Shirley met Anthony at her cousin's wedding; she was the Maid of Honor and he was the Best Man.
“During the wedding rehearsal was when I first saw him, but everything changed when I saw him at the wedding. I felt shy around him, and I am not shy. He did everything to get my attention, and I was nervous so I knew there was an attraction,” Shirley explained. “As we were leaving after the wedding, knowing that I may not see him again, I asked him for a kiss and he said ‘Yes‘ so I pecked him on the lips and he smiled. I asked for another kiss and he said ‘Yes‘ again.”
Shirley ran into Anthony later that night, which was the start to their long distance relationship, with her in Tampa and him in New Jersey.
Four years after meeting and with the pair still living states apart, Shirley and Anthony celebrated their own marriage.
“Our first Christmas we ever spent together as a family was December 2011. Anthony saved for over a year to get me the ring I wanted, but his parents needed help and we gave the money to them, so we didn't have any rings. He just asked me if would I marry him and I said ‘Yes,'” Shirley reminisced. “We went to the courthouse on December 23, 2011 and married there. Anthony promised me that I would get a wedding because he wanted to see me walk down the aisle and celebrate with our family.”
Royal A La Carte Pavilion Wedding
Almost a year and a half after their wedding, Anthony was finally transferred to the Tampa Bay area and the couple celebrated their commitment just weeks later at Tampa wedding venue A La Carte Event Pavilion.
“I chose A La Carte Event Pavilion because it's a beautiful place. It speaks of elegance to me and I attended a wedding there over 10 years ago and I never forgot how nice it was,” Shirley shared. “I am so happy to say I got married there. The staff were the best people to work with and made my vision come true, words cannot express it. A La Carte Pavilion made my dream wedding come true.”
The couple's wedding was full of personal touches, from surprise choreographed dances from both the bride and the groom to a unique wedding ceremony entrance.
“The most important element for me was my dedication to my husband before I walked down the aisle. I recorded a speech to him that the guests were able to hear through the speakers before I came out. Everyone told me how beautiful it was and how he was looking for me and how he cried because my words were so meaningful,” Shirley said.
While it's common for the bride to be crowned queen for her wedding day, Shirley also wanted her husband to share in the glory.
“I got my husband a crown because his brothers call him king, and throughout our relationship he would always sing a song from a movie that a guy sang to his queen so I wanted him to feel like the king he is,” the bride explained.
“I chose A La Carte Event Pavilion because it's a beautiful place. It speaks of elegance to me and I attended a wedding there over 10 years ago and I never forgot how nice it was. I am so happy to say I got married there. The staff were the best people to work with and made my vision come true, words cannot express it. A La Carte Pavilion made my dream wedding come true.” – The Bride
I had a real post office mailbox personalized with ‘Mr. and Mrs. Green' that we can use for our first home we buy together, because my husband is a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service. – The Bride
I got my husband a crown because his brothers call him king, and throughout our relationship he would always sing a song from a movie that a guy sang to his queen so I wanted him to feel like the king he is. – The Bride
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay Brides?
Be happy with everything you decide for your wedding even if you don't have to have lots of money to have your vision. Have fun with your ideas, use your creativity and be happy in all that you do. Once all is said and done the day goes by so quickly enjoy every moment.
Take your time and make sure to do your research on your vendors. I have established such wonder friendships with my vendors because they will be around from the beginning to the end.I was very blessed with such professional people.
Be kind. It will be overwhelming at times, but if you have positive people around that know and love the both of you, everything will be perfect.
Tampa Wedding Venue: A La Carte Event Pavilion
Tampa Wedding Photographer: Richard Harrell Photography
Tampa Wedding Dress & Shoes: David's Bridal
Tampa Bridesmaid Dresses: David's Bridal
Tampa Groomsmen Tuxedo: Men's Wearhouse
Tampa Wedding Hair & Makeup: Valerie Schneider
We are proud to have A La Carte Pavilion as a Marry Me Tampa Bay sponsor!
