Kelley and Don’s downtown St. Pete wedding featured colorful flora accented by gold candles and a tranquil outdoor ceremony set amongst lush tropical gardens.
“I would describe our theme as bold and bright with pops of color. We chose this theme because we were inspired by all of the bright florals in bloom during spring. We wanted our wedding to match the venue,” the bride explained. “We chose the brightest colors we could for our spring, garden wedding. We were hoping that the colors would pop and they really did!”
Kelley turned to Marry Me Tampa Bay for style inspiration and keeping informed about the latest wedding events so she could meet local vendors and streamline their planning process.
“We absolutely used Marry Me Tampa Bay during the wedding planning process! Marry Me Tampa Bay announced when the bridal shows were, which began our wedding planning journey, and had a lot of interactive Instagram posts that we enjoyed,” the bride beamed. “We found our chair and market light rentals through both our planner and Marry Me Tampa Bay.”
The Largo couple incorporated the garden floral motif throughout their design, from their stationery to the abundance of roses, berries, and greenery accenting their reception tables. Kelley carried a loose bouquet of pink peonies, coral dahlias, and yellow and fuchsia roses accented with eucalyptus and tied with cascading ribbons.
To personalize their 70-guest celebration, the couple involved close friends as part of the formalities, including a friend to perform at the wedding ceremony and an unconventional “flower woman.”
“One of my best friends was our flower girl (who totally nailed it by the way) and our close friend became ordained so that he could marry us. We also had a very small wedding party which consisted of my sister and the groom’s best friend,” the bride revealed. “What made our wedding unique was the inclusion of our (adult) flower girl and our Maid of Honor and Best Man’s entrance into the reception.”
When asked which moment stands out as the favorite wedding day memory, Kelley recalled several special experiences that she will forever treasure.
“Marrying each other, having a room reveal of our wedding all set up, being surrounded by friends and family, and dancing our tails off were some of the most memorable moments from our wedding!” the bride gushed.
Where did you host your bachelorette party?
The bachelorette party was on Little Gasparilla Island, a small island 2.5-3 hours south of St. Pete at a really nice Airbnb. I chose this location because the idea of being totally secluded on an island (the only way on and off is by water taxi/boat), was such a fun idea for my friends and me.
The Proposal:
Don proposed on our boat at sunset while in each other’s arms while singing the first song we ever kissed to (which later would be my procession song and our first dance).
Where did you spend your honeymoon?
We have not gone on a honeymoon yet. Instead, we decided to have a “home-ymoon” where we took all of the cash and gift card gifts and remodeled our home together! Maybe one day we will be lucky enough to win a vacation, and we can call that our honeymoon!
How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
Bold and bright with pops of color. We chose this theme because we were inspired by all of the bright florals in bloom during the spring. We wanted our wedding theme to match the venue.
What were your colors?
We chose the brightest colors we could for our wedding because we had a spring wedding in a beautiful garden. We were hoping that the colors would pop and they really did!
Which vendors really exceeded your expectations?
Hands down our photographer and planner just absolutely blew our minds and exceeded all of our expectations. Our day of coordinator went above and beyond and nailed our vision, and our photographer captured all of the magic!
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Enjoy being engaged while it lasts! Take your time in the wedding planning process and really soak it in without becoming too overwhelmed. Have a “safe” word for when wedding planning talk gets to be too much, that way the other person has a way of saying that they need a break from the planning process at that time without offending the other (the idea was stolen from an article that I read about How an Avalanche Saved Our Marriage.)
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Sunken Gardens
Photographer: Rachelle Lynn Photography
Videographer: Lens Culture
Planner: Janova Events
Florist: Poise Flowers & Co.
Caterer: Delectables Fine Catering
Chairs/ Lighting: On the Move Productions
Cake: Publix
DJ: DJ Nilla
Officiant: Tony Sellers – Friend
Invitations: Peony and Lace
Transportation: Ambassador Limousine
Dress Shop and Designer: Nikki’s Glitz and Glam – Morilee by Madeline Gardner
Shoe Designer: Kate Spade Keds
Bridesmaid Dress Shop: Azazie
Hair: Hair by Danielles
Makeup: Mad Beauty
Rehearsal Dinner, Getting Ready Location, Post Wedding Brunch: The Hollander Hotel
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.
