Monica and Matthew's timeless downtown St. Pete wedding was filled with sentiment and tradition. The Tampa couple incorporated personal details, classic elements, and added touches of gold and blush to accent the monochromatic black and white color palette. The bride's wanted to ensure her decor and details felt intentional.
“We wanted the day to feel elegant and intimate; we really wanted all of our guests to see how grateful we were to have them there to celebrate,” Monica explained.
The South Tampa based bride had always dreamed of exchanging vows in the chapel housed at her childhood school and wanted their reception location to feel equally special.
“I went to The Academy of the Holy Names for school and always knew I wanted to get married in the chapel there,” the bride shared. “It was important to us that our venue matched the elegance and intimacy we wanted while also showing off the Tampa Bay area. We loved the elegance of The Birchwood‘s ballroom, but what really sold us was the option to host our cocktail hour at their rooftop bar, The Canopy.”
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The couple included personal details such as custom koozie favors, surprise paper airplanes in honor of the groom's career as a pilot, and even a special seating chart.
“We wrote handwritten letters to each of our guests for the seating chart; we wanted everyone to know how grateful we were to have them celebrate with us,” Monica reminisced.
The bridesmaids looked stunning in their chic black gowns. Although it took a lot of dresses, the location and selection at Bella Bridesmaids Tampa helped the girls find a style that everyone loved.
“They tried on a billion different styles until we all agreed on one they all felt comfortable in,” the bride shared. “Bella Bridesmaids was convenient.”
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Monica also donned a unique wedding gown for her big day, one that was sentimental and rich in history.
“The wedding dress I wore was also worn by my nana, great aunt, mom, and cousin,” Monica beamed. “It was so sentimental to wear a dress that had so many years of love sewn into the seams.”
Looking back, some of the bride's favorite moments were celebrating at the reception, with some personal touches “tossed” in.
“As well as a first dance, we did a last dance and had everyone throw rose petals. It was so great seeing all of our family and friends still there at the end of the night and having so much fun,” Monica reminisced. “As a surprise to Matt, I had the wedding party throwing paper airplanes. Matt is a pilot, and he loved it.”
What was your wedding day beauty inspiration?
Femme Akoi Beauty Studio‘s work always impressed me. Indira was my hair and make-up artist, and she was the absolute best to work with!
What was your bridesmaid's dress inspiration?
My bridesmaids and I spent a day store-hopping. They tried on a billion different styles until we all agreed on one they all felt comfortable in. We chose Bella Bridesmaids Tampa because it was convenient.
How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
We wanted the day to feel elegant and intimate; we really wanted all of our guests to see how grateful we were to have them there to celebrate.
What were your colors?
Black, gold, white, and blush. We wanted a very romantic and elegant look.
What did you look for in a wedding venue?
It was important to us that our venue matched the elegance and intimacy we wanted while also showing off the Tampa Bay area. We loved the elegance of the ballroom at The Birchwood, but what really sold us was the option to host our cocktail hour at their rooftop bar, The Canopy.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Hire a planner! We had no worries the week of and day of because we knew Amber had everything under control.
Ceremony Venue: The Academy of the Holy Names
Reception Venue and Caterer: The Birchwood *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Venue
Photographer: Everence Photography
Videographer: Sunshine City Films
Planner: Amber Veatch Designs
Florist: Sara Rose Events
Cake: Bayside Bakery
Band: Phase5
Dress Shop and Designer: Moda Design Academy
Bridesmaid Dresses: Bella Bridesmaids Tampa *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro
Hair & Makeup: Femme Akoi Beauty Studio -Indira *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro
Additional Wedding Vendors: Veatch House Woodworking
