Katie and Jake's modern downtown Tampa wedding was a magical moment under the sea at the Florida Aquarium. The fall celebration featured tropical greenery, stunning views of downtown, and a shark tank ceremony backdrop.
“We wanted something that would be timeless but still modern. More importantly, I wanted to avoid any nautical influence in our theme or colors since we were getting married at The Aquarium,” the bride explained. “[Our colors were] black, green, white, and gold. We wanted something sleek, timeless, and modern. With these colors, we would be able to look back on our wedding for the years to come and still be happy with our choices.”
The local bride utilized Marry Me Tampa Bay's real wedding features and preferred wedding vendors to compare venues, photographers, and florists.
“We researched venues on Marry Me Tampa Bay to get ideas and determine who we should choose for our vendors,” Katie shared. “We used it to see our photographer, venue, and florist's previous work and decide between the options.”
The couple selected The Florida Aquarium to host their 140-guest wedding because of its magical atmosphere and convenient downtown Tampa location. The ceremony took place in front of the Coral Reef aquarium while sharks and fish coasted by in the background.
“We wanted something indoors with everything in one location, with catering and rentals. We also wanted something that would be memorable for our guests. Jake picked the venue. I wanted him to be involved since it was his day too,” the bride revealed. “The Aquarium was a memorable venue that all our guests loved. The bubble curtain during the first kiss resulted in the most amazing photos. Everyone loved it and still talks about it! We are looking forward to visiting on our anniversary in the years to come!”
Choosing a Tampa wedding photographer who could bring the perfect aesthetic was an important factor for Katie when looking at photography styles. She hired Lifelong Photography Studio for their experience at The Aquarium and stunning portfolio of past work.
“I wanted light and bright photos without the gloomy DSLR high-definition look. Also, we needed a photographer with experience taking pictures inside The Aquarium without flash back on the tanks,” Katie explained. “Lifelong Photography Studio captured everything we were looking for in a photographer. We met them at the Florida Aquarium open house and saw their work. They captured our day perfectly. They went above and beyond and even stayed later to ensure we got enough shots of our reception.”
To veer away from a nautical theme, the bride used elegant Florida palms and white flowers from Bruce Wayne Florals to connect the tropical aquarium to a modern and sleek look. Gabro Event Services provided chair covers, chargers, and draping to personalize the ambiance of the reception.
“I wanted a modern tropical vibe to the wedding since we got engaged in a topical location. After I found what I envisioned on Pinterest with orchids and topical greenery, I was pretty much stuck on that idea no matter the venue we picked, Katie detailed. “Our planner introduced us to Bruce Wayne Florals after I explained what I wanted. She immediately knew that Bruce was exactly who we needed to work with to make the modern tropical flower arrangements I was hoping for. He delivered. The flowers were gorgeous!”
Femme Akoi Beauty Studio pulled Katie's long blonde hair halfway back and styled her with a natural glam to resemble her everyday look while keeping her comfortable while celebrating all night. Grant Hemond & Associates kept the party going with a packed dance floor and romantic uplighting.
“The most important thing for us was that our guests and family could come together and celebrate. These past few years were rough, and for many of our guests, this was the first larger event they attended. So, we wanted a wedding where they could come to have a good time and reconnect,” the bride articulated. “Also, it was essential to Jake that we had donuts.”
As Katie reminisced on the evening, it was a mix of both sentimental and silly moments that made her wedding celebration a perfect memory.
“We did a surprise choreographed first dance that no one knew about until we started. It took us two weeks to learn in our living room, under the close supervision of our dogs, who could not be a part of our special day. Not only is it nice that they got to be involved in a small way, but it’s fun to have in our back pocket at weddings and events, so we can always relive our first dance together,” Katie beamed.
The Proposal:
I was in law school, and Jake announced that we were going on spring break to a surprise location. We flew to St. Lucia and got engaged at Jade Mountain overlooking the water and the Pitons. Afterward, we spent the week exploring the island and celebrating our engagement. It was an extraordinary trip that I will never forget.
