Wedding

Sage and Ivory Tropical St. Pete Wedding | Tampa Bay Watch

Grey and Mint Cyber Monday Coupon Leaderboard 2

Hannah and Nick's waterfront St. Petersburg wedding featured a coastal vibe and natural table settings set against the glistening waters of Tampa Bay. The St. Pete Beach bride and groom wanted to showcase the surrounding landscape for their 95 guests by choosing minimal décor to highlight the bayside backdrop.

“Our theme and inspiration were tropical elegance. Our venue was so beautiful on its own, so we wanted a few pops of color in the florals, but aside from that, we wanted to keep it simple,” the bride shared. “We used muted colors of sage and ivory for our linens so our bright florals would pop against it. We were on the water so the bright blue water, green grass, and vibrant florals did the work for us.”

The Pinellas couple sought a seasoned wedding photographer who embodied a youthful style and a proven track record of stunning photos.

“We wanted someone with experience but also someone younger with a modern touch. Amber of Amber McWhorter Photography was recommended to us by one of Nick's groomsmen; she photographed his wedding, and we loved the photos,” Hannah raved. “Amber was wonderful to work with from beginning to end. She was extremely responsive and answered all of our questions. She made us feel so relaxed and comfortable during both our engagement session and wedding.”

The secluded gulf-view venue lent a unique aspect to the couple's wedding, and a last-minute transition to an all-outdoor setup ended up being a blessing in disguise.

“Our venue stood out as unique; Many guests who are from the Tampa Bay Area had never heard of it. You get the best of both worlds, waterfront views but no sand!” the bride revealed. “Due to COVID, we had to move the entire wedding outdoors, and we are so happy that we did because it gave us the opportunity to enjoy the tropical landscape.”

Hannah and Nick each revealed their standout memories from the day; the bride chose a moment during the couple's ceremony, whereas the groom chose a favorite reception experience.

“My most memorable moment was walking down the aisle after being announced for the first time as Mr. & Mrs. Filtz, and Nick's most memorable moment was dancing to our favorite music with all of our best friends around us!” the bride reminisced.

Tropical Elegant Wedding Invitation, Sage Green, White Invitation with Tropical Floral Design, Silver Strappy Wedding Shoes, Versace Perfume Bottle, Wedding Rings in Mint Green Box | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Amber McWhorter Photography
Bridal Elegant Wedding Accessories, Versace Perfume Bottle, Silver Strappy Wedding Shoes, Dangling Rhinestone Gold Earrings | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Amber McWhorter Photography
Tropical Elegant Wedding Invitation, Sage Green, White Invitation with Tropical Floral Design, Silver Strappy Wedding Shoes, Versace Perfume Bottle, Wedding Rings in Mint Green Box | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Amber McWhorter Photography
Oval Diamond Engagement Ring Diamond Wedding Band Inside Mint Velvet Ring Box | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Amber McWhorter Photography
Tropical Floral Bridal Bouquet, Palm Tree Leaves Yellow and Red Pincushion Proteas, Pink Ginger, Orange Birds of Paradise | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Amber McWhorter Photography
Unique Custom Hand Drawn Pencil Illustration of Bride with Bridesmaids in Gray Wooden Frame | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Amber McWhorter Photography
Lace and Illusion Strapless Wedding Dress, Blush Pink Matching Bridesmaids Dresses and Floral Maid of Honor Dress | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Amber McWhorter Photography
Personal Lace Patch Something Old Stitched Into Bride Wedding Dress | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Amber McWhorter Photography
Tropical Elegant Bride and Bridesmaids in Matching Palm Tree Silk Pajamas | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Amber McWhorter Photography
Florida Bride Getting Wedding Ready Putting on Lace and Illusion Strapless Wedding Dress with Mom and Bridesmaids | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Amber McWhorter Photography
Florida Bride Getting Wedding Ready in Lace and Illusion Sweetheart Strapless Wedding Dress with Mom | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Amber McWhorter Photography
Florida Bride in Lace and Illusion Strapless Sweetheart Wedding Dress with Bridesmaids in Blush Pink Dress, Mom in Floral Dress Holding Custom Illustration | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Amber McWhorter Photography
Florida Bride in Lace and Illusion Strapless Wedding Dress Holding Tropical Floral Bouquet, Yellow and Red Pincushion Proteas, Pink Ginger, Birds of Paradise, Monstera Palm Tree Leaves | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Amber McWhorter Photography
Florida Groom in Blue Suit and White Bowtie with Birds of Paradise Flower Boutonniere Reaction to Bride Walking Down the Wedding Ceremony Aisle | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Amber McWhorter Photography
Florida Tropical Elegant Bride with Mom and Dad Walking Down Wedding Ceremony Aisle Holding Yellow and Red Pincushion Proteas, Orange Birds of Paradise, Pink Ginger, Palm Tree Leaves | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Amber McWhorter Photography

The Proposal:
Nick proposed on a trail outside of Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado, catching me completely off guard. He had a celebratory lunch planned with both families after the proposal and a beautiful room booked at the Boulderado, a historical hotel in Boulder, CO. Red Rocks is a special place for the two of us; we went to an Odesza concert there together on our first trip at the beginning of our relationship. 

