Britnee and Cole’s modern-meets-enchanted-forest Tampa Bay wedding featured an outdoor ceremony surrounded by nature and all-black wedding party attire, followed by an all-white reception.

“I pieced together a lot of different components. I was aiming for timeless elegance with a flare of modern fun,” the bride explained. “I choose some greenery for a pop of color and cream for timeless elegance.”

The January ceremony took place on the coldest day of the year. However, the Sarasota couple’s love warmed their 100 guests’ hearts. The pair combined their edgy personalities with the natural elements of their venue; the bride wore a white leather jacket and combat boots, while the groom included skull detailing inside his suit. String lights lit up the barn reception, while the sunlight and shadows created a romantic atmosphere.

“Cole proposed on my birthday, and we got married on my father’s birthday,” the bride shared. “We are always ready for a fun time and wanted that vibe to flow onto our guests, so we had a Polaroid guest book, welcome champagne drinks, and money guns!”

The couple searched for a wedding venue with a proven track record of creating unforgettable events. They selected Cross Creek Ranch for its calming atmosphere and seasoned coordination team.

“We chose our venue entirely based on the enchanted forest ceremony location; it truly is magical! The ceremony space does a great job of making you feel like you are in the middle of nowhere while still being close to town. This location is truly what we love most. Birds flying and chirping overhead and wind gusts make it feel like a Disney movie,” the bride beamed. “We wanted to choose an all-inclusive venue because I liked choosing vendors and decor from a vetted list rather than starting from scratch.”

The towering oak trees and lush foliage of the venue’s enchanted forest created an intimate ceremony vibe. Britnee made her grand entrance through majestic wooden doors, and the couple exchanged vows in front of a wooden circle arch adorned with greenery and white florals. They sat under a neon “til death” sign at their sweetheart table and were sent off with sparklers and smiles.

“To us, the most important element of our big day was the ceremony location. The enchanted forest was what we loved most about the venue, in addition to the entire property feeling like it is in the middle of the woods and very tranquil,” the bride reminisced. “Although you typically don’t spend a lot of time at the venue, it is the first wow factor for your guests and each other. I will never forget the time spent holding Cole’s hand up there.”

The Proposal:
Cole proposed on my birthday by surprising me when while I was on a work trip and thought he was out of town. He stayed at his parents’ house for two days, having his friends send him photos in an effort to keep me thinking he was, in fact, on a boys’ trip, and it worked. I was absolutely shocked when walking through a garden to dinner, and there, waiting under an arch was Cole on one knee.

Where did you go on your honeymoon?
We have not taken a honeymoon yet, but it will be to Europe! In the meantime, we mini-mooned at Epcot and St. Augustine.

Where was your bachelorette party?
Austin, TX, and Cole had his bachelor party in Scottsdale, AZ.

What was your theme?
It’s hard to put a named theme on our wedding because I really pieced together a lot of different components. I was aiming for timeless elegance with a flare of modern fun. 

What were your colors?
Greenery for a pop of color and cream for timeless elegance.