Teal and Purple Rustic, Vintage Tampa Bay Wedding | Cross Creek Ranch

Lauren and Brian’s rustic, Tampa Bay wedding was casual and inviting, complete with southern hospitality.

“Both of us are a little country, and we just like to relax, eat and drink. We got BBQ to tone the wedding down and to ensure people would actually enjoy a good southern meal,” the bride shared. “My grandmother made me an apron to wear, so I could eat all the ribs I wanted without worrying about getting it all over my dress.”

The Tampa couple incorporated vintage elements to their teal and purple rustic wedding.

“Our theme was rustic and country with touches of bird cages and vintage decor. I chose it because I wanted my guests to feel cozy and at home,” Lauren explained. “I wanted decor that made you relax and enjoy yourself, rather than feeling stuffy.”

With the challenges of a busy career, Lauren searched for a Tampa Bay wedding venue that was all-inclusive.

“I wanted a venue that included everything that I needed. I’m not that great at finding places and making sure I have everything ordered, rented and bought. That stressed me out more than getting married, so I wanted a place that included everything and made a lot of decisions for me,” the bride revealed. “I loved that Cross Creek Ranch has all the decorations that you could imagine and that the design group just gets you based off of a Pinterest board! I had a team for the “day of” that dealt with everything. All I had to do was show up and look pretty! It was so easy!”

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To complement their casual wedding, the pair hired a Tampa Bay wedding photographer with a romantic feel.

“I wanted a photographer who took ‘soft’ type pictures. These pictures will be with you forever, so I wanted them to be good,” Lauren said. “I found Carrie Wildes Photography, and Carrie blew me away with all of her work. She is so creative and imaginative. We got a lot of great photos!”

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Looking back, one of the bride’s most memorable moments was during the Father/Daughter dance.

“[My dad and I] used to watch Disney movies all of the time, so it was truly special to dance to a Disney song,” Lauren reminisced.

What were the deciding factors for the venue you chose?
All-inclusive! I have a busy and stressful job, so I wanted a venue that included everything that I needed. I’m not that great at finding places and making sure I had everything ordered, rented and bought. That stressed me out more than getting married, so I wanted a place that included everything and made a lot of decisions for me.

I loved that Cross Creek Ranch has all the decorations that you could imagine and that the design group just gets you based off of a Pinterest board! I had a team for the “day of” that dealt with everything. All I had to do was show up and look pretty! It was so easy and was definitely the best decision I made.

The Proposal:
Brian proposed to me by waking me up in the middle of the night telling me that the dogs had pooped in the kitchen. He was very upset, so I got out of bed to clean it up. When I went out to the kitchen, I saw tea lights that spelled out “Marry Me?” I turned to him, and he was on one knee holding a beautiful ring! At first I walked right by him and explained, “I have to get my glasses!” (I’m basically blind without glasses). I was excited, happy, emotional and completely shocked and surprised!

How would you describe your theme?
Our theme was rustic and country with touches of bird cages and vintage decor. I chose it because I wanted my guests to feel cozy and at home. I wanted a decor that made you relax and enjoy yourself, rather than feeling stuffy.

What were your colors?
Teal and purple. We chose them while watching a LSU/UF football game while dating. We made a bet that whoever won would pick our wedding colors; LSU won and I lost. Brian went to Home Depot and picked colors for paint swatches. We both picked out our top colors, and they were actually the same ones!

What did you look for in a wedding baker?
Someone who could bring my ideas to life while still making amazing cakes and cookies! We didn’t want a big cake since most people aren’t at their seats to eat it, so we got a small one with a bunch of yummy stuffed cookies!

We actually used to live by Alessi Bakery and would pop in before we got engaged, so we knew we liked them already.

What did you look for in a wedding DJ?
Someone who would play current music that would get people out of their seats. I didn’t want the traditional music played.

I really enjoyed Grant Hemond & Associates. Our DJ was great at getting the crowd included. He even let my stepson say the wrap up at the end of the wedding!

What did you look for in a wedding photographer?
I wanted a photographer who took “soft” type pictures. I also wanted a photographer who would have ideas on what kinds of pictures to take. These pictures will be with you forever, so I wanted them to be good. I found Carrie Wildes Photography, and Carrie blew me away with all of her work. She is so creative and imaginative. We got a lot of great photos!

She also showed our engagement photos and ceremony photos on a big screen during the reception. Our guests really enjoyed that!

What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay Brides?
Make sure that the day of your wedding is stress-free. Be ahead of deadlines so you don’t stress. Have a team of people, whether it’s bridesmaids, cousins, grandparents or a wedding planner to roadblock any problems that come up, so you aren’t dealing with anything on your day. All you have to worry about it looking stunning in a beautiful gown!

Pinterest, but don’t do it too much. Let the team at Cross Creek Ranch do what they do best! They understand decorating and staging; that’s what they do! Don’t stress out and make your own place settings/decorations/escort cards. Let the team do it for you and relax! It always turns out perfectly.

Ceremony and Reception Venue: Cross Creek Ranch *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Venue
Photographer: Carrie Wildes Photography *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Vendor
Florist: Alta Fleura
Caterer: Hungry Harry’s
Cake: Alessi Bakery *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Vendor
DJ: Grant Hemond & Associates *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Vendor
Officiant: Kelly Hughes
Dress: David’s Bridal – Oleg Cassini
Bridesmaid Dresses: Alfred Angelo
Hair & Makeup: Mikel’s The Paul Mitchell Experience
Groomsmen Suits: Jos A. Bank