Adriana and Michael’s destination Clearwater Beach wedding featured tropical touches through the florals, sunset beach backdrop, and colorful décor accents. Hues of pinks and rose gold with touches of greenery made for a classic but vibrant aesthetic. The Chicago area couple embraced the Florida lifestyle and highlighted what Tampa Bay is best known for.
“The most important thing was to being outside on the beach! The romantic views made our wedding unique,” the bride exclaimed. “Our theme and inspiration were tropical, beachy, laidback. We are total beach bums and love everything bright and tropical.”
Planning a wedding over 1,000 miles away, Adriana relied on Marry Me Tampa Bay to help her research the perfect wedding venue for their 65 guests.
“I looked up Marry Me Tampa Bay for venue options since we are from out of town. Florida is our favorite place in the US and we knew we wanted a beach wedding. After visiting two hotels in Clearwater and two in St. Pete, we chose the Hilton Clearwater Beach. It was on the website, and we loved the Sandpiper Deck,” the bride shared. “It was everything we needed to make our wedding dreams come true. We needed everything to be outside: ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception.”
The pair searched for an open and airy beachfront location that felt modern and sleek and provided the perfect backdrop for an October wedding.
“We chose the Hilton Clearwater Beach for the Sandpiper Deck. They were the most expensive venue we looked at, but we could not get over the views. It was everything we wanted!” the bride gushed. “Candice Slater at the Hilton was another reason we loved the hotel. She is amazing; so prompt and thoughtful with everything she does. We were planning during COVID, and she answered everything and made us feel so confident in keeping our wedding date the same and not postponing.”
The florals were one of the most important aspects of the day. They looked for a florist who provided vibrant florals and reliable service.
“The money we spent on flowers was 100% worth it. I actually cried when Iza of Iza’s Flowers brought me my bouquet. It was so beautiful. The flowers looked like they were from Hawaii!” the bride beamed.
Looking back, the nuptials and surroundings were the most memorable moment of the day for the couple. Their personal vows and intimate ceremony in their favorite state made their day uniquely theirs.
“The scenery we had was astounding with an amazing sunset. The sky was so many different beautiful colors!” the bride reminisced.
The Proposal:
Mike proposed in March on the beach in Cancun, Mexico. He surprised me with the trip for Christmas, and I had absolutely no idea it was coming!
Where did you host your bachelorette party?
Lake Geneva. I wanted it to be in Chicago close to home but due to COVID many places and restaurants were closed. Lake Geneva was open for the most part.
What did you look for in a wedding florist?
Vibrant florals and reliable service. The money we spent on flowers was 100% worth it. I actually cried when Iza of Iza’s Flowers brought me my bouquet. It was so beautiful. The flowers looked like they were from Hawaii!
I trusted our venue’s opinion on going with Iza, but what made up my mind was that she actually called me after I asked for a quote and broke everything down for me. Iza is extremely personable and sweet.
What did you look for in a wedding venue?
Open/airy views, beachfront, and updated/modern. Everything the Hilton Clearwater Beach is.
After visiting two hotels in Clearwater and two in St. Pete, we chose the Hilton for the Sandpiper Deck. It was everything we needed to make our wedding dreams come true. We needed everything to be outside: ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. They were the most expensive venue we looked at, but we could not get over the views. It was everything we wanted!
Candice Slater at the Hilton was another reason we loved the hotel. She is amazing; so prompt and thoughtful with everything she does. We were planning during COVID, and she answered everything and made us feel so confident in keeping our wedding date the same and not postponing.
Where did you spend your honeymoon?
Secrets St. James Montego Bay, Jamaica. We wanted to go somewhere tropical and median-priced.
How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
Our theme and inspiration were tropical, beachy, laidback. We are total beach bums and love everything bright and tropical.
What were your colors?
Our colors were pinks, rose gold accents, and lots of tropical greenery.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Go with what you envisioned for your special day because you only do it once!
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Hilton Clearwater Beach *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Venue
Photographer: Salvador Robles Photography
Florist: Iza’s Flowers *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Cake: Sweets by the Bay
DJ: Shut Down Productions
Officiant: Sensational Ceremonies
Invitations: Graphic Image Corporation Frankie Markasovic
Dress: Bella Sposa (Tinley Park, IL)
Bridesmaid Dresses: Birdy Grey
Hair & Makeup: Art by Izzy
Rehearsal Dinner: Marina Cantina
Quotes have been lightly edited for clarity and brevity.
*Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pros are highly respected by our local wedding community and have been personally vetted by our editor.
