Shannon and Jordan’s private estate wedding featured an outdoor ceremony set amidst towering oak trees followed by dinner and dancing. Soft watery colors, classic roses paired with orchids and greenery, and a Polaroid guestbook, were some of the highlights of the celebration.
“Our wedding theme was classic and rustic. I wanted something simple and timeless,” the bride shared. “Our colors were dusty blue and sage green.”
The Naples couple chose Tampa Bay specifically for their venue, as it embodied everything they were looking for in an event space.
“We had a lot of boxes that needed to be checked which made it a little difficult to find a venue. We wanted a barn venue (with a/c) that was centrally located so our guests had plenty of options for hotels. Our puppy Gracie was our flower girl so we needed a place dog friendly. A full open bar was essential, and we wanted a place that would allow us to go past 10:00 p.m. and allow us to keep our stuff overnight so we didn’t need to clean up day-of,” Shannon revealed. “Mision Lago Estate had everything we needed. All of our boxes were checked and then some we didn’t know existed! They truly went above and beyond. I did not have to worry about one aspect of our wedding. Karin, the Director of Sales and Events, exceeded my expectations in so many different ways; we felt like family afterward.”
The destination bride and groom incorporated their personalities throughout the wedding for their 134 guests through their music selections, table decor, and crowd-pleasing late-night snack service.
“The details really made our wedding unique. We wanted our wedding to be traditional but fun. The boys walked out to Ja Rule Livin It Up, the girls walked out to Ed Sheeran Tenerife Sea, then we did a hard switch in the music and Gracie walked out to Who Let The Dogs Out. My husband and I are big Marvel fans so we very subtlety incorporated that into our wedding. We had fun facts about us displayed at each table, and on the head table, we included our favorite memory with each person in our wedding party,” the bride shared. “I suggest every bride have a polaroid guestbook! That was amazing and the photos were priceless. Also, Chick-fil-a is a great late-night snack! Who doesn’t love a spicy chicken sandwich after a long night of dancing?”
It was important to Shannon and Jordan that they partake in communion during their wedding ceremony, but when the bride realized she forgot to pack wafers for the ceremony, her last-minute substitute made for a funny and unforgettable memory of the day.
“I forgot that I was in charge of the communion elements so I scrambled and found goldfish, which worked because Jesus was a fisher of men!” Shannon reminisced.
The Proposal:
Jordan and I are really involved at our church, so he proposed one night at church in front of everyone in our freedom group. I was totally surprised; it was probably one of the last things I was expecting anytime soon. It was perfect though, on a beautiful patio with bistro lights.
Where did you spend your honeymoon?
We wanted to do something different so we went to Utah and went hiking. Living in Florida we are surrounded by beaches and never have really been out west.
Where did you host your bachelorette party?
Charleston! I wanted to go somewhere I have never been and I love towns full of history. We had so much fun!
What did you look for in a wedding venue?
We had a lot of boxes that needed to be checked which made it a little difficult to find a venue. We wanted a barn venue (with a/c) that was centrally located so our guests had plenty of options for hotels. Our puppy Gracie was our flower girl so we needed a place dog friendly. A full open bar was essential, and we wanted a place that would allow us to go past 10:00 p.m. and allow us to keep our stuff overnight so we didn’t need to clean up day-of.
We honestly chose Tampa because of Mision Lago Estate. It had everything we needed. All of our boxes were checked and then some we didn’t know existed! They truly went above and beyond. I did not have to worry about one aspect of our wedding. Karin, the Director of Sales and Events, exceeded my expectations in so many different ways; we felt like family afterward.
How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
Our wedding theme was classic and rustic. I wanted something simple and timeless.
What were your colors?
Our colors were dusty blue and sage green.
Which vendors really exceeded your expectations?
They all did. Mision Lago Estate exceeded my expectations in so many different ways. Our florist was perfection. After I hired the people who we thought were the best fit for us, we let them do whatever they wanted; they are the experts, not us! Our photographer is one of the sweetest people I have ever met; she truly was a joy to be around and made it very easy to work with her. Our DJ kicked it off right away! The party started immediately. Our hair and makeup team made all of us girls feel beautiful; they went above and beyond and really made sure everyone felt comfortable with the way they looked.
I honestly was blessed with the best team, I wouldn’t have changed a thing. We prayed about every decision, and God blew every expectation ever.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
If you want someone who you completely trust and do not have to worry about Mision Lago Estate and our florist were amazing.
Ceremony and Reception Venue and Caterer: Mision Lago Estate *Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Venue
Photographer: Meg Christine Photography
Videographer: Mills Media
Florist: Flora Fine Flowers
Rentals: On the Move Productions
Cake: Nothing Bundt Cakes
DJ: Naples DJ (Scott and Tina)
Officiant: Pastor Charles Ross (Next Level Church)
Invitations: Zazzle
Transportation: Hardrock Buses
Dress Shop and Designer: Laura Jacobs Bridal, Stella York
Shoe Designer: David’s Bridal the De Blossom Collection
Bridesmaid Dress Shop and Designer: Dear Cleo
Hair & Makeup: Lacey Jones (hair) and Alexis Bacarella (make-up)
Rehearsal Dinner: The Rusty Pelican
Décor: Kylie Beetham/ Keke and Sass
Late Night Snack: Chick-Fil-A
