Jessica and Chris’ urban downtown St. Pete wedding blended boho details with personal touches, like a bourbon barrel guest book and coffee bean favors.
“Our wedding inspiration was a tropical-whimsical oasis. We wanted something that fit both our personalities, style, colors, and setting. Our colors were navy blue, copper, and rose gold. We felt that those colors represented us: classy and edgy,” the bride shared. “We both love bourbon, so we had a barrel top for guests to sign. We also both love coffee, so we had personalized coffee pouches filled with our favorite coffee. The centerpieces were various pieces that we purchased from local thrift stores.”
The Fort Meyers couple originally planned a destination wedding in the Dominican Republic, but they shifted their plans due to COVID and were drawn to St. Petersburg, Florida for its unique area and culture. The pair searched for a wedding venue that offered stylish aspects that would wow their 60 guests within their desired budget.
“We wanted the ceremony and reception to be at the same location. It also needed to blow us away and not break the bank. We loved the rooftop and the reception area at Red Mesa Events. It was exactly what we were looking for,” Jessica raved. “It was the perfect space for us; we were drawn to the history and the beauty of the building. Our sunset ceremony and cocktail hour were held on the De Santo Rooftop, which overlooked downtown St. Pete. Our reception was held at the La Florida Ballroom. Upon entering the room you can’t help but fall in love with the exposed brick and beautiful warm lighting. Our service from beginning to end was fantastic. We were very happy with our food and so were our guests.”
Jessica shared that hosting a wedding celebration amidst the COVID era is what made their big day so unique.
“2020 was a very difficult year, so we never thought that we would have a wedding, let alone have our loved ones celebrate with us,” the bride reminisced. “All of our guests were traveling to St. Pete, so we wanted to make it a weekend to remember.”
The couple honored their late loved ones with special details during the celebration, which Jessica attributes as the most memorable elements of their wedding.
“Both of our fathers passed away when we were just teenagers, so I wanted to have them with us. I gave Chris a memorable pin with a picture of his dad holding Chris as a toddler. It literally brought his whole family to tears,” the bride recalled. “I also had a pin of my father on my bouquet, along with my grandparents whom I lost during COVID.”
What did you look for in a wedding venue?
We wanted the ceremony and reception to be at the same location. It also needed to blow us away and not break the bank. We loved the rooftop and the reception area at Red Mesa Events. It was exactly what we were looking for.
Red Mesa was the perfect space for us, we were drawn to the history and the beauty of the building. Our sunset ceremony and cocktail hour were held on the De Santo Rooftop, which overlooked downtown St. Pete. The atmosphere added romance and sophistication, not to mention the great photo opportunities! Our reception was held at the La Florida Ballroom. The details of the design make for a cozy, yet formal setting. Upon entering the room you can’t help but fall in love with the exposed brick and beautiful warm lighting.
Our service from beginning to end was fantastic. Red Mesa was very easy to work with; they had everything at their fingertips and ready to assist. It’s no wonder they are known for throwing it down in the kitchen; we were very happy with our food and so were our guests. Overall our experience with Red Mesa was top notch!
The Proposal:
It was the day before my 40th birthday in Tulum, Mexico. I was on top of the world. It was the best trip ever!
Where did you spend your honeymoon?
Punta Cana, Dominion Republic. We were supposed to go to the Greek Isles.
How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration? Tropical, whimsical oasis. We wanted something that fit both our personalities, style, colors, and setting.
What were your colors?
Our colors were navy blue, copper, and rose gold. We felt that those colors represented us: classy and edgy.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Planning is overwhelming; I’d suggest either get a planner for the entire process or at least get a day-of coordinator. It will save your life.
Venue, and Caterer: Red Mesa Events *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Venue
Photographer: Southern City Photography
Planner: Work the Room Events
Florist: Beneva Flowers
Cake: Cakes by Samira
DJ: DJ Felix
Officiant: Weddings and Wellness Scott Lortz
Invitations: Minted
Dress Shop and Designer: Ashley & Justin Bride
Shoe Designer: Nina
Hair & Makeup: Peglow Designs
Quotes have been lightly edited for clarity and brevity.
*Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pros are highly respected by our local wedding community and have been personally vetted by our editor.
