Peyton and JP
“The working title was ‘The Last Sail Before the Veil.’ I chose a lemon theme because it symbolized turning life’s lemons into lemonade. The yellow color scheme, centered on lemons, and light blue were a perfect complement. It was a joyful, sunshine-filled way to celebrate my daughter’s upcoming wedding and to create a special memory surrounded by people who have supported us over the years. The idea was to focus on positivity, love, and gratitude – celebrating on my own terms with warmth and laughter.” -Kimberley Warp, Mother of the Bride
FEATURING
Peyton and JP’s downtown Tampa bridal shower combined Mediterranean coastal influences with blue tile accents, fresh citrus, and natural greenery. Friends and family celebrated the couple aboard a luxurious yacht as they enjoyed a cruise along the scenic downtown river.
“My daughter has a chic personality, and that was reflected in everything from the cocktail attire worn by the guests, to the French 75 signature cocktails, to the elegant lemon-themed tablescape and lemon-themed pillows scattered throughout the upper two levels of the yacht, not to mention the chic venue of celebrating on the Yacht Starship!” the mother of the bride beamed. “Seeing all the decorated space truly exceeded my expectations.”
The Photography
“My daughter and I looked at multiple photographers ’ portfolios. Still and action shots reflecting good lighting and capturing various fun moments were important for us.
Carrie Wildes Photography‘s portfolio displayed all of those items. I struggled with whether or not to afford the price of a photographer, and I am so thankful I decided to add that expense to my budget. Carrie photographed so many action shots that I was not able to see myself in real time, and by having all of her photos, I do not feel like I missed out on anything.
I am so grateful to have these digital memories and that I did not need to worry about carrying my camera around all night to capture the memories. A few of my friends took photos from their phones, but the lighting on the yacht did not cooperate, so the mobile phone photos are not very good. Carrie’s high-end camera was no match for the bad lighting!
Hiring Carrie Wildes as our photographer came from divine intervention! I had a different photographer secured for the event, but unfortunately, one week prior to the shower, she had an accident and was not able to photograph the event. I started researching online for photographers in the Tampa area. I reached out to 10 different photographers. Many emailed or texted me back, but Carrie was the only one who called me. While speaking with Carrie on the phone, I felt a true connection with her without even seeing her portfolio. Once I had the opportunity to review her portfolio, my daughter and I both decided we had to hire Carrie! Her portfolio checked all the boxes. The fact that she was available for the upcoming weekend was meant to be!”
The Inspiration
“The working title was ‘The Last Sail Before the Veil’. Nine days before the bridal shower, I met with Eric Abril, Director of Event Services & Brand Standards with Yacht Starship, for the first time. At the time, I had no idea what the decor would look like, and I explained to Eric that I was throwing a bridal shower for Peyton and inviting my girlfriends so they could celebrate her, even though they wouldn’t be at the wedding.
As I explained this story to Eric, I paused, and then, at the same time, we both said, ‘Making lemonade out of lemons.’ And then I screamed, ‘Lemons! Lemons will be the theme!’ I chose a lemon theme because it symbolized turning life’s lemons into lemonade.
The yellow color scheme, centered on lemons, and light blue were a perfect complement. It was a joyful, sunshine-filled way to celebrate my daughter’s upcoming wedding and to create a special memory surrounded by people who have supported us over the years. The idea was to focus on positivity, love, and gratitude – celebrating on my own terms with warmth and laughter.”
The Venue
Yacht Starship
“I looked for an all-inclusive venue that included a water view. I selected Yacht Starship as a great place to host the bridal shower. What I loved about the Yacht Starship was that it was all-inclusive, and who doesn’t love riding on a large yacht?! Everything from working with Wendy Odom on the contract and the details that would be included to working with Eric Abril on implementing the decorations and details was easy and seamless. The staff who worked the event were extremely helpful, attentive, and friendly.
The Yacht Starship provided the bartender, DJ, chef, and staff. Sydney was the bartender and did a phenomenal job keeping up with orders while making fabulous cocktails. The entire staff, led by Cameran, was extremely attentive and helpful, and the 3-course dinner, created by Chef Kim from Yacht Starship, was perfection! I wish I could name each staff member, but the entire night was a whirlwind. I’m considering hosting my birthday on the Yacht Starship, and if I do, I will specifically request each staff member to come back and help me host the event!
The DJ played all my requested songs, and there was not a moment when the dance floor was not packed with all the attendees. The weather was perfect, and spending time on the top deck with my friends and family was filled with sheer joy! The captain saw Carrie photographing my daughter and fiancé and invited them onto the bridge for photos. Those were the best photos ever! Thank you, Captain!”
