Wedding

Traditional Champagne, Purple and Cream St. Pete Beach Wedding | Don CeSar Wedding

Traditional Champagne St. Pete Beach Wedding | The Don CeSar Wedding

Laura and Justin's St. Pete Beach wedding featured traditional elements and a champagne, purple and cream color palette.

“Our theme was classic elegance. We wanted our wedding to be timeless and classic with a fun vibe,” the bride shared.

The bride and groom searched for a St. Pete Beach wedding venue close to the award-winning Gulf beaches that could also serve as a vacation for their guests.

“We chose the Tampa Bay area because I grew up here, and a lot of our family would be traveling from out-of-state to come to our wedding,” the bride explained. “The Don CeSar is a Tampa Bay icon, as well as being beautiful and timeless both inside and out. The service at the Don CeSar was exceptional. Everyone was so helpful, efficient and professional. Lauren Jones (our venue coordinator) was also another huge reason we felt at ease. She was always available via email or phone and was so helpful with different ideas, ” Laura gushed.

MORE: DON CESAR HOTEL WEDDINGS

Finding a St. Petersburg wedding photographer with a great reputation and strong portfolio was a top priority for the Tampa couple.

“I looked at Marc Edwards Photographs‘ work on his website and especially loved his candid shots,” the bride shared. “When I first talked to Marc, I immediately felt like we were friends. When Justin and I met him in person, it just seemed easy, and I knew we made the right decision.”

MORE: MARC EDWARDS PHOTOGRAPHS WEDDINGS

Looking back, one of the couple's most cherished memories occurred during their reception.

“One of the most memorable moments of our wedding was when Justin and I were sitting at our sweetheart table, and we looked out at all the family and friends that surrounded us on our special day. It was amazing to realize how happy and fortunate we were to have such an amazing day surrounded by people who love and support us,” Laura reminisced.

Elegant Ivory Wedding Invitation with Purple Text and Monograph with Gold Enclosures | Tampa Wedding Photographer Marc Edwards PhotographsLilac Chiffon Bella Bridesmaids Dresses | Tampa Wedding Photographer Marc Edwards PhotographsBridal Jewelry: Diamond Teardrop Earrings with Diamond Cuff and Chapel Train Sottero and Midgley Lace Wedding Dress | Tampa Wedding Photographer Marc Edwards PhotographsIvory, Lilac and Blush Rose Wedding Bouquet | Tampa Wedding Photographer Marc Edwards Photographs

 

Bridal Party Getting Ready In Champagne Silk Satin Monogrammed Robes Wedding Portrait| Tampa Wedding Photographer Marc Edwards PhotographsBride Getting Ready on Wedding Day | Bridesmaids Helping Bride Put Dress On | Tampa Wedding Photographer Marc Edwards PhotographsBride Reading Card From Groom Wedding Day Portrait | Tampa Wedding Photographer Marc Edwards PhotographsBridal Wedding Portrait in Ivory J.Crew Wedding Dress and Ivory and Pink Floral Wedding Bouquet with Greenery and Hydrangeas | St. Petersburg Wedding Photographer Marc Edwards Photographs Shop BHLDN Weddings

Tampa Wedding Ceremony Venue St. Mary Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church | Tampa Wedding Photographer Marc Edwards PhotographsBand Playing at Wedding | Tampa Wedding Photographer Marc Edwards PhotographsBride and Father Walking Down The Aisle Wedding Portrait at Tampa Wedding Ceremony St Mary Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church | Tampa Wedding Photographer Marc Edwards PhotographsTampa Wedding Ceremony Venue St. Mary Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church | Tampa Wedding Photographer Marc Edwards PhotographsTampa Bridal Party Wedding Portrait outside St Mary Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church | Purple Bella Bridesmaids Dresses and Ivory Lace Strapless Sottero and Midgley Wedding Dress with Pink, Lilac and Cream Rose Wedding Bouquet | Tampa Wedding Photographer Marc Edwards PhotographsBridal Party Groomsmen Wedding Portrait in Tuxedos and Bowties at Tampa Wedding Venue Loews Don CeSar Hotel | Tampa Wedding Photographer Marc Edwards PhotographsTampa Bridal Party Wedding Portrait | Purple Bella Bridesmaids Dresses and Ivory Lace Strapless Sottero and Midgley Wedding Dress with Pink, Lilac and Cream Rose Wedding Bouquet | Tampa Wedding Photographer Marc Edwards Photographs

What was your inspiration for your bridesmaid dresses? 
I wanted something classic and elegant that would be comfortable for all of the ladies. I wanted something that would flatter everyone, but I wanted my sister (my maid of honor) to stand out more.

Contact Bella Bridesmaid

Luckily, Bella Bridesmaids stocked several of the same designer, material and color, so I was able to find something perfect for my sister and the others while still staying coordinated. I loved working with Bella Bridesmaids because they were very helpful and organized. I also liked it because my sister and sister-in-law lived in different states, but they were still able to go to their nearest store and get fitted. The process of ordering was easy and the dresses arrived in only 3-4 weeks!

