Shawn and Matt’s downtown Tampa wedding featured a Catholic cathedral wedding ceremony followed by a waterfront reception overlooking the famed Riverwalk, along with a moody color palette transforming from monochromatic to vibrant.
“Our theme was a modern fairytale. We wanted an editorial look that would challenge traditional weddings, but still romantic and a bit whimsical,” the bride shared. “Our wedding colors were classic black and white, but as the day proceeded, pops of pink and purples gradually made an appearance until they became the more dominant colors at the reception. We thought this was the perfect way to tie in the modern with our fairytale.”
The local Tampa bride relied on Marry Me Tampa Bay to research the most talented and reputable vendors with experience at their chosen venues.
“Marry Me Tampa Bay was actually where we started our planning research. We already knew the venues we wanted for our ceremony and reception, but we needed vendors who would be able to execute our vision. We did not know where to start and luckily came across Marry Me Tampa Bay,” the bride gushed.
With a whimsical wedding vision in mind, Shawn sought a wedding planner with creative ideas and an elevated design to achieve a truly unique wedding style. Staci Mandikas at UNIQUE Weddings + Events was the perfect choice, making suggestions for one-of-a-kind details and managing every logistical element from beginning to end for a smooth and enjoyable planning experience.
“We wanted our planner to be detailed and willing to push boundaries rather than just look at our dream board and book vendors,” the bride articulated. “We chose UNIQUE Weddings + Events because they not only had experience with our venues, but their skill set is just unmatched. We wanted someone who could make nontraditional aspects still look traditional. The interactive design process made sure that no detail went unnoticed and gave us confidence in Staci and her team to bring our vision to life.”
The couple focused on their 85 guests’ experience from start to finish. They prioritized details throughout the celebration that would provide enduring memories, including decorative gold chargers from A Chair Affair and colorful glassware from Kate Ryan Event Rentals. The luxe place setting created a vibrant atmosphere.
“The details matter,” Shawn detailed. “We wanted to create a lasting experience not just for us but for our guests. We wanted our friends and family to feel welcomed and appreciated, from the welcome bags to the personalized table settings.”
Shawn turned to the talented team of artists at Femme Akoi Beauty Studio for their broad knowledge of multicultural hair and makeup techniques and vast portfolio. Her vision for a fusion of glamorous meets chic was perfectly translated through a stylish chignon accented by loose curls.
“I have always been partial to buns, but I thought with my ballgown style dress, I would try Hollywood glam waves. And while they were gorgeous, the bun kept speaking to me. I ended up choosing a low-textured bun with loose face framing and a dramatic hair piece with no regrets,” the bride beamed. “I loved how inclusive Femme Akoi’s portfolio was. This was very important since my bridal party had different complexions and hair textures. They master the art of the natural glam look, which was exactly what I wanted.”
Following months of planning, the feeling of seeing the wedding space for the first time and experiencing all of the details that had come to fruition was the most memorable part of the celebration for Shawn.
“Walking into our reception for the first time, alone as a couple, after a year of discussing every little detail was unforgettable,” the bride recalled. “Seeing everything come together was worth it.”
What were your wedding hair and makeup inspiration?
I have always been partial to buns, but I thought with my ballgown style dress, I would try Hollywood glam waves. And while they were gorgeous, the bun kept speaking to me.
I ended up choosing a low-textured bun with loose face framing and a dramatic hair piece with no regrets. I loved how inclusive Femme Akoi Beauty Studio’s portfolio was. This was very important since my bridal party had different complexions and hair textures. They master the art of the natural glam look, which was exactly what I wanted.
The Proposal:
Matt proposed during a sunset picnic on Anna Maria Island.
What did you look for in a wedding planner?
We wanted our planner to be detailed and willing to push boundaries rather than just look at our dream board and book vendors.
We chose UNIQUE Weddings + Events because they not only had experience with our venues, but their skill set is just unmatched. We wanted someone who could make nontraditional aspects still look traditional. The interactive design process made sure that no detail went unnoticed and gave us confidence in Staci and her team to bring our vision to life.
Where did you spend your honeymoon?
On the night of our proposal, we were eating Greek food, which later inspired us to honeymoon in Santorini, Greece.
Where did you host your bachelorette party?
I wanted a more modest celebration filled with good vibes and even better food, which led us to Austin, Texas.
How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
Modern fairytale. We wanted an editorial look that would challenge traditional weddings but yet still be romantic and a bit whimsical.
What were your colors?
Our wedding colors were classic black and white, but as the day proceeded, pops of pink and purples gradually made an appearance until they became the more dominant colors at the reception. We thought this was the perfect way to tie in the modern with our fairytale.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Wedding planning is an overwhelming feeling of both excitement and anxiety. We found it easiest to only discuss plans with our vendors and each other. This allowed us, as a couple, to make the decisions we wanted with less opinions and stress. Remember it is your day, but it is just a day. When it is all over you just have each other.
