Wedding

Vibrant, Tropical Destination Wedding | Hilton Clearwater Beach

Amanda and Brandon's Clearwater Beach destination wedding was a tropical chic-inspired affair with pops of bright fuchsias, yellows, and greens against a calming dusty blue color palette. To bring in elements of their favorite past-time together, the couple incorporated a snowboard guest book and had a grand sparkler exit to end the evening.

We love to vacation so having a destination wedding speaks directly to our relationship. We love to laugh and make jokes so having a fun and vibrant aesthetic was important for us,” the bride explained. “I would describe our wedding theme as island chic! After such a tragic year, we wanted to make sure our wedding had bright and fun florals with calming tones and fresh vibes. Florals were vibrant pinks, orange, yellows, greenery, and we had pops of dusty blues because it is both our favorite color.”

The Pennsylvania couple originally planned an international wedding, however, due to the pandemic, the bride opted to stay within the States. She found the ideal resort for a tropical destination wedding through Marry Me Tampa Bay's website.

“We chose Clearwater Beach for our wedding because we had to cancel our Cancun wedding due to COVID-19 and wanted to stay in the Gulf of Mexico. Between the white sandy beaches and clear blue water, Clearwater was an easy choice,” Amanda gushed. “I utilized Marry Me Tampa Bay to inspire my choices on colors, florals, and to decide on the Hilton Clearwater Beach. I loved seeing the various venues, and it gave me the inspiration behind the floral colors, arch design, etc., at the Hilton.”

The location of Hilton Clearwater Beach was easily accessible for their 82 guests to travel to, which offered multiple dining options and unobstructed beach views. The outdoor covered patio's modern design and simplistic styling provided a blank canvas aesthetic that allowed the vibrant florals to pop against the coastal blue backdrop of the Gulf of Mexico.

“In a wedding venue, I wanted to make sure the venue gave me the opportunity to bring my vision to life. It was also important for the cocktail hour and the reception area to be covered to plan for any imperfect weather,” Amanda shared. “We chose TheHilton Clearwater Beach because of the white space, the location, and how wonderful their staff was while we were searching for our venue!I looked at the white space like a canvas and painted our vision of the perfect beach wedding. The Hilton was extremely accommodating and responsive. I have zero complaints about the venue or their staff, which is a dream come true for a bride who planned two weddings in 1.5 years.”

Creating an entertaining evening for the destination guests, Grant Hemond & Associates curated a playlist that had everyone on their feet.

“I looked for a true DJ who was able to mix songs and keep the dance floor full. It was also important to have someone who understood the audience and was nimble to adjust sounds based on the dance floor's responses,” Amanda explained. They were incredible, and Adam was able to play all the songs on our list and then some. After the wedding, people of all ages and generations came up to us, boasting about how much they loved the playlist.”

As the bride looked back on her destination wedding, it was the moments spent with two of the most important men in her life that left the sweetest memories.

“I have a very strong relationship with my dad, so the Father-Daughter dance will forever be a wonderful memory for me,” Amanda reminisced. “My first kiss as husband and wife felt so real and pure. Brandon and I have been together for eight years, so finally making this official will forever be my favorite memory.”

Floral Elegant Wedding Invitation | Pink Flowers with Greenery by Minted
Sweetheart Neckline Ballgown Wedding Dress with Beaded Detailed Bodice | Maggie Sottero
Mother of the Bride Helps Bride Get Ready Wedding Portrait | Hilton Clearwater Beach Wedding
Bright and Vibrant Floral Wedding Bouquet with Pink and Yellow Flowers and Greenery Details
Bride in Sweetheart Neckline Ballgown Wedding Dress with Pink, Orange, and Yellow Bridal Bouquet | Maggie Sottero | South Florida Hilton Clearwater Wedding Venue
Bride in Sweetheart Neckline Ballgown Wedding Dress with Pink, Orange, and Yellow Bridal Bouquet | Maggie Sottero | South Florida Hilton Clearwater Beach Wedding Venue

What did you look for in a wedding venue?

White space! I wanted to make sure the venue gave me the opportunity to bring my vision to life. It was also important for the cocktail hour and the reception area to be covered to plan for any imperfect weather.

We chose TheHilton Clearwater Beach because of the white space, the location, and how wonderful their staff was while we were searching for our venue!I looked at the white space like a canvas and painted our vision of the perfect beach wedding. They were extremely accommodating and responsive. I have zero complaints about the venue or their staff, which is a dream come true for a bride who planned two weddings in 1.5 years.”

Bridesmaids in Turquoise Floor Length Strapless Dresses | Azazies
Outdoor Beachfront Wedding Ceremony with Bamboo Runner and Pink Alter Drapery | Hilton Clearwater Beach Wedding Ceremony
Outdoor Beachfront Wedding Ceremony with Bamboo Runner and Pink Alter Drapery | Hilton Clearwater Beach Wedding Ceremony

How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?

