Stephany and Elgin
Selected Photos by Melissa Lauren Images*
What began as a destination wedding planned on the beach, turned into something completely different for Stephany and Elgin. The couple chose St. Pete Beach for their December wedding because of ties to the area and their impending move back into the area for new jobs (and adventures).
We started communicating by phone and email. I convinced the couple that holding a beachfront wedding had its challenges (and added expenses). They could have the water backdrop and the convenience by celebrating at the St. Pete Beach Community Center. Both Stephany and Elgin loved everything "beachy" sans "the typcial". Both settled on a spectrum of colors that included various shades of blue, green with touches of bright pink, coral, and orange.
I suggested Sunset Vistas in Treasure Island for their "base" hotel so they still had beach in their wedding weekend plans. Their outdoor ceremony took place on the community center's plaza overlooking Boca Ciega Bay. Stephany loved the idea of having a non-hotel setting for the reception. It also delighted her mom who wanted to handle all of the flowers for the wedding. She was able to arrive early and put together almost everything on site.
Even though we had been working together "long distance" for many months, we finally got to meet in person during a bridal show only three months prior to the wedding. I will never forget Stephany and Elgin's expressiveness when they finally got sample our food. They let everyone in attendance know that we were their caterer and "you need to hire them for your wedding!"
Getting ready at Sunset Vistas gave the bridal party a relaxing view of the ocean.
The couple chose a more natural ceremony backdrop with tropical trees from A1 Foliage.
Two ceremony versions were performed including
a handfasting ritual.
Social hour was held on the second level terrace overlooking the plaza and bay. We fashioned many of the couple's favorite foods into hand-passed hors d'oeuvres. These included black bean salsa in tortilla boats; caprese salad skewers; seasonal fruit brochettes; mini bbq sliders; and smoked salmon pate on cucumber rounds. A photo booth was set up for the guests' amusement.
Inside the main reception area, beautiful flower arrangements filled the room. Place cards were attached to potted mini succulents.
Tropical accents were everywhere.
Stephany hired our colleague, Vicki Goonan of Beachangel Weddings, to assist with the placement of the many colorful features. Guest table decor included varied assortments of fresh flowers and blue and green mason jars with sand and candles. Stephany's mom incorporated her daughter's favorite flower, daisies, into many of the arrangements.
We loved the creative freedom of designing the food station area. All of the foliage was uplit and provided a blue and green glow around the room. We had the opportunity to incorporate our in-house sea feathers which didn't compete with the fresh flowers around the room.
Centerpiece of the dinner was our popular Paella with preparation an hour and a half prior to serving. The guests loved the aroma as it was being cooked.
Stephany and Elgin opted for a small wedding cake surrounded by a huge assortment of regular and mini cupcakes.
Many thanks to Stephany and Elgin for entrusting us their beautiful wedding celebration!
Event Planning, Design, Coordination and Catering: Catering By Robert / Event Concepts. FL
Photography: Melissa Lauren Images
Trees, plants: A1 Foliage
Day of Coordinator/Officiant: Beachangel Weddings
DJ: ML Pros
