Florida Weddings

Good Morning and welcome back to another pretty, pretty week here at SMP Florida! We seriously couldn’t think of a better way to start your week than with this gorgeous, vintage chic Tampa fete. Zoe Gallina, Inc. coordinated and designed this elegant backyard wedding and just wait until you see the phenomenal aisle style created by Botanica International Design Studio. I can’t even begin to try and choose my favorite part of this wedding. Maybe it’s the delicate lace dress, the amazingly delicious looking cakes, or the super cool cocktail lounge on the lawn…Ryan Joseph Photographs captured the whole fabulous soirée and lucky for all of us, there’s so much more in the gallery.

Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

Be sure to check out this super sweet and romantic film by Voila Cinematic.

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From the Bride…Greg and I met through mutual friends the first week of our freshman year at the University of Texas. Having just moved from Tampa, I knew only a handful of people; Greg knew everyone and all of the girls knew Greg. We remained close friends throughout our college days, spending almost every weekend together, along with a dozen or so of our best friends. Five years after we met, we kissed for the first time on NYE—a circumstantial kiss that only happened because we were standing next to each other when the ball dropped. He was my New Year’s kiss for the next two years. Nothing came of those kisses because we lived hundreds of miles apart—he in Houston and I in Dallas—and we thought we valued our friendship over a silly relationship. But alas, we realized that guys and girls weren’t meant to be best friends and we began dating. Three years after our first kiss, I moved to Houston (by way of Austin—long story) to be with Greg.

Greg proposed while we were on a bike ride in Houston. We were training for an upcoming trip to Italy where we were planning to bike across the Tuscan region. After riding for about two miles, Greg needed a break, which was worrisome because in a few weeks, we would be biking 30-40 miles a day. Concerned and frustrated, I was reluctant to join him on a park bench when he told me he needed to sit down. The only thing more troubling than resting on a park bench after a 2-mile stroll was the suspicious camouflage bag sitting on the bench. After resisting his countless requests to sit on the bench with him, Greg looked at me and said: “Well, if you won’t sit with me, will you at least marry me?” It took me a while to understand what he was saying, but once I saw the look on his face and the ring in his hand, I tearfully said yes! The proposal was thoughtful and organic, but I still wouldn’t sit down on the bench for fear the camo bag might explode and ruin our beautiful day. Against my fearful requests that he not touch the bag, Greg reached inside to retrieve a bottle of champagne and two glasses he had packed earlier that day. He popped the cork (which ricocheted off of a tree limb and onto my head), and we toasted to each other on our new favorite park bench. Thankfully, we only had two miles to ride home.

From Zoe Gallina, Inc.…The layout was organized by architectural blue prints of their property. We started planning the June before the wedding. The house and Bayshore was used throughout the wedding since the home has such special meaning to the family. The bride always dreamed of the day she got married, she and her Dad would walk out the front door and into the ceremony. Bayshore Ballastrading (the street the house is on) was used on the stamps for the wedding invitations and the wedding invite itself had a letterpressed image of the house in the background. Kelsey’s older sister also got married at the home 10 years prior.

Wedding Photography: Ryan Joseph Photographs / Event Styling + Coordination: Zoe Gallina, Inc. / Décor + Floral: Ian Prosser of Botanica International Design Studio / Food + Beverage: Puff ‘n Stuff Catering / Quartet: Dillingham Quartet / Cocktail Music: Simply Irresistible / Wedding Videography: Jocelyn Karas of Voila Cinematic / Rentals: U.S. Tent Rental / Lounge Furniture: Room Service Rentals / Tent Draping: Design Elements / Lighting: Baystage Lighting / Wedding Cake: Chocolate Pi / Bride’s Hair + Make-up: Elena Joseph / Bridal Party Hair: Michael Cimino of Cimino Salon / Shuttle Buses: Skyline Limousines / Valet: 717 Parking / Getaway Car: Cole’s Classic Cars

Brace yourselves, SMPers… you are about to be swept off your feet by a whole lot of fabulous, all courtesy of this amazing Tampa Bay affair and the amazing VHVIDEO.COM.  This traditional fête is the literal definition of glamour, complete with a brilliant aqua and red color palette, an insanely gorgeous brooch bouquet and one seriously breathtaking bride and groom.  Plus, a red carpet!  Trust me, this is one video you’ll be watching again and again.  Enjoy!

