Taylor and Nolan's downtown Tampa wedding combined a neutral black and white color palette, waterfront vows set against the famous Riverwalk, a striking greenery chandelier suspended over the dance floor, and a chic champagne seating chart display for the enjoyment of their 104 guests.
“We envisioned modern elegance. We knew we wanted to level up in design without breaking the bank by holding true to a few details while letting go of things that are not necessary. Simplicity played a big role in our design,” the bride shared. “We chose black and white and aimed to be as timeless as we could with our design; maybe one day our grandchildren will give us the seal of approval!”
Taylor turned to social media for insight during the planning process and followed Marry Me Tampa Bay as the expert for real local weddings, vendor research, and helpful advice.
“I followed all wedding social media accounts religiously, and Marry Me Tampa Bay was in on that mix from day one. I actually remember when the account shared our engagement photo in 2019, and I thought, ‘maybe one day they'll share my wedding,' and here we are!” Taylor revealed. “I found the Instagram account insightful; I am always scrolling. The number of local vendors and wedding tips shared was truly appreciated!”
The local couple sought to elevate their wedding decor with modern furnishings and table settings that would both add elegance and reflect their monochromatic color scheme. The result was a polished and sophisticated style with eye-catching appeal.
“Kate Ryan Event Rentals made our design by keeping a hint of simplicity yet giving the layout some flavor,” the bride beamed. “The items that really caught the eye included two white regency cocktail bars, shelving for the champagne seating chart, silver rim and hammered glass chargers, Dali black utensils, and satin black napkins. We didn't want to overwhelm our table wear. With the few statement pieces we chose, we felt our desired level of elegance was met. Not to mention, the chargers and napkins really gave the table setting balance!”
Taylor cherished the wedding day beauty routine because she had complete faith in her hair and makeup artists. So much in fact, that she actually had her wedding day hair styled on the spot without a trial, trusting the skills of Christine Wheaten, owner of Femme Akoi Beauty Studio, thanks to countless referrals.
“I was inspired by Christine Quinn from Selling Sunset; her hair and make-up from her recent baby shower extravaganza were just gorgeous! I chose Femme Akoi Beauty Studio because they are the best in the business! When I first got engaged, I joined all kinds of local bridal Facebook groups and in almost every single one, previous brides raved about Femme Akoi. I started following Christine's work, and wow! She really kills it,” Taylor raved. “I had an updo trial with her for a photo shoot prior to contracting so my specific wedding hair was never trialed. I told her day of what I was looking to do with full confidence that she'd execute it! I have never felt so pretty in my entire life!”
The bride and groom personalized their July wedding with unique details that would create an unforgettable celebration, such as incorporating their mutual love of boating and involving family members in special wedding formalities.
“We had my stepdad officiate the wedding, and I danced with my 93-year-old grandma as my first dance; these personal touches were truly special to us,” the bride recalled. “And because we love boating, we had a water taxi pick up 30 of our guests and transported us all back to the hotel at the end of the night.”
Some of the most memorable moments for Taylor included pampering with her favorite ladies and exchanging private vows with Nolan during their first touch. The groom's favorite moment was when he saw his bride-to-be for the first time and had the reaction that every bride dreams of.
“Getting ready with my girls, mom, and grandma, was so special. We danced, sang, laughed at old pictures, ate, drank; we had a blast. The hair and make-up process was special; we all felt so very beautiful,” the bride gushed. “I also will always remember our first touch, I was so incredibly nervous to read our vows out loud to one another, but once I made it through that, I was ready for everything else! Nolan's favorite memory was watching me turn the corner to come down the aisle. This was the moment he had been dreaming about since planning our wedding. He instantly started crying and said it was the best moment of his life!”
What were your wedding hair and makeup inspiration?
I was inspired by Christine Quinn from Selling Sunset; her hair and make-up from her recent baby shower extravaganza were just gorgeous!
