Wedding

Rustic Chic South Tampa Wedding | Tampa Yacht and Country Club

 

Tampa Bay Wedding Planning Advice Group

Emily and Jay's South Tampa wedding combined the couple's love for Tampa Bay and their simplistic style which was intertwined throughout their waterfront celebration.

“We are big on the outdoors, especially boating and fishing so naturally, our venue was on the water with an outdoor ceremony,” the bride beamed. “For our theme, I suppose simple, rustic-chic is the closest description I can come up with. This vibe is pretty much my style all-around. We went with simple white flowers and lots of eucalyptus greenery with wooden, gray, and silver sage tones for our colors.”

MORE: GREENERY INSPIRED WEDDINGS

While planning their Tampa wedding for 165 of their closest friends and family, the Seminole couple turned to Marry Me Tampa Bay for real wedding inspiration.

“I scrolled through Marry Me Tampa Bay over and over during my planning process to get ideas of things I would want and not want for my wedding day. It helps a lot to see real weddings happening in your area to help you figure out your vision,” the bride explained. “I grew up in Tampa so it meant a lot to be able to get married in the city I was raised in and have so much love for.”

While dreaming of their perfect day, the bride and groom sought a South Tampa wedding photographer who could make their photos feel lighthearted and effortless.

“I wanted someone who was fun and creative, and who could make us feel comfortable. My husband hates taking pictures so to capture real, genuine smiles and moments, I knew I needed someone who could make the hassle of taking pictures fun and easy,” Emily shared. “I had seen Christina of Luxe Light Photography’s work through many mutual friends and clients and have always admired her photos and ability to capture pure joy. Not to mention she came with outstanding reviews of how fun and easy she is to work with throughout the entire process. We used Luxe Light for our engagement photos as well, so we were definitely comfortable around her from the start! Christina's service goes above and beyond!”

LEARN MORE ABOUT LUXE LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY | EMAIL

To create a custom wedding invitation suite that would embrace the Florida bride's sense of style, A&P Design Co. incorporated a hand-painted design by the bride's mother to complement her custom made wedding dress.

“I wanted to stick to a simple rustic, chic design that picked up on the green and blue hues we tied into the wedding. I actually had my mom watercolor the design we used on the inside of the envelopes of the eucalyptus leaves so they were extra special knowing she had designed them herself,” Emily beamed. “A&P Design Co. was great to work with! They loved the idea of having my mom design and paint the inside envelope lining and were able to reproduce it for all of our invitations. They have a very cute space to sit and chat with them about your invitation design vision, and so many examples to look at.”

LEARN MORE ABOUT A&P DESIGN CO. | EMAIL

On a whirlwind day that felt like a fantasy, Emily remembers the first moment she spent with her groom and how it felt to celebrate with the most important people in her life.

“My most memorable moment was the first look with my husband. That is the first time that day that time really stopped, and we got to take a moment amidst all of the business and reflect on what the day really meant for us,” the reminisced. “I was lucky enough to have a brief moment with just my momma and to let her know my appreciation for her before I went into my first look. Also, the walk down the aisle with my dad was every little girl's dream. He was and is my rock and that was so very special to have a lengthy walk with him.”

Simple Rustic-Chic Inspired Silver Gray Wedding Invitation Suite, Blue Lace Garter | Tampa Bay Stationery Design A&P Design Co | Florida Luxury Wedding Photographer Luxe Light Images

What was your wedding invitation design inspiration?
I wanted to stick to a simple, rustic, chic design that picked up on the green and blue hues we tied into the wedding. I actually had my mom watercolor the design we used on the inside of the envelopes of the eucalyptus leaves, so they were extra special knowing that she had designed them herself. Instead of an elaborate design on the actual invitation, we opted for a simple script for our names and used the colored envelopes and rehearsal dinner card to give a little extra flair to them.

A&P Design Co. was great to work with! They loved the idea of having my mom design and paint the inside envelope lining and were able to reproduce it for all of our invitations. They have a very cute space to sit and chat with them about your invitation design vision, and so many examples to look at.