From VHVIDEO.COM… A celebration fit for royalty. The couple expressed their love at the First Baptist Church of Tampa and continued the festivities at the Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel. Each venue offered the perfect touch for their traditional vintage style wedding.  After a grand exit from the church, guests entered the reception on a red carpet with a customized step-n-repeat paparazzi station.  The main ballroom was transformed into a royal court consisting of a black n’ white checkered dance floor; white lounge furniture; lush floral arrangements and a customized built canopy over the head table . The hanging vignettes of fabric and frames were washed in teal specialty lighting creating a true royal feel.  In the end, Lisa and Ben got exactly what they wanted…”Benisa!”

Wedding Cinematography: VHVIDEO.COM / Wedding Photography: Andy Martin Photography / Flowers: Arlene Floral Design / Hair: The Michele Renee Hair and Makeup Group / Rentals: Chic Event Rental + US Tent Rental / Decor: Next Day Signs / Event Planning: Unique Event Design / Wedding Ceremony Location: First Baptist Church of Tampa / Wedding Reception Location:  Sheraton Riverwalk Hotel / Wedding Invitations: Paper Presence / Transportation: Ambassador Limo

I can’t even begin to count the ways I am crushing on this Tampa wedding by Raquel Sergio Photography.  My love affair definitely started with the beyond beautiful bride and her sincerely sultry bouffant and birdcage veil.  It only escalated from there once I laid eyes on the voluptuous bouquets and wildflower centerpieces and all the adorable vintage and handmade details.  Check them all out in the full gallery!

Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

From Raquel Sergio Photography…Every detail of their day was knit together carefully, matching their vintage style perfectly.We loved every single part of the day spent with Jennifer and Cory. One of the most memorable parts of the day for us, was their grand entrance as Mr. and Mrs. they walking in dancing to Mrs. Robinson (Mr and Mrs Robinson are their newly wed name) every time I hear that song I remember how happy Jennifer and Cory were dancing to their entrance and their guests greeting them.) Jennifer and Cory are the perfect definition to Love, and I was so happy to be capturing such strong emotions on such a beautiful day.

Wedding Photography: Raquel Sergio Photography / Ceremony + Reception Venue: Ybor City Museum Garden / Bridesmaid Dresses: Alvina Valenta via Olga’s Bridal Boutique / Groom + Groomsmen Apparel: Banana Republic, Madras, Urban Outfitters + J.Crew / Wedding Rings: Liz Karas / Decoration: The Bride and Mother of the Bride / Wedding Cake + Cupcakes: Olympia Bakery

This cute-as-can-be blonde beauty of a bride envisioned a “pink and gold vintage juicy couture” dream wedding but she got so much more than that.  This garden party is a pretty in pink, fluffy jewel of a wedding with two drop dead gorgeous darlings at the center of it all.  The flowers from FH Weddings & Events are just dreamy and Roohi Photography‘s romantic images of each sweet detail have been causing some serious cases of permagrin around here!  Daydream the rest of the day away in the full gallery!

Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

From FH Weddings & Events…Deanna and Dax’s wedding on May 7, 2011 was a “pink and gold vintage juicy couture” theme. Deanna, a former Bucs cheerleader,  has a little bit of country and Dax a little bit of city but together they make a perfect fit. Some details of the wedding included custom designed cupcakes, an ice cream bar, mason jars and bouquets filled with spring flowers. The set up for the food was super creative. Chicken and Waffles! Crab Cakes and Asian Slaw!

The framed photo on the bride and groom’s table carried a special picture of a dear friend to Dax.  Dax told the story behind the photo. The story brought to tears.  His name is Wes Urso, and he was Dax’s best friend. While serving in the Middle East, he lost his life. He was truly a hero. In all the years Dax knew him, he said Wes never asked for anything and yet he gave everything. “He would have loved our day, and we were honored to celebrate his life on the same day Deanna and I began ours.”

