St. Petersburg newlyweds Lori-Ann and Anthony wanted a tropical wedding and with the help of their wedding planner, Tickled Pink Productions, they brought South Beach to Tampa Bay.
“Lori-Ann is a vibrant and bold Latina with an outgoing personality and a bright lipsticked smile and a personality that just screams fun, so I knew I wanted her night to be amazing,” Kelley Poole of Tickled Pink said.
They chose the historic, waterfront St. Pete Woman’s Club for its Spanish-like, tropical, romantic setting.
As guests gathered in the verandah for Cocktail Hour, they were greeted by the sounds of Latin music and enjoyed “Pink Passion” and “Smitty Juice” (named after the Groom) signature cocktails from the bamboo tiki bar.
Lori-Ann used brightly colored cocktail umbrellas as escort cards, which directed guests to tables named after different tropical destinations. Tickled Pink created framed flags from each country for table numbers.
The walls of the reception hall were bathed in fuschia uplighting. Half of the tables had tall Eiffel Tower vases with glowing LED lights at the bottom illuminating fresh palm fronds, while the other tables had fuchsia Dendrobium Orchids wound inside bubble vases filled with aqua crystals. Small square vases filled with more glowing LED lights and aqua crystals accented each table. Deep blue and vibrant aqua linens, with a dash of fuchsia, continued the South Beach theme.
The caterer, Event Solutions out of Plant City, included various Latin delights such as black beans and rice and plantains. Guests were treated to various drinks from the Rum Bar, such as Mai Tais, Cuba Libres, Mojitos, and Daiquiris.
During the reception the groom and his groomsmen changed out of their tuxes and into linen pants and Guayaberas (a traditional Latin-American men's shirt), while enjoying authentic Cuban cigars.
Guests didn’t end their night at the reception. Invitations designed to mimic South Beach club flyers provided them with VIP access to the Bishop Lounge in downtown St. Petersburg.
“Our wedding and reception captured who me and my husband really are, which is fun loving, carefree but with a touch of glamour,” Lori-Ann said.
When my guests walked in, I wanted them to know this was not going to be a “stuffy” traditional wedding, this was a celebration. – Lori-Ann
Ceremony Venue: Allendale Baptists Church
Reception Venue: St. Pete Woman's Club
Photographer: Caroline & Evan Photography
Linens: Custom Linens
Caterer: Event Solutions
Cake: Publix Bakery
Event Designer: Tickled Pink Productions
Bouquets: DD Blooms
Centerpiece Florals: Flowers by Valencia
