Wedding

Romantic, Rustic Private Estate Wedding | Mision Lago Estate

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Katie and Shane's rustic Tampa Bay wedding featured an elegant evening on a private Thonotosassa estate. Whimsical and romantic details created the ideal aestheticto set the tone for romance while a champagne wall greeted guests before they were seated for the outdoor ceremony. 

“Our theme was a rustic romance with a splash of the party. We chose this theme because it represents everything we envisioned for our big day and encapsulates who we are as a couple,” the bride beamed. “Our wedding colors were navy blue, peach, rose gold, and maroon. They brought our rustic and romantic vibe to life, and they looked beautiful with the other colors at the venue. There were lots of brown woods and green trees on the property.”

The couple planned for a 150-guest Tampa Bay destination wedding and fell in love with the spaciousness of the Mision Lago Estate, which provided room for both wedding parties to prepare, as well as relax for the big day.

“We looked for a space that was already fabulous that we could personalize and make our own. When the large wooden gates opened, and we could see the vineyard and multiple event spaces, we immediately knew we wanted to get married there,” the bride gushed. “We also loved that the venue had Celebrity Chef Fabio Viviani! From the time we arrived to the time we left, Karin, the Director of Sales and Events, provided us with an exceptional experience. She was flexible and worked with us to customize our special day. We worked with Massimo, the Executive Chef, and he was so great. He made our tasting fun and worked with us to create the perfect menu.Getting married on a private estate that we could customize and make our own was wonderfully unique. Also having a celebrity chef added to the uniqueness of our experience. The entire staff at the venue worked as a team to ensure we had a first-class experience.”

Since the South Florida bride envisioned bold bridesmaid dresses, she selected Bella Bridesmaids for their ability to assist her entire bridal party at convenient locations. Katie's long blond hair flowed down her deep v-neck wedding gown, which featured long illusion lace sleeves and a flattering a-line tulle skirt.

“I have to shout out Bella Bridesmaids' West Palm Beach staff for the bridesmaid's dress inspo! Ten minutes after I met the manager of that store, she basically called out that I had a bold, edgy personality and that we should go bold and mix it up. Of course, I was immediately all in, and we worked together to create the dress palette. Another plus was letting the girls pick their dress style so they could add some of their own personality to it and feel super comfortable on the day of my wedding,” Katie raved. “My wedding planner referred us to Bella Bridesmaids because of the array of options and the fact that they had stores in all the different locations my girls were located in. I had a great experience from the get-go. The staff at Bella Bridesmaids stayed on top of everything throughout the whole process.”

As Katie looked back on all of the magical moments, it was her first dance in the rustic ballroom that brought the sweetest smiles.

“Shane says watching me walk down the aisle is a memory he will never forget, and I say our first dance will stick with me always,” the bride reminisced. “We were thrilled that our dream of enjoying our experience came true; getting ready, walking down the aisle, dancing, and celebrating with our families and friends was our number one memory.”

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Florida Wedding Venue Mision Lago Estate | Mision Lago Ranch
Rustic Wedding Accessories, Custom Photo Wedding Stationery, Blue Diamond Bracelet and Engagement Ring, Diamond Wedding Band
White Block Heel Wedding Shoes with Rhinestone Brooch on Heel
Leather Custom Flask for Groom, Black Tuxedo and Burgundy Bowtie
Long Sleeve Lace and Illusion Plunging V neckline Hanging on Barn Door | Tampa Wedding Venue Mision Lago Estate
Bride Getting Wedding Ready Putting on Pearl Earring in Lace and Illusion Long Sleeve Wedding Dress | Michele Renee the Studio
Florida Bride Getting Wedding Ready Putting on Ivory Block Heel Wedding Shoes Wearing Lace and Illusion Long Sleeve Wedding Dress
Rustic Bride Wearing Lace and Illusion Long Sleeve Wedding Dress Holding Burgundy Red Flowers, Greenery and Hanging Amaranthus Bouquet | Tampa Wedding Venue Mision Lago Estate
Rustic Bride Wearing Long Sleeve Lace and Illusion Plunging V Neckline Wedding Dress, Bridesmaids in Mismatched Champagne, Burnt Orange Dresses | Tampa Wedding Venue Mision Lago Estate | Bella Bridesmaid

What was your bridesmaids' dress inspiration?
I have to shout out Bella Bridesmaids' West Palm Beach staff for the bridesmaid's dress inspo! Ten minutes after I met the manager of that store, she basically called out that I had a bold, edgy personality and that we should go bold and mix it up. Of course, I was immediately all in, and we worked together to create the dress palette. Another plus was letting the girls pick their dress style so they could add some of their own personality to it and feel super comfortable on the day of my wedding!