The ceremony was full of moments of laughter.  After walking up to the “alter” during the ceremony Dax went ahead and kissed Deanna. Why wait to be pronounced husband and wife right?  In a set of photo’s you can see Deanna laugh and then point a finger saying, “no, no” with a laugh.  Deanna and Dax’s wedding was a day full of smiles, laughter and a whole lot of partying. This group knew how to have fun!

Wedding Location: Davis Island Garden Club / Wedding Photography: Roohi Photography / Event Planner: Unique Event Design, LLC / Floral Design: FH Weddings & Events / Cupcakes: Frostings Ect./ Hair + Makeup Artist: Tamara Crowe of Vibe Salon / Catering + Linens: Puff & Stuff / Lighting: Tampa Lights, Inc.

Today is going to be a very good day.  I know this for a fact, because I am starting it off with these fabulous Tampa Bay nuptials.  And, trust me, it doesn’t get much better than this.  From the bride’s gorgeous gown to the ah-mazing bouquet created by Four Seasons Florals, this wedding is all kinds of wonderful.  Not to mention the seriously awesome purple, yellow and black color scheme.  Now that’s my kind of color palette.  Lucky for us, 13:13 Photography was there to capture every last beautiful detail.  Join me in the gallery for even more!

Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

From 13:13 Photography…Sara and Josh tied the knot in Tampa Florida on November 20th at the Grand Hyatt in Tampa Bay. There ceremony was held at an offsite portion of the hotel away from the main grounds surrounded by “casitas” the hotels term for the type of detached bungalows. It was an intimate and private setting on the bay and at sunset. Many of their guests came from out of town from primarily Seattle and South Florida.

Sara + Josh are completely infectious and filled with light, they chose to do a first look and pre-ceremony portraits to take advantage of the Florida West Coast sunlight.

Wedding Photography: 13:13 Photography / Venue: Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay / Floral Design: Four Seasons Florals / DJ: Frank Lebano / Wedding Cake: Chocolate Pi / Wedding Dress: Aire Barcelona / Bridesmaid Dresses: Priscilla of Boston / Bride’s Hair & Make-Up: Darla Stafford

I can’t help but think of that 80’s tune by Christopher Cross when I look at this next wedding. You know the one, “Saillllling takes me awayyyyyy…” Or the way my uncle would shout, “Port-about-hard-a-lee” at my clearly confused sister and I as we sailed into harbor. Seriously though, how sweet is this little sailboat nuptial? This adorable couple braved the open sea to say their I Do’s and Dearly Loved Photography was there (hanging by the mast no doubt) to capture all the special moments. See the rest here in the galley, I mean gallery.

See entire image gallery here!

From the moment of our engagement we had two thoughts in regards to our wedding: sailboat and vintage Schwinn tandem. Not a traditional combination…but that suits us. Our wedding was full of DIY projects. A graphic designer by trade I wanted to create the perfect environment to showcase our personalities and style. The invitations were hand illustrated and digitally letter pressed, the grass centerpieces were grown by my father in the backyard, the flowers designed by a family friend, and the cake…what cake?! Our vision of a whimsical Little Debbie Snack tower came to life, set off by antique Pez toppers. The 1967 Schwinn tandem became a prop for the photo guestbook, and all the guests went home with a custom messenger bag. Our private ceremony was held at sunset in the middle of Tampa Bay aboard the vessel Hare-itage. I was escorted down a dock of sun drenched 2×4’s by my Father. I wore a 1950’s vintage dress purchased on Ebay and a flower from Lithuania in my hair. Jim wore a perfectly tailored Armani suit. It was an amazing spring night although a bit rougher at sea than we had hoped. We were hanging on for dear life while saying I do! The rings were delivered lovingly by our lifejacket clad toy poodle Ludwig. With rings on and I do’s done the celebration began. The following day accompanied by our amazing friends and family we made our entrance as Mr and Mrs. Together with our guests we sailed from the hotel to the Yacht Club via a flotilla of boats. Guests sipped Presidente beer barefoot while enjoying beautiful Tampa Bay. With the boats all safely docked and guests back on dry land, the night began with a traditional Tampa Cuban feast, continued with drinks and dancing, and ended with late night Cuban sandwiches. We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect weekend. The many hours of hard work and planning paid off. Our wedding celebration was a perfect reflection of our life and love.

