Bonnie and Marcus’ St. Pete wedding embodied an elegant “Vintage Americana” theme paying homage to a patriotic color palette.
“I always loved the red, white, and blue colors, but I didn’t want it to end up looking like a July 4th cookout. The darker colors and vintage, natural elements that we brought in allowed us to incorporate the general Americana theme, while still being elegant and appropriate for a special occasion,” the bride explained. “We had a daytime/brunch wedding and our bright color scheme made for a really cool experience. It was a little more casual affair than most formal weddings. Even though we were married at 11 a.m., people still partied, danced, and had a great time. We even hired a coffee cart service so that guests could have the energy to continue their party long after the wedding itself was over!”
The Apollo Beach couple, who describe themselves as complete opposites, hired a St. Pete wedding planner who could offer them the guidance and support to plan their southern inspired wedding.
“We had absolutely no idea where to even begin planning a wedding. All we knew was with two large families, we’d be having a larger wedding. and we needed lots of help from start to finish. We were looking for someone who could offer full-service planning, including vendor suggestions, décor selection and day-of services,” Bonnie shared. “We hired Special Moments Event Planning because when we first met with Tammy, she made us feel completely at ease and taken care of. She understood our vision and consistently went above and beyond to make sure it came to fruition. She was incredibly knowledgeable about every single aspect of the wedding experience, and her staff was compassionate and responsive. Our wedding day went as off without a single hitch thanks to Tammy and her wonderful team. They were the ultimate wedding professionals!”
MORE: SPECIAL MOMENTS EVENT PLANNING WEDDINGS
To capture the details and early morning light of their wedding day, the couple hired a St. Pete wedding photographer who was familiar with their wedding venue.
“We hired Grind & Press Photography because after looking over Ashley’s photos on her social media, she seemed like a perfect fit. Ashley not only had experience shooting at our venue, but she was excited to shoot such a unique wedding,” Bonnie gushed. “When the day came, she made us feel comfortable and provided excellent direction. She brought our special day to life and was able to capture every special moment we wanted. The photos turned out absolutely beautiful.”
MORE: GRIND & PRESS PHOTOGRAPHY WEDDINGS
Complementing the bride’s unique floral blue and white non-traditional wedding dress, Americana themed wedding bouquets and florals added to the decor. Focusing on a classic ivory bouquet for herself with pops of greenery and deep red roses, the bride hired a St. Pete wedding florist who could understand their vision.
“Apple Blossoms Floral Designs came recommended from our wedding planner, and they did not disappoint. Our wedding fell on Mother’s Day weekend, one of the busiest holidays possible for florists. Scott at Apple Blossoms was up to the challenge and provided us with excellent service and beautiful floral arrangements. Even with this busy holiday looming, he came and personally dropped off the flowers at my venue and checked in with me. We were very impressed!”
MORE: APPLE BLOSSOMS FLORAL DESIGNS WEDDINGS
Even though she sported a short hair style, the bride still wanted a memorable look for her wedding day and hired Michele Renee The Studio.
“I have a very short pixie haircut which presents a unique challenge for a formal hairdo. I knew I wanted to use a vintage birdcage veil and incorporate a hairpiece,” the bride explained. “Savannah was my hairstylist, and she executed my hairstyle perfectly. She was able to curl what little bit of hair I do have and incorporated the hairpiece and veil seamlessly. I was so happy with how my hair turned out.”
MORE: MICHELE RENEE THE STUDIO WEDDINGS
When your guests have an eclectic taste of music, it’s important to hire a DJ who can be a crowd pleaser for just about anyone.
“We wanted someone who could play a variety of songs that incorporated both my rock and roll-loving New England family, as well as my county music-loving southern family,” the bride shared. “Spark Wedding Events did a great job with their DJ services. Mike was always very professional and made sure that every song we really wanted was incorporated.”
Looking back on their wedding day, the bride enjoyed seeing all of the personal details come to life, but above all, it was the people present who made the day unforgettable.
“We both had extended family and friends come to the wedding, so spending time with the people we love the most was by far the most memorable part,” the bride reminisced.
What was your wedding hair inspiration?
I have a very short pixie haircut which presents a unique challenge for a formal hairdo. I knew I wanted to use a vintage birdcage veil and incorporate a hairpiece.
I want to learn more about hair and makeup services from Michele Renee the Studio
Michele Renee the Studio came recommended from our wedding planner. Savannah was my hairstylist, and she executed my hairstyle perfectly. She was able to curl what little bit of hair I do have and incorporate the hairpiece and veil seamlessly. I was so happy with how my hair turned out.
