Located in the heart of downtown St. Pete, Red Mesa Events is a hidden gem of a wedding venue space offering rooftop views and an eclectic, elegant setting that truly encompasses the St. Pete culture. With its original exposed brick, two stunning chandeliers and herringbone wood floor, La Florida Ballroom is an exquisite, 1,200-square-foot space that seats 110 in a formal dining setting and dance space or 175 guests for heavy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails. As a full-service wedding and event venue at the historical site of St. Pete’s first fire station, Red Mesa Events prides themselves on their Mexican inspired cuisine. The unique wedding venue ties together its Latin and Caribbean kitchen traditions for bold, fresh flavors.
Designing a fresh and colorful stylized setting for this wedding inspiration photo shoot, St. Pete wedding planner UNIQUE Weddings + Events came together with floral and rental specialists Gabro Event Services to create a uniquely vibrant design. Kéra Photography teamed up with wedding videographer Bonnie Newman Creative to capture the vibrant details of the day.
“We embraced Red Mesa as an unconventional event space and a staple of downtown St. Pete, and we wanted to show that couples can create a beautiful event at an unexpected space,” Staci Mandikas of UNIQUE Weddings + Events explained. “Looking around downtown St. Pete, we noticed a number of neutral tones reflective in the buildings, sidewalk, and street, typical in an urban city. But in downtown St. Pete, we were continually captivated by the bright colors consistent throughout the city: pride flags, murals, and art museums. Based on what we observed, we opted for a neons and neutrals color scheme, combining ivory, champagne, and grey with bright pink, yellow, and orange.”
LEARN MORE ABOUT UNIQUE WEDDINGS + EVENTS | EMAIL
The pop of gold chargers and cutlery with the geometric black and white plates from Kate Ryan Event Rentals effortlessly combined with the monstera leaf and vibrant peony centerpieces created by Gabro Event Services.
The ceremony just after sunset took place on the private DeSanto rooftop event space, which overlooks the heart of downtown St. Pete. The custom greenery wall created by Gabro Event Services served as the perfect romantic backdrop with the towering city buildings surrounding the couple.
LEARN MORE ABOUT GABRO EVENT SERVICES | EMAIL
This chic 1200-square-foot event space features a rich Brazilian Walnut deck, lounge seating, and 30-ft bar specializing in exclusive handcrafted cocktails, making it a modern and unique ceremony option that can double as cocktail hour.
“Showcasing the elegant space with pops of color in every element truly encompassed St. Pete’s overall culture,” Morgan Crutchley, Events Director of Red Mesa Events beamed. “We are proud to show support for the LGBTQ+ community within this beautiful, fun wedding shoot.”
LEARN MORE ABOUT RED MESA EVENTS | EMAIL
St. Pete bakery The Artistic Whisk created a colorful St. Pete wedding cake, incorporating designs from murals all over downtown. The sweet treat complemented the vibrant floral decor, standing out against the white-washed brick walls of the ballroom.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ARTISTIC WHISK | EMAIL
The partners dazzled with edgy hair and makeup from St. Pete hair and makeup artists Femme Akoi Beauty Studio who are known for their unique braided updos. Truly Forever Bridal provided a boho-chic inspired halter wedding dress, with lace detail that partnered perfectly with the venue.
“There are so many small details that can be easily incorporated into a couple’s wedding day! Whether it’s adding elements to their cake that remind them of the city where they met, doing a pedicab sendoff because they rode one on their first date, or even serving Mexican food because that’s where they are heading for their honeymoon,” wedding planner and designed Staci gushed. “It’s about taking those small ‘tokens’ from your life together and your relationship and turning them into tangible elements that your guests can partake in and enjoy.”
I Want to learn more about Videography from Bonnie Newman Creative
I want to learn more about wedding attire from Truly Forever Bridal
I want to learn more about hair & makeup from Femme Akoi.
How would you describe the theme of the shoot?
Our theme was to embrace the diversity and culture of downtown St. Pete. Also, there is a major contrast evident within the city that inspired our color scheme. There are fine dining restaurants and street eateries, youthful twenty-somethings and retirees, fine art and surrealism. The city is a melting pot and embraces contrast.
I Want to Learn More about Planning & Design from UNIQUE Weddings & Events.
I want to learn more about weddings at Red Mesa Events.
What were your colors?
Looking around downtown St. Pete, we noticed a number of neutral tones reflective in the buildings, sidewalk, and street, typical in an urban city. But, in downtown St. Pete, we were continually captivated by the bright colors consistent throughout the city: pride flags, murals, art museums, etc. Based on what we observed, we opted for a neons and neutrals color scheme, combining ivory, champagne, and grey with bright pink, yellow, and orange.
I Want to Learn More about Decor from Kate Ryan Event Rentals
I want to learn more about decor and draping from Gabro Event Services
What would couples be surprised to know about Red Mesa Events?
As a full-service venue in the historical site of St Pete’s first fire station, we pride ourselves on our cuisine! With Mexican cuisine at its heart, Red Mesa Events blends Latin and Caribbean kitchen traditions to create a menu of exquisite classics that deliver bold, fresh flavors. Our catering menus are unlike any in the area to include the Red Mesa Cantina menu favorites while also catering to those searching for classic wedding dishes with a unique twist. It also helps that we have the most extensive selection of tequilas and mezcals in the South! We are able to create signature cocktails for any palate and include specialized offerings in our beverage menus.
I Want to Learn More about Desserts & Cake from The Artistic Whisk.
How did the Red Mesa Events fit within your theme?
We embraced Red Mesa as an unconventional event space and a staple of downtown St. Pete. We wanted to show that couples can create a beautiful event at an unexpected space. Also, who doesn’t love Mexican food?!
I want to learn more about Kéra Photography
Venue, Catering and Bar: Red Mesa Events *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Venue
Planner: UNIQUE Weddings & Events *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Photographer: Kéra Photography *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Videographer: Bonnie Newman Creative *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Decor, Flowers & Rentals: Gabro Event Services *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Linens & Tabletop Rentals: Kate Ryan Event Rentals *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Hair and Makeup: Femme Akoi *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Dress Shop: Truly Forever Bridal *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Cake: The Artistic Whisk *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Transportation: St. Pete Pedicab
Accessories: Kendra Scott
Models: Michaela and Claudia