Rustic Tampa Bay Wedding | Cross Creek Ranch Wedding
Sierra and Matthew's rustic Tampa Bay wedding featured an outdoor ceremony under a lush oak tree, followed by a outdoor celebration in an open-air barn.
The also couple included their gorgeous dog, Duke, in the wedding ceremony, who walked down the aisle and stood with the groomsmen.
The Orlando couple searched for an outdoor Tampa Bay wedding venue that was large enough to accommodate their guest count and far enough away from the hustle and bustle of city noise.
“We were already obsessed just from the pictures that Cross Creek Ranch has online. When we went for a walkthrough, the entire staff was wonderful. Everyone gave hugs and made you feel like family,” Sierra gushed. “They have been doing weddings for a long time, and trust me when I say they know what they are doing! Neither of us are very creative. You get your own designer who can walk you through every detail, and it makes everything stress-free. Cross Creek Ranch made my day everything I wanted and more! I'm in tears just remembering how perfect everything was.”
MORE: CROSS CREEK RANCH WEDDINGS
The bride also loved that the bridesmaids could stay in the charming bed and breakfast at Cross Creek Ranch the morning of the wedding to celebrate with mimosas and breakfast while they got ready.
Ensuring that the couple would have a night to remember, including a fabulous wedding cake, Sierra and Matthew designed a scrumptious two-tiered ruffled cake with natural blush accent roses from Tampa Bay wedding bakery Alessi Bakeries.
“I wanted simple. I always liked a two-tier white cake with some flowers,” Sierra explained. “I loved our tasting with Alessi. They made it fun and quick. The cake and cupcakes turned out perfect and people were raving about them all night!”
MORE: ALESSI BAKERIES WEDDINGS
Looking back, the bride's most memorable moment included taking everything in during the wedding reception.
“I remember being on the packed dance floor, looking around at everyone laughing and thinking to myself, this is exactly what I wanted,” the bride reminisced.
The Proposal:
We went on vacation to Jupiter, Florida for a beach weekend. On our last night there, we went to dinner on the water across from the lighthouse, then we drove to a park for sunset. When we were in the perfect pre-planned spot for pictures, Matthew popped the question. His best man was hiding in the bushes and got some incredible pictures!
What did you look for in a wedding venue?
We wanted an outdoor venue that was big enough for our guest count. We wanted it to be secluded and away from city noise.
We were already obsessed just from the pictures that Cross Creek Ranch had online. When we went for a walkthrough, the entire staff was wonderful. Everyone gave hugs and made you feel like family. They have been doing wedding for a long time, and trust me when I say they know what they are doing! Neither of us are very creative. You get your own designer who can walk you through every detail, and it makes everything stress-free. We had every detail planned and reviewed several times before our wedding day. All the vendors and set up services are all included in one price based on your guest count. This made planning so easy.
How would you describe your theme?
Rustic. I love the outdoors and the natural color of woods and greenery. I feel like it made the night more relaxed and fun.
What were your colors?
Mint, navy and blush. I always wanted mint and navy because it makes me think of the ocean and the beach. The blush in the bouquets went perfectly.
What was your wedding cake inspiration?
I always liked the simple two-tier white cake with some flowers.
Alessi Bakeries is the bakery that Cross Creek Ranch partners with. I loved our tasting with them! They made it fun and quick. The cake and cupcakes turned out perfect and people were raving about them all night!
What did you look for in a wedding DJ?
I wanted someone who would play our “must play” songs and with a personality that would get everyone on the dance floor.
DJ Jeff Tarquinto of Grant Hemond and Associates amazing! He called us a few weeks before the big day and really helped us pick most of our songs. He asked us to list artists and songs we liked, and in minutes he had our style nailed down. The day of the wedding he wouldn't play any song suggestions without the bride's permission. I loved this because there were a few songs suggested that I just had to decline.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Pinterest! Seriously look at all the wedding details and decide exactly what you want. It makes planning so much easier!
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Cross Creek Ranch – Nancy *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Venue
Photographer and Videography: 28 North Photography
Florist: Alta Fleura
Caterer: Catered by VESH
Cake: Alessi Bakery *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro
DJ: Grant Hemond and Associates *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro
Officiant: Dan Byrd
Invitations: Zazzle
Dress Shop: Solutions Bridal Designer House
Bridesmaid Dress Shop: David's Bridal
Hair & Makeup: Collective Creations