Photography: Dearly Loved Photography / Ceremony and Reception Location: Davis Island Yacht Club / Design: Bride, Rabbitt Design

It’s so funny how you can always look back and see exactly why things turn out the way they do. Todd and I met eight years ago when I walked into his Chiropractic office after I was in a car accident. The moment I got my first glimpse of him, it was all over! That moment took my breath away. I continued to come in as a patient, always coming in right before lunch in hopes he would ask me to join…he never did! A few years (and two more car accidents) went by and we finally got together! We were engaged 2 years after that! (Haven’t had a car accident since…coincidence, I think not!) – the bride

We had a few things done for the wedding, but quickly realized we needed help! We were going to have around 200 of our closest friends and family and we wanted them to have the time of their life! We found Lori with Simply Divine Events and boy did we strike gold! She had so many great ideas! We had a photo booth that doubled as a guestbook and favor for our guests, we did a ‘create your own cupcake’ bar along with our cake that was so different, which I loved, and there was a cigar roller for the cocktail hour. We had specialty cocktails made that represented our backgrounds, Italian for Todd and Spanish for me. We also had a kids activity room to keep the little ones occupied. We wanted the dancing part of the evening to be more like a club and less like a wedding so we chose most of the music that was played. But the ceremony was my favorite part. The officiant Lori suggested did this Native American blessing that almost everyone later asked me about and said how much they loved it. The whole ceremony and reception were truly breathtaking!

from Lori at Simply Divine Events …  Last fall we had the pleasure of helping Todd and Yolanda plan their wedding at the T.Pepin Hospitality Centre in Tampa, Florida. We incorporated a photobooth guest book as well as pool tables and shuffleboard tables for fun! A cigar roller and a cappuccino cart, a special kids room with games, movies (and a babysitter!) were a few more fun additions to the party. While their dinner guests enjoyed a seated meal, kids feasted on a kid’s buffet of peanut butter, mac n’cheese sliders and pizza! Adults and kids alike enjoyed decorating their own cupcakes at the cupcake bar. Our thanks to Belle Rempert Photography for the gorgeous photos! Congratulations to the handsome groom and beautiful bride!

With the help of so many people, I married my best friend. I couldn’t have asked for a better day! -yolanda, the bride

Venue: T. Pepin Hospitality Centre / Wedding Planner: Simply Divine Events / Photography: Belle Rempert Photography /Make-up: Hollie with My Make Up Pro / Decor: Floral- Events in Bloom / Plant Rental- Plant Directions / Lighting: Inspire Entertainment and T. Pepin Hospitality Centre / Cake and Cupcakes: A Piece of Cake / Catering: Catering By Design / Bar: U Dream Events / DJ: Rob Johnson / Coffee cart: Cafe A La Carte / Photo Booth: ShutterBooth / Calligraphy: Calligraphy by Jennifer / Stationery: Maxeli Designs / Linens: Connie Duglin / Transportation: VIP Limo

If you read just a little bit about Lori and Jessica at Simply Divine Events, you’ll find out that simply saying they are wedding planners falls way short of the mark. Lori and Jessica are two women with a mission, a passion and a knack for listening to your dreams ~ and doing everything in their power to make those dreams come true! So ~ when Sarah and Doug approached them with their own vision of a day filled with bright colors, great fun and terrific food ~ a day to celebrate their marriage with their families and dearest friends … the talented team at Simply Divine Events knew just what to do!

from Simply Divine Events …
Sarah and Doug were married at the Davis Islands Garden Club in Tampa, Florida on June 4, 2010. Their outdoor garden wedding was full of lively colors ~ from turquoise to fuschia with pretty pops of lime green! Tampa, in June, can be oh-so hot … and so guests were greeted with cold beverages to cool them down ~ sangria, lemonade & beer. Catering-by Design offered yummy hors d’oeuvres and a station-styled reception … a noodle station, a meat and potato station and a Jasmine Thai crab cake station.

