St. Petersburg Waterfront Wedding | Tampa Bay Watch
Jane and Daniel’s waterfront St. Petersburg wedding featured an elegant but casual theme, with an emphasis on the natural color palette of the beautiful scenery of Tampa Bay.
“We wanted our guests to be able to enjoy the sunset and the evening outside in a casual setting, but we still wanted it to feel like a fancy wedding. We compromised with the casual yard games and S’mores outside, while the inside was a bit more sophisticated and classy,” the bride explained.
To capture all of the special memories from their wedding day, the couple hired Tampa wedding photographer Grind & Press Photography.
“I wanted our wedding photos to look natural and not super posed, and I wanted someone I felt like I could be totally natural in front of,” Jane shared. “Ashley of Grind & Press Photography was definitely the best choice! Ashley was super flexible with shooting time, and she made it work within our budget. She was amazing, so down to earth and her turn around of over 1,000 photos was so fast!”
MORE: GRIND & PRESS PHOTOGRAPHY WEDDINGS
How would you describe your theme?
We wanted our guests to be able to enjoy the sunset and the evening outside in a casual setting, but we still wanted it to feel like a fancy wedding. We compromised with the casual yard games and S’mores outside, while the inside was a bit more sophisticated and classy.
What were your colors?
In my head I was picturing pale pinks and blues as my colors. My wedding planner suggested tying that into the sunset, which was perfect, and the sky ended up being a beautiful blue and pink that night at sunset.
What did you look for in a wedding photographer?
I wanted our wedding photos to look natural and not super posed. I also wanted someone I felt like I could be totally natural in front of.
Ashley was definitely the best choice! Ashley was super flexible with shooting time, and she made it work within our budget. She was amazing, so down to earth and her turn around of over 1,000 photos was so fast! Being able to capture the sunset was another thing we really looked for and Ashley nailed that as well.
Ceremony Venue: St. John Vianney Catholic Church | Reception Venue: Tampa Bay Watch | Photographer: Grind & Press Photography *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro | Videographer: Alex Nappi | Planner: Chantilly Chic Celebrations | Florist: Marlen Zarrilli and Maria Rodriguez | Caterer & Rentals: Econo Catering | DJ: Rick Carr | Officiant: Fr. John Tapp (Nativity Catholic Church) | Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas | Transportation: All Points Limousine | Dress Shop: Jon’s Bridal (now Truly Forever Bridal)| Bridesmaid Dress Designer: Donna Morgan (Alana)
Nautical Waterfront Clearwater Wedding | Yacht StarShip Wedding
Lauren and James’ waterfront destination Clearwater wedding featured an ivory, rose gold and navy color palette with an elegant ocean inspired theme. The important must haves on the bride’s list: cake, flowers and of course, sunset photos!
“We chose Clearwater because we both love it there! I am blessed to have moved back to Ohio and for us to have made a family, but my soul belongs in Florida, so we couldn’t think of any place better to get married,” the bride gushed.
The Cincinnati couple searched for a unique Clearwater wedding venue that would wow their guests and provide an intimate and relaxing atmosphere.
“We wanted a venue that our guests would love, continue to talk about and encompassed the great things about Florida: the water and sunsets,” Lauren explained. “The Yacht StarShip was absolutely amazing! They were professional, offered so much and truly catered to the bride.”
Searching for a cake that would be a work of art, the bride hired Tampa Bay wedding cake designer, The Artistic Whisk, to create a dessert that impressed not only in look, but also in flavor.
“I wanted the cake to be so beautiful that you didn’t want to touch it and, of course, be delicious too! The Artistic Whisk uses ingredients that are all natural, and Jovana, the owner, was beyond wonderful. She is the sweetest person ever!” the bride gushed. “I gave her full creativity design on our cake. I loved all her work and had a hard time designing a cake myself, so I told her to surprise me. She did not disappoint. I cried when I saw it!”
MORE: THE ARTISTIC WHISK WEDDINGS
Looking back, the bride had many memorable moments thinking of loved ones past and present who helped the couple get to their special day.
“Seeing James at the end of the aisle was very emotional for me. It took us a long 13 years to get married and a very bumpy road, but we made it,” Lauren reminisced. “I lost a grandfather 25 days before my wedding, as well as a Grandma, who was like a second mom, just a week before my wedding. The weather and sunset that night was truly beautiful, and I just think they had a part in that.”
What did you look for in a wedding venue?
Something our guests would love and continue to talk about and that went with our theme and encompassed the great things about Florida: the water and sunsets.
The Yacht StarShip was absolutely amazing! The staff were professional and top quality. They offered so much and truly catered to the bride. Christine, my wedding planner, was more than exceptional!
The Proposal:
James proposed on the beach in Indian Shores, Florida, where we were on vacation. He wrote, “Will U Marry Me?” in the sand, got down on one knee and proposed!
How would you describe your theme?
Ocean inspired elegance. Florida is apart of our past, and my soul belongs in Florida; someday I will move back.
What were your colors?
Ivory, rose gold and navy. The colors look very elegant.
What did you look for in a wedding cake bakery?
Art! I wanted the cake to be so beautiful that you didn’t want to touch it and, of course, be delicious too.
The Artistic Whisk uses ingredients that are all natural, and the owner, Jovana, was beyond wonderful. She is the sweetest person ever! I gave her full creativity design on our cake. I loved all her work and had a hard time designing a cake myself, so I told her to surprise me. She did not disappoint either. I cried when I saw it!
Ceremony and Reception Venue, DJ, Officiant and Caterer: Yacht StarShip – Christine Dorroh *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Venue | Photographer/Videographer: Celebrations of Tampa Bay | Florist: Dana Dineen Floral Designs | Cake: The Artistic Whisk *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro | Invitations: Zazzle.com | Dress and Bridesmaid Shop: Cincinnati Bridal & Formal | Hair & Makeup: Femme Akoi
