Cooper and Ben’s timeless Safety Harbor wedding featured neutral flora and greenery with pops of dusty blue and clean lines with classic details.
“We both are pretty simple people so we wanted our wedding to look summery and clean,” the bride explained. “We incorporated dusty blue, white, and some greenery! We chose these colors to just have a clean and summery look, yet a timeless vibe.”
The Bradenton pair planned their wedding in Safety Harbor as a convenient destination for their guests. During the planning process, Cooper utilized Marry Me Tampa Bay to find reputable local vendors and unique ideas.
“I used Marry Me Tampa Bay to look for vendors and to get inspiration for every aspect of our wedding,” the bride revealed. “We found our hair and makeup stylists as well as our photographer on Marry Me Tampa Bay!”
The most important wedding element for the couple was to partake in a religious wedding ceremony. They sought a venue with appealing aesthetics and compatible values that could accommodate their 110 guests.
“We both felt passionate about having a religious ceremony and when looking for a venue, we wanted it to either be a church or chapel. We also wanted it to be a timeless-looking venue that was beautiful on its own not needing much decoration,” the bride shared. “We knew the second we pulled up to Harborside Chapel that this was it! It’s a chapel with a beautiful exterior and interior that is exactly what we were looking for. Harborside is so much more than just a ceremony venue. When you get married there you get set up with marriage counselors, a coordinator, and an awesome pastor. They actually care about you as individuals as well as a couple and want to set you up for success in your marriage. On top of all of that, they are very affordable and great people. Ben and I can’t say enough wonderful things about Harborside Chapel.”
Equally important was their search for a talented wedding photographer who offered a combination of timeless appeal and a modern edge, with whom the couple would feel completely comfortable throughout the wedding day. Even when unforeseen traffic delayed their wedding timeline, Amber of Amber McWhorter Photography kept the wedding party cool and calm and captured the celebration without a hitch.
“When looking for a wedding photographer we really wanted someone who not only took not only beautiful traditional photos but also someone that was willing to step out of the box and have some creativity show. I really wanted timeless photos with a beautiful very natural edit as well,” Cooper explained. “Amber McWhorter Photography is absolutely incredible! She is one of the most talented photographers I’ve met, and her editing is extraordinary. We got exactly what we were looking for when we choose Amber to be our photographer. Ben and I did our engagement photo shoot with Amber, and she gave us simple but very needed guidance that made our pictures look so natural and fun. Our wedding actually ended up running very behind, and we had to make some adjustments but Amber made sure that the photos we wanted wouldn’t be compromised. I truly can’t even put into words how amazing her photography skills are; you’ll have to check them out yourself!”
Just as the bride and groom prioritized their faith-based ceremony, they also made sure their reception reflected their unique styles.
“The biggest way we incorporated each other’s personalities was by our choice of DJ. We both love to dance so having a great DJ was a must,” Cooper insisted. “Another way was not having a traditional big cake but instead incorporating our favorite dessert which is chocolate chip cookies!”
When it came time to hire their wedding entertainment, the couple relied on the experts at Grant Hemond & Associates to create a memorable party and stress-free celebration.
“Our DJ had to be fun! Seriously, that was the requirement. Ben and I really wanted someone who was going to make our reception a party and get everybody on the dance floor. Grant Hemond & Associates were exactly what we were looking for! Our DJ, DJ Doug, got our party going and played the perfect playlist all night. He also helped keep the reception timing perfect so I didn’t have anything to worry about,” the bride raved.
Although the wedding day traffic snafu was certainly memorable, the bride says she will never forget the feeling of becoming Ben’s wife on that special day.
“Becoming Mrs. Mercer and marrying the love of my life is my favorite moment of the day. Our day was perfect despite some bumps in the road, but I really do think it was perfect because of these vendors. Harborside Chapel, Amber McWhorter, and our reception venue were so accommodating and didn’t even flinch when our wedding got pushed back a whole hour and a half due to traffic!” the bride reminisced.
What were your wedding hair and makeup inspiration?
Timeless! I really wanted my hair up because of the heat, and I wanted my makeup to look very natural.
