And Baby Makes Three!

When Adriana and Aaron started their wedding plans in late 2009, one name was not on their guest list. Three months after booking a full service Treasure Chest package with us, they discovered they were pregnant. Joining them for their celebration at Sand Key Park on April 9, 2011, was little Miss Abigail, complete with smiles and giggles.

The bride and groom chose Tampa Bay as the setting for their destination wedding because Adriana's family was located here. With her continuing law studies in at the University of Florida, and Aaron's residence in Washington, DC, it was decided that the Clearwater area provided a wealth of hotel options and beach-related activities for their other family members and friends making the trip.

Our inclusive package included full event planning, the officiant, wedding coordinator, personal wedding flowers, professional photography, wedding cake, dj services, ceremony location and decor, reception venue, bar service, centerpieces, and full service catering . . . . for just under $12,000 for 100 guests. The couple saved additional money by providing their own alchol as Adriana's parents had just sold a liquor store they owned (after putting aside selections for the wedding.)

Baby Abigail and Dad Aaron await mommy's arrival for the beachfront ceremony.

Adriana poses on the staircase of the nearby Marriott Sand Key
 for photographer, Elizabeth Adkins, of  Elle Creative. She, her mom, and attendants utilized a suite to get dressed for the wedding.  Jazzy Jewels came to the hotel to do on site  
make-up and formal hair design in a relaxed, laid back atmosphere.

  

Ceremony/Rehearsal Coordinatior, Christy Monaco, provided some extra touches at the entry path to the ceremony area. Besides a sign in their wedding colors of blue and gold, Christy offered guests the option to put their shoes in a basket before heading down the boardwalk to the beach.



With no real "staging" area except for the short bank of sea oats, everyone took their cues from Christy as they made their way down the natural aisle toward the water. Some wedding party members, needed more assistance than others.

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Adriana and her dad make the long walk from the boardwalk to the ceremony area as the photographer captures some important shots.



The couple chose a sand ceremony which was officiated by Vicki Goonen of Beach Angels Notary. Vicki also brought a
portable boom box which played traditional processional and recessional music.



Elizabeth did an amazing job capturing many different formal and informal poses during a
very short four hour time period. Catching the sun at just the right position on the beach gave Elizabeth several options for Adriana and Aaron's post ceremony pictures.

Christy and partner, Danny, spent much of the afternoon at the end of Boardwalk 1, securing the
simple bamboo structure against the breezy conditions. Teathered royal blue fabrics swayed with the wind.
Only a handfull of chairs were placed for the short ceremony on the beach. The sandy aisle was lined with
shepherd's hooks with hanging starfish.

Carmen Gonzales of Carmen's Flowers designed the bouquets, "boots," corsages, and cake topper with
all white roses and a touch of dark blue.

Across Gulf Boulevard from Sand Key Park at the Clearwater Community Sailing Center, Catering By Robert staffers were busy putting together the details of the 100-person reception. From royal blue floor length tablecloths to blue chair ties and gold charger plates, the color scheme projected a formal feel to the second floor banquet space

A simple, yet stunning three tiered wedding cake from Sweetopia Bakery was displayed along the back wall of the Carlisle Room - the only air conditioned section of the Sailing Center.
We set 10-person tables to allow enough space for all of the guests for toasts and dinner.

As always for buffets, Catering By Robert offered a generous amount of tableside
 service with individually plated salads.

The open air veranda provided space for the social hour, buffet, bar, hors d'oeuvres, and large dance floor.

The "intimate" indoor setting was cozy and comfortable for 100 guests. Everyone had a great view of the bridal party and bride and groom.

After dinner and the formalities, the party moved outdoors for lots of dancing and festivities. DJ Bill of DeLite Entertainment, by request, played many popular Polish dance selections enjoyed by Adriana's family members.

As the sun set in the western sky, Adriana and Aaron were treated to the unique backdrop only the West Coast of Florida offers. That's what makes destination weddings a specialty for Catering By Robert / Event Concepts . Florida.