Downtown Tampa’s most iconic hotel has a new name, a new style, and a newly refreshed ballroom space. Hotel Flor, one of only 110 properties that are a part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton, originally opened in 1926 and was the tallest building in Tampa. It is completing a $25-million renovation, including a transformation of its Floridan Ballroom, which can host up to 400 guests.

Channeling the glitz and glam of the 1920s era, this downtown Tampa wedding inspiration shoot embodied a timeless color palette with pops of gold and nods to the iconic novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

“This modern Great Gatsby Styled Shoot is a dazzling fusion of vintage glamour and present-day style, transporting you to an era of decadence and celebration. I love the high energy of this era. It combines a sense of fun and adventure with class and pizazz!” Cayla Collins, Lead Event Planner at Coastal Coordinating beamed. “The colors were black, gold, and white. I chose black and white to complement the new floor in the ballrooms while bringing in gold from the roaring 20s.”

The overall theme embraced the charm of the boutique property, Hotel Flor, a fixture on the National Register of Historic Places. Complementing the property’s ornate architecture, vintage era, and grand spaces, the inspiration shoot showcased the versatile event spaces.

“Hotel Flor has a speakeasy-inspired bar and lounge that has dim lighting, jazz music, and a selection of classic and unique cocktails,” the planner detailed. “It has glamorous ballrooms with high ceilings and the capacity for a sizable guest list. The spaces are beautiful and spacious, and you have the flexibility to be creative! It is a special and unique venue that aligns perfectly with the elegance and extravagance of a Great-Gatsby-themed wedding.”

Eddy Almaguer Photography captured the inspiration through his creative lens, focusing on a balance of detail shots to highlight the beautiful decor, along with timeless portraits filled with intimacy and emotion.

“In such a small footprint inside, there are so many locations to take photographs at Hotel Flor, especially for couples who love to incorporate their environment. The ceiling architecture and chandeliers are all beautiful backdrops that invite a refined look to all the images,” the photographer raved. “The elegance of the couple, especially the bride, and the hotel really came together in this shoot. One complemented the other perfectly such in locations we photographed, whether it be the Roaring Twenties vibe of The Dan, the black and white decor of the reception, or the small touches of the invitation suite and ceremony site that paid homage to The Great Gatsby, all led to a quintessential classic, timeless and modern output.”

Priceless Studio Design highlighted the wedding day memories couples can create at this historic event venue while natural light filled the ceremony space adorned with towering white floral arrangements and gold Chiavari chairs.

With no detail overlooked, the styled shoot featured custom stationery pieces created by Inky Fingers Calligraphy. From the invitations to the signage to the custom sketch of the property’s restaurant on the envelope liner, each piece set the tone for the elegant and vintage-inspired motif.

“Inky Fingers Calligraphy took a quote from the famous F. Scott Fitzgerald and inscribed it onto a mirror. She also designed place cards and used the characters’ names from The Great Gatsby. The menu, invitation, and table numbers were customized to go with the theme and the venue,” Cayla gushed. “Even the liner on the inside of the invitation envelope showcased The Dan, Hotel Flor’s restaurant and bar inspired by the spirit of the Roaring Twenties. The stationery brought us back in time to an era that will forever be remembered.” 

The planner infused modern trends with classic details and decor from Outside the Box Event Rentals to create a wedding style that felt relevant to today’s couple while also paying homage to the timeless elements of the past. Even the intricate beadwork and delicate lace of the wedding gown from Truly Forever Bridal, completed by hair and makeup by Michele Renee The Studio, offered the perfect combination of classic-meets-modern.

“The venue has classic architecture reminiscent of the 1920s but equipped with modern amenities. I combined classic elements like mirrors, fans, and feathers with modern decor elements,” Cayla articulated. “The floral arrangements were a mix of classic and modern blooms that contained cascading greenery for a touch of romance and sophistication. The cake featured a tiered design reminiscent of the period with touches of metallic gold while putting a contemporary spin to give the cake a fresh and current look. The dress had intricate beadwork and sequins that created a dazzling and luxurious effect. What I love about this dress is that it’s versatile and suitable for various wedding styles, from classic and traditional to modern.”

Couples who desire a modern take with a vintage twist can create a similar look by incorporating both timeless and contemporary touches into their wedding day details and decor.

“I believe current trends are leaning more and more toward traditional themes and colors that will never go out of style. I took inspiration from both the modern and classic eras. I loved integrating pearls, sequins, and feathers into the decor, flowers, accessories, and attire! It allowed you to feel like you were part of this great era! By balancing these classic and modern elements, you can create a wedding that feels both romantic and current, offering a unique and memorable experience for all!” Cayla elaborated. “People want to look back at their pictures years from now and still feel the beauty and class.”