Planning a wedding from a distance is always a challenge. But couple that with a complete job change and move to a new town makes the challenges even greater. Marie and Chris, though, were very organized and didn't let these stand in the way of implementing all of their plans for their Gulf-side celebration at Tommy's on the Beach in the Indian Rocks area.
When we first started our planning journey, both Marie and Chris were living in NYC. Just months before the wedding, they transferred to the Tampa Bay Area to start a new chapter of their lives.
During all of the transitioning, Marie and Chris kept meeting deadlines with information and a huge amount of DIY projects that included signage, display features, and detailed table decor. We will never forget Marie's beautiful smile that was a signature part of her colorful approach to her wedding celebration. Family and close friends were what mattered. So this destination wedding was truly close to the heart.
Marie and Chris chose the location because it offered a casual, vacation option for themselves and other family members to stay over the weekend. It was also close to many eateries and entertainment areas. The Holiday Inn Harborside was just five minutes down the road.
Their hot pink, platinum, and white color scheme fit perfectly with the sunny shores of the Gulf where their ceremony was held.
Chris put together color-coordinated signage that welcomed guests to the beach area where the ceremony would be held.
Our white pergola arbor was used as the focal point of the ceremony decorated with hot pink accent fabrics.
Marie included her favorite pup in the cerebration and her bridal party's grand entrance.
In memory of her mom, Marie designated a special chair with a bouquet of roses, candle and memorial picture to honor her. Marie also read a special poem during the ceremony remembering this very special person in her life.
The fall sunset cooperated fully with the photos taken during and after the wedding.
The breezy beach conditions kept our staff on their toes. But it was all worth the end results. Chairs utilized initially for the ceremony were put around guest tables during the social hour.
Marie and Chris utilized our 14" glass cylinders and provided us with silk pink orchid stems to be submerged with floating led lights on top. Our bright pink and white damask runners were flanked by two platinum ones with Marie adding several led votives she had trimmed with crystal wraps.
Table numbers were fashioned on matching wood pieces with a picture of Marie and Chris on each.
Guest favors were placed on top of our flat-folded napkins/silver charges, and added glitzy touch to each place setting.
Marie was extremely creative and had us add hot pink tinted sand to the cake table where we drew their "beachy" monogram dotted with shells.
The couple's sweetheart table was artfully designed by Marie who provided an oval mirror and numerous accent pieces reflecting her love of candles and butterflies. After formal pictures were taken, we added more of the ceremony elements to the table.
During social hour they chose three types of wine for us to pair with cheeses and condiments. Chris' Greek heritage interjected a unique paring element of a hard-to-find soft cheese with watermelon.
Chris made informative signs for the bar to let guests know what was being offered.
The main dinner was comprised of a Tarpon Springs, Euro, and Latin menu. From hummus to a marinated Mediterranean vegetables, Greek Salad, and our popular Paella, guests had a lot of choices for their dining.
Planning, Decor Placement, Coordinating and Catering: Catering By Robert / Event Concepts . FL
DJ: Josh of DeLite Entertainment
Flowers: Carmen's Flowers
Cake: Corey's Cakes