Fun Florida Bride Wedding Shoes, Silver Sparkle Glitter Kate Spade Tennis Shoes | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Luxe Light Images

Romantic, Custom Designed Lace and Illusion Long Sleeve Wedding Dress Hanging in Window at Tampa Yacht and Country Club | Florida Wedding Photographer Luxe Light Images

Simple Romantic Chic Wedding Hairstyle, Florida Bride with Half Up Half Down Wedding Hairstyle with Floral Hairpiece | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Luxe Light Images

Florida Bride Getting Ready Wedding Portrait, Putting on Silver Glitter Sparkle Kate Spade Tennis Shoes | Tampa Bay Luxury Wedding Photographer Luxe Light Images

Bride and Bridal Party First Look Wedding Portrait, Florida Bridesmaids in Long Mix and Match Mint Crisp Show Me Your MuMu Dresses | Tampa Bay Luxury Wedding Photographer Luxe Light Images

Florida Bride and Father First Look Wedding Portrait, Main Staircase of Historic Ballast Point Wedding Venue Tampa Yacht Club | Tampa Bay Luxury Wedding Photographer Luxe Light Images

Simple Chic Romantic, South Tampa Bride and Groom First Look Wedding Portrait at Wedding Venue Tampa Yacht Club | Florida Luxury Wedding Photographer Luxe Light Images

Simple Chic Romantic, South Tampa Bride and Groom First Look Wedding Portrait at Wedding Venue Tampa Yacht Club | Florida Luxury Wedding Photographer Luxe Light Images

Simple Chic Romantic, South Tampa Bride and Groom Wedding Portrait on Staircase, Bride with Cathedral Length Veil | Wedding Venue Tampa Yacht Club | Florida Luxury Wedding Photographer Luxe Light Images

Romantic Bride and Groom Wedding Portrait on Staircase | Wedding Venue Tampa Yacht Club | Florida Luxury Wedding Photographer Luxe Light Images

The Proposal:
We got engaged in Havana, Cuba, in October 2017. We decided relatively on a whim to book a trip to Cuba one weekend to experience the culture while travel was still open. We arrived early Friday morning and decided to go exploring before we could check into Hotel Nacional. We ended up at the best-hidden gem restaurant for a late lunch that had an incredible third-story terrace that overlooked the city and out to the ocean. It was on this terrace that Jay got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. We were able to FaceTime a few close family members and friends to spread the news, but pretty much spent the rest of the weekend enjoying each other’s company and exploring Havana before returning to the real world on Sunday evening.

Simple Chic Romantic, Florida Bride in Boho Flowy Lace and Illusion Long Sleeve Wedding Dress with Long Cathedral Veil | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Luxe Light Images

Tampa Bay Bride in Boho Inspired Flowy, Lace and Illusion V Neckline Long Sleeve Wedding Dress Holding Rustic Chic Floral Bouquet with White and Ivory Roses, Blue Thistle, Eucalyptus Leaves, Silver Sage Flowers and Gray Accents | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Luxe Light Images

Florida Bride in Boho Inspired Lace and Illusion Long Sleeve Wedding Dress Holding Rustic Chic Floral Bouquet with Cathedral Long Veil Blowing In The Wind | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Luxe Light Images

South Tampa Bride and Bridal Party Outdoor Wedding Portrait, Bridesmaids in Long Mix and Match Mint Crisp Show Me Your MuMu Dresses, Holding Rustic Chic Floral Bouquets with White and Blush Pink Roses with Greenery | Florida Luxury Wedding Photographer Luxe Light Images

Florida Bride and Groom Intimate Embrace Kiss Dip Wedding Portrait in Outdoor Garden | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Luxe Light Images

Romantic, Whimsical Creative Florida Bride and Groom Wedding Portrait with Lens Flair Under Veil | South Tampa Luxury Wedding Photographer Luxe Light Images

Tampa Bay Bride Holding Rustic Chic Floral Bouquet with White Roses, Blue Thistle, Eucalyptus Leaves, Silver Sage Flowers and Gray Accents | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Luxe Light Images

Rustic Chic, Simple Tampa Bay Outdoor Garden Wedding Ceremony Decor, Eucalyptus Leave Aisle Decor on White Folding Chairs | Florida Wedding Photographer Luxe Light Images | Waterfront Wedding Venue Tampa Yacht and Country Club

Rustic Chic, Tampa Bay Outdoor Garden Wedding Ceremony Decor Eucalyptus Leaves, White Roses, Greenery Floral Arch | Florida Wedding Photographer Luxe Light Images

Tampa Bay Bride and Groom Exchange Vows at the Altar in Outdoor Waterfront Wedding Ceremony | Florida Wedding Photographer Luxe Light Images | Wedding Venue Tampa Yacht and Country Club

