Natalie and Claudio's waterfront South Tampa wedding was an enchanting evening filled with white flora, elegant black accents, and an al fresco setting with gorgeous views of Tampa Bay.
“The theme was timeless, chic elegance. I wanted elements that would remain timeless throughout the years while also incorporating fun ‘trendy' design elements that spoke to us as a couple. It turned out exactly how I envisioned it in my mind!” the bride beamed. “We chose neutral tones: white, cream, champagnes, ivory, and tiny pops of black. I wanted colors that would never go out of style, and to me, neutral tones go back to my overall style and theme of being elegant and timeless!”
When searching for a venue, the Orlando couple envisioned waterfront Florida vibes for their 140 guests. After searching on Marry Me Tampa Bay, the bride found the Westshore Yacht Club. The convenience of the inclusive packages, along with the attentive staff, stunning location, and charming architecture, made it the ideal choice for hosting their nuptials.
“We wanted a gorgeous water view with fully outdoor elements. I wanted a unique space that allowed my guests to get out of town, that wasn’t a far drive. We wanted a little weekend getaway close to the water and to give our guests that true Florida experience, which totally was a gamble because of Florida’s weather, but it was the best decision we made! We also wanted a venue that was unique and one we had never heard of before. Westshore Yacht Club was absolutely unique, had some European vibes that I loved, a gorgeous water view, and in-house catering. I was obsessed, not to mention it is such an elegant space and really fit my vibe so well!” Natalie raved. “From the moment I walked into the space, I was truly blown away! The facility was so beautiful on the inside and even more gorgeous outside! I absolutely loved how they had in-house catering; this made it so easy. Amy Winkleman, the venue coordinator, was a dream to work with! I knew I would be taken good care of! From the gorgeous water view with sailboats and yachts to the staff and the gorgeous architectural elements that reminded us of Europe, we knew we had to get married there!”
As a wedding planner herself, the guest experience was a top priority, and Natalie and Claudio focused on quality time with their guests by hosting a weekend-long celebration in May while enjoying multiple opportunities to be with their friends and family.
“The most important element to us was the ambiance as a whole. We wanted the day to be all about bringing our loved ones together, making it feel inviting, fun, and inclusive! We wanted it to truly be a weekend getaway,” the bride detailed. “Having a welcome party was also important; it was another night to bring everyone together, and it helped alleviate so many nerves going into the actual wedding day since we already got seeing everyone out of the way.”
Tailoring the reception atmosphere to suit their guests, Natalie and Claudio sought to transform the space using chic furniture and decor, with a statement dance floor that would create a focal point for the night. Elegant soft seating also offered guests a prime location to feel like a part of the festivities even if they weren't dancing.
“We used Kate Ryan Event Rentals‘ acrylic ghost chairs, white dance floor, couches lining the dance floor, dessert gold shelves, and gorgeous velvet sweetheart chairs. This really added to the overall design of the event and added that extra wow factor!” the bride beamed. “Having a dance floor to break up the space was super important, and having couches lining the dance floor was the perfect touch! It allowed guests who didn’t necessarily want to dance to still be a part of the dance floor's energy and vibe while still sitting.”
Although the entire evening was special, Natalie will forever treasure a few key moments on the dance floor that left her filled with emotion.
“Two moments really stand out: our grand entrance into the reception and our last dance! We had our DJ get all our guests to surround the dance floor and play the most epic song, and we were introduced into the crowd with the most indescribable energy! It really set the tone for the remainder of the evening. We then immediately went into our first dance with everyone surrounding us, and I get chills thinking of how everyone sang along to our song as the sun was beginning to set!! It was the best moment ever!” the bride reminisced. “Our private last dance was super special, just my new husband and I taking in the entire day and reflecting on how blessed we are to be surrounded by so much love!”
Where did you host your bachelorette party?
Charleston, SC! I wanted a place with yummy food, close to the water for a boat day and lots of good shopping! We absolutely fell in love with the town, and we had the best time!
