Photos by Brian Idocks Photographics*
There's a certain kind of "energy" generated by couples who embrace the true meaning of a wedding. Jaime and Chris was just that kind of couple.
Celebrating with Family and Friends - it was that simple.
They included their parents in all aspects the planning. They made sure all of their guests (especially those from out of town), felt included in the wedding weekend festivities.
This energy was "infectious" to say the least.
Jaime and Chris' planning with us started a full year in advance. They chose Tampa Bay Watch in Tierra Verde because of its Northeast coastal feel. Although they incorporated many seaside elements into their reception, they wanted it less "beachy" and more classic nautical.
Perhaps they were drawn to the blue hues of the venue, and they chose a color scheme was in Wedgewood blue. We think their love for the Tampa Bay Rays, might have had something to do with their color choice. You see, Chris was a ball boy with the Rays, and Jaime a "Fan" when they first met.
Even though Jaime's parents were based in California, they made frequent trips here and were fully involved in the details.
They decided to hire most of the wedding vendors we recommended including Brian C. Idocks Photography, Carmen's Flowers, and DeLite Entertainment.
Jaime and her mom, Peggy, collected an impressive number of unique lanterns and seaside accessories for each of the guest tables. Peggy's craftiness was reflected in custom signage as well.
Chris' mom and sister attended as many open house tastings as possible to give input on possible wedding menu items.
Here's Jaime and Chris' wedding weekend highlights!
Jaime's parents chose to secure a large vacation rental home near Tampa Bay Watch. This was a spacious and relaxing location for the bridal party to get ready the morning of the wedding.
Of course, Brian found many photo ops
for his pre-ceremony pictures.
Chris, his family, and groomsmen, gathered at Tampa Bay Watch for last minute preparations and well-wishes.
Jaime and Chris opted to rent our simple white arbor for the ceremony which was complimented by a spray of flowers created by Carmen. The aisle was lined with our white shepherd hooks and small hanging lanterns.
It is our tradition to have bridal party beverages and hors d'ouevres ready for them immediately following the ceremony. This was ready for them in the classroom area, as guests made their way from the back lawn to the upstairs veranda for social hour.
With the ceremony at the same location as the reception, there was plenty of time for candid shots of Jaime and Chris.
Our friendly staff hand-passed a variety of hot and cold items that included teriyaki chicken skewers, bruschetta, and marinated mushrooms. The presentation trays were attractively decorated to match the nautical theme.
We covered the facility's high top tables with our in-house linen and ties. Ashley, our bartender, was located on the veranda the entire evening.
Guests signed a small surfboard instead of a
traditional guest book.
Inside the main room, the views were spectacular on all three sides. But all eyes were on the guest tables, smartly set with client-provided decorations, a burlap and Wedgewood blue combination runner, small vases with blue hydrangea, silver chargers, and handmade favor boxes that matched the table design. They decided to use Tampa Bay Watch's uncovered natural wood chairs.
Again, the emphasis on family was found on the gift table where they displayed parent wedding photos.
Instead of traditional place cards, they opted for a framed table assignment display. Each clothes-pinned card listed the table number with those sitting at each.
The sweetheart table mimicked the guest tables.
The simply stunning wedding cake was furnished by Artistic Whisk in St. Petersburg.
As a surprise to everyone - including Chris, Jaime and her dad entertained everyone with a very unique Father-Daughter dance.
Jaime and Chris chose mostly menu items from our tastings. There was the Marinated Mediterranean Vegetables and our popular Paella. A Wild Greens Salad with Raspberry Viniagrette dressing was set at every guest setting.
And another perfect sunset on the West Coast of Florida.
In Memory of Chris's Dad Mike
All linens furnished by Catering By Robert
/ Event Concepts. FL
Planning, design direction, coordinating and catering: Catering By Robert / Event Concepts. FL
Photography: Brian Idocks Photographics
DJ and Uplighting: DeLite Entertainment
Fresh Florals: Carmen's Flowers
Wedding Cake: Artistic Whisk
