Taelor and Carson
Avila Golf & Country Club
“My husband and I wanted to incorporate both modern and traditional elements into our wedding. Selections such as music, prayers, and outfits were key to having our authentic wedding. We needed to be able to fit in every traditional outfit and music during the reception.
Our wedding design inspiration drew from my childhood vision. I wanted the evening to be intimate, yet still grand. I wanted timeless colors. We had white, cream, and gold throughout our wedding, and even on our wedding invitations.” -The Bride
FEATURING
Taelor and Carson’s romantic Tampa wedding was a stunning summer soirée filled with classic white roses and baby’s breath accented with moody candlelight and elegant gold details. The Florida bride and groom exchanged vows in a sun-soaked atrium before hosting their 146 beloved guests in a formal ballroom reception.
“Combining two different cultures and having several outfit changes made our wedding unique. We truly embraced my father’s Moroccan culture and traditional singing. After we had said our vows, my father and the Moroccan community stood up and sang blessings to us in Moroccan. I will never forget that moment,” the bride reminisced. “The most memorable moment was when we put on our traditional Moroccan outfits and went downstairs to begin the party! It was so special. I was worried before our wedding day about how our guests would perceive the traditional dancing and music, but it ended up being the favorite moment for many guests.”
Researching Wedding Vendors
“I used Marry Me Tampa Bay during our early stages of the wedding planning process. I had researched the editorials and blogs before we decided to follow our family’s tradition and chose Avila Golf and Country Club as our wedding venue.
I wanted a modern and timeless wedding, and reading through the amazing couples’ weddings in Tampa Bay assisted us as a mood board.”
The Planning
Blue Skies Weddings and Events
“While researching wedding planners, we had discussed that Blue Skies Weddings and Events was familiar with our venue, and they had helped other couples prior.
We selected Blue Skies to help plan our special day due to the large scale of our wedding. Initially, my husband and I thought we would have a smaller guest list, but as time went on, we realized we would need professional assistance on our wedding day. Over several meetings, we had discussed my outfit changes: three dresses and four veils. They had curated a detail-oriented timeline for the day. I just knew that we needed their guidance!”
The Proposal
“Carson and I fell in love at Disney World, and we had one of our first dates there. A few days after I came back from Seattle, WA, from an internship, he took me to Epcot at the French Pavilion, by the water, and twirled me around. At that moment, I just knew he was going to propose! I turned around to find him down on one knee, and it was completely surreal! We were so fortunate to have an intimate proposal. Not one other soul was around, just the two of us. I am so grateful for him.”
The Photography
Lifelong Photography Studio
“When we were selecting our photographer, I wanted someone to make us feel comfortable on our wedding day.
Buffy Feldman from Lifelong Photography Studio made us feel so safe during our first engagement photo session. I am camera-shy, and that was a personal concern of mine! I am so happy we had an amazing photographer. Based on Lifelong’s portfolio and several meetings over the phone, we both understood the vision we wanted on our wedding day. They are a vendor that I will continue to use for our family milestones!”
The Bach Party & Honeymoon
“We hosted my bachelorette party at my in-law’s beautiful beach condo in Clearwater, FL. I wanted to spend quality time with my girls and watch movies after swimming at the beach. I remember that towards the end of our wedding planning process, this would help calm any stress or anxiety around that time. Decision fatigue is a real thing! I cherished that time with them before all of my family came into town from Morocco.
My husband and I went on a Mediterranean cruise to Greece and Croatia. We decided to have our honeymoon there to learn more about the rich culture. It was so beautiful; the memories we made will always make me smile. I have never eaten so much food in my life! It was worth it. Croatia is underrated! Everyone is so friendly there, and it is my wish to go back one day and reminisce.”
The Inspiration
“My husband and I wanted to incorporate both modern and traditional elements into our wedding. Selections such as music, prayers, and outfits were key to having our authentic wedding. We needed to be able to fit in every traditional outfit and music during the reception.
Our wedding design inspiration drew from my childhood vision. I wanted the evening to be intimate, yet still grand. I wanted timeless colors. We had white, cream, and gold throughout our wedding, and even on our wedding invitations.
The most important elements of our wedding were the florals and decorations. I wanted to ensure a beautiful experience for the guests and a lifetime of memories for all of us to look back on. The atmosphere was set by mood lighting filled with candles, glass and gold hardware, and an abundance of flowers. I had envisioned walking down the aisle with candelabras and glass vases with warm candlelight. I wanted to see every single candle throughout the venue. The florist created my vision into reality! I wanted to feel calm and serene. We had sprinkled green foliage and stems to help balance the cream flower petals and gold hardware.”
The Photobooth
The Gala Photobooth
“We chose The Gala Photobooth to help create a fun experience for our wedding guests.
Between my several outfit changes, it may have slowed down the timeline/atmosphere, and I didn’t want to pause our party! They were amazing!”
Which vendors really exceeded your expectations?
Every single vendor exceeded our expectations. It is truly sincere; they all exceeded our standards and guided us every step of the way. Every single vendor was on top of phone call meetings, inspiration mood boards, etc. Kelly Lawson of Avila Golf and Country Club was truly my second-hand. I don’t know what I would do without her!
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Slow down and enjoy the entire wedding process! Although this is easier said than done, allow yourself grace and kindness.