Femme Akoi Beauty Studio was amazing. My stylist Monica was so talented, whether you’re like me and want a natural look or you’re wanting to go full glam she is your girl! I actually changed up my hair the day of, from what Monica and I originally discussed and did at my trial, and she was able to create my exact vision and truly made me look and feel more beautiful than I ever have before. Another amazing thing was that all of my bridesmaids loved their hair and makeup!
How would you describe your theme?
We both are pretty simple people so we wanted our wedding to look summery and clean.
What were your colors?
We incorporated dusty blue, white, and some greenery! We chose these colors to just have a clean and summery look, yet a timeless vibe.
What did you look for in a wedding venue?
We both felt passionate about having a religious ceremony and when looking for a venue wanted it to either be a church or chapel. We also wanted it to be a timeless-looking venue that was beautiful on its own not needing much decoration.
We knew the second we pulled up to Harborside Chapel that this was it! We absolutely loved everything about it. It’s a chapel with a beautiful exterior and interior that is exactly what we were looking for. Literally from the second, we walked in to tour from the moment we walked out as husband and wife it was smooth sailing.
Harborside is so much more than just a ceremony venue. When you get married there you get set up with marriage counselors, a coordinator, and an awesome pastor. They actually care about you as individuals as well as a couple and want to set you up for success in your marriage. I am telling you right now, there aren’t a lot of venues that do that for complete strangers. On top of all of that, they are very affordable and great people. Ben and I can’t say enough wonderful things about Harborside Chapel.
The Proposal:
Ben and I are high school sweethearts, and he proposed on Christmas in front of family!
What did you look for in a wedding photographer?
When looking for a wedding photographer we really wanted someone who not only took not only beautiful traditional photos but also someone that was willing to step out of the box and have some creativity show. I really wanted timeless photos with a beautiful very natural edit as well.
“Amber McWhorter Photography is absolutely incredible! She is one of the most talented photographers I’ve met, and her editing is extraordinary. We got exactly what we were looking for when we choose Amber to be our photographer. Ben and I did our engagement photo shoot with Amber, and she gave us simple but very needed guidance that made our pictures look so natural and fun. On our wedding day, Amber not only did an amazing job with our photos but she made everybody feel so comfortable. Our wedding actually ended up running very behind, and we had to make some adjustments but Amber made sure that the photos we wanted wouldn’t be compromised. Amber blew me away and, I am forever thankful for the beautiful moments she captured so well. I truly can’t even put into words how amazing her photography skills are; you’ll have to check them out yourself!”
Where did you spend your honeymoon?
Key West! We choose Key West because we wanted a tropical feel but with the COVID travel restrictions had to keep it local. I wouldn’t change it for the world; it was awesome and we had a wonderful time.
What did you look for in a wedding DJ?
Our DJ had to be fun! Seriously, that was the requirement. Ben and I really wanted someone who was going to make our reception a party and get everybody on the dance floor.
Grant Hemond & Associates were exactly what we were looking for! Our DJ, DJ Doug, got our party going and played the perfect playlist all night. He also helped keep the reception timing perfect so I didn’t have anything to worry about.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Planning a wedding can be stressful but it’s really important to remember that it’s not about what color the napkins are, who sits where or choosing between chicken or fish; it’s about your marriage and starting this new chapter in life. Don’t sweat the small stuff and take your time choosing good people to work with you on your wedding day
Ceremony Venue: Harborside Chapel *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Venue
Reception Venue and Caterer: East Lake Woodlands Country Club
Photographer: Amber McWhorter Photography *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro
Videographer: Chi Photography
Florist: Something Borrowed Blooms
Cake: Publix
DJ: Grant Hemond & Associates *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro
Invitations: VistaPrint
Transportation: Tampa Limo and Car
Dress Shop: Something Blue Bridal Boutique
Bridesmaid Dress Shop: Birdy Grey
Hair & Makeup: Femme Akoi Beauty Studio *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro
Quotes have been lightly edited for clarity and brevity.
*Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pros are highly respected by our local wedding community and have been personally vetted by our editor.