Tropical Elegant Bride and Groom Exchanging Wedding Ceremony Vows, Wooden Geometric Arch with Tropical Floral Arrangement | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Amber McWhorter Photography | Waterfront Wedding Venue Tampa Bay Watch
Tropical Elegant Bride and Groom Exchanging Wedding Ceremony Vows, Wooden Geometric Arch with Tropical Floral Arrangement | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Amber McWhorter Photography | Waterfront Wedding Venue Tampa Bay Watch
Florida Tropical Elegant Bride in Stella York Lace and Illusion Strapless Wedding Dress, Groom, Bridesmaids in Blush Pink Dresses, Groomsmen in Blue Suits and White Bowties Wedding Party Photo | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Amber McWhorter Photography
Florida Tropical Elegant Bridesmaids in Matching Blush Pink Dresses with High Leg Slit, Pink Ginger, Orange Birds of Paradise, Yellow and Red Pincushion Protea, Palm Leaves Floral Bouquets | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Amber McWhorter Photography
Tropical Elegant Bridal Party, Bridesmaids in Matching Blush Pink Dresses, Bride Wearing Lace and Illusion Stella York Wedding Dress | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Amber McWhorter Photography
Florida Bride in Lace and Illusion Stella York Wedding Dress and Groom Walking on Pier During Sunset | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Amber McWhorter Photography
Romantic Tropical Elegant Florist Bride Holding Yellow and Red Pincushion Protea, Pink Ginger, Orange Birds of Paradise and Palm Leaves Floral Bouquet Kissing Groom on Waterfront Pier | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Amber McWhorter Photography | Waterfront Wedding Venue Tampa Bay Watch

What did you look for in a wedding photographer?
We wanted someone with experience but also someone younger with a modern touch. Amber of Amber McWhorter Photography was recommended to us by one of Nick's groomsmen; she photographed his wedding, and we loved the photos. Amber was wonderful to work with from beginning to end. She was extremely responsive and answered all of our questions. Amber made us feel so relaxed and comfortable during both our engagement session and wedding.

powered by Typeform
Sunset Silhouette Waterfront Wedding Portrait of Bride and Groom | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Amber McWhorter Photography

Where did you spend your honeymoon?
Due to COVID, we decided to forgo our honeymoon to Greece for the time being and instead traveled to Asheville, North Carolina with our dog Apollo. We chose to go to Asheville because Nick was born there, and we wanted to get a taste of fall weather.

Tropical Elegant Wedding Reception Decor, Wooden Board with White Geometric Seating Chart, Blush Pink Roses, Orange Birds of Paradise, Pink Ginger, Palm Tree Leaves Floral Arrangement | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Amber McWhorter Photography
Tropical Elegant Wedding Reception Decor, Floral Centerpiece Orange Birds of Paradise, Pink Ginger, Palm Tree Leaves, White and Gold Geometric Table Number | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Amber McWhorter Photography
Tropical Elegant Wedding Reception Decor, Floral Centerpiece Orange Birds of Paradise, Pink Ginger, Palm Tree Leaves, White and Gold Geometric Table Number | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Amber McWhorter Photography

How would you describe your theme?
Our theme and inspiration were tropical elegance. Our venue was so beautiful on its own, so we wanted a few pops of color in the florals, but aside from that, we wanted to keep it simple.

What were your colors? 
We used muted colors, sage and ivory, for our linens so our bright florals would pop against it. We were on the water so the bright blue water, green grass, and vibrant florals did the work for us. 

Tropical Elegant Wedding Reception Decor, Sweetheart Table with Sage Green Table Linen, Palm Tree Leaves and Floral Arrangement | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Amber McWhorter Photography | Wedding Venue Tampa Bay Watch
Three Tier White Textured Wedding Cake with Flowers and Gold Geometric Personalized Cake Topper | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Amber McWhorter Photography
Tropical Elegant Bride and Groom Wedding Reception First Dance | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Amber McWhorter Photography | Wedding Venue Tampa Bay Watch

What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
If your venue has COVID restrictions, don't be afraid to be open-minded to recommendations such as having it outside. This wasn't our Plan A but it worked out better than we could have ever imagined.

Ceremony and Reception Venue: Tampa Bay Watch
Photographer: Amber McWhorter Photography *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro
Videographer: Relive your Day
Coordinator & Caterer: Milan Catering
Florist: Sam's Club
Cake: Publix
DJ: On the Move Productions
Officiant: Cousin of the Groom
Invitations: Chelsey Hume (Sister of the Bride)
Dress Shop and Designer: La Bella Donna, Stella York
Bridesmaid Dress Shop: Lulu's
Hair & Makeup: Destiny and Light

Quotes have been lightly edited for clarity and brevity.

*Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pros are highly respected by our local wedding community and have been personally vetted by our editor.

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.