I chose Femme Akoi Beauty Studio because they are the best in the business! When I first got engaged, I joined all kinds of local bridal Facebook groups and in almost every single one, previous brides raved about Femme Akoi. I started following Christine's work, and wow! She really kills it.
I had an updo trial with her for a photo shoot prior to contracting so my specific wedding hair was never trialed. I told her day of what I was looking to do with full confidence that she'd execute it; not to toot my own horn but I may as well have been Christine Quinn, she did so good! I have never felt so pretty in my entire life!
One of my favorite moments of my wedding day was seeing my mom and bridesmaids all done up. It was like a fairytale, I mean we all looked so pretty and the team at Femme Akoi just knew how to execute.
“One of my favorite moments of my wedding day was seeing my mom and bridesmaids all done up. It was like a fairytale, I mean we all looked so pretty and the team at Femme Akoi just knew how to execute.” -The Bride
The Proposal:
Nolan proposed in Costa Rica at the La Fortuna waterfall. We started the day by hiking down the jungle and into the waterfall where we spent the day frolicking around. Next thing you know, he was on one knee overlooking it all and asked me to marry him. It was scenic and a day we will never forget.
“Nolan's favorite memory was watching me turn the corner to come down the aisle. This was the moment he had been dreaming about since planning our wedding. He instantly started crying and said it was the best moment of his life!”
-The Bride
Where did you host your bachelorette party?
We went to San Juan, Puerto Rico! We chose PR because it was unique and somewhere that fit my adventurous side with a bit of culture! Our Airbnb was amazing and a highlight was the sunset sailing tour and hike through the rainforest. My girls also threw me a local South Tampa bachelorette night for those that couldn't make PR that was a blast as well! Nolan and his guys went to Key West, Florida because he wanted to show his friends a slice of Florida!
Where did you spend your honeymoon?
Unico 2087 Riviera Maya Mexico. We chose Mexico because it was an easy getaway considering the pandemic. We wanted to find a nice resort we could spend all of our time at and just decompress after the last few years of craziness. Unico 2087 is an adult-only, all-inclusive resort that is known for its cuisine, top-notch service, and artfully designed rooms. We highly recommend this spot if you're looking for something as a one-stop-shop honeymoon!
How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
We envisioned modern elegance. We knew we wanted to level up in design without breaking the bank by holding true to a few details while letting go of things that are not necessary. Simplicity played a big role in our design.The execution of elegance in our design, the downtown experience, the photography, and food/drink was most important.
What were your colors?
We choseblack and white and aimed to be as timeless as we could with our design; maybe one day our grandchildren will give us the seal of approval.
How did your rentals enhance the ambiance of your wedding day?
Kate Ryan Event Rentals made our design by keeping a hint of simplicity yet giving the layout some flavor! The items that really caught the eye included two white regency cocktail bars, shelving for the champagne seating chart, silver rim and hammered glass chargers, Dali black utensils, and satin black napkins. We didn't want to overwhelm our table wear. With the few statement pieces we chose, we felt our desired level of elegance was met. Not to mention, the chargers and napkins really gave the table setting balance!
Which vendors really exceeded your expectations?
Our wedding planner. I am convinced there is nothing she couldn't handle! She helped me plan two weddings essentially. First, for our 2020 wedding that was plagued by COVID, and then second, for our actual wedding! Our photo and video duo. You don't realize how much of your wedding day is spent with your photographer. It is incredibly important to make sure you have a professional you like! Christine with Femme Akoi. I also have never felt so pretty and confident in my life. Our florist. Our incredible floral chandelier above the dance floor elevated our entire design. We danced under it all night and I felt like I was in a dream.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Don't overthink the details. Many of your guests won't know if anything goes wrong or is missing. As long as you've got good food, cocktails, and good music your guests will enjoy it! Also, hire a wedding planner. Ours not only navigated us through COVID, but she also made sure everything was prepared, aligned, and coordinated with all of the vendors. My wedding day was truly stress-free because of her and her team. Lastly, make a wedding email! This way, all of your correspondence is in one inbox and won't be missed.
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.
