Emily and John's Clearwater Beach wedding combined a vibrant palette of oranges, corals, and pinks with tropical foliage and fresh pineapples amidst an al fresco oceanfront setting.
“We were going for an elegant tropical vibe. We wanted something minimalistic décor-wise with a pop of tropical colors as we knew we would have the Gulf of Mexico as our backdrop throughout the entire day,” the bride explained. “I chose vibrant, tropical colors with a main focus on salmon. Little pops of tropical flowers and pineapples made appearances throughout, like lining the ceremony rows, as well as small details such as the groom and groomsmen wearing tiny pineapples as boutonnieres and large pineapples and flowers on each table.”
The Seminole bride relied on Marry Me Tampa Bay to help her make informed decisions about which wedding professionals to hire for her big day.
“Marry Me Tampa Bay helped narrow down vendors and made the process of knowing what we wanted out of each vendor easier to choose from, and the vendor selection was top-notch for the area,” Emily shared.
To make the wedding planning process easier, the couple hired Elegant Affairs By Design. Riley and her team worked tirelessly to ensure that the wedding day was coordinated seamlessly, allowing the bride and groom, along with their 90 close friends and family, to enjoy the festivities without any stress.
“We wanted a very outgoing planner that meshed well with our personalities. I wanted someone who was on top of things and very organized, as it's easy for me to get off track when planning and during the big day. My mother was a huge part of the process and helped with every little detail alongside Riley from Elegant Affairs by Design. We honestly can’t thank either of them enough for making our day so special,” Emily raved. “Riley well exceeded my expectations of coordinating and helping with planning. She was on top of everything, including making sure I was also getting things done in a timely fashion and communicating with all of my vendors so I didn’t need to. She brought two extra assistants on the big day, which helped tremendously. They made sure the groom and groomsmen were ready and where they needed to be. They directed guests, made sure vendors were on time and where they needed to be, along with making sure my mom felt like the mother of the bride and took so much stress away. I honestly couldn’t recommend them enough; they were my saving grace on our big day.”
Special family members played key roles in the celebration, and together with the jaw-dropping backdrop of sand and surf, the overall wedding day experience was perfection in Emily's eyes.
“There are so many aspects to our wedding that I thought were unique, but having so much family involvement was the best. My stepdad marrying us made it special in every way. My uncle also sang a personal song while we were exiting our ceremony, which added another unique element to our day,” the bride gushed. “Getting married with the gulf as such a beautiful backdrop was breathtaking. I wouldn’t change a single thing about our big day.”
Emily wore loose Hollywood curls and a bold lip for her bridal look, while her bridesmaids donned chic braided updos that paired perfectly with their classic black satin gowns.
“My wedding look was inspired by old Hollywood glam. Adore Bridal Hair & Makeup knocked it out of the park with my wedding look. All four of the ladies who came to help get my bridesmaids and me ready were so personable and fun, and they all absolutely made us all feel and look so beautiful. We went with their airbrush makeup as we knew it was going to be hot being outside, and everyone looked flawless all day and night long.” the bride gushed.
The creative floral experts at Save The Date Florida fashioned a unique floral backdrop for their beachfront setting, featuring colorful orchids, philodendrons, and fresh pineapples to perfectly embodied the bride's tropical vision.
“I wanted someone who was willing to do something unique and fun. I knew what I wanted, and I was set on a certain tropical look. I specifically chose Save the Date Florida after seeing Danielle's previous work and after a long phone conversation. We spoke about everything I envisioned for my big day, and she was willing to make it all happen while also allowing changes to be made up to two weeks before our wedding. I’m glad we discussed this because two weeks before, I changed up my arch, and she had expedited a half-moon arch to make my vision come to life,” the bride revealed. “Danielle went above and beyond for my flowers, and they were so beautifully put together. She made my big day very unique with her touch, and I would choose her all over again.”
The intimate exchange before the ceremony in lieu of a first look was a standout moment for Emily, along with the special last dance orchestrated Grant Hemond and Associates.
“We decided to forgo a first look and instead do an intimate back-to-back moment and took a shot to calm our nerves. The photos of this turned out so beautiful, and it was nice to hold hands and tell each other how much we love each other before walking down the aisle. We did personal vows but decided to read them in front of our guests, which made our ceremony so special to share the exact reasons why we were getting married to one another,” Emily reminisced. “We ended our night with just us two on the dance alone for one last dance to take it all in. It was such a special moment for us, and I’m so grateful we chose to do a last dance together.”
