Sarah and Base
“Our inspiration came from the enchanting holiday decorations in downtown St. Petersburg, which we first admired during Christmas. The Birchwood and its surroundings had a magical ambiance that captured our hearts. We chose an elegant theme with a timeless black-and-white color scheme because it perfectly complemented the December atmosphere, aligned with the elegant vibe we envisioned, and matched the timeless beauty of The Birchwood, especially during the holiday season.” – The Bride
FEATURING
Sarah and Base’s timeless St. Petersburg wedding was an elegant black-and-white celebration that beautifully reflected the couple’s love for their new hometown. Their December ceremony at Harborside Chapel set a heartfelt tone before 152 guests were welcomed to The Birchwood for a rooftop cocktail hour overlooking the city lights. Lush florals, dramatic cold sparklers during their first dance, and a fun gelato cart added personal touches. Surrounded by family, friends, and the holiday sparkle of downtown St. Pete, their winter wedding perfectly captured their love story with elegance, joy, and warmth.
“We live in St. Petersburg. Two years ago, we relocated from Chicago and instantly fell in love with this city’s vibrant culture and endless sunshine. With most of our family and friends still in the Midwest, we wanted to give them a reason to escape the cold and experience the charm of ‘The Sunshine City.’ Hosting our wedding here felt like the perfect way to share our new home with our loved ones,” the bride shared. “We prioritized location, food and drinks, music, and smooth transportation to create a seamless and unforgettable experience for everyone. What made our wedding truly unique were the personal details woven throughout the day—gelato instead of cake, live water painting, and subtle nods to both Chicago and St. Pete, two places that hold special meaning in our story.”
The Honeymoon and Bach Party
“We are going to Hawaii for our honeymoon and leaving on New Year’s Eve. It’s a bucket-list destination and wanted a warm place in January.
We went to the Charlotte, North Carolina area for my bachelorette party. My maid of honor found an amazing house on Lake Norman that fit all 18 girls and had a pool. She planned a boat day on Friday and a party bus trip downtown on Saturday. I wanted a place I haven’t been to and somewhere that isn’t overdone for bachelor/bachelorette parties. It was the perfect place for a mix of lake life and city activities.”
Hair and Makeup Inspiration
Femme Akoi Beauty Studio
“I found inspiration on Pinterest and opted for a natural glam look. Femme Akoi Beauty Studio brought my vision to life beautifully, making me, my bridesmaids, and our mothers feel confident and stunning.
After a less-than-ideal first trial with another vendor, Femme Akoi came highly recommended by friends, The Birchwood, and my planner. Aliyah’s artistry and attentiveness during my trial were unmatched, and the results on the big day were flawless.”
The Proposal
“The proposal was Thanksgiving weekend in Base’s hometown of Byron, IL. He proposed after they staged fake family pictures. Once he proposed, another surprise followed: my family popped out of the house (from Michigan) to celebrate with us.”
The Ceremony
Harborside Chapel
“We wanted an indoor location to avoid the unpredictability of Florida weather. Since we aren’t members of a local church, a coworker recommended Harborside Chapel, and it exceeded our expectations with its stunning aesthetic and exceptional service.
Harborside Chapel offered a breathtaking environment that made our ceremony feel sacred and special. Their team was incredibly professional and experienced, making the planning process smooth and stress-free.”
The Reception
The Birchwood
“We envisioned a downtown St. Petersburg location that could showcase the city’s charm. The Birchwood stood out for its unique look and rooftop cocktail hour. We cannot speak highly enough of the Birchwood. Personally, I am a big believer in going with your gut and listening to your intuition. From the moment we walked in, I felt like this was what I had been dreaming of. If you are considering having your wedding in St. Petersburg, touring the Birchwood is a MUST.
The service is incredible; every step of the way, they supported us. Claire Lehman is the event sales manager, and she goes above and beyond for her couples. Wedding planning has been known to be a stressful process. Claire calmed all our worries, gave us confidence in our decisions, offered expert advice, answered all our questions promptly, and ultimately gave us the wedding of our dreams. It went better than we could have ever imagined. I was a very hands-on bride during planning and was wondering how everything comes together. I learned that it all tied together through Claire’s helping hands.”
Most Memorable Moment
“Our ceremony at Harborside Chapel was deeply meaningful, marking the beginning of our married life. The rooftop cocktail hour at The Birchwood, our grand entrance with cold sparklers, and the emotional speeches from our loved ones are moments we’ll cherish forever.”
The Design
“Our inspiration came from the enchanting holiday decorations in downtown St. Petersburg, which we first admired during Christmas. The Birchwood and its surroundings had a magical ambiance that captured our hearts.
We chose an elegant theme with a timeless black-and-white color scheme because it perfectly complemented the December atmosphere, aligned with the elegant vibe we envisioned, and matched the timeless beauty of The Birchwood, especially during the holiday season.”
The Details
“While our wedding had a formal black-and-white aesthetic, we made sure it reflected our personalities through meaningful, memorable touches. From dramatic cold fountain sparklers during our first dance to a fun gelato cart and walking out to the iconic Chicago Bulls theme song, Sirius, every detail felt like ‘us.’ The Birchwood’s rooftop cocktail hour showcased St. Pete’s beauty—something we really wanted to share with our guests.”
The Music
Tampa Bay DJ Company
“We wanted a DJ who could keep the energy high and the dance floor packed.
Quinn from Tampa Bay DJ Company exceeded all expectations. His ability to mix our requested playlist with crowd-pleasing hits made the night unforgettable.”
Which vendors really exceeded your expectations?
The Birchwood and its team, especially Claire Lehman, were extraordinary. Femme Akoi Beauty Studio‘s hair and makeup artistry were impeccable.
DJ Quinn delivered an incredible soundtrack for the night, seamlessly blending songs to create unforgettable moments. Stephanie Lanni Photography guided us through the day with her expertise and energy, capturing every detail perfectly. A2U Studios videography was flawless and complemented Stephanie’s work beautifully.
Paciugo Gelato and Bowtie & Brush added unique additions, such as the gelato cart and live painting, added personal, memorable touches.
2Birds Florists tied everything together at the ceremony and reception. The rooms were breathtaking with their work. They worked within my budget, were honest, and brought my vision to life.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Start early, lean on local recommendations, and trust your instincts when choosing vendors. Embrace the city’s beauty and incorporate personal touches that reflect your story.
