Bay Hair and Makeup Artist Femme Akoi

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.

Book with confidence. Femme Akoi is a trusted Marry Me Tampa Bay preferred wedding pro. Powered by ConvertKit

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!

Rustic Wooden Sign with Bride and Groom Initial Wedding Sign | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Lifelong Photography Studios | Florida Wedding Venue The White Barn

Rustic Wedding, Old Ford Rusted Truck Decorated with Blush Pink and Ivory Floral Bouquets | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Lifelong Photography Studios

Blush Pink Roses in Planter Box, Wine Glass Chandelier Hanging from Tree | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Lifelong Photography Studios

Rustic Wedding Ceremony Entrance Gates | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Lifelong Photography Studios | Florida Wedding Venue The White Barn

Rustic Bride and Groom Wedding Ceremony Portrait Exchanging Vows | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Lifelong Photography Studios | Florida Wedding Venue The White Barn | Tampa Bay Wedding Hair and Makeup Femme Akoi

Rustic Bride and Groom Wedding Ceremony Portrait Exchanging Vows | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Lifelong Photography Studios | Florida Wedding Venue The White Barn | Tampa Bay Wedding Hair and Makeup Femme Akoi

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!

Florida Bride and Groom Wedding Portrait at Wedding Ceremony Gates Entrance | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Lifelong Photography Studios | Florida Rustic Wedding Venue The White Barn

Rustic Bride and Groom Wedding Portrait | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Lifelong Photography Studios | Rustic Florida Wedding Venue The White Barn | Tampa Bay Wedding Hair and Makeup Femme Akoi

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

Book with confidence. Lifelong Photography Studio is a trusted Marry Me Tampa Bay preferred wedding pro. Powered by ConvertKit

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!

Florida Bride and Groom Creative Rustic Wedding Portrait | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Lifelong Photography Studios | Tampa Bay Hair and Makeup Artist Femme Akoi

Tampa Bay Wedding Planning Advice Group

Rustic Wedding Ceremony Decor, Wooden Barrels with Greenery, Gold Vases and Florals, Cocktail Tables with Blush Pink Linens | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Lifelong Photography Studios | Rustic Florida Wedding Venue The White Barn

Rustic Wedding Reception Decor, White Wash Window Pane Seating Chart with Greenery Garland and Blush Pink Roses | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Lifelong Photography Studios

Rustic Wedding Reception Decor, Wooden Shelf with Smores Wedding Favor Treats, Wooden Table Guest Book | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Lifelong Photography Studios

Rustic Wedding Reception Decor, Sweetheart Table with Glitter Rose Gold Linen, Vintage Chairs with Custom Gold Laser Cut Mr and Mrs Signs | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Lifelong Photography Studios | Florida Rustic WEdding Venue The White Barn

Rustic Inspired Wedding Reception Decor, Long Wooden Feasting Table with Antique China Plates, Blush Pink Linens, Wooden Table Number Sign, Wooden Planter Box with Succulent, Roses and Greenery | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Lifelong Photography Studio

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.

Rustic Inspired Wedding Reception Decor, Long Wooden Feasting Table with Antique China Plates, Blush Pink Linens, Wooden Table Number Sign, Wooden Planter Box with Succulent, Roses and Greenery | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Lifelong Photography Studio

Three Tier White Ruffle Wedding Cake with Real Blush Pink Roses and Greenery and Custom Gold Laser Cut Cake Topper | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Lifelong Photography Studios

Three Tier White Ruffle Wedding Cake with Real Blush Pink Roses and Greenery and Custom Gold Laser Cut Cake Topper | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Lifelong Photography Studios

Florida Bride and Groom First Dance Wedding Reception Portrait | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Lifelong Photography Studios | Rustic Florida Wedding Venue The White Barn | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Lifelong Photography Studio

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




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About the Author

Anna Coats

Marry Me Tampa Bay editor Anna Coats created Marry Me Tampa Bay in 2012 to showcase the area’s best local weddings and vendors. She has been featured as a wedding expert on the national talk show Daytime, Fox13, ABC Action News, Great Day Tampa Bay, and Bay News 9 (now Spectrum).

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