Melanie and Dave’s whimsical St. Petersburg wedding provided their guests a glimpse into the picturesque Florida oasis they call home by infusing a tropical flair with a palette of the Sunshine State’s bright colors.

“I would describe our wedding theme as ‘tropical eclectic,’ the bride explained. “As two creative people who love nature, we wanted to highlight the natural beauty of Florida while also infusing the colorful, playful aspects of ourselves. We chose a spectrum of vibrant jewel tones to reflect the colors of Florida itself, green like the palms, turquoise like the waters, and Fuschia like the bougainvillea, etc.”

Desiring a more eclectic event for their Spring nuptials, the nature-loving bride and groom enlisted the planning experts at Wilder Mind Events, renowned for their unconventional style and expertise.

“We decided to have fun with the planning and let our own tastes shine through, even if they weren’t traditional or the norm. We treated planning the wedding like planning a fun party that we would want to attend ourselves, with the help of our planner,” the bride revealed. “We looked for a wedding planner who was not afraid to be bold and had a keen eye for aesthetics. After speaking with Delaney Driver of Wilder Mind Events, she had great experience, fantastic offerings, and very fair pricing. Also, I liked her as a person!”

The event took place at a historic site that once housed a Native American village. Nestled along the Boca Ciega Bay, the property boasts lush tropical elements and brick pathways throughout. Before 65 of their closest friends and family, Melanie and Dave exchanged vows in the tented museum area under an arch decorated with driftwood and tropical flowers. The ceremony was personalized with rattan baskets, ornate rugs, and twinkling lights, creating a unique and intimate atmosphere. Guests were then treated to an outdoor reception beneath the lush tropical greenery, accompanied by a constant breeze from the bay.

“The Jungle Prada area is a gorgeous section of St. Pete with lots of Florida native greenery, old-growth trees, and ancient Tocobaga archaeological sites. It is a special place that we both felt energetically drawn to. The venue truly made the wedding’s aesthetic and vibe. It’s lush and tropical, it bears spiritual and historical significance and is very private. There are peacocks roaming the property, art, and sculptures throughout, and whimsical winding pathways. Our ceremony took place in a permanent tent structure which also acts as a museum with archaeological artifacts and fossils from the Tampa Bay area. The gardens have winding pathways which lead to a firepit and two separate docks on the water,” the bride shared. “We went with a non-traditional setting and non-traditional layout. We created moments throughout the venue that encouraged guests to move around the space, interact with it, and socialize with each other. Essentially, by creating a completely experiential format, we circumvented the awkward standing around and waiting periods often experienced at most weddings.”

Melanie wore a trumpet gown with a plunging v-neckline. The dress featured a beaded lace applique and asymmetric floral details with crystal embellishments, making it sparkle in the light. A Fuschia flower crown adorned her head, while a colorful bouquet of bright-colored flowers and greenery topped off with iridescent Anthirums completed the look.

Among all the wonderful memories from this event, the one that stood out most in the bride’s mind was time spent with family and friends in such a beautiful tropical environment.

“One of the most memorable moments was sitting down at our very long, winding table to enjoy a family-style meal with all of our loved ones while the sun set over the Gulf and the DJ played lo-fi in the background,” the bride reminisced. “A warm breeze swept over our guests as we toasted our marriage!”

The Proposal: 
There was no formal proposal; rather, we had a conversation about what we wanted our future to look like and decided that that future included marriage. Life can be hard. It’s important to find someone to navigate its obstacles with.

What did you look for in a wedding planner? 
We looked for someone who was not afraid to be bold and had a keen eye for aesthetics. After speaking with Delaney of Wilder Mind Events, I thought she had great experience, fantastic offerings, and very fair pricing. Also, I liked her as a person!

What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples? 
Highlight the beautiful natural landscape of Tampa Bay and lean into it! Don’t be afraid of color. Throw a party you would want to attend.