The vibrant floral design was provided by LBB member, MMD Events.

photography courtesy of BINARYFLIPS

Lori ~ at Simply Divine Events ~ has written all about the wedding details and has lots more photos for you over on her blog ~ {here}! Please do take a look. Our thanks to all for sharing this gorgeous celebration of love!

Photographer: BinaryFlips
Wedding Planner: Lori with Simply Divine Events (LBB Member)
Floral & Decor: MMD Events (LBB Member)
Caterer: Catering – by Design
Venue: Davis Islands Garden Club
DJ: Inpulse Entertainment
Cake: Greenwise Publix
Transportation: VIP Limousine
Officiant: Charles Hutek

Wedding style?  “Vintage Couture”  ~ I like that! An upscale ballroom setting with the glitz and glamour we’ve all come to know and love!

Today’s featured Little Black Book Member is Amy Pezzicara at Pezz Photo in Florida. Before we elaborate about this breathtaking wedding, we want to tell you about one of those “fashion emergencies” that all brides pray won’t happen to them!

from Lindsay, the brave and beautiful bride …

It wouldn’t be a wedding to remember without having a fashion emergency! Just as Amy Pezzicara (my amazing photographer) was about to take some pictures around the hotel with us, my sister went to hand me my purse to fix my lipstick and out fell my glass bottle of foundation which broke and splattered all up the side of my dress! I like to say I was “fashionably an hour late” to my wedding ceremony.

Amy said, “Her bottle of foundation fell out, shattering on the floor and exploding all over her dress. We spent the next 45 minutes removing the makeup with toothbrushes and cleaning fluid. Lindsay kept a smile on her face the whole time!”

Can you imagine?? What a trooper! Apparently she just took it in stride and went on with the festivities!

Lindsay is well versed in unexpected wedding emergencies … she, herself, is a wedding planner|coordinator at the same venue that she was getting married ~ A La Carte Event Pavillion, one of Tampa’s premier event venues!

more from Lindsay …

My dress is a Maggie Sottero called “Jolie”. It was purchased at CC’s Boutique in St. Petersburg, Florida. The dress is an A-line dress accented with glass beads, lace and crystals with a sweetheart neckline. This dress is made from taffeta, which is the only material I wanted to wear. I love taffeta and the noise it makes when you move. To keep with our vintage theme, I chose to wear a birdcage veil, also from  CC’s Boutique. They had just acquired this headpiece from a show in France. I loved it immediately and it really finished off the look of my dress.  I got the idea to wear blue Kate Spade shoes after watching the Sex and the City movie; Kerri wore blue shoes under her wedding dress for something blue… and I thought, “WOW! I should do that!” The bridesmaid dresses were by Bill Levkoff ~taupe taffeta dresses accented with pale pink and Mary Jane style high heels. I gave them vintage bracelets for their bridesmaids gifts. The guys wore tuxedos from Sacino’s Formal Wear. To go with our “vintage couture” theme, we chose a modern ascot tie (without the puff).

My ceremony inspiration was created by A La Carte Event Pavilion’s event designer Corina Wian-Literski. The concept included a keyhole-shaped ceremony space with a circular wall of fabric. Our ceremony took place in the middle of all our family and friends.

After the ceremony, the fabric was pulled back to reveal our reception room. Amazing!

The tall centerpieces had light pink hydrangeas, pink peonies, pink roses, yellow roses for dimension, light pink tea roses and green spider mums placed on a tall glass pilsner vase accented with vintage pearls. The shorter centerpieces were crystal table candelabras accented with the same flowers as the tall ones. We wanted dimension in the room, so that is why we alternated tall and short centerpieces. Half the guest tables were covered in a light pink linen underlay with an ivory lace overlay. The other half of the guest tables had light pink linens with apple green satin napkins. I choose gold chargers to match the gold chiavari chairs. All stationery on the tables were provided by Paper Players out of Dunedin, Florida.

Amy Pezzicara sent Lindsay’s wedding into us during fashion week. Lindsay’s vintage couture “look” was indeed divine!!

So we want to know … how many of you are planning indoor vintage-styled weddings?  And what wedding colors are you planning? Any cool ideas that you’re going to be doing that you’d like to share?