Ringin' in the NEW with the OLD

Rachel and Geoff were not our typical wedding couple. Their willingness much research over a course of 18 months, helped trim their budget enough to give them a allotment for a very glamorous pink and black wedding and reception at the Davis Islands Garden Club this past New Year's Eve.

With Rachel being an attorney, and Geoff, a dentist, their busy schedules demanded a clear concise planning schedule. Their first meeting with our designer, Bradley, took place 13 months prior with a featured table at our December 2010 open house.

Rachel's initial decor elements changed slightly, but the results were still nostalgic with a modern twist. This ranged from informal cocktail tables to strings of cafe lighting indoors and out. Our custom food stations represented Greek, Chinese, and Latin cuisines personally chosen by the couple.

Despite all of their attention to details, Rachel and Geoff ran into a "bump" less than three months before their wedding. Original plans had included an all outdoor celebration. Davis Islands Garden Club had changed their policy on allowing outdoor music after 10 p.m. Even though Rachel had felt confident that the annual NYE fireworks display across Seddon Channel created an "exception" to the noise issue, she and Geoff decided not to risk disruption of their party. 

This disappointment didn't damper their spirits, though. We and the other vendors were glad to help revamp the logistics for more indoor accommodations after the "curfew." We still were able to do the ceremony in the gazebo area with overhead string lights, cigar station, and  food arrangements on the outdoor patio.Rachel put together meticulous, color-coded lists of what everyone was to provide

and where it was to be found once we arrived to do set up on Jan. 31st. This included both client- and vendor-provided items.

 

Photographer, Jessica Charles, created a stress-free window of time for casual pre-nuptial pictures for the bride, groom, and their entire wedding party before dusk. The tradition of the bride and groom not seeing each other prior to the wedding was not an issue for Rachel or Geoff. Guests were shuttled by bus from Downtown hotels.

By the way, many thanks to Jessica from sharing many of the beautiful images you see in this blog.

 Rachel purchased black candlelabras which were dressed up with light pink rose heads and hot pink petals from Events in Bloom. These sat atop black lace overlays which were surrounded by black chiavari chairs from PKS Rentals.

High top cocktail tables flaunted hurricane shades surrounded by white feather boas and were placed around the indoor dance floor.

Tampa Lights provided both indoor and outdoor illumination. The bright cafe lights dotted the night sky during the 7 p.m. ceremony at the gazebo. The "party" started immediately after the ceremony with individualized music clips for every bridal party member as they entered through the front door.

What would a New Year's Eve wedding be without party hats? The couple furnished top hats and feather crowns for the guests. A photo booth also provided shenanigans for guests throughout the evening. It was provided by Snapshoot.

Hand-Passed hors d'ouevres and champagne flowed through the clubhouse for the first hour of the reception. Each tidbit reflected one of the international food stations featured later in the evening.

One of the big hits of Rachel and Geoff's celebration was the Greek station that featured traditional Greek Salad, Hummas with pita chips, and a "make-your-own Gyro." Chef Robert carved the meat from a rotating platform kept hot with an infrared light.

At the Cuban station freshly fried plantains complimented our traditional Spanish Paella and Cuban bread.

The sister of the bride, a graphic artist, created signature signage for each of the stations. Above, groom, Geoff, is depicted as the center of attenton at the Asian Bistro station serving Asian slaw, and Saki-flamed stir fry in Chinse take-out containers. She also used an antique frame to inform guests of the available bar choices.

Event Coordinator, Bradley, utilized manyof our in-house decor items such as the black and white pheasant feathers along with the extra silver buckles Rachel furnished for the high top tables.

"Soda Shop Vanguard" awaited wedding guests after dinner. An artful display of bright, colorful cupcakes from The Cupcake Spot caught everyone's eye. Nearby was Geoff's favorite Root Beer and Coke floats.

The reception ended with a BANG, of course with more champagne toasting (eight total cases of sparkling wine purchased for the entire evening!!!!) at midnight along with sparklers and the Downtown Tampa fireworks display.

Here's a toast to Rachel and Geoff on their successful NYE wedding celebration!

Kudos


Event Planning, Design, Coordination, and Catering - Catering By Robert / Event Concepts . FL - Designers, Bradley Dempsey and Kent Billiter


Photographer: Jessica Charles Photography
DJ: Eladio of DeLite Entertainment
Rentals: PKS Rentals
Transportation: Magical Charters
Lighting: Tampa Lights
Photo Booth: Snapshoot Photo Booth
Cakes/Cupcakes: The Cupcake Spot / Publix
Fresh Flowers: Events in Bloom
Venue: Davis Islands Garden Club