Wedding

Green & Gold Old Florida Inspired Clearwater Beach Wedding | Carlouel Yacht Club

 

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Meredith and Ben's Clearwater Beach wedding featured an Old-Florida inspired wedding theme to represent the bride's Floridian heritage and a color palette reminiscent of the couples favorite football team, the Green Bay Packers.

“I am a sixth generation Floridian and my ancestors were the original settlers of Key West. The old Florida-style homes, fresh-caught seafood and little beach towns that I grew up with were a driving factor in every decision,” the bride shared. “Our colors were forest green and gold, an upscale play on the colors of our favorite football team, the Green Bay Packers. As Vince Lombardi once said ‘God, family and football. In that order…' The foundation of our relationship is our love for all three of these, and they all played a key role in our wedding.”

MORE: GREEN WEDDINGS

On the suggestion of the bride's parents, the St. Pete couple hired Clearwater Beach wedding planner Glitz Events.

“We wanted someone who understood our vision, had a connection to the local industry and could be trusted execute it all on the big day. We found our coordinator, Amy Kladis of Glitz Events , through Marry Me Tampa Bay. Even after meeting with other amazing planners, it was clear that Amy offered everything that we hoped for and then some,” Meredith gushed. “Hiring Amy was the absolute best decision we made in the wedding planning process. She is worth her weight in gold! She is so sweet, had a solution to every problem and truly was the reason our wedding day was flawless.”

Knowing the style of photography that draws in a couple to is an important factor in finding the right Tampa Bay wedding photographer, and the bride and groom were immediately drawn to the light and airy style Ailyn La Torre Photography.

“We wanted someone who could capture our day with this look and feel and, ideally, someone who had shot our venue before, since we know they would be comfortable with the space,” the bride explained. “I instantly fell in love with Ailyn La Torre Photography and knew it was just what we were looking for. She clearly understood our vision the best! I truly felt confident giving her the responsibility of capturing our wedding day!”

Looking back, one of the bride's most memorable moments was walking down the aisle and seeing her emotional groom.

“My sweet Ben crying like a baby as I walked down the aisle was by far the best moment of the day! We chose to not have a first look because we wanted to share the moment with our friends and family, and it did not disappoint. I think every girl in the room was swooning over just how sweet the moment was,” the bride reminisced.

Green and White Magnolia Old Florida Style Wedding Invitation Suite and Bridal Jewelry | Invitation Design by Glitz Events

Wedding Bands and Engagement Ring

Bella Luna Gold Strappy Sandal Open Toed Wedding Shoe

Bridal Party Getting Ready Portrait in Matching Pink and Blue Silk Floral Robes | Clearwater Wedding Photographer Ailyn La Torre Photography

White and Green Old Florida Inspired Wedding Bridal Party Getting Ready Portrait, Bride in V Neck Madeline Gardner Wedding Dress, Bridesmaids in Green Watters Bridesmaids Dresses | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Ailyn La Torre Photography

Bride Getting Ready Portrait wearing Morilee by Madeline Gardner V Neck Wedding Dress with Gold and Pearl Bridal Earrings | Clearwater Wedding Photographer Ailyn La Torre Photography

Clearwater, Florida Wedding Ceremony Venue St. Cecelia's Catholic Church

Bridesmaid in Green Watters Dress with Green and White Ceremony Program and White and Greenery Bouquet with Peach Ribbon | Clearwater Wedding Photographer Ailyn La Torre Photography

Bridal Portrait in Beaded V Neck Morilee by Madeline Gardner Wedding Dress with White Garden Rose and Greenery Bouquet | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Ailyn La Torre Photography

Traditional Church Ceremony Portrait at Clearwater Venue St Cecilia's Catholic Church | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Ailyn La Torre Photography

White, Gold and Green Old Florida Inspired Wedding Party Outdoor Garden Portrait, Bridesmaids in Watters Dresses, Bride in V Neck Morilee by Madeline Gardner Wedding Dress, with White Floral Bouquets with Greenery and Long Gold Ribbons | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Ailyn La Torre Photography

