Jenna and Michael’s rustic Tampa Bay wedding incorporated rich autumnal shades and the bride’s favorite bloom, sunflowers, for a colorful and cheery outdoor celebration. The North Port couple hosted 80 of their closest friends and family at a sprawling farmstead in Dover, Florida, exchanging vows amidst mossy oak trees before dining and dancing beneath twinkling barn rafters.

“Our design was rustic with a touch of modern. We decided on this theme based on the venue and the overall look and feel of how we wanted the wedding to be,” the bride revealed. “Our colors were burgundy and gold. We chose these colors because we knew that sunflowers (my favorite flower) were going to be the main flower for the wedding, and we just loved the color combination of the sunflower yellow with the deep rich color of burgundy with the accents of gold.”

The more the bride envisioned her dream wedding dress, the more she realized how much she favored a timeless lace gown in a shade of champagne that would complement her warm color palette. Knowing that the shopping process can be quite involved, Jenna sought a bridal boutique that offered a large selection and personal attention and service.

“I chose Truly Forever Bridal Sarasota as my bridal shop because I didn’t want to shop at a large chain bridal store. I wanted to shop at a local small shop where I knew I would be remembered every time I went in. I wanted to make that connection with the staff, and they did not disappoint!” Jenna raved. “Both the store managers Laura and Jules were amazing during the process, listening closely to what I wanted in a dress and even pulling some that I may not have said, just to make sure I had all my options. They made me feel like a princess, and they always remembered me when I went in. We really did build a strong connection during the whole bridal gown process from saying yes to the dress, to the fitting, altering, and even dress preservation.”

The wedding details mixed chic elements such as gold Chiavari chairs and chiffon draping with rustic accents such as lanterns and wood crates, to reflect both Michael’s modern taste and Jenna’s southern style. Everything came together in a way that made their day distinctly them.

Jenna and Michael prioritized their guests’ experience with various activities throughout the evening and plenty of great music to get everyone on the dance floor.

“DJ Tom from Grant Hemond & Associates was amazing!” the bride raved. “During our phone meeting we discussed songs that we wanted to be played and our style of music; he really listened to what we wanted. DJ Tom was awesome and played a great mix of styles and genres!”

Although the pandemic shrunk their guest list from 113 to 80, the pair were truly grateful to be able to start their life together as husband and wife and to celebrate with their friends and family as planned.

“The most memorable moment of the wedding was the ceremony, it was just absolutely beautiful, and we wish that we could relive it every day! We loved that we got to celebrate with all our friends and loved ones,” Jenna reminisced. “The whole wedding day was memorable as we are just so thankful we were able to have the wedding on the original scheduled date and that we did not have to postpone or cancel due to COVID-19.”

What was your wedding dress inspiration?
My wedding dress inspiration was all over the place. I swore up and down that I wanted a strapless ball gown dress, but the more I really thought about the dress I knew that’s not what I really wanted. I wanted something that was going to be timeless. I have always loved the look of lace dresses, and I have always loved the antique but royal look of a champagne-colored dress, plus I knew I wanted straps. I put my dress on and just knew it was it!

I chose Truly Forever Bridal Sarasota as my bridal shop because I knew I didn’t want to shop at a large chain bridal store. I wanted to shop at a local small shop where I knew I would be remembered every time I went in. I wanted to make that connection with the staff and let me just say, they did not disappoint! Both the store managers Laura and Jules were amazing during the process, listening closely to what I said I wanted in a dress and even pulling some that I may not have said, just to make sure I had all my options. 

Truly Forever Bridal Sarasota made me feel like a princess, and they always remembered me when I went in. We really did build a strong connection during the whole bridal gown process from saying yes to the dress, to the fitting, altering, and even dress preservation. I can’t recommend them enough!

The Proposal:
Our proposal was at the “happiest place on Earth!” I am a huge Disney fan and always dreamed of a proposal on Main Street, USA in front of Cinderella’s Castle. Michael on the other hand likes Disney, but isn’t as big a fan as I am so I had always just assumed my dream proposal was out of the question! We were there for my mom’s birthday, and we were having some pictures taken. The next thing I knew he was down on one knee in the middle of Main Street surrounded by my parents and hundreds of people we didn’t know! It was truly a day that we will never forget!

Where did you go on your honeymoon?
We spent our honeymoon in Mexico. We chose this location actually as a second choice. We were supposed to be going to Paris but due to the pandemic and being unable to travel to Europe, we went with Mexico, and honestly, we would not have changed that. We had a blast in Mexico and we were actually so glad that we chose to go somewhere warm in December rather than somewhere freezing cold. 

What were your colors?
Burgundy and gold. We chose these colors because we knew that sunflowers (my favorite flower) were going to be the main flower for the wedding, and we just loved the color combination of the sunflower yellow with the deep rich color of burgundy with the accents of gold.

What did you look for in a wedding DJ?
DJ Tom from Grant Hemond & Associates was amazing! During our phone meeting, we discussed songs that we wanted to be played and our style of music; he really listened to what we wanted. DJ Tom was awesome and played a great mix of styles and genres! 

What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Breathe and live in the moment. Yes, the planning process is hard and can sometimes be stressful, even with getting married at an all-inclusive wedding venue, but the outcome and the ending are all worth it to be Mr. and Mrs.

Ceremony and Reception Venue: Cross Creek Ranch
Photographer: LoveView Weddings
Florist: Alta Fleura
Caterer: 3 C’s Catering
Cake: Alessi Bakery
DJ: Grant Hemond & Associates – DJ Tom *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro
Officiant: Pastor Wes Morris
Invitations: Basic Invite
Dress Shop: Truly Forever Bridal Sarasota *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro
Suit: Men’s Wearhouse

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.