Erin and Christopher’s Tampa Heights wedding blended elements of the couple’s personalities with a bohemian aesthetic to create a whimsical evening for their 125 guests.
“Our theme was boho-whimsical. We knew we wanted old brick to represent Tampa. The Rialto was the only venue we toured, and we knew it was the one,” the bride gushed. “Our bridal party wore an array of blues ranging from soft grayish blues to navy blue suits for the men. We wanted our colors to feel winterish and go with our venue.”
To create a memorable evening that stood out from the typical wedding style, the Tampa bride and groom relied on UNIQUE Weddings + Events for their highly-regarded reputation and outside-of-the-box creativity.
“I wanted someone I felt understood me, understood how important my day was, and understood I didn’t want the basic white and green wedding that was trendy in 2020. I wanted colors and flowers. I wanted it to feel like a fairy tale forest,” Erin beamed. “Staci and I chatted for over an hour for our first meeting. I hadn’t even hired her yet, and I felt like she was exactly like me. She understood the importance of timelines, dominance, taking control of situations, and girl power. Staci is bada** and a girl boss! THAT is what I wanted and needed.”
Finding a wedding photographer with a great personality and creative eye was a priority for Erin. After consulting with her wedding planner, she found the perfect match with Lifelong Photography Studios.
“I was not looking for glamour, Instagram-worthy photo shoot. I wanted unique, fun, and lively pictures,” the bride explained. “I wanted a photographer who understood how to work with different heights and sizes across the bridal party and someone who could direct a group of rowdy groomsmen, which they did very well!”
For a boho-whimsical theme with a twist, specialty linens from Over The Top Linens and multi-colored goblets were used throughout the table settings. The ivory settee from A Chair Affair served as the perfect addition to the romantic sweetheart table.
As the couple looked back on their stunning soirée, the bride beamed as she thought of all the beauty that had been put into her wedding day.
“The night was literally everything I could have dreamed of. There are so many aspects that I can’t begin to explain how happy my husband and I were. I think my most memorable moment was seeing our reception for the first time,” the bride revealed. “Our wedding planner had built the most beautiful vision I had ever seen in my entire life. I was in awe. I could not believe this was my wedding.”
The Proposal:
Chris took me to Multnomah Falls in Portland, Oregon, and proposed the day before our 4th dating anniversary. It was magical.
What were your colors?
Our bridal party wore an array of blues ranging from soft grayish blues to Navy blue suits for the men. We wanted our colors to feel winterish and go with our venue, which I feel they did!
How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
Our theme was boho-whimsical. We knew we wanted old brick to represent Tampa.
What did you look for in a wedding photographer?
I was not looking for a glamour, Instagram-worthy photo shoot. I wanted unique, fun, and lively pictures. I wanted a photographer who understood how to work with different heights and sizes across the bridal party and someone who could direct a group of rowdy groomsmen, which Lifelong Photography Studios did very well!
Where did you spend your honeymoon?
Napa Valley. We wanted to relax and rest after over a year of intense planning. It was cozy and luxurious.
What did you look for in a wedding planner?
I wanted someone I felt understood me, understood how important my day was, and understood I didn’t want the basic white and green wedding that was trendy in 2020. I wanted colors, flowers. I wanted it to feel like a fairy tale forest.
Staci from UNIQUE Weddings + Events and I chatted for over an hour for our first meeting. I hadn’t even hired her yet, and I felt like she was exactly like me. She understood the importance of timelines, dominance, taking control of situations, and girl power. Staci is bada** and a girl boss! THAT is what I wanted and needed.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Enjoy the ride. It’s over in a flash. Through all of the stress, it is worth it! Lastly, get a wedding planner!!
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Rialto Theatre
Photographer: Lifelong Photography Studios *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Videographer: J&S Wedding & Event Videography
Planner: UNIQUE Weddings + Events *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Florist and Draping: Events in Bloom
Caterer: Spotlight Catering
Rentals Furniture: A Chair Affair *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Rentals Tabletop: Treasury Event Rentals
Theatre Lighting: Mobile Wind
Linens: Over the Top Rental Linens *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Cake: Brother of the Groom
DJ: DJ Cory Barron & Co.
Officiant: Brother of the Bride
Invitations: Minted
Day of Stationery: WeddingInvy
Transportation: Network Transportation
Shoe Designer: Kate Spade
Hair & Makeup: Melissa Brown Artistry
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.
