Elana and Justin
“I wanted something colorful and casual that represents our personalities. Our theme was boho tropical. I adore fresh flowers and bright colors, and life is too short to live without vibrant colors and joy. Our colors were deep blues, greens, golds, and natural colors brought in with the art and florals.” -The Bride
FEATURING
Elana and Justin’s Wish Upon a Wedding vow renewal featured a beautiful Spring celebration of the couple’s love and commitment, filled with vibrant colors, laughter, and heartfelt moments. The pair, who have battled through Elana’s Stage 4 breast cancer diagnosis, wanted the celebration to showcase their appreciation to their loved ones and be a joyful expression of their enduring love.
“I wanted something colorful and casual that represents our personalities. Our theme was boho tropical. I adore fresh flowers and bright colors, and life is too short to live without vibrant colors and joy,” the bride beamed. “Our colors were deep blues, greens, golds, and natural colors brought in with the art and florals.”
The Tampa couple were selected as recipients of a “Wish Upon A Wedding,” organized by the wedding planning team at Coastal Coordinating. At the request of the planner, the entire vendor team generously donated their time and expertise to create an unforgettable day for this special couple and their 45 guests.
“This was so unique because of the timeline in which it was put together. Wish Upon A Wedding is the most amazing organization. What they are able to do in three months of planning with the vendors is beyond what we would have imagined,” Elana gushed. “Every single vendor exceeded our expectations. Each one donated their time and services, and we are immensely humbled and grateful.”
To bring vibrant vision to life, tropical-inspired decor transformed Tarpon Springs venue Whitehurst Gallery into a boho paradise with the buildings’s classic architecture providing a stunning backdrop. Lush greenery and vibrantly colored flowers by Ava Elise, framed Elana and Justin as they recommitted their love during the outdoor March ceremony, while Kourtney Kaiser Photography and Corey McDonald, captured the moments of the day.
“The gorgeous architecture of the Whitehurst Gallery is elegant and has a uniform design that fits with various themes,” Carly Rose, Wedding & Event Coordinator with Coastal Coordinating shared. “Their venue also fits in since the founder made this as a family home, and it gives that homely familiarity that Elana and Justin wanted out of their vow renewal. All of the guests who were invited were their immediate family, close friends, and everyone that’s played a vital role in their lives and been there for them for the past ten years.”
Elana’s soft glam makeup and hair by Adore Bridal Hair and Makeup beautifully complemented her boho BHLDN wedding dress. Comfort was key as she wanted to dance the night away, and Graingertainment made sure that happened with his renowned party-starting vibes.
“This vow renewal was truly something special to us. I am battling Stage 4 breast cancer, and while we want to believe I will have many years left on this earth, my life is incredibly unpredictable. To be able to stand up in front of our dearest friends and family and renew our love and commitment to each other was the most special thing we could have hoped for,” Elana revealed. “The most important aspects to our renewal were truly making it about a ‘Thank You’ to our friends and family who have been there for us over the years. We had a beautiful wedding ten years ago and did not want a ‘new wedding;’ we wanted a colorful, fun party with dancing, joy, and gratitude. We are forever grateful to have had this opportunity.”
Behind the Vows‘ wedding day content creation captured the heartwarming moment when the wedding planner surprised Elana with intimate details that the bride’s vendor team handcrafted for her.
“The personal touch that just sealed the entire feel of this vow renewal was the personalized signage provided by Inky Fingers Calligraphy, which made it all come together beautifully. By partnering with Margot Griffin, she made watercolor landscapes for the couple’s table number cards and wrote their own personal quote to one another on a mountain set for them to have as a keepsake in their own home, ‘Just think of the Mountains,’” Carly gushed. “She also crafted their signature drink sign to memorialize their furry family members, Sasha and Fen. Elana had picked out the drinks that best represented their beloved pups, and we were able to convey that to Margot, and she knocked it out of the park. We all loved the arch that was crafted by Ava Elise, and we had a blast putting together their wall of wildflower seed packet favors.”
“We added little touches like pictures of our dogs, incorporated inside jokes into our updated vows, and leaned into the vintage boho tropical vibe to make it a relaxed party feel. We are goofy people who find so much joy in life and wanted to ensure that radiated through,” the bride beamed. “Each table number was also a different city or national park we’ve been to over the years, and each one means so much to us.”
Looking back, Elana cherished the opportunity to include her niece in the ceremony. Her joyful presence added a special touch of sweetness to the day.
“The entire day was truly memorable. Having my niece walk me down the aisle, watching her throw flowers at my husband, who she is obsessed with, and just getting to dance and party with all of our friends and family was everything to us,” the bride reminisced.
“The gorgeous architecture of the Whitehurst Gallery is elegant and has a uniform design that fits with various themes. Their venue also fits in since the founder made this as a family home, and it gives that homely familiarity that Elana and Justin wanted out of their vow renewal. All of the guests who were invited were their immediate family, close friends, and everyone that’s played a vital role in their lives and been there for them for the past ten years.” – Carly Rose, Wedding & Event Coordinator with Coastal Coordinating
How would you describe the theme/wedding design inspiration?
I wanted something colorful and casual that represents our personalities. Our theme was boho tropical. I adore fresh flowers and bright colors and life is too short to live without vibrant colors and joy.
What were your colors?
Our colors were deep blues, greens, golds, and natural colors brought in with the art and florals.
“The personal touch that just sealed the entire feel of this vow renewal was the personalized signage provided by Inky Fingers Calligraphy, which made it all come together beautifully. By partnering with Margot Griffin, she made watercolor landscapes for the couple’s table number cards and wrote their own personal quote to one another on a mountain set for them to have as a keepsake in their own home, Just think of the Mountains. She also crafted their signature drink sign to memorialize their furry family members, Sasha and Fen. Elana had picked out the drinks that best represented their beloved pups, and we were able to convey that to Margot, and she knocked it out of the park.” – The Bride
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Do what feels good for your day. Your day is about you and nobody else. Little things will go wrong; the weather might turn, but at the end of the day you won’t remember any of that. You will remember the love and joy and all the other little stuff will fade away. Get an amazing photographer and videographer!
