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Old, new, borrowed, and blue is the theme that resonated throughout this real wedding in Tampa, FL. No doubt family is extremely valuable to Heather and Hunter. In fact, their families came down from Missouri to celebrate the couple’s union. Unquestionably this intimate destination wedding created priceless memories for everyone involved.
Admittedly our favorite part of this real wedding is the sentimental wedding jewelry. In this situation, Heather’s something borrowed included her grandmother’s ring. Likewise it was also her something old and something blue. Similarly she wore earrings borrowed from her mother and sister. In addition, Hunter’s wedding day gift to Heather was a new bracelet.
Again focusing on the importance of family. Both Heather and Hunter involved their parents in the pre-wedding preparations. As well as their closet friends. Singularly sharing the love and celebration of this intimate destination wedding.
Certainly you wouldn’t know it by looking at it. But Safety Harbor Resort and Spa offers an indoor-outdoor solution to the Florida heat. In this situation, they have a climate-controlled tent. As you can see, it is beautifully draped in white from ceiling to floor. Subsequently creating a view of a lush Florida landscape while in the comfort of air conditioning. As well as a ceremony location that looks more luxurious than tent like.
Heather’s bridal bouquet was complete with blush and white roses. Coupled with eucalyptus greenery. Identically the arch was decorated with blush and white florals. Further coordinating with the bouquets and soft blush dresses of the bridesmaids.
Safety Harbor Resort and Spa has a vast landscape. Correspondingly offering a variety of gorgeous photo backdrops. So, following their vows, it was time for some outdoor portraits of the newlyweds.
Although not part of the actual wedding activities, the couple’s dogs did get dressed up for the photos. Indeed wearing coordinating tuxedo and floral collars.
From beginning to end, this real wedding was filled with love and sentiment. Assuredly honoring the importance of family with their old new borrowed and blue. Cheers to a lifetime of happiness for Heather and Hunter.
Get inspired to plan your wedding with more Real Wedding inspiration on the I Said Yes! Wedding Blog.
Thank you to the wedding vendors that made Heather and Hunters perfect wedding day:
Venue: Safety Harbor Resort and Spa
Florist: All About the Vase by Dana Dineen
Cake: The Artistic Whisk
DJ: Grant Hemond and Associates, Inc
Linens: Fancy That Linens
Photography: Carrie Wildes Photography
Ending this real wedding blog with a photo of this lovely 2 tier wedding cake created by The Artistic Whisk. No doubt a sweet ending to this dream wedding.
Your ceremony can kick off the entire wedding by setting a joyful, celebratory tone. It is the vehicle for the two of you to express your personal vows and promises to each other. For many this is a sacred moment filled with symbolism and traditions. On the other hand, this is a profession of love and commitment before the celebration at the reception. Most importantly, this is when you start the rest of your lives together.
As you start your search, you will realize there is a great variety of officiant services available. They will come from a variety of backgrounds and training. Similarly, there will be a range of pricing. The question is, what exactly is a wedding officiant? Simply stated, a person who performs the role of officiating a legal marriage ceremony. Therefore your officiant could be religious like a minister or rabbi. In addition, a civil officiant like a notary public or a visit to the court house. Lastly, a professionally trained and certified officiant. In short, known as a celebrant. For this blog we will speak more to the Celebrant like – Peggy M. Lewis – Life Cycle Celebrant of Florida Ceremonies, (pictured below performing a wedding ceremony). However, many of the same questions will apply to whichever type of officiant you choose.
Many officiants will say they can “personalize” your ceremony. However, it is important to know what exactly that means to them and to you. Here are five questions to help you choose the perfect wedding officiant for your special day.
First, How much input can we have in the content of the ceremony? If you want to write you own personal wedding vows, this question is very important.
Second, Can we read the entire ceremony text in advance? We recommend doing this a few days to weeks prior to the wedding day so you have time to make changes. That brings us to the third question.
Third, Can we make changes to the ceremony script? If personalization is special to you, be sure to request the changes well in advance of the wedding. Then request a re-read. To sum up, this will ensure your sentiment has been properly represented.
Fourth, How will you include my wedding guests so they feel a part of the ceremony?
Lastly, ask this question – Can we have a nice copy of the text afterward as a keepsake? This can then be framed and hung in your house or included in your wedding album. As a result, you will have a reminder of your love and commitment for years to come.
Work together as a couple and alongside your chosen wedding officiant to create a totally unique and personal ceremony. Peggy M. Lewis says, “I am a Life Cycle Celebrant and my goal is to have your guests tell you afterward, Yours was the best wedding ceremony I have ever been to!” In conclusion, let this be the reason you choose your specific officiant.
Content contributed by Peggy M. Lewis – Life Cycle Celebrant of Florida Ceremonies
Cover photo by PB&J Studios
Ring photo by Steven Miller Photography
Collage photos collection from I Said Yes! FL.
I Said Yes! FL wants you to show off your bling!
We love when our couples decide to share with us their engagement ring photos.
We’ve had brides send us actual surprise Florida proposals. They have taken place at locations like Leu Gardens and Bok Towers. We had a proposal on the water in Miami as well as a Florida Keys proposal on the beach.
One constant we’ve noticed is that many Florida brides like to show off their bling by the water. Whether it’s the pool, the ocean or just palm trees. Florida brides take advantage of the sun while showing that he/she put a ring on it.
We’ve had several engagement ring photos shared with us that were taken by professional photographers as well. And all kinds of couples sending in their ring photos!
We even had one Florida bride and groom who we blogged about their wedding send us their engagement ring photos from their Parisian engagement photoshoot in Paris. Congratulations to your 1st anniversary as husband and wife, Jessica + Jose, who were married here in Central Florida, in Howey-in -the -Hills at The Howey Mansion!
