Blayne and Jordan's classic downtown St. Pete wedding combined romantic touches of blush with black and gray amidst greenery set in an elegant boutique hotel ballroom.
“I would describe our theme as timeless. Everything was either black or white with touches of blush and greenery,” the bride explained. “I did not go overboard with decor because I wanted everything to be classic. Once I chose my wedding dress and bridesmaids' dresses, the theme/vision just came together.”
The bride wore a delicate, minimally beaded dress with intricate detailing across the waist and lining the back of the gown. She wore her hair in a low bun to show the open-back detailing of the dress, while her bridesmaids wore black, off-the-shoulder fitted dresses with their hair in long, loose curls. The groom and his groomsmen were styled in classic grey suits, with the groom standing out in a white shirt with a black bow tie.
While searching for her wedding vendors, Blayne visited Marry Me Tampa Bay to read reviews and research her wedding vendors.
“I didn't know anything about vendors or venues and Marry Me Tampa Bay actually helped me find our amazing photographers, and I am so grateful!” the bride gushed. “I scrolled the page on Instagram every day to get inspiration and tips/tricks, especially during the COVID delays.”
The bride and groom chose Lifelong Photography Studio because of their bright and clean photography style. The highly rated photography team delivered clean and timeless photos, matching their vision.
“When looking for a wedding photographer, I wanted to go with the theme of timeless and classy, plus clean, bright photos, and that is exactly what Lifelong delivered!” the bride beamed. “After our initial meeting, I knew they were a perfect fit! Buffy, the owner, was so kind and had the best energy. They exceeded my expectations as they made an entire timeline for the day. The photos are everything I could ask for and will still look perfect in 50 years! And on top of everything, they are a pleasure to work with. I don't think our day would have run remotely smoothly without them!
The Tampa natives had a 22-month engagement due to pandemic delays and couldn't wait to unite and celebrate with family and friends by the time the spring date arrived.
“Because we ended up being a COVID couple by the time we actually had our wedding, none of the details mattered to me. The only thing that mattered was that our guests could be there, and we would finally be husband and wife; those were our most essential elements,” the bride revealed. “Our reception really showed our personalities; the dancing party was so fun, and we definitely let loose then!”
Blayne and Jordan changed their date multiple times because of the pandemic, causing multiple changes in their venue. Luckily, The Birchwood accommodated their 120 loved ones, who finally got to witness them tie the knot. The chic boutique hotel overlooking the waterfront of Straub Park was the perfect location for their spring wedding.
“Our wedding was supposed to be on July 3, and leading up to it, we cut our guest list and prepared for the worst,” the bride explained. “Then on June 27, two groomsmen came down with COVID. We postponed the wedding to have the one we dreamed of and planned for, and it took about a month to rebook. We returned to the original venue for March 12 [of the following year]. Around mid-February, that venue decided they would not be lifting the COVID restrictions by March, so we canceled with them and booked The Birchwood; they were absolute saints!”
Despite all of the booking and rebooking, the bride shared that everything worked out in the end, allowing the couple to throw a party that let their personalities shine.
“I actually did not choose The Birchwood; The Birchwood chose me!” Blayne remarked. I called them crying not once but twice to book their ballroom with two weeks' notice! They accommodated me even after inevitably canceling. They quickly rebooked me when I called in February for a wedding [one month later]. It's really all a blur, but I am so happy we ended up at The Birchwood! The boutique hotel, plus the location, made it the perfect place to have a wedding. I loved that we went out the night before and the night of on the rooftop! Their staff was beyond amazing; plus it is so gorgeous there. The Birchwood absolutely exceeded my expectations! Even as I was in complete chaos with them constantly trying to plan a wedding in two weeks! Of course, they delivered, and I am so grateful for their accommodations.”
Despite the extra planning, Blayne and Jordan were all smiles when thinking back on their day. They soaked in all the love surrounding them, finally becoming husband and wife.
“The most memorable part of the day was our first look, which I did not want to do but because of the sunlight, I had to, and I am so glad my photographer had me do it. It was so special to have a private moment with my husband before the ceremony, plus the pictures we got from it are so special,” the bride reminisced. “Our reception really showed our personality. It was unique because there weren't many older family members due to COVID. So, we were able to really make our reception a dance party like a club, which I loved!”
Where did you go for your bachelorette party?
I had a very relaxed bachelorette party at a friend's condo in Panama City Beach, Florida. It was the perfect mix of fun, relaxation, and the beach!
Where did you go on your honeymoon?
Jamaica. We went to Sandals Montego Bay and loved it! From Tampa, it was the easiest travel day; total travel time was around three hours, and this resort, in particular, was right by the airport. Sandals picks you up and takes you to the resort; we were on the beach by noon. I highly recommend it!
The Proposal:
Our proposal was beyond perfect! Jordan proposed in Santorini, Greece, on the side of a cliff while we were having a private dinner. It was an absolute dream!
What did you look for in a wedding photographer?
When looking for a wedding photographer, I wanted to go with the theme of timeless and classy, plus clean, bright photos, and that is exactly what Lifelong delivered!
I chose Lifelong Photography Studios because I saw their photos on Marry Me Tampa Bay, and they were exactly what I was looking for. Clean and classic! After our initial meeting, I knew they were a perfect fit! Buffy, the owner, was so kind and had the best energy that I knew was going to fit perfectly for our wedding day.
Lifelong exceeded my expectations as they made an entire timeline for the day. The photos are everything I could ask for and will still look perfect in 50 years! And on top of everything, they are a pleasure to work with. I don't think our day would have run remotely smoothly without them!
What was your theme?
Timeless! Everything was either black or white with touches of blush and greenery. I did not go overboard with decor because I wanted everything to be timeless and classic. Once I chose my wedding dress and bridesmaids' dresses, the theme/vision just came together.
What were your colors?
Our colors were black and grey for our outfits, the venue space had these colors for linens, and our florals were simple blue, cream, and greeneries.
What did you look for in a wedding venue?
When looking for a venue, an indoor venue with a gorgeous backdrop was my number one priority. Because we were supposed to get married in July, it had to be indoors!
I actually did not choose The Birchwood; The Birchwood chose me! I called them crying not once but twice to book their ballroom with two weeks' notice! They accommodated me even after inevitably canceling. They quickly rebooked me when I called in February for a wedding [one month later]. It's really all a blur, but I am so happy we ended up at The Birchwood! The boutique hotel, plus the location, made it the perfect place to have a wedding. I loved that we went out the night before and the night of on the rooftop! Their staff was beyond amazing; plus it is so gorgeous there. The Birchwood absolutely exceeded my expectations! Even as I was in complete chaos with them constantly trying to plan a wedding in two weeks! Of course, they delivered, and I am so grateful for their accommodations. Also, their food was incredible!”
Which vendors exceeded your expectations?
The Birchwood absolutely exceeded my expectations as I was in complete chaos constantly trying to plan a wedding in two weeks! They delivered, and I am so happy and grateful for their accommodations. Also, their food was incredible.
Lifelong Photography Studios also exceeded my expectations as they made an entire timeline for the day of and were amazing to work with! They are everything I could ask for and will still look perfect in 50 years!
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
I learned this the hard way; the details don't matter. As long as your family, friends, and the person you are marrying can attend, nothing else matters! I am also so happy we had a spring wedding instead of a summer wedding here in Tampa Bay! The spring weather was absolutely perfect! If we had our July wedding, it would have been hot and raining.
