If the first dreamy image from K & K Photography of the big, romantic bouquet of peonies from Botanica International Design Studio is any indication of the rest of this wedding (and OH it is) I don’t think I’d be going out on a limb by saying we are ALL in for a treat. With URBANcoast in charge of the rest of the decor, it was destined to be fabulous, but even with this all star team behind it all, we were still blown away. So plant your feet firmly and promise me you’ll visit the full gallery, because it is a pretty dream in every single image!
From the beautiful bride … Alex and I went to medical school in Tampa and Bradenton respectively. We met when my best friend Michelle invited me to a party to celebrate the end of the third year of medical school at a fun outdoor restaurant, Sail Pavilion in Tampa. Even though she didn’t have the idea in mind to set us up, she saw us talking at the bar and knew that I was developing a crush on Alex. She wasted no time in telling his best friend, Ben, who promptly told him. I could not have been more embarrassed. A few weeks later Michelle and I were planning to go to Tennessee for the Bonnaroo Music Festival and at the last minute, even though we had only spoken the one time at the bar, Alex took a leap of faith and decided to make the 10 hourr drive to the festival as well. He and Ben made 100 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and hit the road following us to TN. We had a blast at the music festival and went on our first date a few days after returning to FL.
The proposal happened when I was least expecting it. Alex told me we were going to dinner with friends but were meeting them at Sail Pavilion beforehand. We ordered drinks and sat down. He began acting very nervous. He asked me if I knew what day it was and after thinking about it I realized it was one year ago to the day that we met at this same restaurant. He told me that he never anticipated all the wonderful moments that had come about in the past year of our relationship and asked me to marry him. I tearfully said yes! He pointed across the water to a nearby restaurant where our families were watching the whole proposal. It meant so much that he planned such a great surprise and knew that having our families present was important.
From URBANcoast … The wedding took on a beautiful Saturday in April right after a fresh rain. The hotel looked amazing as it boasted the greenest grass and most luscious flowers. The bridal party arrived in style in a traditional Trolley. Lisa in a breathtaking Kenneth pool gown with full skirt was the epitome of a beautiful, natural bride. Ever the fun couple they lead the way to the reception in coordinating sunglasses with “Lisa and Alex’s Wedding” printed on the sides.
The cocktail hour décor was quietly elegant. Small vintage mercury glass vessels filled with babies breath and peonies adorned the tables covered in simple ivory linens. Large mercury glass vases illuminated with candlelight helping the guests find their place cards. The bar had all of the couples favorite cocktails along with fun koozies and straws to make them special.
The curtains opened to let the guests enter the reception room and you could hear the oohs and ahhs all the way down the hall. The dance floor was strategically placed under the enormous custom Chihuly chandelier. The guest tables displayed two different types of floral arrangements. Giant babies breath spheres were placed atop vintage silver vases creating a romantic atmosphere. Low arrangements of large peonies, ranunculus, and roses filled mercury glass vessels to add a bit of spring to the reception. Every table had a collection of mercury glass candlesticks and votives at varying heights to bathe the room in candlelight. The mother of the bride spent 6 months collecting the mercury glass! The giant “U” shaped head table held the babies breath arrangements, mercury glass, and a swag of greenery, babies breath, and peonies that went the length of the table.
The reception wasn’t complete until the white shoes came out. A tradtion that started at the Father of the Bride’s birthday. 2 Blues Brothers brought out a suitcase with 2 pairs of large white mens dress shoes. The bride promplty flug off her wedding shoes and slipped on a pair. The father of the bride followed soot. The shoes allow the wearer to dance wildly! After a few moments the groom joined his wife and as time went on the whole wedding had taken their turn in the wild shoes! It was a beautiful wedding where the couple surrounded by family, friends, and faith celebrated their love.
Photography: K & K Photography / Event Design and Printed Materials: URBANcoast / Florals: Botanica International Design Studio / Linens: Linens by the Sea / Chiavari Chairs: PKS Rentals / DJ: Ben Daniele, Grant Hemmond and Associates / Transportation: Jolley Trolley / Photobooth: Shutterbooth / Cake & Lighting: The Renaissance Vinoy / Brides Attire: Solutions Bridal / Brides Shoes: Kate Spade