What did you look for in a wedding florist?
I wanted someone who was willing to do something unique and fun. I knew what I wanted, and I was set on a certain tropical look. I specifically chose Save the Date Florida after seeing Danielle's previous work and after a long phone conversation. We spoke about everything I envisioned for my big day, and she was willing to make it all happen while also allowing changes to be made up to two weeks before our wedding.
I’m glad we discussed this because two weeks before, I changed up my arch, and she had expedited a half-moon arch to make my vision come to life. Danielle went above and beyond for my flowers, and they were so beautifully put together. She made my big day very unique with her touch, and I would choose her all over again.
The Proposal:
John and I have a pretty unique story. We not only met on Clearwater Beach, but we also got engaged and married on Clearwater Beach. John proposed with the help of family and friends. He told me we were going to a nice brunch but had to pick up my mom from her condo, which just so happens to be right next to Opal Sands resort. He had the entire balcony decorated with balloons and rose petals with Bruno Mars' Marry You playing in the background. I was blindfolded and walked to the balcony where he got down on one knee and had so many beautiful reasons as to why he wanted me to say yes. Easiest yes of my life!
What were your wedding hair and makeup inspiration?
My wedding look was inspired by old Hollywood glam.
Adore Bridal Hair & Makeup knocked it out of the park with my wedding look. All four of the ladies who came to help get my bridesmaids and me ready were so personable and fun, and they all absolutely made us all feel and look so beautiful. We went with their airbrush makeup as we knew it was going to be hot being outside, and everyone looked flawless all day and night long.
What did you look for in a wedding planner?
We wanted a very outgoing planner that meshed well with our personalities. I wanted someone who was on top of things and very organized, as it's easy for me to get off track when planning and during the big day. My mother was a huge part of the process and helped with every little detail alongside Riley from Elegant Affairs by Design. We honestly can’t thank either of them enough for making our day so special.
Elegant Affairs by Design was mentioned to me by family, and we are so grateful we chose them, and specifically Riley, for our big day. She well exceeded my expectations of coordinating and helping with planning. She was on top of everything, including making sure I was also getting things done in a timely fashion and communicating with all of my vendors so I didn’t need to. She brought two extra assistants on the big day, which helped tremendously. They made sure the groom and groomsmen were ready and where they needed to be. They directed guests, made sure vendors were on time and where they needed to be, along with making sure my mom felt like the mother of the bride and took so much stress away. I honestly couldn’t recommend them enough; they were my saving grace on our big day.”
Where did you spend your honeymoon?
Oahu, Hawaii. We stayed on Waikiki Beach in a beautiful resort called Alohilani. Neither of us had been, but the breathtaking views and beaches were at the top of the list!
Where did you host your bachelorette party?
New Orleans, Louisiana. We wanted to experience Bourbon Street, the atmosphere, and all the food Louisiana had to offer.
How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
We were going for an elegant tropical vibe. We wanted something minimalistic décor-wise with a pop of tropical colors as we knew we would have the Gulf of Mexico as our backdrop throughout the entire day.
What were your colors?
I chose vibrant, tropical colors with a main focus on salmon. Little pops of tropical flowers and pineapples made appearances throughout, like lining the ceremony rows, as well as small details such as the groom and groomsmen wearing tiny pineapples as boutonnieres and large pineapples and flowers on each table.
What did you look for in a wedding DJ?
We wanted a DJ who wasn’t afraid to play anything and everything. We wanted to make sure all of our guests were on the dance floor all night long. Grant Hemond and Associates was recommended by our venue as one of their preferred vendors.
Which vendors really exceeded your expectations?
I can’t say enough good things about our photographer and her team. She’s so outgoing and makes you feel like a goddess on front of the lens. It’s all we have left to look at from our big day, and we will never get tired of looking through our photos.
Jenna from Opal Sands really went above and beyond and made sure every detail such as having our entire wedding outside, making changes to meal options, and adding new vendors to their list for us made our day that much more special.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
My best advice is to invest in your memories. Don’t skimp on your photographer because one day your photos will be all you have left, and if you’re questioning a videographer the answer is “yes” you need one!
Remember that this day is all about you and your partner, so do things for you and remember to have fun because the day will be over in a flash!