What did you look for in a wedding florist?
We were looking for someone who had local experience and would understand our vision.
I want to learn more about decor from Apple Blossoms Floral Design
Apple Blossoms Floral Designs came recommended from our wedding planner, and they did not disappoint. Our wedding fell on Mother’s Day weekend, one of the busiest holidays possible for florists. Scott at Apple Blossoms was up to the challenge and provided us with excellent service and beautiful floral arrangements. Even with this busy holiday looming, he came and personally dropped off the flowers at my venue and checked in with me. We were very impressed by Apple Blossoms.
The Proposal:
Marcus popped the question on the rooftop/observation deck of The Galleon Resort. It has the best 360 degree sunset view in all of Key West, and we had been there together previously and enjoyed it. It was not busy on the night we went up to the deck, so we were able to have only my family and close friends see the proposal. It was so romantic and personal.
What did you look for in a wedding photographer?
We wanted someone with a more creative, artistic style who would help capture our unique wedding ideas. We preferred someone with local experience and enjoyed shooting in morning light since we had such an early wedding start.
I want to learn more about Grind & Press Photography.
We hired Grind & Press Photography because after looking over Ashley’s photos on her social media, she seemed like a perfect fit. She not only had experience shooting at our venue, but she was excited to shoot such a unique wedding. When the day came, Ashley made us feel comfortable and provided excellent direction. She brought our special day to life and was able to capture every special moment we wanted. The photos turned out absolutely beautiful.
How would you describe your theme?
The theme of our wedding was Vintage Americana. I combined the patriotic colors that we always loved with a vintage twist to make it more special.
What were your colors?
I always loved the red, white, and blue colors, but I didn’t want it to end up looking like a July 4th cookout. The darker colors and vintage, natural elements that we brought in allowed us to incorporate the general Americana theme while still being elegant and appropriate for a special occasion.
Why did you hire a wedding planner and what did you look for in one?
We hired a wedding planner because we had absolutely no idea where to even begin planning a wedding. All we knew was with two large families, we’d be having a larger wedding, and we needed lots of help from start to finish. We were looking for someone who could offer full-service planning, including vendor suggestions, décor selection and day-of services.
I want to learn more about Special Moments Event Planning
We hired Special Moments Event Planning because when we first met with Tammy, she made us feel completely at ease and taken care of. She understood our vision and consistently went above and beyond to make sure it came to fruition. She was incredibly knowledgeable about every single aspect of the wedding experience, and her staff was compassionate and responsive. Our wedding day went as off without a single hitch thanks to Tammy and her wonderful team! They were the ultimate wedding professionals.
How did you incorporate you and your spouse’s personalities into the wedding?
Marcus and I could not be more opposite. He is a rugged hunter who enjoys the outdoors, and I am a true girly-girl who loves anything floral. My dress, the flowers, and the lace table runners showed of my personality, while the wooden centerpieces, cow hide sweetheart tablecloth, and antler decorations helped incorporate Marcus’ interests. Plus, we both love a good brunch and simple, good southern home cooking. Our menu really exemplified that with the variety of brunch menu items and homemade pies for dessert.
What did you look for in a wedding DJ?
We wanted someone who could play a variety of songs that incorporated both my rock and roll-loving New England family, as well as my county music-loving southern family.
I want to learn more about DJ/Lighting/Photo Booth rentals from Spark Wedding Events.
Spark Wedding Events did a great job with their DJ services. Mike was always very professional and made sure that every song we really wanted was incorporated.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Don’t be afraid to be true to yourself and go outside the box. You’d be surprised how many people (guests and vendors alike) really enjoyed all of the little details that made our day unique.
Venue: Bridgepoint Church
Photographer: Grind and Press Photography *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Planner: Special Moments Event Planning *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Florist: Apple Blossoms Floral Designs *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Caterer: Chives Catering
DJ/Photo booth/ Sparkler Foundations: Spark Wedding Events *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Bride’s Hair: Michele Renee the Studio *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Makeup: Makeup by Lindsey G and Skin Deep Beauty Studio
Linens: Custom Linens
Bartenders: Catering by Lundy‘s
Coffee & Gelato Cart: Cafe A La Carte
Hotel Accommodations: Courtyard by Marriott St. Petersburg Downtown
Bakery: Yoder’s Restaurant