White, Gold and Green Old Florida Inspired Wedding Party Outdoor Garden Portrait, Bridesmaids in Watters Dresses, Bride in V Neck Morilee by Madeline Gardner Wedding Dress, with White Floral Bouquets with Greenery and Long Gold Ribbons | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Ailyn La Torre Photography

Outdoor Garden Wedding Portrait, Bride with White Garden Rose and Greenery Bouquet, Groom in Tuxedo with White Rose Boutonnière | Clearwater Wedding Photographer Ailyn La Torre Photography

Outdoor Garden Wedding Portrait, Bride with White Garden Rose and Greenery Bouquet, Groom in Tuxedo with White Rose Boutonnière | Clearwater Wedding Photographer Ailyn La Torre Photography

Outdoor Garden Wedding Portrait, Groom in Tuxedo with White Rose Boutonnière | Clearwater Wedding Photographer Ailyn La Torre Photography

The Proposal:
I barely remember the proposal because I totally blacked out! I knew Ben was going to propose soon, but thought it would be the following week when we were visiting his family Green Bay, WI. The night of the proposal, we went to dinner at Eddie V's in Tampa to “celebrate” some big news he had received in medical school that week. I was casually picking out a bottle of wine, and next thing I knew, a bright light was coming towards me (our friend who works there was capturing the moment on his phone!) and Ben was getting up. I blacked out and don't remember anything past this point except sobbing like a baby! The best part had to be that all of our friends and family were waiting for us at a secret celebration at Jackson's! We drank and danced the night away, it was definitely a great preview to our wedding reception!

Waterfront Marina Outdoor Wedding Portrait, Bride in Morilee by Madeline Gardner Wedding Dress with White Rose and Greenery Bouquet with Long Gold Ribbon, Groom in Tux with White Floral Boutonnière | Clearwater Beach Wedding Venue The Carlouel Yacht Club | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Ailyn La Torre Photography

Clearwater Beach Wedding Bridal Portrait with Silver Beaded V Neck Ballgown Morilee by Madeline Gardner Wedding Dress with White Rose and Greenery Bouquet with Long Gold Ribbon | Tampa Bay Beachfront Wedding Venue The Carlouel Yacht Club | Photographer Ailyn La Torre Photography

Beach Wedding Bride and Groom Portrait with White Rose and Greenery Bouquet with Long Gold Ribbon, Groom in Black Tuxedo | Tampa Bay Beachfront Wedding Venue The Carlouel Yacht Club | Clearwater Wedding Photographer Ailyn La Torre Photography

What did you look for in a wedding photographer?
We were both drawn to a light and airy style of wedding photography. We wanted someone who could capture our day with this look and feel and, ideally, someone who had shot our venue before, since we know they would be comfortable with the space.

Ailyn La Torre Photography was actually the reason we found our venue! I was searching for “Clearwater, Florida Weddings” on Pinterest, and one of her blog posts at the Carlouel came up. I instantly fell in love and knew it was just what we were looking for. From there, I knew we had to consider Ailyn when looking at photographers, and after interviewing several options, she clearly understood our vision the best! I truly felt confident giving her the responsibility of capturing our wedding day!

Beach Wedding Bride and Groom Portrait with White Rose and Greenery Bouquet with Long Gold Ribbon, Groom in Black Tuxedo | Tampa Bay Beachfront Wedding Venue The Carlouel Yacht Club | Clearwater Wedding Photographer Ailyn La Torre Photography

Old Florida Inspired Wedding Reception Decor Initial Wreath of Natural Cotton | Tampa Bay Wedding Planner Glitz Events

Old Florida Inspired Wedding Reception Welcome Sign on Vintage Gold Mirror with White Rose and Greenery Floral Garland with Long Gold Ribbons | Tampa Bay Wedding Planner Glitz Events

Old Florida Inspired Wedding Reception Escort Card Table with Vintage Postcards and Small White Floral with Greenery in Gold Vase | Tampa Bay Wedding Planner Glitz Events

How would you describe your theme?
Old Florida. I am a sixth generation Floridian and my ancestors were the original settlers of Key West. The old Florida-style homes, fresh caught seafood, and little beach towns that I grew up with were a driving factor in every decision.

