Monday, November 8, 2021

Jack Takes Queen


 Sabrina + Charles

"Jack Takes Queen" was the theme behind Sabrina and Charles' wedding day. When Sabrina had originally contacted us we had another wedding booked. That event ended up rescheduling to another date so when a close friend inquired again, we were able to say yes! 

They put off hiring major vendors for their late April wedding and reception due to hesitancy with the Covid virus. Consequently there were many aspects such as flowers, cake, and decor that still had to be decided.

Sabrina, the Queen, and Charles, the Jack,  were in love not only with each other, but with their Ybor City location: The Italian Club. Their ceremony was to be on the second floor with the social hour in the ground floor cafe. Then the main reception would be on the third floor.

We were thankful that Sabrina and Charles were open to many ideas surrounding their deep purple, silver, black, and ivory themed celebration. 

Fresh flowers, as it turned out, were one of the most important aspects of the wedding.

I enlisted the services of long time colleague. Carmen Gonzalez of Carmen's Flowers in Tampa. She worked with Sabrina and I to dramatize the use of fresh flowers and candlelight in a variety of ways for guest tables. Our in-house centerpieces alternated between black tall wrought iron stands with fresh greenery to short gold urns filled with blooms and greenery.


Fresh florals from the ceremony were transferred to either side of the sweetheart table during the reception. 


Selected Photos from Immaculate Visuals


Sabrina and Charles were all about traditions. 

The bride had a deep relationship with her college sorority whose members played a huge role in honoring her during a special presentation during the reception. 


Here are more images of this special celebration:

 
Guests were directed to the second floor of the Italian Club where the ceremony was to be held. We decorated a sign in table that held a card box and sign in book before guests entered the ceremony area.

 
The bride and all of her girls accessed the venue earlier in the day to take advantage of a separate wing of the club for getting ready, hair and make-up.



 

Charles and his gents had the cafe area all to themselves for preparations. 




The ceremony was held facing the windows in the second floor theater area. Surrounded by family and friends, Sabrina and Charles exchanged quirps as wells vows in light-hearted spirit.











 The reception on the third floor featured guest tables covered in black floor length linen with accents of eggplant purple in napkins and chair ties. Dabs of silver were in centerpieces and charger plates. 





Sweet Divas furnished the wedding and groom's cakes.




 

The couple offered a plated dinner to their guests that included choices of entrees ranging from Prime Rib au jus, Chicken Marsala, Salmon with a Champagne Sauce, and a Vegetarian option. 

                         

Congratulations to Sabrina and Charles!




Wednesday, September 15, 2021

As Garden as It Gets


 Vindya + Troy 

USF Botanical Gardens



Vindya and Troy's intimate spring wedding was truly a garden affair - held in one of their favorite places - The USF Botanical Gardens. Their celebration was surrounded by exotic as well as native Florida flora and trees which reflected much of each's own unique personalities. Their blush pink, gold, and navy blue colors fit perfectly into the setting.


The couple planned a small, intimate gathering of 25 guests - mostly family. This was followed months later by another celebration in Vindya's native homeland in Sri Lanka. While they utilized only a small portion of the 7-acre Botanical Gardens, the surroundings became magical with small paths connecting ceremony to reception area and beyond. 


We set up a welcome table at the entrance to the gardens. These items were transferred to the main reception area during the ceremony.


Brides in Bloom provided the wood ceremony arbor, flowers, and blush pink drapery with lanterns at the bases.



Varying shades of pink rose petals lined the aisle and rose clusters were tied to the mahogany chiavari chairs provided by West Coast Rentals. We later transferred these items for use in the reception.


Vindya relaxed and got ready at a nearby hotel.



Vindya entered the Memorial Garden area on the arm of her brother. There was no formal bridal party.




The tent reception area was a short walk from the ceremony.


Vindya and Troy decided to use dark wood farm tables for their sweetheart table and guest seating. Ceremony chairs were transferred to the tent reception by our staff. We provided the blush rosette runner for the sweetheart table.


The florist provided fresh eucalyptus garlands with rose buds along the centers of the tables. Our varying heights of glass cylinders contained floating candles. 


Brides and Bloom designed hoops covered in greenery that were hung amid lights and crystals along the ceiling of the tent.


Our event coordinator, Caitlin, made sure the couple felt comfortable moving forward with scheduled activities.




The Cake Girl custom designed their garden inspired cake.  




Bride and Groom's Appetizer Plate







We were especially excited to create some unique hand-passed appetizer presentations utilizing edible organic flowers as garnish. 


Demi Glace Meatballs


Kielbasa with Apple and Carmel Drizzle


Nacho Cheese with Pretzel Bites


Antipasta Skewers







Many happy memories for Vindya and Troy!


Planning, Design, Coordination and Catering: Catering By Robert / Event Concepts. FL

Selected Photos by I Dream of Weddings

Seating, Tables, Lighting, Tent by West Coast Rentals

Florals, Arbor, and Drapery by Brides in Bloom

Videography by Legendary Films

Wedding Cake by The Cake Girl