Katelynn and Avery's intimate downtown St. Pete wedding combined a romantic palette with a garden setting filled with abundant and colorful floral – including a jaw-dropping peacock fountain arrangement. Following the stunning ceremony, friends and family enjoyed outdoor dining at a communal table enclosed in a canopy of suspended blooms and sheer draping.
“The theme we were going for was a romantic garden theme with lots of flowers,” the bride explained. “The colors were greens, whites, and all different shades of pinks.”
The bride found creative ideas and helpful advice by following Marry Me Tampa Bay via social media.
“I would look at the Marry Me Tampa Bay Instagram page for wedding inspiration throughout my planning process,” Katelynn shared.
When COVID-19 threatened their original large-scale wedding, the Pinellas couple pivoted and hosted a smaller celebration in the city that they called home. They searched for a venue with a historic setting filled with classic details that could better accommodate their limited guest list, and found the perfect match with The Vinoy Renaissance.
“When we were looking for a wedding venue we both knew we wanted something that had history and was timeless. We originally had chosen a Sarasota venue for the wedding, however, due to COVID-19 we canceled the wedding and had to go a different route,” the bride revealed. “We downsized from 135 guests to 15 and chose The Vinoy Renaissance because they were able to offer a smaller private space that made more sense for what we were doing, while at the same time still being elegant and beautiful. It was also a place I visited throughout my childhood and the place Avery and I had our first date, so it held sentimental value.”
Although the pandemic forced the couple to redesign their original wedding vision, the reduced size of their celebration made for a truly special experience for their 15 guests.
“Our wedding was unique because it was a micro-wedding due to COVID-19. We had to change everything we had been planning for months and completely rethink our wedding,” the bride recounted. “In the end, it was beautiful and intimate, and we are so happy we decided to not postpone or reschedule.”
After hearing many friends gush about their experience with Femme Akoi Beauty Studio, the bride knew she could rely on their stylists to achieve the timeless hair and makeup styling she envisioned. Katelynn donned soft curls and a berry lip shade to complement her beautiful bouquet.
“I wanted a look that was classic, feminine, and romantic. I wore my hair down, with one side pinned back with a bejeweled comb. For my makeup, I went for a soft smoky eye and a dark pink lip. I chose Femme Akoi Beauty Studio because they came highly recommended to me by several friends and co-workers. They did not disappoint! I felt beautiful on my wedding day and so did my bridesmaids,” Katelynn raved.
After all of the months of planning leading up to the big day, Katelynn shared that the ceremony nuptials was an unforgettable experience.
“The most special and memorable moment of the wedding day was saying our wedding vows to each other. It felt so surreal to finally be able to become man and wife!” the bride reminisced.
My engagement ring is a combination of diamonds from both sides of our families. The center diamond was gifted to me by my mom and dad and was the same one my dad had proposed to my mom with when they were 19 years old. The smaller diamonds on the band were on Avery’s grandmother's wedding ring, so it’s a sentimental piece that symbolizes the joining of both our families.
What were your hair and makeup inspiration?
I wanted a look that was classic, feminine, and romantic. I wore my hair down, with one side pinned back with a bejeweled comb. For my makeup, I went for a soft smoky eye and a dark pink lip.
I chose Femme Akoi Beauty Studio because they came highly recommended to me by several friends and co-workers. They did not disappoint! I felt beautiful on my wedding day and so did my bridesmaids.
How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
Romantic garden theme with lots of flowers.
What were your colors?
Greens, whites, and all different shades of pinks.
The Proposal:
A little over four years into our relationship, Avery asked me to marry him. It was an intimate proposal at my house where he lined up lots of rose petals, hydrangeas (my favorite flower), and candles on the ground leading to him. Afterward, he planned a party with our parents, family, and closest friends to celebrate.
Where did you spend your honeymoon?
We went to North Carolina for our honeymoon mainly due to the fact that we couldn’t fly or go anywhere too far due to COVID-19.
Where did you host your bachelorette party?
I did not have a typical bachelorette party due to COVID-19. What was planned we had to cancel. So instead, the night before, my wedding my sister, best friend, and I had a sleepover. They bought me lingerie and decorated the house with balloons and cute bachelorette decorations! It was the sweetest!
What did you look for in a wedding venue?
We both knew we wanted something that had history and was timeless.
We originally had chosen a Sarasota venue for the wedding. However, due to COVID-19 we canceled the wedding and had to go a different route. We downsized from 135 guests to 15 and chose The Vinoy Renaissance because they were able to offer a smaller private space that made more sense for what we were doing, while at the same time still elegant and beautiful. It was also a place I visited throughout my childhood as well as the place Avery and I had our first date, so it held sentimental value.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Like everyone says, the wedding day goes by so fast! Make sure you slow down and try to enjoy every minute of it. Also having an amazing wedding planner who makes sure everything goes smoothly is a must!
Ceremony/Reception Venue and Caterer: The Vinoy Renaissance *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Venue
Photographer: The Ganey's
Planner and Florist: Lemon Drops Weddings and Events
Cake: The Colors of Food
Officiant: Pastor Randy Morris
Dress Shop and Designer: CC's Bridal Boutique, Martina Liana
Shoe Designer: Badgley Mischka
Bridesmaid Dress Shop and Designer: BHLDN
Hair & Makeup: Femme Akoi Beauty Studio *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro
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.
