Waterfront, Garden Wedding | DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Tampa Bay Wedding
Erin and Damien's waterfront Tampa wedding featured a whimsical Mid-summer's Night Dream theme, complete with a waterfront ceremony, oversized paper flowers and outdoor, tented reception.
“I wanted what every girl wants, a fairytale. I wanted something different, whimsical and pretty without being too girly,” the bride explained. “The idea came about when we wanted an enchanted forest theme. My mother came up with designs, and I tweaked the look to make it whimsical without being to childish.”
Getting the details correct for her whimsical garden wedding was a priority to the bride.
“From the garden to the tables, to the vines hanging from the ceiling, I wanted a magical setting,” Erin shared. “My mother spent a year and half making the decorations. It was so amazing. Words can't express my gratitude for all she had done for us.”
The Tampa couple searched for a waterfront wedding venue with an excellent chef.
“I wanted a wedding venue by the water with good food that could work with my budget,” the bride explained. ” Everything at the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Tampa Bay was top notch. Everyone at the hotel was always open and available during planning. We had many meetings, countless phone calls and many sessions of measuring spaces. Everyone went out of there way to make me feel appreciated and welcomed. [The venue coordinator] Kelly was so patient with me and accommodated us completely.”
Erin and Damien wanted a Tampa wedding photographer whose style included variety and a distinct look.
“I wanted black and white, soft and romantic and clear and sharp. I needed a photographer who could do all of that,” the bride revealed. “Limelight Photography's professionalism was through the roof, before during and after. Their portfolios speak for themselves.”
Looking back, one of the bride's most memorable moments was celebrating with her new husband.
“[I'll never forget] my first dance with Damien. His smile was perfect,” Erin reminisced.
What did you look for in a wedding venue?
I wanted a wedding venue by the water with good food that could work with my budget. Everything at the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Tampa Bay was top notch. Everyone at the hotel was always open and available during planning. We had many meetings, countless phone calls and many sessions of measuring spaces. Everyone went out of there way to make me feel appreciated and welcomed. The staff was amazing. [The venue coordinator] Kelly was so patient with me and accommodated us completely.
The Proposal:
It was a surprise! Even though it was just the two of us at home, it was special and sweet.
How would you describe your theme?
I wanted what every girl wants, a fairytale. I wanted something different, whimsical and pretty without being too girly. The idea came about when we wanted an enchanted forest theme. My mother came up with designs, and I tweaked the look to make it whimsical without being to childish.
What were your colors?
Pink and green have always been my favorite colors. Navy was a color we both agreed upon; we didn't want to be that serious in black or drab in grey.
What did you look for in a wedding photographer?
A variety of shots and looks to the pictures. I wanted black and white, soft and romantic and clear and sharp. I needed a photographer who could do all of that. Limelight Photography's professionalism was through the roof, before during and after. Their portfolios speak for themselves.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay Brides?
Get a videographer. I didn't. Now I'm a little disappointed.
Also, get a planner. I didn't and I was stressed.
Ceremony and Reception Venue: DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Tampa Bay
Photographer: Limelight Photography – Jess
Rentals: Bay Event Rentals
Florist: Bud Blooms and Beyond
Caterer: DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Rocky Point
Cake: Let Them Eat Cake
DJ: DJ Kingler
Officiant: Friend of the Family
Dress Shop: Bearer of the Bling
Bridesmaid Dresses: Sugar Bits
Hair & Makeup: Destiny and Light Hair and Makeup Group
