Destination Clearwater Beach Wedding | Hilton Clearwater Beach Wedding
Kerry and Stevie’s outdoor, destination Clearwater Beach wedding featured a tropical light blue, gold and peach color palette, complementing the beautiful backdrop of the Gulf of Mexico.
“Our vision was to create a ballroom on the beach! We wanted our reception to be laid back with lots of fun and dancing, yet still have the elaborate details for an indoor venue,” the bride shared.
The Pennsylvania couple chose Clearwater for their destination beach wedding after visiting the area on vacation.
“We specifically wanted a venue that allowed us to have our ceremony and reception right on the beach! We also wanted a venue that had lots of activities, restaurants on-site and within walking distance for all of our out-of-town guests!” Kerry gushed. “We chose the Hilton Clearwater Beach because we fell in love with the Sandpiper Deck. We loved the idea of a ballroom on the beach wedding, and with our florists’ draping, it was the perfect setting! Our reception was perfect, and we were very pleased with the five-star service we received.”
Wedding florals were a priority for the bride and groom, which dictated their beach wedding theme.
“Our floral inspiration was large vases with hydrangeas and lots of roses! I incorporated peonies and more colors into my bouquet to add a beautiful pop of color,” the bride explained. “After spending thirty minutes with Iza of Iza’s Flowers, I had already adored her and could not wait to start planning every detail! Iza’s service was exceptional! I knew how beautiful her work was, but to say she exceeded all expectations would be an understatement. I nearly cried when the flowers arrived in the bridal suite and again when seeing the reception set-up for the first time.”
The couple searched for a Clearwater Beach wedding photographer who was familiar with their venue choice.
“We wanted two photographers who would capture the beautiful Florida sunset and someone with a significant amount of experience at our venue,” Kerry said. “We hired Limelight Photography because not only did we fall in love with their beautiful work, but also because of their phenomenal customer service from our initial inquiry to the day of the wedding! I liked the fact that Limelight only does wedding photography. During my initial conversation with Michael, I quickly learned that their company is extremely passionate about their job, and that sealed the deal!”
What was your floral inspiration, and what did you look for in a wedding florist?
Our floral inspiration was large vases with hydrangeas and lots of roses! I incorporated peonies and more colors into my bouquet to add a beautiful pop of color! We wanted a florist who wasn’t going to try to sell us on a hundred different extra items and who was willing to work with our budget.
After spending thirty minutes with Iza of Iza’s Flowers, I had already adored her and could not wait to start planning every detail! Iza’s service was exceptional! Planning a destination wedding for 82 guests can be stressful when you can’t meet with your vendors face-to-face, but Iza was so patient and set aside time to talk on the phone at least 4-5 times leading up to the wedding. I knew how beautiful her work was, but to say she exceeded all expectations would be an understatement. I nearly cried when the flowers arrived in the bridal suite and again when seeing the reception set-up for the first time.
What did you look for in a wedding venue?
We specifically wanted a venue that allowed us to have our ceremony and reception right on the beach! We also wanted a venue that had lots of activities, restaurants on-site and within walking distance for all of our out-of-town guests!
We chose the Hilton Clearwater Beach because we fell in love with the Sandpiper Deck. We loved the idea of a “ballroom on the beach” wedding, and with our florists’ draping, it was the perfect setting! Our reception was perfect, and we were very pleased with the five-star service we received, as well as from our day of coordinator.
What did you look for in a wedding photographer?
We wanted two photographers who would capture the beautiful Florida sunset and someone with a significant amount of experience at our venue!
We hired Limelight Photography because not only did we fall in love with their beautiful work, but also because of their phenomenal customer service from our initial inquiry to the day of the wedding! I liked the fact that Limelight only does wedding photography. During my initial conversation with Michael, I quickly learned that their company is extremely passionate about their job, and that sealed the deal!
How would you describe your theme?
Our vision was to create a ballroom on the beach! We wanted our reception to be laid back with lots of fun and dancing, yet still have the elaborate details we would for an indoor venue. We chose the theme after seeing lots of our florist’s work, who helped us create the perfect day!
What were your colors?
Our colors were light blue and gold, and we used peach floral accents. I have loved the color blue since I was a little girl and always envisioned having this color for my bridesmaids one day!
What was your cake inspiration and what did you look for in a bakery?
Our vision was to have a cake showered in gold with some beachy accents. Our biggest priority was finding a bakery that would be able to make a gluten-free wedding cake since I have Celiac Disease. My husband does not like chocolate and most gluten free cakes are chocolate.
When Corey of Corey’s Bakery told us he could make a gluten-free, champagne vanilla wedding cake, we were sold! He made the bottom layer of our cake gluten-free champagne vanilla and the rest of the layers were cannoli-flavored, all with buttercream icing!
What did you look for in a wedding DJ, and what was your music inspiration?
We wanted our wedding music to be mostly oldies/throw back songs with a few newer songs that everyone would want to get up and dance to! We wanted a DJ who was professional and who would have just the right amount of energy to get our guests on their feet and engaged!
Grant Hemond & Assoicates took the time to talk with us and get an idea of what kind of music we wanted to be played at our reception. We gave him a short list of some must haves, and he let us know that if the crowd didn’t seem to be feeling a song, he would roll into a new song, and we loved that! We thought their service was great, timely, and professional!
Venue: Hilton Clearwater Beach
Photographer: Limelight Photography
Planner: Confetti Events
Videography: Hearts Video
Florist: Iza’s Flowers
Caterer: Hilton Clearwater Beach
Cake: Corey’s Bakery
DJ: Grant Hemond & Associates *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Bridesmaid Dresses: Bari-Jay
Hair & Makeup: Destiny and Light Hair and Makeup Group
