Inspired by unconventional materials, trendy bohemian elements, and a retro color scheme of warm yellow and orange hues paired with bright pinks and golds, this downtown St. Pete wedding shoot offers colorful inspiration for couples seeking a unique wedding style brimming with energy.
“When we first started planning this shoot, we landed on the title ‘Summer of Love.' The concept was retro, light-hearted, and filled with the warm colors we love from the 70s!” wedding planner Taylor Falcon of Taylor Falcon Events shared. “We pulled in all the variations of pink, yellow (including that groovy mustard tone), red, and orange. We wanted to stick to warm, welcoming colors that make you think of summertime.”
The concept began with an idea for an unconventional ceremony backdrop that bucked tradition with a design focused on unique and colorful hard goods instead of fresh flowers and greenery. The design then evolved to incorporate a blend of elements and textures including a mixture of woven rugs, clay materials, metallic accents, and wood décor pieces.
“It actually all started with the florist's amazing idea for an unconventional fringe and balloon ceremony backdrop! The whimsical materials really helped the whole shoot take shape,” the planner revealed. “My favorite elements of the shoot have to be the wooden details. I love bringing in different organic materials into a design, and the chargers and place cards for this one are just so good! Can you believe I found those wooden coasters at HomeGoods? They were the perfect final touch (once personalized!).”
For added dimension to the reception table, Kate Ryan Event Rentals supplied modern white chairs and velvet table linens with varying shades of colorful napkins.
With an artful eye and modern style, the Dewitt for Love photography team documented all of the unique details in a way that captured the funky vibe and energy of the styled shoot. Shannon and Brandon know the importance of having a photographer who aligns stylistically with a wedding's design to effectively convey that experience in the final product.
“We want to make sure we are capturing and editing all of that hard work and investment into colors you love to look at, but are still true to life,” Shannon explained. “This shoot is a perfect example of how important a color palette combined with the way a photographer shoots and edits can be. If you’re a couple who wants your wedding to actually look like your wedding (in terms of colors, etc.), choosing a photographer with an editing style that will bring that out is key!”
Offering a modern-meets-historic setting in the trendy neighborhood of downtown St. Pete, Red Mesa Events served as the perfect backdrop for this eclectic wedding shoot.
“Red Mesa Events gives us everything we want out of a cool downtown St. Pete venue with a mighty impact. Whether you’re obsessed with Red Mesa Cantina’s food as much as we are, or you love exposed brick and a rooftop view of the city, this venue is so incredibly versatile!”Shannon gushed. “We wanted to show how beautiful their inside space is for a ceremony or reception! The venue features multiple incredible vantage points for photos, and this shoot still only scratched the surface.”
“This shoot shows that there are are other ways to pack a design punch other than the same old standard arch or breaking the bank florals. This backdrop was draped in a mix of colorful streamers, balloons, and florals intentionally placed in between to create something a little bit different!”
-Shannon Dewitt, Dewitt For Love Photography
What was your inspiration for this shoot?
It actually all started with the florist's amazing idea for an unconventional fringe and balloon ceremony backdrop! The whimsical materials really helped the whole shoot take shape.
How would you describe your theme?
When we first started planning this shoot, we landed on the title “Summer of Love.” The concept was retro, light-hearted, and filled with the warm colors we love from the 70s!
What were your colors?
We pulled in all the variations of pink, yellow (including that groovy mustard tone), red, and orange. We wanted to stick to warm, welcoming colors that make you think of summertime.
“Red Mesa Events' beautiful ballroom fit right into our idea. It has large windows for ample natural lighting, exposed red brick, and chevron wood floors that give off all the great retro feels.”
Taylor Falcon, Taylor Falcon Events
What were your favorite elements of this shoot?
My favorite elements of the shoot have to be the wooden details. I love bringing in different organic materials into a design, and the chargers and place cards for this one are just so good!
Can you believe I found those wooden coasters at HomeGoods? They were the perfect final touch (once personalized!).
“Red Mesa Events gives us everything we want out of a cool downtown St. Pete venue with a mighty impact. Whether you're obsessed with Red Mesa Cantina's food as much as we are or you love exposed brick and a rooftop city view of the city, this venue is so incredibly versatile!”
Shannon Dewitt, Dewitt For Love Photography
Estimated cost for 150 guests: Venue: $4,000 | Photography: $3,500-$4,000 | Flowers: $3,000-$5,000 | Invitations: $800-$1,000 | Place Setting Rentals (flatware, plates, charger, water goblet): $2,000 | Linens: $1,000 – $1,500 | White Chair Rentals: $1,500 | Bride's Attire: $1,000-$2,000 | Groom's Attire: $50 (thrift stores) | Small Cake: $150
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.
