In a world of monochromatic color palettes and neutral tones, St. Petersburg wedding planner Wilder Mind Events sought to design a wedding styled shoot that brought vibrancy through color to create a tropical twist on the traditional St. Pete Beach wedding. To create an energetic ambiance against the calming backdrop of Isla Del Sol Yacht and Country Club‘s private beach and marina, unique rentals, a stunning statement cake, and painted florals filled the indoor and outdoor venue spaces.
“Melissa, the venue coordinator at Isla Del Sol, wanted to create a fresh look in the venue space. Isla Del Sol is such a perfect place to do a tropical look, and I didn’t want to deviate too far from a style that really works in their space. Thus, “California Tropical Funk” was born,” Delaney Driver owner and lead planner of Wilder Mind Events explained. “I decided to do something bright and bold to give the tropical feel a different look. Our colors were…all of them! Pinks, yellows, oranges, and blues were the main colors.”
The Joshua Tree-inspired decor pulled from elements of the Mojave Desert with a west coast spark. The neon feathers with flamingo cut-out place cards elevated the atmosphere with a fun and whimsical look.
“My inspiration was pulled from a desert and Los Angeles vibe. I love the desert look but wanted to do it with a tropical twist,” the wedding planner revealed. “The neon and bright colors came from a California Desert vibe.”
Isla Del Sol’s tropical setting made it the perfect backdrop for a styled shoot that was meant to bring the party. In addition to the secluded beach, couples love to host after-party bonfires and leave via boat for their grand exit.
“Isla Del Sol is perfect for a tropical theme,” the wedding planner beamed. “It’s by the water, and you have the marina and sand.”
Tampa Bay Cake Company created a white square four-tier cake with pops of color cascading down. FairyTail Pet Care provided the finishing touch of the styled shoot, a “pawsome” doggy model from the Humane Society of Tampa Bay.
“My favorite elements were the little neon touches and flamingos. I also really loved how we color-blocked the centerpieces,” Delaney shared. “Each section of the table had a certain color section and I thought it was a fun and unique touch.”









“My inspiration was pulled from a desert and Los Angeles vibe. I love the desert look but wanted to do it with a tropical twist. Our colors were…all of them, pinks, yellows, oranges, and blues. The neon and bright colors came from a California Desert vibe I pulled from. Thus, ‘California Tropical Funk’ was born.”
-Delaney Driver owner and lead planner of Wilder Mind Events








How did the venue fit within your theme?
Isla Del Sol Yacht and Country Club is perfect for a tropical theme. It’s by the water, and you have the marina and sand.







What were your favorite elements of this shoot?
My favorite elements were the little neon touches and flamingos. I also really loved how we color-blocked the centerpieces. Each section of the table had a certain color section and I thought it was a fun and unique touch.









Estimated price for this wedding for 150 guests: Venue Rental Fee: $1,200 | Ceremony Fee: $900 | Average Reception Cost/ Person: $120/ per person | Planning: $1,600 | Photography: Starts at $3,000 | Videography for 8 hrs Starts at $3,200 | Arch Rental: $250 | Florals for Reception: $4,900 | Ceremony Arch Decor: $1,200 | Bouquets/ Bouts: $725 | Bridal Hair and Makeup: $250 | Invitations: $750 | Place Cards: $150 | Linens and Bamboo Chairs: $1,460 | Dress and Veil: $2,000