Abbey and Jimmy
January skies always prove to be an enchanting backdrop for outdoor weddings. Abbey and Jimmy's navy, blush, ivory, and gold celebration proved that Mother Nature is at its peak in Florida during the winter months.
Selected Photos by Donnie Jones Photography
The expansive waterfront of Davis Islands Garden Club beckons brides and grooms to venture outdoors for a huge portion of their wedding day activities. Abbey and Jimmy were willing to do this with the assurance that everything could be moved indoors or under the back patio if the weather didn't cooperate. They chose a very whimsical, garden look for their personal wedding flowers and tables centerpieces. Fresh greens and seeded eucalyptus were dotted with bits of buds ranging from ivory to violet.
Florist, Thistle + Weed provided all of the abundant fresh florals and greenery for the ceremony and reception. They worked with our staff to make sure everything was placed according to the bride's wishes.
The couple chose to get ready nearby at a private rental townhouse. Although they had chosen to do "first look" pictures at the club, their preparations were separate so special moments could be captured with family and bridal party members.
Abbey's dad fulfilled her wish for a huge infinity arbor, in constructing it himself with special reinforcements for the prevailing wind on the channel front. The groom and his men wore navy blue and the attendants dressed in eggplant purple.
Abbey surprised Jimmy with a special groom's "soccer" cake from Goldies Goodies Bakery. The big reveal was during first look.
Their photographer, Danny Jones, captured many special moments using the channel wind to his advantage.
Guest tables were pre-set (sans chairs) on the northeast side of the lawn area.
Caitlin, one of our day of coordinators, actively engaged with the bride and the party to make sure everything flowed as planned.
Abbey and Jimmy chose to incorporate a thread of greenery throughout their signage and informational media. They provided beautiful details and customization in programs, an atrium card container, framed seating chart, pillows for the patio benches,
Instead of a regular guest book, Abbey had guests write special greetings on small wood hearts that filled a clear glass front box.
The ceremony included some special vintage touches and the aisle was lined with our white shepherd hooks with hanging mason jars filled with florist buds. These were later moved to the patio.
The ceremony had many unique moments.
Social hour was held on the patio area with high tops covered in our champagne linen. Abbey even provided special amenities baskets for the restrooms.
Hors d'oeuvres were hand passed and included Italian Brushetta and Mini Caprese Skewers.
The open bar, where we provided the bartender, all mixers, cups, ice, garnishes, and soft drinks, was further customized with the couple's favorite Sangria mix in our huge pewter bowl. The bar matched the wedding colors.
The couple chose a sweetheart table as their reception focal point. It was lined with loose greenery and blooms with our gold votive candle holders.
Our gold chargers and blush napkins atop our navy blue linen, completed the guest table look
Celebrations of Tampa Bay, the videographer, captured an overhead look of the reception area.
The couple was thoughtful in allowing us to set up the main reception food stations indoors. We featured our popular Paella along with many other favorite foods.
Favors were small jars of peppered jelly.
Abbey and Jimmy chose to display their cake inside the gazebo normally utilized for the ceremony backdrop. We displayed the cake on a venue high top table draped in our navy sequins cloth. Florist, Thistles + Weed Florist accented the cake that was provided by Goldies Goodies Bakery.
The dance floor remained on the back patio near the bar the entire evening. Overhead lighting from Tampa Lights provided just the right mood.
The night lights from Downtown Tampa provided the perfect send off backdrop for Abbey and Jimmy. Their send off was on the ferry shuttle.
Many beautiful memories from a beautiful couple!
Planning, Design, Coordinating, and Catering: Catering By Robert / Event Concepts. FL
Donnie Jones Photography
Wedding and Groom's Cakes: Goldies Goodies
Florals: Thistles + Weed Flower Company
DJ and Videography: Celebrations of Tampa Bay
Lighting: Tampa Lights
