Sarah and Kimble’s Treasure Island wedding was a weekend-long escape to a private venue surrounded by sand and surf. The couple exchanged vows in true Florida style, with crashing waves as their backdrop, followed by an al fresco reception beneath swaying palms and shining stars.
“Our style was beach-rustic. We wanted to keep the design simple, timeless, and rustic,” the bride shared. “I chose a simple color palette of sage green, ivory, and nude, along with classic navy bridesmaid dresses.”
The Clearwater bride relied on Marry Me Tampa Bay for information throughout the planning process.
“I used Marry Me Tampa Bay as a resource when planning and searching for advice on different topics I had questions about,” Sarah detailed.
The pair selected a vacation property that offered accommodations for their closest friends and family along a beachfront space to host their 115 guests. The intimate surroundings made for a truly unique guest experience.
“Our wedding was on a private beach, and we had the entire property to ourselves,” Sarah beamed. “We love the outdoors, especially the beach, and this venue offered a 100% outdoor experience. Who doesn’t want to have dinner on the sand, followed by dancing the night away under the stars?
The couple sought a wedding photography and videography team well-versed in natural light. Having seen the work of J&S Media first-hand through friends’ wedding images, they knew they were an ideal choice.
“I wanted our photographer to showcase good use of light outdoors and rustic imagery. We really liked the fact that a lot of our friends who recently got married used them as well, and we loved how all of their pictures turned out, so it took the stress off of us not having to worry about that,” Sarah explained. “We also knew we wanted a videographer, and J&S Media offered a package deal with photography and videography.”
Sarah was lucky enough to work with two wedding planners, beginning with her bridesmaid and wedding planner, Riley Gersch, owner of Elegant Affairs by Design, who assisted with much of the preliminary research and inspiration before turning to Kelci Leigh Events to execute all the planning and finalize wedding day details so the bride and her bridesmaids could enjoy the day.
“I looked for a wedding planner who was organized and on top of things. I used Elegant Affairs by Design for pre-planning, but since Riley was in my wedding, I did not want her worrying about all the last-minute details leading up to the wedding, and she recommended Kelci of Kelci Leigh Events. Kelci was absolutely amazing and took care of organizing the vendors and all the last-minute details. I would highly recommend her!
The oceanfront celebration boasted a stunning ceremony arch by the creative team at Monarch Events and Design that was adorned with flora and greenery and complemented their beach-rustic style.
“I envisioned something simple and not too over the top. I had the initial call with Jean at Monarch Events and Design, and I knew that she was my girl,” the bride gushed. “She went above and beyond for us, and I couldn’t have had anyone better. She even built our circular arch by hand and ordered rustic wooden table numbers.”
Sarah and Kimble’s wedding was the perfect mix of elegance, fun, and casual. Guests embraced the Florida lifestyle, dining at wooden farm tables with their toes in the sand and views from the sea.
“My family is Italian, and we felt that Amici’s Catered Cuisine offered the best options for a reasonable price. Their service was great; everyone raved about how good the food was!” the bride beamed. “Everything our caterer served was amazing and got rave reviews from all the guests, but the prime rib carving station and the passed hors d’oeuvres (especially the spanakopita) were the best!”
Looking back, Sarah says choosing a private venue that allowed them to focus on their guests made their wedding weekend even more memorable.
“Being able to spend more time with our friends and family than just our wedding night was priceless, and that was all because of the venue!” the bride exclaimed.
What was your wedding dress inspiration?
Our wedding planner worked with Truly Forever Bridal often and suggested them. It was a great experience! I wanted a boho/lace dress and a low cut in the back but not too formal looking since our wedding was on the beach.
I chose the dress I did because it had all the features I wanted, and I fell in love with it!
What did you look for in a wedding planner?
I wanted someone who was organized and on top of things. I used Elegant Affairs by Design for pre-planning. Riley, the owner, was one of my bridesmaids who helped a lot in the beginning, finding vendors and venues. Since Riley was in my wedding, I did not want her worrying about all the last-minute details leading up to the wedding, and she recommended Kelci Leigh Events.
Kelci was absolutely amazing and took care of organizing the vendors and all the last-minute details. I would highly recommend her!
What did you look for in a wedding florist?
I envisioned something simple and not too over the top. I had the initial call with Jean at Monarch Events and Design, and I knew that she was my girl. She went above and beyond for us, and I couldn’t have had anyone better. She even built our circular arch for us by hand and ordered rustic wooden table numbers.
Where did you host your bachelorette party?
Charleston, SC. I chose this location because I had always wanted to visit but had not yet been.
Where did you spend your honeymoon?
We did two honeymoons, one in Jamaica at Sandals and the second in Breckenridge, CO. We wanted a little island getaway where we could relax and unwind from the wedding but also a change of scenery. I grew up in Pittsburgh and love skiing, and my husband had never been, so we thought it would be perfect!
What did you look for in a wedding photographer and videographer team?
I wanted our photographer to showcase good use of light outdoors and rustic imagery. We really liked the fact that a lot of our friends who recently got married used J&S Media as well, and we loved how all of their pictures turned out, so it took the stress off of us not having to worry about that.
We also knew we wanted a videographer, and J&S Media offered a package deal with photography and videography.”
The Proposal:
Kimble proposed while riding horses along the beach on Anna Maria Island.
How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
Our style was beach-rustic. We wanted to keep the design simple, timeless, and rustic.
What were your colors?
I chose a simple color palette of sage green, ivory, and nude, along with classic navy bridesmaid dresses.
What was your wedding menu inspiration?
My family is Italian, and we felt that Amici’s Catered Cuisine offered the best options for a reasonable price. Their service was great; everyone raved about how good the food was! Everything our caterer served was amazing and got rave reviews from all the guests, but the prime rib carving station and the passed hors d’oeuvres (especially the spanakopita) were the best!
Which vendors really exceeded your expectations?
All of the vendors we had were absolutely amazing – Our planner, Kelci Leigh Events and Monarch Events And Design were top-notch!
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Start planning early! And have lots of wine ready!
