Lauren and Kevin’s downtown St. Pete wedding combined their minimalist and modern styles with homespun elements in a way that was truly personal to the pair. With the assistance of family members, who helped create the day’s details, from the centerpieces to the favors, the fall color palette incorporated neutral tones of charcoal, blush, and metallic shades, with a vibrant berry tone the bride favored.
“Our wedding as minimalistic, modern, and fun! It described our home life perfectly,” the bride gushed. “The official color of the bridesmaid’s dresses was Mulberry. I chose this because of the season and the flowers in the local area turn this color, and I have always thought it was beautiful.”
MORE: MODERN WEDDING INSPIRATION
The St. Petersburg couple searched for a wedding venue that was near downtown so their 151 guests could explore and enjoy the area. The Poynter Institute was near their ceremony church and offered a beautiful space large enough for all of their guests.
“The architecture was amazing, especially the wooden beams. Plus it had an outdoor courtyard for cocktail hour,” Lauren remarked.
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The bride and groom’s family pitched in to provide much of the wedding decor, lending a personal and unique touch to their celebration.
“My mom made all of our centerpieces. My older sister made our table numbers and cookies for all the goody bags we gave to our guests staying at the hotels. My mother-in-law hand-colored on seashells and turned them into magnets as our wedding favors. While my younger sister made a slideshow of memories for when I danced with my Dad and projected them in the dining area,” Lauren gushed.
A unique decor element were the pug-themed items, celebrating their two fur children, Mochi and Gunther.
“We had pug pool floats, pug plush as the bouquet, and pug koozies,” the bride shared. “The pugs came to the church for a photoshoot!”
The bride had a specific vision for her wedding day look, and the team at Truly Forever Bridal helped her find the perfect gown, even when Lauren wasn’t sure she would find “the one.”
“I wanted something more modern and young. I was looking for a fun, downtown party dress, something with the high cut neckline, which I find to be very flattering. I felt like I wasn’t going to have that ‘it’s the one’ moment, but I did!” Lauren raved. “Truly Forever was great! They had a wide selection and friendly staff.”
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When recalling a favorite moment of the evening, Lauren poignantly recollected, “taking the time to eat with my husband at our sweetheart table and look around at all our family and friends having a good time” as one of her most special memories, followed by “walking through Williams’ park in my dress eating a late-night slice of pizza from Joey Brooklyn’s.”
What was your wedding dress inspiration?
I wanted something more modern and young. I was looking for a fun downtown party dress, something with the high cut neckline, which I find to be very flattering. I felt like I wasn’t going to have that “it’s the one” moment, but I did! Truly Forever Bridal was great! They had a wide selection and friendly staff.
The Proposal:
Kevin had just walked across the stage at his graduation ceremony from the University of South Florida St. Pete. We went outside to take photos by the water, and he got down on one knee.
What did you look for in a wedding venue?
A place big enough to hold both of our large families and friends! A nearby location to our church. The architecture at The Poynter Institute was amazing, especially the wooden beams. Plus it had an outdoor courtyard for cocktail hour.
How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
Minimalistic, modern, and fun! It described our home life perfectly.
What were your colors?
The official color of the bridesmaid’s dresses was Mulberry. I chose this because of the season and the flowers in the local area turn this color, and I have always thought it was beautiful. We also incorporated navy (groom), charcoal gray (groomsmen), and light pink, green, and metallics (floral/decor).
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Don’t stress over all the fine details, look at the big picture. The only person that’ll know when something goes wrong is you, and no one else even realizes! Let people help you and don’t be afraid to delegate tasks to family members, it gives them a job and takes one off your list.
Ceremony: St. Mary Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church
Reception Venue: The Poynter Institute *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Venue
Photographer: Caroline Allen Photography, Second shooter: Emma Christine Creative
Planner: Rachael Richards
Coordinator: Bonnie Kelly
Florist: 2Birds Events
Caterer: Spotlight Catering
Dance Floor Light Rental Bay Stage Live
Chairs and Linen Rentals: Rent all City
Cake: Publix
DJ: DJ RJ
Officiant: Father Damien
Invitations: Minted
Transportation: St. Pete Trolley Rental and Hollander Hotel Shuttle
Dress Shop: Truly Forever Bridal- Tampa *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro
Bridesmaid Dress Shop: Azazie
Hair & Makeup: Creative Touches
Bar: Spunky Spirits
Musician for Cocktail Hour: Zachary Biss
