Gabrielle and Darrian’s vibrant South Tampa wedding was a long-awaited celebration featuring a rooftop ceremony, colorful wedding party, and vivid decor.
“We didn’t really go into planning with a theme. There were certain elements we both wanted and made sure to prioritize those. Darrian wanted a blue suit and I wanted gorgeous flowers and table settings,” the bride shared. “We didn’t go with a specific color scheme. We chose elements we liked and made the aesthetic work as a whole.”
The couple’s original wedding venue closed during the pandemic, leaving them left to find a new location for their nuptials, which ended up being a blessing as the pair selected a venue that they had been interested in all along.
“We were really looking for a space that was open and had good energy. We had been following the progress of Hyde House, but it wasn’t completed when we originally chose our venue. After our original venue went under due to COVID, we were afforded the opportunity to have our wedding at Hyde House,” Gabrielle beamed. “The service was excellent. I loved that they had parking for our guests and the staff was professional and fun!”
The St. Pete couple were thoughtful in choosing their team of wedding pros, opting to support companies that represented inclusivity and diversity.
“It was very important for us to support vendors who were people of color, women, and LGBTQ+ friendly,” the pair articulated. “Food was also very important! We had two tastings with our caterer to ensure the food was to our liking.”
Gabrielle prioritized their photographer selection, choosing their Tampa wedding photography team based on their diverse portfolio and engaging personalities.
“It was important for us to find a photographer that was experienced in photographing different skin tones,” the bride shared. “Dewitt For Love‘s portfolio is great! And when we met with them, we instantly liked their energy and enthusiasm.”
The wed-to-bes turned to Imago Dei by Milan for their expertise in enhancing the natural beauty of all skin tones. Gabrielle’s fitted lace gown with plunging neckline was skillfully accented with a low chignon of side swept curls and a natural glow of nude-toned eyes and lips.
“My goal was for everyone to look like the best version of themselves. I wanted to find a hair and beauty team that could accomplish this, and I really wanted an artist familiar with doing makeup on women of color,” Gabrielle revealed. “When I did my consultation with Imago Dei by Milan, I immediately connected with Milan. She does a great job working with the brides to curate a look. Her hair and makeup team were excellent.”
After being distanced due to COVID, the experience of being surrounded by 150 of their loved ones is what made their wedding day truly unforgettable.
“Having a great time with family and friends [was the most memorable aspect]!” the bride reminisced. “We hadn’t seen people in years due to COVID, so we wanted to make sure the wedding was a big celebration.”
The Proposal:
Our proposal was a surprise flashmob proposal at Sundial in St. Petersburg.
What was your wedding day beauty inspiration?
My goal was for everyone to look like the best version of themselves. I wanted to find a hair and beauty team that could accomplish this. I really wanted an artist familiar with doing makeup on women of color.
When I did my consultation with Imago Dei by Milan, I immediately connected with Milan. She does a great job working with the brides to curate a look. Her hair and makeup team were excellent.
What did you look for in a wedding venue?
We were really looking for a space that was open and had good energy. We had been following the progress of Hyde House, but it wasn’t completed when we originally chose our venue. After our original venue went under due to COVID, we were afforded the opportunity to have our wedding at Hyde House.
The service was excellent. I loved that they had parking for our guests and the staff was professional and fun!
How did your rentals enhance the ambiance of your wedding?
We used a golden arch and white draping from Gabro Event Services which helped frame the ceremony space.
What did you look for in a wedding photographer?
It was important for us to find a photographer that was experienced in photographing different skin tones.
Dewitt For Love‘s portfolio is great! And when we met with them, we instantly liked their energy and enthusiasm.
How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
We didn’t really go into planning with a theme. There were certain elements we both wanted and made sure to prioritize those. Darrian wanted a blue suit and I wanted gorgeous flowers and table settings.
What were your colors and why did you choose them?
We didn’t go with a specific color scheme. We chose elements we liked and made the aesthetic work as a whole.
Where did you spend your honeymoon?
We went to three islands in Hawaii.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
The only traditions you need to follow are the ones you choose to create. This is your day; make it your own!
