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!”
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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.”
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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.”
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.
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.
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!
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!
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