Wedding

Winter White and Silver Black Tie Ballroom Wedding | The Don CeSar

 

Sarasota Bridal Show 2018 Smitten by Jennifer Matteo Events

A formal wedding comes to life filled with elegance and glamour at Mykal and Taylor's St. Pete Beach wedding at the historic Don CeSar Hotel.

“We love getting all dressed up, so we chose an evening black tie event in the winter. The holidays are always our favorite time of year,” the bride gushed. “I wanted to it to feel glamorous and classic, so we chose mostly all white and some silver to complement the winter theme and take advantage of the beautiful white Christmas lights that were put up all around the hotel.”

MORE: BLACK TIE WEDDINGS

The Houston, Texas couple hosted their destination wedding back in their home state of Florida at a particularly sentimental St. Pete Beach wedding venue for the bride.

“The Don CeSar has a special place in my memories. My parents loved the beach in Florida, especially the St. Pete area, and would stay there for anniversary staycation weekends. I vividly remember as a young girl being in the car and driving over the bridge and seeing the pink castle on the beach,” Mykal reminisced. “Both of my parents tragically passed away when I was a sophomore in college; Taylor and I had already been dating for some time, and I am so lucky that he got to know them well before. The Don is a beautiful and historic building, and I was honored to be able to be married there. The service was great, and the food was spectacular!”

MORE: DON CESAR WEDDINGS

Blending the bride's love for extravagant taste and the groom's interest in simplicity, the couple blended both styles gorgeously as they focused less on the details and more on the guest experience.

“It was important to me that our family and friends had a great time. I wanted them to be able to feel their importance to us, drink well, eat well, and dance hard, Mykal explained. “I also wanted it to be a place where that they could use as a mini-vacation and enjoy the Florida beaches and everything the Tampa Bay area has to offer while they were there. It was important that the wedding felt genuine and real.”

With the bridal party located around the United States, it was a priority to the bride to find a dress shop where all of her bridesmaids could easily find the Monique Lhuillier dress that she selected.

“I chose a high neck, open back, mermaid, dramatic black gown from Monique Lhuillier. I've always loved her beautiful, romantic designs. With each of my bridesmaids in different cities and across four states, I chose Bella Bridesmaids. They carried this designer and had a wonderful reputation,” Mykal explained. “I loved working with Bella in Houston; they were so helpful with the process. Each of my bridesmaids were able to go to their closest Bella Bridesmaids, try on the dress and get measurements taken, then place the order online. The dresses were shipped to each of them directly. It was a seamless process, and I was so happy!”

Looking back, Mykal's most memorable moment was seeing Taylor for the first time as she came down the aisle and sharing her wedding day with her brothers.

“After all these years it was finally happening. We were both overcome with pure love, joy and emotion. My two brothers walked me down the aisle and gave a speech together. My oldest brother passed away two years before as well. I always thought he'd give me away to Taylor, but it was so special that both of my other brothers were on each side of me that evening. Their speech was funny and sweet. Mostly poking fun and highlighting how much of a saint Taylor is for putting up with me, but also how much they loved him as a brother and how proud they were of both of us,” the bride reminisced.

Badgley Mischka White Flat Pointed Toe Rhinestone Wedding Shoes

White Layered Ballgown Hayley Paige Wedding Dress with Long Black Monique Lhuillier Bridesmaids Dresses on Hangers | Tampa Bay Bridesmaids Dress Shop Bella Bridesmaids

Bridal Party Getting Ready Portrait in Matching Black and White Rompers | Bella Bridesmaid Monique Lhuillier Dresses

Bride Getting Ready Portrait with Purple Eyeshadow and Magenta Lips

Groom and Groomsmen Wedding Party Outdoor Beach Portrait in Black Tuxedoes | St Pete Beach Historic Hotel Wedding Venue The Don Cesar

Indoor Bridal Party Portrait, Bride in Layered Ballgown Hayley Paige Wedding Dress, Bridesmaids in High Necked Long Black Monique Lhuillier Bridesmaids Dresses with White Hydrangea Bouquets | Bella Bridesmaids

What was your bridesmaids dress inspiration?
I wanted the my bridesmaids to feel glamorous and confident. I chose a high neck, open back, mermaid, dramatic black gown from Monique Lhuillier. I've always loved her beautiful, romantic designs. With each of my bridesmaids in different cities and across four states, I chose Bella Bridesmaids. They carried this designer and had a wonderful reputation.

I Want to Learn More about wedding attire from Bella Bridesmaids.

