Sam and Robert
Venue Name
“I would describe our wedding as classic and modern, with personal, authentic touches. I wanted to look back on my wedding and feel like nothing was too trendy for the time but could work in any decade. I wanted it to feel like us: family-oriented, people-focused, vulnerably being ourselves. We had olive green as our main color with shades of warm rose pink, orchid, and orange, but we wanted the black and white of the venue not to be overshadowed.” -The Bride
FEATURING
Sam and Robert’s downtown Tampa wedding combined a timeless monochromatic palette of black and white tones accented with pops of green and pink orchids for a modern touch. The charming architectural details of the historic venue allowed for a minimalist approach to the decor and flora, and a focus on their friends and family who came together in joyful celebration.
“I would describe our wedding as classic and modern, with personal, authentic touches. I wanted to look back on my wedding and feel like nothing was too trendy for the time but could work in any decade. I wanted it to feel like us: family-oriented, people-focused, vulnerably being ourselves,” the bride shared. “We had olive green as our main color with shades of warm rose pink, orchid, and orange, but we wanted the black and white of the venue not to be overshadowed.”
As a professional in the media world, the local bride knew she wanted still photography along with cinematography to artfully document their 100-guest May celebration. Upon discovering Evoke Photo and Film and their personalized approach to each couple, the pair knew they were in excellent hands.
“We wanted photographers who also offered videography, as I’m a motion designer, and videos are my favorite medium. We met with Evoke Photo and Film and loved their vibe,” the bride gushed. “I liked their photography style and how they tried to capture unique personalities and treated every couple as a unique set of people with distinct personalities, and they crushed it with the wedding video!”
The couple incorporated their personalities throughout the ceremony and reception, focusing on their families, their childhoods, and their shared interests. Special details, from the vows to the table numbers, added personal touches throughout the evening.
“Our wedding was unique because we both really wanted to emphasize the community aspect. We bonded as a couple because we both value our families so heavily. We mentioned family in our vows many times, and we took a picture of everyone with my phone at the altar. Our table numbers were photos of us as babies because we wanted a nostalgic feel. We are just big kids who love cats, our families, and mocktails. It was a dry wedding to honor that we don’t drink and support those who are choosing a sober lifestyle. We had mocktails named after all of our cats,” Sam detailed. “We also added a good amount of humor and playfulness. I did my own makeup and hair in the morning with my friends and family. We ended up changing into an Abercrombie dress and Nike shoes after the ceremony because I couldn’t feel myself without feeling comfy. I loved my wedding dress but when I put the Nike shoes on I finally felt like me again.”
With such a sentimental focus on their surrounding loved ones, it was the moments on the dance floor with Robert’s mother that will forever remain a treasured memory.
“The most memorable moment for us was dancing with my husband’s mom as we spun her around the dance floor in her wheelchair. She has Stage 4 lung cancer, and a week before, we had lost hope that she would be able to attend, but my whole family found a way to help get her to Tampa safely. She was an absolute inspiration in how she showed up with shining hope in her eyes and just showered us with love and support” Sam reminisced. “I dreamed for a year about the dance between her and my husband, Robert, and prayed every night it would happen. Seeing them dance and then dancing with her to Whitney Houston was one of the happiest moments of my life. I love her dearly.”
The Proposal:
The proposal was a surprise at my parents’ house. Robert wanted to propose on the golf course their house sits on at sunset, but a thunderstorm cracked down just in time to ruin that plan. My only request for our proposal was that both of our families be present. His family came for the week and surprised me with the proposal. I was shocked. I actually hate rings and jewelry and felt weird with it on. Robert sweetly slipped the ring off my finger, grabbed a sharpie, and drew a ring on me instead so I would feel like myself again and told me, “It’ll be here if you ever want to get used to a ring, but it’s always up to you.” I know it’s odd, but I felt so understood and not judged as he drew a Sharpie ring on my finger.
What did you look for in a wedding photo/video team?
We wanted photographers who also offered videography, as I’m a motion designer, and videos are my favorite medium. We met with Evoke Photo and Film and loved their vibe. I liked their photography style and how they tried to capture unique personalities and treated every couple as a unique set of people with distinct personalities, and they crushed it with the wedding video!
Where did you go on your honeymoon?
Dominican Republic at the Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana. It was a really easy and beautiful destination.
Where was your bachelorette party?
Universal Studios in Orlando. I love roller coasters and theme parks. Universal is my favorite place to be with friends, and we had an absolute blast. We rode the Mummy ride over and over.
What was your wedding theme?
I would describe our wedding as classic and modern, with personal, authentic touches. I wanted to look back on my wedding and feel like nothing was too trendy for the time but could work in any decade. I wanted it to feel like us: family-oriented, people-focused, vulnerably being ourselves.
Which vendors exceeded your expectations?
Carmen, our florist, and Evoke Photo and Film definitely exceeded expectations. Evoke captured such meaningful moments, and they were amazing at managing timing on the day. I was struggling with my wedding dress, which was heavy and uncomfortable, and they were so good at keeping me calm and quickly taking photos between breathers.
Carmen’s Florals were exquisite. I don’t know how she did it, but it was everything I had dreamed of. The colors and shapes were just so us.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Be comfortable over anything and remember to cherish seeing your loved ones in one place. We prioritized our guests over each other, which some people would advise against, but we see each other every day, having both of our families in one place like that will never happen again. Also as someone who stressed over their hair, makeup, and body, none of that matters. You’ll be beautiful no matter what because you will feel happy and loved and radiating joy. I wish I didn’t let myself stress as much as I did on the little things.
