Such was the case for Barbie and Matt's destination wedding there on September 24th. Unlike other outdoor facilities where the only "cover" you may have is a rented tent, the museum offers a "breath of fresh air" with its open Spanish Plaza surrounded on three sides by usable, sheltered event space. From the Colonade corridor to the small Spanish chapel, each area has some kind of "personality" if you must opt for shelter.
So when local weather reports indicated a intermittent rain during our set up time, we had the liberty to start doing our table decor one place and then moving everything to the open courtyard when blue skies prevailed.
Even though public events do not have access to the inside of the SouthFlorida Museum, there's a lot of eye-appeal available outdoors. The facility's resident manatee, Snooty, can be viewed leisurely swimming in his outdoor aquarium. Centerpiece of the courtyard is a large lighted fountain with a statue of Hernando DeSoto on horseback. The entire plaza area resembles traditional Spanish architecture during the era of the "explorers" to old Florida.
The reasonable cost of renting the facility does not include tables or chairs. But, it does give couples the flexibility in choosing the type of seating they prefer from a local event rental company.
For Barbie and Matt, this meant mahogany folding chairs around a variety of different table configurations: an 18-person feasting table; several long slender tables; and a number of 60" rounds for their 100-person celebration.
The couple's sunset color combination was highlighted with gold charger plates and a touch of chocolate brown in the napkins. A mixture of tall lanterns, small votives, and single daisies in mini vessels added some solid texture to the Casablanca design overlays from BBJ Linen.
Even though the small air conditioned chapel was Barbie's choice for her ceremony, she had considered other options including the Colonade area with the shades draped down to hide the plaza area. There is an additional indoor Boardroom area available for pre-wedding getting dressed or special gatherings during the reception. We found the main Spanish Gate entry area the perfect location for the buffet as the kitchen is nearby. Food stations can also be set up under the overhang area in front of the museum doors where a moveable bar is tucked away in an enclave.
The South Florida Museum does allow clients to bring in their own alcoholic beverages with a caterer's liquor liability insurance.
The entire plaza area is covered with a canopy of cafe lights offering a romantic setting under the stars. Here's more images of Barbie and Matt's celebration compliments of Erin of Three Green Leaves Photography.
Event Planning, Design & Catering (Event Design: Kent A. Billiter):
Catering By Robert / Event Concepts . FL
Venue: South Florida Museum, Bradenton
Florals: Carmen's Flowers, Tampa
DJ: Bill of DeLite Entertainment
Foliage: A1 Foliage
Cupcakes: Sweetopia Bakery
Overlays: BBJ Linen
Chair and Table Rentals: Classic Party Rental
Photography: Three Green Leaves Photography