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I loved working with Bella in Houston, and they were so helpful with the process. Each of my bridesmaids were able to go to their closest Bella Bridesmaids and try on the dress and get measurements taken. Them they simply placed the order online, and the dresses were shipped to each of them directly. It was a seamless process and I was so happy!

St Pete Beach Historic Hotel Wedding Venue The Don Cesar

What did you look for in a wedding venue?
The Don CeSar has a special place in my memories. My parents loved the beach in Florida, especially the St. Pete area, and would stay there for anniversary staycation weekends. I vividly remember as a young girl being in the car and driving over the bridge and seeing the pink castle on the beach. Both of my parents tragically passed away when I was a sophomore in college; Taylor and I had already been dating for some time, and I am so lucky that he got to know them well before. The Don is a beautiful and historic building, and I was honored to be able to be married there. The service was great, and the food was spectacular!”

I want to learn more about weddings at The Don CeSar.

Book with confidence. The Don CeSar is a trusted Marry Me Tampa Bay preferred wedding venue. Powered by ConvertKit

Outdoor Garden Courtyard Wedding Ceremony Decor with White Hydrangea and Orchid Flowers in Tall Glass Vase with Floating Votive Candles in Hurricane Lanters

St Pete Beach Historic Hotel Outdoor Nighttime Wedding Ceremony Venue The Don Cesar

Outdoor Nighttime Courtyard Garden Wedding Ceremony with Folding White Chairs and Floating Votive Candles in Glass Cylinder Vases | St Pete Beach Historic Hotel Wedding Venue The Don Cesar

Outdoor Nighttime Courtyard Garden Wedding Ceremony Portrait with Floating Votive Candles in Glass Cylinder Vases | St Pete Beach Historic Hotel Wedding Venue The Don Cesar

Outdoor Nighttime Garden Courtyard Wedding Ceremony Portrait, Bride in Layered Ballgown Strapless Hayley Paige Wedding Dress with White Orchid Bouquet, Groom in Black Tuxedo with White Orchid Boutonnière, with Floating Votive Candles in Glass Cylinder Vases | St Pete Beach Historic Hotel Wedding Venue The Don Cesar

The Proposal:
Taylor's proposal was such a surprise and just perfect for us! We have two dog babies (Golden Retrievers) that are our world! This particular day and routine was no different than most. After a long day at work, we took the pups out for their daily exercise at our favorite park and trail. Not expecting anything other than our normal grind, I threw on a mismatched outfit: two different colored socks and dog potty pick up bags tucked into my running shorts. Not long into our path, Taylor veered off at a beautiful little gazebo and bridge and got down on one knee. He had photographers planted around (as a mother and daughter, a man fishing in the lake) to capture the moment. We've been together for 10 years and this moment was so genuine, beautiful, and emotional. I remember him saying that this was our life, as simple as it may be, but this is what he loved, and the way he loved me most. It was really beautiful, and the best part, our pups were right there with us to share in our happiness!

White and Silver Holiday Hotel Wedding Reception Welcome Sign with Glowing Wreath

Winter White and Silver Black Tie Hotel Ballroom Wedding Reception with Long Feasting Table with Tall White Branch Centerpiece | Tampa Bay Historic Wedding Reception Venue The Don Cesar

Winter White and Silver Black Tie Hotel Ballroom Wedding Reception Table Decor with Wild White Branches and Tall Orchid Centerpiece in Stylish Glass Vase | St Petersburg Historic Wedding Venue The Don Cesar

How would you describe your theme?
We love getting all dressed up, so we chose an evening black tie event in the winter. We wanted the feel to be elegant and fun. The holidays are always our favorite time of year.

What were your colors?
I wanted to it to feel glamorous and classic, so we chose mostly all white and some silver to complement the winter theme and take advantage of the beautiful white Christmas lights that were put up all around the hotel.

Four Tier Round White Wedding Cake with White Floral Icing with Green Hydrangea Bouquets

Black Metal Man's Wedding Band with Diamond Engagement Ring and Wedding Band

Outdoor Nighttime Wedding Portrait, Bride in Layered Ballgown Wedding Dress | St Pete Historic Hotel Wedding Venue The Don Cesar

Ceremony/Reception Venue and Catering: The Don Cesar *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Venue
Photographer: Limelight Photography
Planner: Cheers Events
Florist: Flowers By Design
Cake: The Cake Zone
Band: The Hit Factory Band
Officiant: Jim Coats (Godfather)
Invitations: Minted
Dress: Hayley Paige
Bridesmaid Dress Shop and Designer: Bella Bridesmaids *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro, Monique Lhuillier
Hair: Alexandra Rose
Makeup: Hendrickje Ewen




Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pros

Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pros are highly respected by our local wedding community and have been personally vetted by our editor.