What were your wedding hair and makeup inspiration?
I wanted a romantic glam look but wanted to look like me. My dress was so detailed that it was important that my makeup and hair didn't take away from it. Femme Akoi Beauty Studio was fantastic!
“The Florida Aquarium was a memorable venue that all our guests loved. The bubble curtain during the first kiss resulted in the most amazing photos. Everyone loved it and still talks about it!”
-The Bride
What did you look for in a wedding photographer?
I wanted light and bright photos without the gloomy DSLR high-definition look. Also, we needed a photographer with experience taking pictures inside the aquarium without flash back on the tanks.
Lifelong Photography Studio captured everything we were looking for in a photographer. We met them at The Florida Aquarium open house and saw their work. They captured our day perfectly. They went above and beyond and even stayed later to ensure we got enough shots of our reception.
What did you look for in a wedding venue?
We wanted something indoors with everything in one location, with catering and rentals. We also wanted something that would be memorable for our guests. Jake picked the venue. I wanted him to be involved since it was his day too.
The Florida Aquarium was a memorable venue that all our guests loved. The bubble curtain during the first kiss resulted in the most amazing photos. Everyone loved it and still talks about it! It had everything in one location, with catering and rentals included. We are looking forward to visiting on our anniversary in the years to come!
Where did you spend your honeymoon?
We had our hearts set on going to Bali, but due to COVID, we were unable. Instead, we took a cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line out of Barcelona down the coast of Italy. It was a beautiful, fantastic trip. After thinking that due to COVID, we wouldn’t be able to have a honeymoon at all, we are so thankful that we got to go somewhere. Maybe one day we’ll make it to Bali after all.
Where did you host your bachelorette party?
We went to Austin, TX. I had always wanted to visit it because it looked like a fun city. We all had so much fun that we went again a few months later with a bigger group.
How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
We wanted something that would be timeless but still modern. More importantly, I wanted to avoid any nautical influence in our theme or colors since we were getting married at the Aquarium.
What were your colors, and why did you choose them?
Black, green, white, and gold. We wanted something sleek, timeless, and modern. With these colors, we would be able to look back on our wedding for the years to come and still be happy with our choices.
What did you look for in a wedding florist?
I wanted a modern tropical vibe to the wedding since we got engaged in a tropical location. After I found what I envisioned on Pinterest with orchids and topical greenery, I was pretty much stuck on that idea no matter the venue we picked.
Our planner introduced us to Bruce Wayne Florals after I explained what I wanted. She immediately knew that Bruce was exactly who we needed to work with to make the modern tropical flower arrangements I was hoping for. He delivered. The flowers were gorgeous!
How did your rentals enhance the ambiance of your wedding?
We rented chair covers and chargers from Gabro Event Services, then put draping on the back wall. The gold chargers gave the tables some contrast against the black tablecloths and chair covers. Overall, these rentals made the room look streamlined with the rest of the modern aesthetic.
What did you look for in a wedding DJ?
We wanted someone who would keep the dancing going during the reception. Our planner recommended Grant Hemond & Associates. Tony did a fantastic job and listened to what we wanted to hear during the reception. They also provided uplighting around the room, giving the whole ballroom a romantic glow.
Which vendors really exceeded your expectations?
Our planner was terrific. After our wedding was postponed due to COVID, she stood by our side and helped us stay on track. I am so thankful to her and how much work she put into making our day happen a year later.
Bruce Wayne Florals blew us away with the florals for the wedding. They were terrific, and I was speechless when I finally saw them. Every arrangement was twice the size I thought it would be, and it made his work that much more impressive.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Do your research on all your vendors and think outside the box. There are so many options available, so pick the things that speak to you.
Don’t get caught up in the minor details. Trust me, no one will notice, and in the grand scheme of things, you will forget about them and remember only the good stuff.