Tampa Bay Bride and Groom Kiss at the Altar in Outdoor Waterfront Rustic Wedding Ceremony | Florida Wedding Photographer Luxe Light Images | Wedding Venue Tampa Yacht and Country Club

Boho Elegant Inspired South Tampa Bride and Groom on Pier at Sunset Holding Rustic Chic Wedding Bouquet | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Luxe Light Photography | Florida Wedding Photographer Luxe Light Images | Wedding Venue Tampa Yacht and Country Club

What did you look for in a wedding photographer?
I wanted someone who was fun and creative and who could make us feel comfortable. My husband hates taking pictures so to capture real, genuine smiles and moments, I knew I needed someone who could make the hassle of taking pictures fun and easy!

I had seen Christina of Luxe Light Photography‘s work through many mutual friends and clients and have always admired her photos and the ability to capture pure joy. Not to mention she came with outstanding reviews of how fun and easy she is to work with throughout the entire process. We used Luxe Light for our engagement photos as well, so we were definitely comfortable around her from the start! Christina's service goes above and beyond!

Boho Elegant Inspired South Tampa Bride and Groom on Pier at Sunset Holding Rustic Chic Wedding Floral Bouquet with White Roses and Greenery | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Luxe Light Photography | Florida Wedding Photographer Luxe Light Images | Wedding Venue Tampa Yacht and Country Club

Boho Elegance Inspired South Tampa Bride and Groom on Pier at Sunset at Tampa Yacht Club, Holding Rustic Chic Wedding Bouquet with White Roses and Greenery | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Luxe Light Photography | Florida Wedding Photographer Luxe Light Photography

Rustic Chic Inspired Wedding Reception Decor Boho Elegant Inspired Greenery, Long Wooden Feasting Tables, Green Eucalyptus Leave Garland Table Runner, Wood Cross-back Chairs, White Ceiling Draping and Crystal Chandelier | Florida Luxury Wedding Photographer Luxe Light Images | Wedding Venue Tampa Yacht and Country Club

Rustic Chic Inspired Wedding Reception Decor, Boho Elegant Silver Chargers with Custom Laser Cut Name, Wooden Feasting Table, Green Eucalyptus Leaf Garland Table Runner, Wood Cross-back Chairs | Florida Luxury Wedding Photographer Luxe Light Images

How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
I suppose simple, rustic, chic is the closest description I can come up with. This vibe is pretty much my style all around. We went with simple white flowers and lots of eucalyptus greenery with wooden, gray, and silver, sage tones.

What were your colors?
Silver sage and mint crisp with white flowers and eucalyptus greenery. Touches of grays. I like things to be simple, clean, and crisp and these colors were the best way to accomplish that look!

Rustic Chic Inspired Wedding Reception Decor, Boho Elegance Inspired Silver Chargers with Laser Cut Custom Names, Wooden Feasting Tables, Green Eucalyptus Leaf Garland Table Runner, Wood Cross-back Chairs | Florida Luxury Wedding Photographer Luxe Light Images

Rustic Chic Three Tier Semi Naked White Frosted Wedding Cake with Green Eucalyptus Leaf Accents, Wooden Boho Elegant Cake Stand | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Luxe Light Images

Tampa Bay Bride and Groom Intimate First Dance During Outdoor Tent Wedding Reception Portrait | Florida Wedding Photographer Luxe Light Photography | Wedding Venue Tampa Yacht and Country Club

Florida Bride and Groom During Midnight Sparkler Exit | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Luxe Light Images | Wedding Venue Tampa Yacht and Country Club

What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Don’t get caught up in the things you think you “have to have” at a wedding. It is your day and your memory to make. Make it exactly how you want and don’t apologize for it. You won’t please everyone but that isn’t the point of the day. Enjoy every second!

Ceremony and Reception Venue: Tampa Yacht and Country Club
Photographer: Luxe Light Images *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Videographer: A Peachy Life Productions
Florist: The Potting Shed
Rentals: IM Events
Cake: Publix Greenwise
DJ: DJ Fresh Events
Officiant: Jim Stoddard (Family Friend)
Invitations: A&P Design Co. *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Dress: Custom-Designed by Ruth Shafer, Friend of Bride
Bridesmaid Dress Designer: Show Me Your Mumu
Hair & Makeup: Style Hair and Makeup
Quartet: David Dillingham




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.