Melynda and Nick's St. Petersburg wedding highlighted a modern minimalist theme that embraced the couple's laidback personalities. Deep shades of blue were offset by the subtle dusk colored accents and elegantly enhanced with greenery throughout the decor.
“I would describe our theme as a modern minimalist. We chose this theme because we wanted a classy yet simple look for our wedding. We wanted something simple and carefree, and it went exactly as planned. We felt that the beauty of the vintage venue went best with simple and tasteful décor,” the bride explained. “Our colors were navy and dusk. I chose these colors because they went well together, and they paired well with the natural greenery and white I used for décor.”
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Having grown up in St. Petersburg, the bride and groom selected their hometown to host their celebration. As Melynda began her planning journey, she used Marry Me Tampa Bay to help find reputable and highly-respected wedding professionals.
“Marry Me Tampa Bay was a great resource for me. I used this site to inspire me with décor from prior weddings that were held at the St. Pete Woman’s Club.” Melynda shared. “I found the majority of my vendors from Marry Me Tampa Bay: Special Moments Event Planning, Grind & Press, Sunshine City Films, Cotton & Magnolia, Pasta Chef, and our venue were all found on Marry Me Tampa Bay. “
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After browsing real, local weddings and reading expert advice articles from Marry Me Tampa Bay, the couple agreed that a day-of coordinator would become their best investment to keep things stress-free for their 110 guests.
“I knew I wanted to plan my own wedding. However, I needed someone to be there on my wedding day to make sure my day ran smoothly. I quickly learned that a day-of coordinator is what I needed,” the bride revealed. “I chose Special Moments Event Planning after finding them on Marry Me Tampa Bay and reading the wonderful reviews on their Facebook page. Tammy Waterman and her team are the best in the business! My wedding day was a complete dream, and I did not have to worry about a thing. I was blown away with how efficient and detail-oriented Jennifer and Melissa both were. They were there first thing to check in my vendors and were the last ones to leave. A day-of coordinator is the most important vendor a bride can hire.”
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To incorporate their unique personalities into the wedding details, cocktail hour featured three adoptable senior dogs that highlighted the bride's fondness for rescue animals (one of which was adopted!). The groom's Grateful Dead socks and cufflinks were worn in memory of his late father who was known as a “Dead Head.”
While reminiscing on their perfect wedding day, the bride cherished having her intimate moments documented forever.
“While weddings have multiple memorable moments, there were two that stick out to me. We chose not to do a first look. The first time we saw each other was when I was walking down the aisle. This moment felt extra special, and I honestly don’t remember even noticing people in the crowd. All I saw was my handsome husband. It was equally as memorable for my husband as he describes it as, “the most exciting and emotional moment of my life,” the bride recalled. “The other memorable moment for me was the first look that I did with my dad. I loved sharing that special and quiet moment together before he walked me down the aisle. It was amazing to capture his emotion in photos and videos. It’s a moment I can look back on for a lifetime.”
The Proposal:
Nick asked me to look at Christmas lights in downtown St. Pete spontaneously one night, which felt a little suspicious since we had plans to stay home. I wasn’t sure if he was about to pop the question, but I had a slight idea. As we looked at lights, he wanted to wait in line to get a picture inside one of the light displays, and I asked if we could keep walking because I was hungry and wanted to eat.
Later I found out this is where he wanted to propose… whoops! We had dinner at 400 Beach, and he had been acting off the entire meal. At that point, I started to think he was getting sick. As we walked out, he asked me if I wanted to take a picture with the lights in the background. As we were posing for the picture, he got down on one knee and asked me if I’d marry him, to which I replied “Yes!”
What did you look for in a wedding planner?
I knew I wanted to plan my own wedding. However, I needed someone to be there on my wedding day to make sure my day ran smoothly. I quickly learned that a day of coordinator is what I needed.
I chose Special Moments Event Planning after finding them on Marry Me Tampa Bay and read the wonderful reviews on their Facebook page. Tammy Waterman and her team are the best in the business! My wedding day was a complete dream, and I did not have to worry about a thing. I had Jennifer and Melissa as my day-of coordinator on my wedding day, and I was blown away with how efficient and detail-oriented they both were. They were there first thing to check in my vendors and were the last ones to leave. A day-of coordinator is the most important vendor a bride can hire.
Where did you spend your honeymoon?
We wanted to go to Iceland, however, the pandemic halted travel plans. We chose Iceland due to the beautiful scenery and outdoor activities, we still plan on visiting there someday.
How would you describe your theme/wedding design inspiration?
I would describe our theme as a modern minimalist. We chose this theme because we wanted a classy yet simple look for our wedding, and we felt that the beauty of the vintage venue went best with simple and tasteful décor.
What were your colors?
Navy and dusk. I chose these colors because they went well together, and they paired well with the natural greenery and white I used for décor.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
There are three things that I would give as advice to other couples. One, hire a day-of coordinator, this will save you from so much stress and allow you and your family to enjoy your wedding fully. Two, hire a videographer, they’re expensive but well worth it, trust me! Three, rent items versus buy, this is especially important when it comes to linens. No one wants to be ironing linens on their wedding day. Décor can also be rented for a fraction of the cost, and you’re not stuck with a bunch of stuff after your wedding.
Ceremony and Reception Venue: St. Petersburg Woman's Club
Photographer: Grind & Press Photography
Videographer: Sunshine City Films
Planner: Special Moments Event Planning *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Florist: Cotton & Magnolia
Caterer: Pasta Chef Catering
Arch Rental: MegPie's Events
Linens: Custom Linens
Cake: Grateful Bakes
DJ: Events Done Right Tampa Bay
Officiant: Byron Minton
Invitations: Vistaprint
Dress Shop and Designer: The Dressing Room – Stella York
Shoe Designer: Betsy Johnson
Bridesmaid Dress Shop: Azazie
Hair & Makeup: Style Hair and Makeup
Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Warehouse
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.
