Clients, Jen and Tim, were fortunate to have a relative reside there, and were love-struck with its Mediterranean villa charm. While there were challenges in transforming the interior into a workable reception area, the end-result was stunning and well worth the hours of furniture moving and last-minute revisions.
Tampa residents, Tim and Jen were one of our "short-term" planning clients this past winter. We barely had two months to get to know them.
What we found was a couple devoted to the idea of elegant simplicity. Highly organized and vocal about her sense of style, Jen was our partner in decor. It took us jsut one site visit to work out the exact location for wedding-related activities. Both Jen and myself left feeling a sense of direction how things would be transformed the day of the wedding.
There were few vendor details to coordinate as they had only the photographers, the officiant, and live music duo on their roster.
Perched above the intercoastal waterway, Belle Harbor resembles a classic Mediterranean style seaside villlage. It's floor to ceiling windows with sweeping vistas provided all of the decor needed for this intimate evening gathering. It was decided that there would be a "family-only" ceremony about an hour and a half prior to the start of the main reception. It was held on a small outdoor plaza next to the main club room. We placed the mahogany folding chairs there first and then returned them to the guest tables indoors.
Once the ceremony ended, Photographers Scott and April of Life's Highlights, whisked the couple and family members across the street to the beach for formal pictures. Arriving guests were directed downstairs to a covered outdoor patio area for hand-passed hors d'oeuvres and cocktails.
As the evening dusk set in, the warmth of the fireplace and lounge furnishings kept everyone comfortable until the main reception started upstairs.
A creative spirit, Jen, infused a "bit o' the beach" throughout the reception. The tasteful touches of starfish and nautical wood elements complimented the grandeur of the reception room. The day prior, family members had moved over-sized couches and tables to make way for rented guest tables and chairs. A huge marble bar at one end of the room was the popular gathering spot.
We utilized many of the in-house furnishings for the entry table, buffet, cake/dessert table and "staging areas." Because of space limitations, the buffet was placed in the main entry.
The bride and her mom arranged fresh white hydrangea stems in fish bowl centerpieces. The color of the napkins was only decided the day prior when I brought a sample of the ivory and sage green for her to "test" on a mock table set-up.
We scattered sea shells around the center with blush votive candles. Each guest received a rafia-wrapped marmelade favor jar.
A delicious candy and cookie assortment awaited guests after dinner. A simple wedding cake from their favorite Davis Island cafe, Bailey's was added to sweets table.
The evening's entertainment was provided by the Caladesi Steel Band who played from one location during the entire reception. The balcony overlooking the pool area/social hour, adjoined the main dining room and gave guests a small area to dance.
Many thanks to Jen and Tim for allowing us to be a
part of their special day.
Kudos to Life's Highlights for sharing many of the images above.
On-site styling: Bradley Dempsey, event coordinator,
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