Catering By Robert . Event Concepts : For the Record at Tampa Garden Club

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

For the Record at Tampa Garden Club

Monica + Phillip

Monica and Phillip were one of those couples who expressed a true vision for their wedding early in the planning stages.

Assuming the role of event planner, I was delighted to nurture this throughout the process through much communication and a sample guest table design involving the florist.

Photos By Mike Zawadzki Photography

Monica and Phillip were classmates and on the rowing team together in high school, and dated since their freshman year.

For the proposal, Phillip planned a big surprise “treat yourself” day for Monica. It started with receiving diamond earrings (the perfect decoy for the ring coming later…), a massage, lunch at Wright’s deli and mani/pedis with her best friend, then meeting him for a “wine tasting” at his parents’ beach condo in Redington.

" I drove out there to meet him, and he was waiting for me with beach chairs set up on the sand. We sat for only a few minutes before he got down on one knee! He then told me the wine tasting was a decoy to get me to drive to the beach," recalled Monica.

" We celebrated that night with lobster dinner at the Don CeSar. The next morning our friends joined us for a beach day to celebrate with us! It was perfect."

Monica's vision was elegant, clean, floral, bright, classic. "We loved the idea of vibrant red textiles with gold and white accents, with florals bringing in more color." Later they added some hints of yellow, purple, and bright blue for more variety.

Photography was probably one of the most important aspects of their wedding - making sure all of the important activities and elements were captured. They entrusted Mike Zawadzki Photography.

What experiences did they share as a couple that might be relevant to their reception?

"We have attended many music festivals and concerts together, share a large vinyl record collection, and often bond over our shared love of music; we also love to dance! recalled Monica. "We want our reception to be an active celebration and keep our guests on the dance floor as much as possible."

A surprise vinyl record with a selection of past pictures together was waiting for Phillip while he was getting ready.

The "record" theme was carried out in table numbers.

The ceremony was actually in two parts - the traditional American one and a special Persian one which involved the lovely ladies of the wedding party.

Monica and Phil provided many personalized photos and signage that was displayed on entry and side tables during the reception.

For social hour, the couple chose a combination of Middle Eastern and American tidbits from Potato Croquettes and Stuffed Grape Leaves to Deep Fried Grit and Shrimp Cakes and Stuffed Mushroom Caps.

The conservatory was the official bar and cocktail hour area. Market lighting accentuated the room later when guests participated in a photo booth experience. We decorated display and high top tables in gold with apple red accents.

One of our favorite florists, Carmen's Flowers, did an incredible job pulling together such variety of blooms and colors.

The couple chose to display a seating chart for the 130+ guests to find their tables. They did it by table on individual cards integrated into the framed chart.

Inside the main ballroom, lavishly draped walls installed by West Coast Events and Rentals, focused on the detail of the guest tables which featured an apple red runner, gold charger plates and matching red napkins with a gold sequins ring. Carmen's alternating collection of gold pillar candle holders and tall colorful centerpieces filled the space with much color and texture.

A1 Foliage supplied a wide range of tropical plants to accent the wall and window areas. Sunkissed Sweets provided the wedding cake and chocolate dipped strawberries.