My wedding planner, Alexa, referred us to Bella Bridesmaids because of the array of options and the fact that they had stores in all the different locations my girls were located in. I had a great experience from the get-go. Being in the middle of COVID we hit a few snags as many brides did with dress delays, designers going out of business, etc. The staff at Bella Bridesmaids stayed on top of everything throughout the whole process. 

Emotional Bride and Dad First Look Wedding Photo
Rustic Bride In Romantic Long Sleeve Lace and Illusion Plunging V Neckline Flowy Skirt Wedding Dress Walking To Husband for First Look, Husband Turned with Back to bride in Navy Blue Tuxedo and Burgundy Bow Tie | Tampa Bay Wedding Venue Mision Lago Estate
Rustic Bride and Groom Kissing Outside Barn | Tampa Wedding Venue Mision Lago Estate | Mision Lago Ranch

The Proposal:
We love to go to the spa, so Shane thought it would be a great place to propose as I would not expect it. We were on a cruise that crossed over the New Year, and the only appointment they had was at 8:30 pm on December 31st. Of course, that disrupted our dinner timing and getting ready for the New Year’s Eve party. Although I was not upset, I was visibly concerned about fitting in a spa appointment. Shane persisted, and at the end, he got down on one knee and heard me say, “What are you doing? Get up!” Then it hit me, and for the first time in my entire life, I was speechless.

Rustic Florida Bride and Groom Holding Hands Back to Back Behind Barn Door | Tampa Wedding Venue Mision Lago Estate
Rustic Wedding Ceremony Decor, White Folding Chairs, Blush Pink and Burgundy Red with Greenery and Dried Leaves Hanging Floral Arrangement
Rustic Wedding Ceremony Decor, Wooden Hexagonal Arch with Lush Floral Arrangements, Pampas Grass, Ivory, Blush Pink and Burgundy Roses | Tampa Wedding Venue Mision Lago Estate
Rustic Wedding Ceremony Decor, Wooden Hexagonal Arch with Lush Floral Arrangements, Pampas Grass, Ivory, Blush Pink and Burgundy Roses | Tampa Wedding Venue Mision Lago Estate
COVID Wedding Ceremony Custom Masks
Unique Wedding Decor, Greenery Hedge Wall with Glasses of Champagne
Custom Unity Wedding Sand Ceremony Glasses and Vases
Live Music for Wedding Ceremony, Cellists and Violinists Playing Processional Music
Rustic Florida Groom Watching Bride Walking Down the Aisle
Rustic Florida Bride Holding Lush Floral Arrangement with Father Walking Down the Wedding Ceremony Aisle | Tampa Outdoor Wedding Venue Mision Lago Estate
Rustic Florida Bride and Groom Exchanging Wedding Vows Under Wooden Hexagonal Ceremony Arch with Lush Floral Arrangements
Bridesmaids in Mismatched Champagne, Burnt Orange and Burgundy Dresses Holding Lush Rustic Floral Bouquets During Outdoor Wedding Ceremony | Bella Bridesmaid
Rustic Florida Bride Holding Lush Floral Bouquet, King Proteas, Burgundy Flowers, Greenery and Red Hanging Amaranthus Walking Down the Wedding Ceremony Aisle After Exchanging Vows | Tampa Outdoor Wedding Venue Mision Lago Estate
Rustic Florida Bride Holding Lush Floral Bouquet, King Protea, Greenery, Red Hanging Amaranthus, Burgundy and Burnt Orange Flowers and Groom Intimate Portrait | Outdoor Tampa Wedding Venue Mision Lago Estate

Where did you spend your honeymoon?
Unfortunately, COVID put our honeymoon to Costa Rica on pause for the time being. Instead, we took a trip to Blowing Rock, N.C., and enjoyed hiking, great food, and spending our first week together as a married couple.

Florida Bride and Bridesmaids in Mismatched Champagne, Burnt Orange and Burgundy Dresses Holding Lush Rustic Floral Bouquets | Bella Bridesmaid
Outdoor Rustic Cocktail Hour, Wooden Barn, String Lights, Tall Cocktail Tables with Champagne/Gold Table Linens, Hedge Wall Bar | Tampa Barn Wedding Venue Mision Lago Estate | Mision Lago Ranch

How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
Our theme was a rustic romance with a splash of the party. We chose this theme because it represents everything we envisioned for our big day and encapsulates who we are as a couple.  

What were your colors?
Navy blue, peach, rose gold, maroon. They brought our rustic and romantic vibe to life, and they looked beautiful with the other colors we knew we’d have at the venue. There were lots of brown woods and green trees on the property.