In order from left to right; Josie Brooks Photography, French Grey Photography, Christy Digian Photography
The rings themselves are just as unique as the women wearing them (and Florida Grooms we want to see your engagement bands too)!
For example, we’ve seen diamond shaped stones, marquis, cushion cut, princess cut and eternity bands. One band even had the name of her fiancé engraved on the top. The stones themselves have ranged from stunning turquoise tourmaline and ruby red to round traditional diamonds.
Are you recently engaged? Then show off your bling!
Send us your engagement ring photos on Facebook messenger, DM us on Instagram or send them by email. We’ll give you a shoutout on social media. And possibly feature you in our next Florida engagement rings blog post six months from now.
Congratulations to all of our engaged couples!
Love is like wine, it gets better with age. And this winery themed styled shoot proves that to be true.
Typically, wedding planners organize wedding styled shoots. However, as a Central Florida wedding photographer, Kristine with Honeywood Photography was inspired to produce a styled shoot after visiting Island Grove Wine Company at Formosa Gardens.
Wineries and vineyards are not common in the Central Florida area. Therefore, Kristine wanted to spotlight this winery’s uniqueness as a Central Florida wedding venue. Her goal was to incorporate deep wine colors and hues within the cake, florals and styling in general.
“With any styled shoot, you have to gather together the right vendors to create the specific look and feel you’re going for. I wanted to put together a group of wedding experts that would incorporate that rich feeling of the winery,” said Kristine.
For hair and makeup, Kristine secured Tatiana Rivera of Gabriella Anthoney’s Design Artistry. Having worked with GAD Artistry many times in the past Kristine knew that Tatiana could put together the look for the bride she wanted.
Lubelle’s Cakes was chosen for her amazing drip cake skills and stunning butter cream. A traditional 2-tiered cake that was slightly “naked” on top allowed for rich decorative copper drip detailing. Finally it was topped with blackberries and The Flower Studios’ roses and flowers. It beautifully mimicked the wine vibe of this shoot.
The Flower Studio created a gorgeous lush bouquet with wine inspired hued ribbons. Additionally they provided a floral piece for the wooden honeycomb ceremony arch. It had the perfect balance of pink and wine roses with plenty of greenery.
Luxe Wedding Wear dressed the bride in a spaghetti strap, lace and tulle wedding gown. So light and airy, it was ideal for this Florida winery wedding venue.
Kristine told us that her favorite part of the Island Grove styled shoot was photographing the models within the actual vineyards themselves.
“I know it sounds silly, but there were actual grapes on the vines! I’m not sure what I was expecting,” said Kristine.
The rows of vines lent themselves perfectly to wedding portraits. And what a treat it was to just have the option of being in a true vineyard in Central Florida. All of the details, from the arch, to the jewelry and flowers were chosen to play off of the winery feel. However, set in Florida, it feels very different from wineries up north and out west.
If you are currently looking for your wedding venue, spend the day at the Island Grove Winery. Make a reservation to eat their delicious food and set up a wine tasting. Their wines are delicious! Kristine admitted that she may have bought several bottles of their house wines on her way out.
We completely agree with Kristine, love is like wine. Cheers!
Venue: Island Grove Wine Company at Formosa Gardens
Photographer: Honeywood Photography
Hair/Makeup: Gabriella Anthoney’s Design Artistry
Floral: The Flower Studio
Dress/Accessories: Luxe Wedding Wear
Cake: Lubelle’s Cakes
Tux: Any Tux 45 Bucks
Styled shoots are a big part of the Florida wedding industry. As a result, creative vendors team up and put their expertise to work. That’s why we’re so excited to share this Modern Day Marie Antoinette Styled Shoot.
The shoot was set at the Howey Mansion in Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida. This 20-room European-style mansion was the perfect location. Likewise, it mirrored the days when Marie Antoinette and her ladies in waiting spent their time lounging about, just being beautiful.
Jolie Colon of i do events and party rentals was inspired by the series “Versailles.” She fell in love with the fashion and lifestyle. As a result, Colon wanted to showcase this era, updating the look for modern day couples.
First came hair and makeup by the team at Laura Reynolds Artistry. They recreated the beautiful up-dos of the era. Also, the team added pale face makeup and beauty marks. After that, jewelry, headpieces and jeweled masks were provided by Panther’s Gallery, a Orlando-based artist and jewelry designer.
“Creating the ballroom scene was fun. It brought out the creativity of our wedding vendors,” said Colon.
Le Fleur Atelier hung a vintage frame with greenery over the fireplace. Then they spread flowers throughout the space. In addition, Bakers Cottage Cakes covered the table setup with decadent sweets.
Meanwhile, the beautiful models were fitted with gorgeous ball gowns by Isabella Talya. After that, they lounged on a vintage loveseat by Xclusive Rentals.
Finally, the day ended with a masquerade ball. Each lady wore custom designed jeweled masks. It was a perfect ending to this modern day Marie Antoinette styled shoot.
Photography: Captured by Elle
Videography: Elmwood Forest Production
Venue: The Howey Mansion
Planning/Table Top Rentals: i do events and party rentals
Floral: Le Fleur Atelier
Cakes and Goodies: Bakers Cottage Cakes
Dresses: Something New Bridal Boutique
Hair and Makeup: Laura Reynolds Artistry
Furniture Rental: Xclusive Rentals
Stationary/Calligraphy: Two Peas Design
Jewelry: Panther’s Gallery
Designer Paper Cones – @doloresylolitaus
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