Amanda and Jimmy’s Tampa Bay wedding began at the picturesque tree-lined streets of Safety Harbor and ended in downtown St. Pete with a reception and after-party. Originally planning on a fall wedding, the bride and groom postponed until the following spring due to the pandemic, yet the timeless styling went with any season.
“Our theme was elegant and classy. We wanted to look back and be timeless. We went with black and white and shades of gold,” the bride detailed. “Since our wedding was originally going to be in September, it was worth the wait!”
Desiring a church wedding ceremony, the bride fell in love with the stunning architecture of Harborside Chapel and connected with their wedding team. To highlight the natural lighting at the ceremony venue, Amanda added a chic floral arch filled with greenery.
“My husband is Catholic, but I did not want to marry in the Catholic church. [Choosing our ceremony venue] was a happy medium, and I love Harborside Chapel,” Amanda gushed. “It is a beautiful venue, and the people were amazing and made us feel like that is where we should get married. It is so beautiful, and you can get ready there, which was perfect and stress-free.”
To move the celebration to the Edge District of downtown St. Pete, the couple hosted shuttles for their guests while they arrived in style in a vintage Rolls Royce. While they chose a reception venue in the middle of the city, Amanda and Jimmy also sought an intimate location that was near multiple after-party hot spots. NOVA 535’s outdoor bamboo courtyard and spacious loft-style venue provided the special experiences planned for the 150-guest reception, such as a mobile photo booth and a grand sparkler exit.
“We wanted a private area that nobody else would be around. NOVA 535 is right in downtown St. Pete, so it’s local to going out afterward. It’s such a cool place with brick and an outside area,” the bride beamed.
As Amanda looked back on her memorable weekend, celebrating with her closest friends and family to begin their epic weekend of love and laughter was truly unforgettable.
“We loved everything. The rehearsal dinner was such a fun part of the weekend. We had a private room, and it was awesome because it was more intimate than the wedding,” Amanda reminisced. “The entire wedding day was perfect, and I could not ask for a better day!”
The Proposal:
Jimmy proposed at our first Christmas in our home. We had a perfect morning getting coffee, picking out our Christmas tree, and decorating. We wore Christmas pajamas, and when we were done decorating the tree, Jimmy gave me a box with an ornament that said, “Will you Marry Me?” It was perfect and at home just like I wanted.
What did you look for in a wedding ceremony venue?
My husband is Catholic, but I did not want to marry in the Catholic church. It was a happy medium, and I love Harborside Chapel.
It is a beautiful venue and you can get ready there, which was perfect and stress-free. The people were amazing and made us feel like that is where we should get married.
Where did you spend your honeymoon?
Los Cabo. We love Mexican food!
Looking back, I would have done a retreat that caters to honeymooners. We stayed at a Westin, and it didn’t feel like a honeymoon since they do not really specialize in that. We still had a great time!
What did you look for in a wedding reception venue?
We wanted a private area that nobody else would be around.
NOVA 535 is right in downtown St. Pete, so it’s local to going out afterward. It’s such a cool place with brick and an outside area.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Make sure whoever is marrying you announces not to have guests take photos. It ruins photos! Everyone respected my wishes, and I appreciated that. I would also recommend making a list of photos you would like the photographer to take.
