Traditional Tampa Wedding | Le Meridien Wedding
Olivia and James' downtown Tampa wedding featured classic elegance with a touch of contemporary details.
“The overall style vision was traditional, classic, which is completely me, with a touch of modern for Jay,” the bride explained. “I knew I wanted to play up neutral tones. We ended up choosing a color palette of white, cream, champagne, gold and lots of greenery.”
With the decor in place, the Tampa bride and groom focused on showcasing their historical downtown wedding Tampa venues.
“The 70 stained glass windows in Sacred Heart Catholic Church allowed the sunlight to shine so bright illuminating us as we said ‘I do;' it was a magical moment,” Olivia gushed. “James, who is a local attorney, was especially excited about our reception venue, as it served as the century-old historic federal courthouse that was transformed to the boutique hotel.”
Looking back, one of the bride's most memorable moments came during the wedding ceremony.
“The entire day was like a dream come true and full of love, faith, family and friends. One of the most special moments was when an opera singer sang Ava Maria to our mothers and grandmothers as they walked down the church aisle. Outside of each other, they are the most important people in our lives and we really wanted to highlight them,” Olivia reminisced.
The Proposal:
We fell in love quickly as I’d never met someone so patient, kind, loving and smart in my entire life. So after 10 months of dating, James began sending me romantic letters and silly clues the week leading up to Valentine’s Day. The clues led to a Valentine's weekend in my favorite place Charleston, South Carolina.
On February 14, we arrived in Charleston, and James insisted on going for a walk, which is our favorite activity to do together. We walked from our hotel, the Belmond Charleston Place, and eventually made it to the famous Pineapple Fountain. James proposed as the sun was setting at Waterfront Park. I immediately began to cry when I saw him take out a box and get down on one knee! We disagree on whether or not he actually said anything while he was down there, but I guess the gesture said it all! We spent the weekend calling family and friends and celebrating around Charleston.
How would you describe your theme?
The overall style vision was traditional, classic (which is completely me) with a touch of modern (for Jay). We did simple pew flowers of hydrangeas tied with champagne ribbons and two large alter flower arrangements. The reception tables had elegant centerpieces of paper white peonies, hydrangeas, garden roses, roses and greenery paired with gold chiavari chairs, white tablecloths with a touch of gold accents and glittering votives and table numbers. The sweetheart table was a focal point in the room made of white hydrangeas, roses and greenery that created a romantic and regal look.
What were your colors?
I knew I wanted to play up neutral tones, especially since the venue served as such a timeless and elegant backdrop for our day. We ended up choosing a color palette of white, cream, champagne, gold and lots of greenery.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Our wedding day is a hazy memory of emotions. I didn’t notice if every detail was perfect or exactly the way we planned. I don’t remember what I ate, and I don’t remember all the songs we danced to. What I remember was how I felt and how much I couldn’t wait to just hold James's hand.
My advice to other couples is to enjoy the planning process and ENJOY YOUR DAY! At the end of it all, it’s all about you and your new husband being happy and starting a life together.
Ceremony Venue: Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Reception Venue: Le Méridien
Photographer: K&K Photography
Planner: Confetti Events
Florist: FH Weddings
Rentals: A Chair Affair, Inc. *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro
Cake: Let Them Eat Cake
Band: Bay Kings Band
Invitations: Bella Figura
Dress Shop: Malindy Elene
Bridesmaid Dresses: Bella Bridesmaid
Hair & Makeup: Femme Akoi Beauty Studio
