Outdoor Fall Wedding at The Manor at Stark Farms

 Anna + Junior

Ten years or so ago, I remember driving by a southern styled manor house sitting proudly on a hill off Lutz-Lake Fern Road in Odessa. I thought its pastoral setting with lots of full oak trees would be an ideal setting for outdoor weddings. Signs clearly said, "not for sale," although it appeared abandon with grazing cows as its only inhabitants.

Fast forward to 2018, when new proprietors John and Martha Zumwalt, took over management of the property. Besides making major improvements to the house, they began renting it out as a vacation rental with events allow on site (it is across the street from their Stark Farms property and barn).

Selected Photos by Ashley Phillips Photography

I was thrilled to be able to recommend The Manor at Stark Farms for several weddings including one for Anna and Junior who needed to re-locate their celebration from another venue.

Because they each had an extended family, they rented not only the entire house, but the overnight accommodations across the street at Stark Barn. This also gave them additional photo "opps" at this pre-Revolutionary War structure relocated here from its original site in New Hampshire by John and Martha.

  

I had worked intensely with the bride's mom, Ronda, in adapting original ideas to the new location. Since Ronda was located in the D.C. area, most communications were by email or phone.  A tent for dining and a chandelier/cafe lighting over the dance floor were the main focus for the celebration.

 

Our event partner, West Coast Events and Rentals, provided all on site rentals including the dance floor which initially served as the ceremony seating area facing the backdrop of the large oak tree. 

Anna got ready in one of the upstairs bedrooms overlooking the event area. She and Junior did their first look at both properties. 

 

The dance floor/ceremony was focused on the back right side of the manor house.

Anna and Junior chose a dual fall colors for their celebration: Cranberry and Deep Purple. Florist, Bloomingdays Flower Shop provided the bouquet and other smaller detailed flowers in those colors. 

There was no bridal party, just Anna escorted by her dad and step-dad.

After the ceremony, our staff transferred white garden chairs to the adjoining tent. Social hour was held on the back lawn as formal and family pictures were being taken in the fields surrounding the lawn.

Our service staff hand-passed hot and cold appetizers that included marinated mushrooms, hamburger sliders, mini empanadas and "drunkin dogs."  

  

We alternated long and round tables inside the tent with alternating centerpieces utilizing our hurricane globes and glass cylinders surrounded by a multitude of colorful silk flowers and candle light. 

Our popular Paella was a big hit

Highlight of the reception was a lavish cake and sweets display from Goldies Goodies Bakery. 

 

Thank you, Anna and Junior for allowing us to be a part of your special day!

If you are considering a wedding weekend at a private property, please contact us for package details!

813-960-7092

Planning, Design, Day of Coordination, Catering and Bar Service by Catering By Robert / Event Concepts. FL

Drama Does the Outdoors

 

Might this be a fabulous villa along the Mediterranean?

 

What about a palace garden?

 

No, it's a fabulous lakefront estate right here in Northwest Tampa . . . the setting for Taryn and Mitch's November wedding and reception. Eva Photo Studio captured the true romance of this celebration as the two photographers followed the couple throughout the property before and after the wedding.

 

The home of a family friend, the Lake Alice setting included replicas of many Italian landmarks. It was easy to drift away and imagine being in faraway country that was all Taryn and Mitch's for the day.

 

 

Immaculately manicured, the lawn and garden areas never gave a hint that late fall was in full swing. The wedding colors of black, platinum, and red were complimented with the blooming foliage that lined the perimeter of the estate.

 

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Event Designer, Kent Billier of Catering By Robert / Event Concepts, tactfully placed the signature black and white damask accents throughout tablescapes along the back patio.

 

 

Place cards were attached to favors to keep them steady in the windy conditions.

 

Taryn was blessed with a mom (Anita) who took her daughter's wedding dreams and made them a reality. Taryn and Mitch were true high school sweethearts. She met him through her older brother when he was in the sixth grade. They did not start dating until the 10th grade. Taryn graduated early and started pursuing a nursing career. Her mom took over much of the planning due to Taryn's hectic schedule.

 

She was not disappointed. Anita worked with us to build on the "glam" element through rose pomadors, varying heights of glass cylinders filled with red rose petals, and lots of bling in between.

 

The ceremony was held at the end of the reflective pool area facing the lake. Our chairs were set up first there and then moved around the guest tables located on the adjoining lawn. Social hour was held near a built in bar area.

 

The buffet style dinner was served under the back patio area with the elevated sweetheart table nearby.

 

 

 

 

We suggested an elevated sweetheart table for Taryn and Mitch so they could easily seen along the back patio of the home.

 

 

Even though it was just mid-November, a fire pit stood ready to keep guests cozy and warn on the breezy lakeside.

 Silverware was rolled in red napkins to protect them from the elements.

 

 

Congratulations to Taryn and Mitch on their dramatic setting for their special day.  

 

Planning, event design, Coordinating and Catering:

Catering By Robert / Event Concepts . FL,

Kent Billiter, designer 

 

Eva Photo Studio

 

DJ: Bill Martin of DeLite Entertainment

 

Wedding Cake: Citrus Park Publix Aprons