The Proposal:
We take a ski trip to Breckenridge, CO, every year. Little did I know that Claudio had planned to propose during our third annual trip! After a full day of skiing and fun, we got dressed up and ready for a family dinner in the town.
Claud wanted to get to town before everyone else to do some souvenir shopping and wine tasting. While on our walk to dinner to join our family, after a lot of wine and whiskey, we stopped in the town center, which was lit up with beautiful Christmas lights. Claudio got down on one knee and popped the question! The moment was beautifully documented. Then we made our way to dinner, where family joined us and celebrated!
How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
The theme was timeless, chic elegance. I wanted elements that would remain timeless throughout the years while also incorporating fun ‘trendy' design elements that spoke to us as a couple. It turned out exactly how I envisioned it in my mind!
What were your colors?
We chose neutral tones: white, cream, champagnes, ivory, and tiny pops of black. I wanted colors that would never go out of style, and to me, neutral tones go back to my overall style and theme of being elegant and timeless!
Where did you spend your honeymoon?
Sandals Royal Caribbean! This is where my parents honeymooned, so it is very special to us now! We also wanted an all-inclusive experience. We're so glad we made this decision; we cannot wait to go back!
What did you look for in a wedding venue?
We wanted a gorgeous water view with fully outdoor elements. I wanted a unique space that allowed my guests to get out of town, that wasn’t a far drive. We wanted a little weekend getaway close to the water and to give our guests that true Florida experience, which totally was a gamble because of Florida’s weather, but it was the best decision we made! We also wanted a venue that was unique and one we had never heard of before. Westshore Yacht Club was absolutely unique, had some European vibes that I loved, a gorgeous water view, and in-house catering. I was obsessed, not to mention it is such an elegant space and really fit my vibe so well!
From the moment I walked into the space, I was truly blown away! The facility was so beautiful on the inside and even more gorgeous outside! I absolutely loved how they had in-house catering; this made it so easy. Amy Winkleman, the venue coordinator, was a dream to work with! I knew I would be taken good care of! From the gorgeous water view with sailboats and yachts to the staff and the gorgeous architectural elements that reminded us of Europe, we knew we had to get married there!
How did your rentals enhance the ambiance of your wedding?
We used Kate Ryan Event Rentals‘ acrylic ghost chairs, white dance floor, couches lining the dance floor, dessert gold shelves, and gorgeous velvet sweetheart chairs. This really added to the overall design of the event and added that extra wow factor!
Having a dance floor to break up the space was super important, and having couches lining the dance floor was the perfect touch! It allowed guests who didn’t necessarily want to dance to still be a part of the dance floor's energy and vibe while still sitting.
Which vendors really exceeded your expectations?
I had the most incredible vendor team! They all worked together so beautifully! From our florist making all of my floral dreams come true to our tabletop rentals and candles, champagne tower, and napkins! I was blown away when I saw the final product! Our beautiful custom signage added so many wow factors throughout the space, and Kate Ryan Event rentals supplied our gorgeous seating and dance floor. Our photographer and her incredible team created jaw-dropping photos that I will cherish for eternity; they brought the most calming presence throughout the day and were so beyond wonderful to work with! Our DJ brought the energy. She was the most talented human being on the planet!
And all the other vendors: transportation for getting our guests to and from the hotels safely all night, our cake designer for making the yummiest cake ever, not to mention it was gorgeous. Our live ceremony and cocktail hour singer has the voice of an angel. She added such a beautiful element to our day, and I was brought to tears walking down the aisle to her singing Make You Feel My Love by Adele. I adored my hair and makeup team. Our day wouldn’t have been as spectacular without each and every single one of our vendors!
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Don’t stick to trends! Be yourself and have fun! Don’t take the planning process so seriously! It goes by in the blink of an eye and should be a stress-free and fun process! Enjoy the tiny moments throughout planning, and don’t let the small stuff get to you! Let Mom have her opinions; she is just as excited as you are, and she can’t believe your wedding day era is here!
On the big day, take time for just your new husband and you to step to the side and take it all in! All those surrounding you, all the decor, the ambiance, and the way you feel at that exact moment! That was the best advice I got, and I was so happy I did it!