Bridal Party Wedding Portrait with Lilac Bella Bridesmaids Dresses and Ivory, Strapless Lace Sottero and Midgley Wedding Dress at Tampa Wedding Venue Loews Don CeSar Hotel | Tampa Wedding Photographer Marc Edwards PhotographsBride and Groom Outdoor Tampa Wedding Portrait | Photograph by Tampa Wedding Photographer Marc Edwards Photographs

The Proposal:
Justin and I were visiting Furman University in Greenville, SC (our alma mater) for my induction into the Furman Athletic Hall of Fame. The next day he surprised me with a day trip to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC. We spent the day touring the grounds and taking in the beautiful scenery. When we walked up the hill on the vast lawn in front of the estate, Justin got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife. Of course, I said “Yes!”

Beach Bride and Groom Wedding Portrait | Tampa Wedding Photographer Marc Edwards PhotographsWaterfront, Beach Bride and Groom Wedding Portrait at Sunset | Tampa Wedding Photographer Marc Edwards Photographs

What did you look for in a wedding photographer?
We wanted someone with a great reputation and strong portfolio but more importantly, someone we were going to feel comfortable around.

Contact Marc Edwards PhotographsI looked at Marc Edwards Photographs' work on his website and especially loved his candid shots. When I first talked to Marc on the phone, I immediately felt like we were friends. When Justin and I met him in person, it just seemed easy, and I knew we made the right decision. He seemed to know exactly what we wanted and how to capture our big day.

Florida Waterfront Bride and Groom Wedding Portrait at Sunset | Tampa Wedding Photographer Marc Edwards PhotographsSunset, Florida Beach Waterfront Bride and Groom Wedding Portrait | Tampa Wedding Photographer Marc Edwards PhotographsOutdoor, Florida Beach Waterfront Bride and Groom Wedding Portrait at Tampa Wedding Venue Loews Don CeSar Hotel | Tampa Wedding Photographer Marc Edwards Photographs

What did you look for in a wedding venue?
We wanted a wedding venue near the water where people could stay at the same location or very close by.

contact-banner-loews-don-cesar

The Don CeSar is a Tampa Bay icon, as well as being beautiful and timeless both inside and out. We loved the Grand Ballroom. Their Beach House Suites made it easy for families to stay together, but also close by. The service at the Don CeSar was exceptional. Everyone was so helpful, efficient and professional. Lauren Jones (our venue coordinator) was also another huge reason we felt at ease. She was always available via email or phone and was so helpful with different ideas.

Champagne and Gold Traditional Seating Cards with Black Calligraphy Text | Tampa Wedding Photographer Marc Edwards PhotographsLong Feasting Tables with Candles and Tall Ivory, Pink and Purple Centerpieces on Lilac Specialty Linens with Gold Chiavari Chairs at Tampa Wedding Reception Venue Loews Don CeSar Hotel | Photography by Tampa Wedding Photographer Marc Edwards Photographs

Tall Pink, Cream and Lilac Rose and Hydrangea Centerpieces on Feasting Tables at Tampa Wedding Reception Venue Loews Don Cesar Hotel | Tampa Wedding Photographer Marc Edwards Photographs

How would you describe your theme? 
Our theme was classic elegance. We wanted our wedding to be timeless and classic with a fun vibe.

What were your colors?
Champagne, gray, lilac/purple and cream. They are all some of my favorite colors, and I thought they would look good together.

Classic Wedding Reception with Tall Pink, Cream and Lilac Rose and Hydrangea Centerpieces on Feasting Tables at Tampa Wedding Reception Venue Loews Don Cesar Hotel | Tampa Wedding Photographer Marc Edwards PhotographsElegant Wedding Reception Decor with Pink, Cream and Lilac Rose and Hydrangea Centerpieces on Feasting Tables at Tampa Wedding Reception Venue Loews Don Cesar Hotel | Tampa Wedding Photographer Marc Edwards PhotographsFour Tier Round Champagne and Gold Wedding Cake with Rosebud Pattern and Pearl Initial Cake Topper on Silver Cake Stand | Tampa Wedding Photographer Marc Edwards PhotographsFour Tier Round Champagne and Gold Wedding Cake with Rosebud Pattern and Pearl Initial Cake Topper | Tampa Wedding Photographer Marc Edwards PhotographsBride and Groom First Dance Wedding Day Portrait at Tampa Wedding Reception Venue Loews Don CeSar Hotel | Tampa Wedding Photographer Marc Edwards Photographs

What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay Brides?
Find a venue that meshes well with you and your soon-to-be spouse’s personality and vendors that you get along with and trust.

Ceremony Venue: St. Mary Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church
Reception Venue: The Don CeSar Hotel – Grand Ballroom *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Venue
Photographer: Marc Edwards Photographs *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro
Videographer: Randall Productions
Planner: Events by Vanessa
Florist & Rentals: Artistry Designs Group
Caterer: Loews Don CeSar Hotel
Cake: Cakes by Nomeda
Band: Foreman's 5
Officiant: Deacon Mike Menchen
Invitations: Tampa Calligraphy
Transportation: Embassy Limousine
Dress: Sottero & Midgley
Bridesmaid Dress Shop and Designer: Bella Bridesmaids *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro – Donna Morgan
Hair & Makeup: Femme Akoi




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