What were your colors?
Forest green and gold. This was our upscale play on the colors of our favorite football team, the Green Bay Packers. The colors also fit perfectly with the rest of the vision for the wedding, which included white flowers, lots of greenery and brass accents.

Old Florida Inspired White, Gold, and Green Wedding Reception Table Decor with Glitter Tablecloth, White Rose and Greenery Garland Centerpiece, and Elegant Candlestick holders | Clearwater Beach Wedding Reception Venue Carlouel Yacht Club | Tampa Bay Wedding Planner Glitz Events

Old Florida Inspired Wedding Reception Table Decor with Small White Floral with Greenery Centerpieces in Mismatched Antique Gold Vases and Elegant Green on White Lettered Table Number Card | Tampa Bay Wedding Planner Glitz Events

What did you look for in a wedding planner?
My parents encouraged us to work with a planner. We wanted someone who understood our vision, had a connection to the local industry and could be trusted execute it all on the big day.

We found our coordinator, Glitz Events, through Marry Me Tampa Bay. Our initial meeting with Amy from Glitz Events was the first wedding related meeting we had in the planning process. Even after meeting with other amazing planners, it was clear that Amy offered everything that we hoped for and then some. Hiring her was the absolute best decision we made in the wedding planning process. She is worth her weight in gold! Amy is so sweet, had a solution to every problem and truly was the reason our wedding day was flawless. I cannot say enough amazing things about Amy and the Glitz team!

Old Florida Inspired Wedding Reception Table Decor with Small White Floral with Greenery Centerpieces in Mismatched Antique Gold Vases and Elegant Green on White Lettered Table Number Card | Tampa Bay Wedding Planner Glitz Events

Four Tiered Round White Wedding Cake with White Magnolia and Greenery Flowers on Gold Cake Tray

Outdoor Nighttime Sparkler Wedding Exit Portrait | Tampa Bay Wedding Photographer Ailyn La Torre Photography

What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Skip the “shoe box” venue and embrace all of the unique opportunities of our locale! How lucky are we that we have so many amazing venues that show off the beauty of this area!?

Hire a coordinator. Hire a coordinator. Hire a coordinator.

Make sure that your wedding day is a reflection of both of you! I've seen friends get caught up in all of the details that they dreamed up for their big day, but it isn't just your day! Although I took the lead on planning, Ben and I made every decision together in the planning process. It really made the day uniquely ours. If your groom isn't into planning, find the few details that matter most to him and let him run with it; you might be surprised at how great it all turns out.

Lastly, listen to your groom. If he is going to go out on a limb to share his opinion, it probably really matters to him or it is something you need to hear. During bridesmaid dressing shopping, Ben vetoed the dress had a high neck in the front and back and had 3D floral elements on the neckline. He took one look at the picture and said, “Those Shakespeare collars have got to go!” I am glad he said something because he was 100% right!

Ceremony: St. Cecelia's Catholic Church
Reception Venue & Caterer: The Carlouel Yacht Club
Photographer: Ailyn La Torre Photography
Videographer: Brogen Productions
Planner: Glitz Events – Amy Kladis
Florist: Wonderland Floral Art
Cake: Publix
DJ: Delite Entertainment
Invitations: Custom Designed by Glitz Events, Monogram by Empress Stationery
Transportation: Jolley Trolley
Dress Shop and Designer: Athena's Bridal – Morilee by Madeline Gardner
Bridesmaid Dresses: Watters
Hair & Makeup: Lasting Luxe
Guitarist: Matt Jeffries
Brass vessels: WISH Rentals
Rings: King Jewelers




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