Island chic! After such a tragic year, we wanted to make sure our wedding had bright and fun florals with calming tones and fresh vibes.

What were your colors?

Dusty blues, because it is both our favorite color. Florals were vibrant pinks, orange, yellows, greenery, and pops of blues. We wanted to make sure we brought colors into the fabulous white space that the Hilton Clearwater Beach created.

Yellow, Pink, and Orange Floral Wedding Décor Details with Greenery for Beachfront Wedding Ceremony | Hilton Clearwater Beach
Wedding Welcome Sign with Blue Cursive Writing Wedding Décor
Wedding Arch with Pink Draping and Bright Floral Detail with Greenery | South Florida Hilton Clearwater Beach Wedding

The Proposal:
Brandon and I learned how to snowboard together, and loved taking trips to Killington, Vermont for my birthday in December. Brandon planned a trip there for my birthday, and on the second day of the trip, we explored the peak of the mountain (there was a double black diamond at the top, which was nowhere near our experience level). To get to the peak, you had to hike through a trail that looked straight out of a snow globe. Brandon hired a photographer to hide in the woods to capture the entire proposal, and when we got to the peak, he got down on one knee. It was literally like I was living out a movie in real life.

Bride and Groom Exchange Vows Portrait | Outdoor Beach Wedding Ceremony at Hilton Clearwater Beach
Bride and Groom First Kiss Portrait | Outdoor Beach Wedding Ceremony at Hilton Clearwater Beach
Bridal Party in Blue Suits and Turquoise Bridesmaids Dresses Portrait | South Florida Beach Front Weddings
Bride in Sweetheart Neckline Ballgown Wedding Dress with Pink, Orange, and Yellow Bridal Bouquet | Maggie Sottero | South Florida Hilton Clearwater Wedding Venue
Bride and Groom Wedding Portrait | South Florida Beachfront Wedding Ceremony | Outdoor Hilton Clearwater Beach
Bride and Groom Intimate Up Close Wedding Portrait | South Florida Beachfront Wedding Ceremony | Outdoor Hilton Clearwater Beach
Bride and Groom Intimate Wedding Portrait | South Florida Beachfront Wedding Ceremony | Outdoor Hilton Clearwater Beach
Bride and Groom Golden Hour Wedding Portrait | South Florida Beachfront Wedding Ceremony | Outdoor Hilton Clearwater Beach

Where did you spend your honeymoon?
We are going to St. Lucia! We wanted to go to an island where we could relax and have zero worries. This is why we are going to an all-inclusive Sandals Resort at The Grande St. Lucia!

Where did you host your bachelorette party?
We went to New Orleans! My favorite restaurant at home is a cajun restaurant, and I always wanted to experience New Orleans cuisine and the nightlife of Bourbon Street. The live music was another cherry on top of a great trip and city.

Light Blue Linen Round Reception Table with Gold Chairs and Gold Plating | Elegant Wedding Reception Table | Hilton Clearwater Beach
Tall Floral Centerpieces with Pink, Peach, Yellow andBaby Blue Florals and Greenery in Tall Gold Vase
Sweetheart Table with Light Blue Linen and Greenery Floral Details
Three Tier Wedding Cake with Bright Floral Details
Bride and Groom First Dance Wedding Portrait | Clearwater Hilton
Bride and Groom First Dance Wedding Portrait | Clearwater Hilton

What did you look for in a wedding DJ?

A true DJ who was able to mix songs and keep the dance floor full. It was also important to have someone who understood the audience and was nimble to adjust sounds based on the dance floor's responses.

Grant Hemond & Associates were incredible, and Adam was able to play all the songs on our list and then some. After the wedding, people of all ages and generations came up to us, boasting about how much they loved the playlist.

Clearwater Florida Wedding Venues | Hilton Clearwater Beach Florida Wedding
Bride and Groom Sparkler Exit Wedding Portrait | Clearwater Beach Hilton Wedding Venue

What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?

Make sure you put yourselves first while planning your wedding. Don't let the opinions of others sway what you want to do or where you want to do it! It is your day, and the memories you make will live with you forever. Don't hold back!

Quotes have been lightly edited for clarity and brevity.

Vendor Credits

 

Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pros

Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pros are highly respected by our local wedding community and have been personally vetted by our editor.

  • Tropical Wedding Venue Hilton Clearwater Beach
    Hilton Clearwater Beach
    Ceremony/Reception Venue and Caterer:
  • GrantHemond SQUARE 1440x960
    Grant Hemond & Associates
    DJ/Band & Live Entertainment
  • Vintage Old Hollywood Gatsby Inspired Wedding Bride and Groom with Classic Car | Tampa Bay Wedding Venue The Whitehurst Gallery
    K&K Photography
    Photographer