Outdoor Rustic Cocktail Hour Wedding Decor, String Lights, Tall Tables with Champagne/Gold Table Linens, Small Floral Centerpiece with Pampas Grass
Rustic Barn Wedding Reception Decor, String Lights, Hedge Greenery Wall Bar with Laser Cut "Cheers", Lush Floral Arrangements | Tampa Bay Outdoor Wedding Venue Mision Lago Estate | Mision Lago Ranch
Rustic Barn Wedding Cocktail Decor, Greenery Hedge Wall Bar with Custom Laser Cut Last Name, Floral Arrangement of Pampas Grass and King Proteas | Tampa Bay Wedding Venue Mision Lago Estate | Mision Lago Ranch
Rustic Barn Wedding Reception Decor, Unique Burnt Orange Wall with Geometric Tile Seating Chart, Lush Floral Arrangements, Pampas Grass, Mustard Yellow and Burgundy Roses, King Proteas | Tampa Bay Wedding Venue Mision Lago Estate | Mision Lago Ranch
Unique Wedding Reception Decor, Burnt Orange Wall with Geometric Tiles Seating Chart, Laser Cut "Best Seat in the House"
Outdoor Wedding Cocktail Hour Decor, Wooden Cross Back Chairs with Champagne/Gold/Dusty Rose Table Linen and Small Floral Centerpiece, Tall Cocktail Tables | Tampa Barn Wedding Venue Mision Lago Estate | Mision Lago Ranch
Rustic Unique Wedding Floral Arrangement, Closed King Proteas, Wooden Whimsical Sticks, Glass Bulbs Hanging, Curved Leaves and Hanging Amaranthus
Rustic Florida Barn Wedding Reception, Draped Linens on Ceiling with String Lights, Deer Antler Chandeliers, Long Feasting Table for Wedding Party and Round Tables for Guests | Tampa Wedding Venue Mision Lago Estate | Mision Lago Ranch

What did you look for in a wedding venue?
We looked for a space that was already fabulous that we could personalize and make our own. We wanted our wedding to be a time where all of the people we loved could come together and celebrate. We also wanted plenty of room for our wedding parties to arrive early and be comfortable while we got ready. The guy's space had a pool table and bar, and the ladies had plenty of room to socialize and get glammed up.

When the large wooden gates opened and we could see the vineyard and multiple event spaces, we immediately knew we wanted to get married there. We also loved that the venue had Celebrity Chef Fabio Viviani! From the time we arrived to the time we left, Karin Bearnarth, the Director of Sales and Events, provided us with an exceptional experience. She was flexible and worked with us to customize our special day. She made the process of securing a venue easy and enjoyable. We worked with Massimo, the Executive Chef, and he was so great. He made our tasting fun and worked with us to create the perfect menu. He was present during our wedding and made sure all of the guests were taken care of.Getting married on a private estate that we could customize and make our own was wonderfully unique. Also having a celebrity chef added to the uniqueness of our experience. The entire staff at the venue worked as a team to ensure we had a first-class experience.

Rustic Barn Wedding Reception, Long Feasting Table for the Wedding Party with Lush Floral Arrangements, Pampas Grass, King Proteas, Orange and Burgundy Roses, Wooden Crossback Chairs | Tampa Wedding Venue Mision Lago Estate | Mision Lago Ranch
Rustic Barn Wedding Reception Decor, Long Wooden Feasting Table for Wedding Party, Wooden Crossback Chairs, Pampas Grass, Greenery | Tampa Wedding Venue Mision Lago Estate | Mision Lago Ranch
Rustic Barn Wedding Reception Decor, Round Table with Ivory Linen, Wooden Cross Back Chairs, Low Floral Centerpiece with Orange and Burgundy Roses, Pampas Grass
Rustic Barn Wedding Reception Decor, Tall Geometric Stand with Lush Floral Centerpiece, Pampas Grass, Hanging Amaranthus, Blush and Orange Roses, Burgundy Flowers, Wooden Cross Back Chairs

What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
The single greatest piece of advice is to do what you want to do and don’t be influenced by everyone around you. Secondly and maybe just as important, get a wedding planner.

Ceremony Venue, Reception Venue, and Caterer: Mision Lago Estate *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Venue
Photographer: Foto Bohemia
Videographer: The Locke Agency
Planner: Alexa Kritis Events
Florist: Golden Petal Designs
Linens: Over the Top Rental Linens *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Rentals: On The Move Productions, Traditions Rentals, Fancy That Specialty Linens, Studio Festive
Cake: Publix
DJ and Photo Booth: Meister Productions
Officiant: It’s Official
Invitations: Minted
Dress: Lovely Bride
Shoe Designer: Davids Bridal
Bridesmaid Dress Shop and Designer: Bella BridesmaidsTheia and Jenny Woo *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Hair & Makeup: Michele Renee The Studio *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Ceremony Music: Sunset Strings
Wedding Weekend Accommodations: Sparkman House
Rehearsal Dinner, Bridal Brunch: Chef Rosana Rivera

Quotes have been lightly edited for clarity and brevity.

*Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pros are highly respected by our local wedding community and have been personally vetted by our editor.

Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pros

Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pros are highly respected by our local wedding community and have been personally vetted by our editor.