Inspired by the Cuban Club’s historic decor and unique event space, this wedding styled shoot featured pastel pinks, purples, and blues, a theater ceremony complete with Juliet balconies, and French-inspired decor.

“We wanted to do something unique and whimsical and were drawn to a Spring Parisian vibe. We decided to go with ‘Marie Antoinette vacays in Cuba’ theme! We focused on lots of pastel springtime blooms and an elaborate dessert display,” Danielle Zechmann, wedding florist and owner of Save the Date Florida, shared.

The event planning team at EventFull Weddings is known for its impeccable designs, and when paired with Save the Date Florida, the team created a unique look that brought the spring vibe to a historic venue.

“The Cuban Club’s ballroom has several floral medallions along the walls and gorgeous gold chandeliers that inspired our take on a Marie Antoinette theme. We really wanted to showcase the venue in a really elegant way and, of course, have a heavy focus on the desserts,” Karen Cerboni, owner and lead planner of EventFull Weddings, explained. “We used a lot of French blue, pink, lavender, and gold. The colors were very popular in the gardens and women’s clothing during that period, and everything seemed to be gilded.”

The ceremony stage featured a white floral circular arch and colorful florals dripping from the surrounding balconies, which continued into the reception with greenery garland suspended from the chandeliers and a long feasting table lined with towering centerpieces and cascading flowers.

“I really loved the ballroom scene of the live-action Beauty and the Beast movie. It had gorgeous greenery garlands draping from the chandeliers and flowers everywhere. I wanted to try to replicate this scene but put a Save the Date Florida flair/design to it,” the florist beamed.

The bride was styled in an off-the-shoulder A-line ballgown complemented by her long flowing hair accented with delicate beading by Adore Bridal Hair and Makeup to create a romantic look. Amanda Zabrocki Photography creatively captured stunning portraits highlighting the venue’s ornate architecture.

Meticulously planned details, such as the rich velvet blue lounge furniture and velvet tablecloths from Gabro Event Services, mirrored seating chart with floral wall backdrop, and popsicle bicycle, added to the shoot’s unique flair. One of the most creative pieces was the floating four-tier wedding cake.

“We noticed a national trend of lots of pastel colors with a garden flower theme that hasn’t made its way to the Tampa Bay Area yet, so we wanted to show couples a different theme that they might not have considered before,” the wedding planner revealed. “My favorite elements were the theater ceremony and the greenery garland draped from the ballroom chandeliers. We decided to do a full dessert table to play on one of Marie Antoinette’s most famous quotes, ‘Let them eat cake.’”

The shoot was a part of the Tie the Knot Ybor wedding showcase which showcased multiple wedding venues in Ybor City, with a trolley transporting couples from venue to venue.

Couples were treated to compressed watermelon and seared ahi tuna passed appetizers from Elite Events Catering and photo memories from The Gala Photobooth.

“We put together a fabulous vendor team for this shoot. Each person added their own creativity to each element of the shoot,” Danielle praised.

What was your inspiration for this shoot?
We noticed a national trend of lots of pastel colors with a garden flower theme that hasn’t made its way to the Tampa Bay Area yet, so we wanted to show couples a different theme that they might not have considered before. The Cuban Club’s ballroom has several floral medallions along the walls and gorgeous gold chandeliers that inspired our take on a Marie Antoinette theme.  

What were your colors?
We used a lot of French blue, pink, lavender, and gold. The colors were very popular in the gardens and women’s clothing during that period, and everything seemed to be gilded.

Estimated Cost based on 150 guests: Venue: $9,000 | Photography $3,950 | Videographer $3,000 | Planner/Designer: $4,500 | Florals: $7,500 | Chiavari Chair and Furniture Rentals $1,500 | Cake $1,000 | Bride Hair and Makeup $500