St. Petersburg Wedding | Waterfront, St. Pete Wedding
Deanna & Moises' St. Petersburg wedding combined a waterfront venue, which was a priority to the bride, and the intimacy that the groom preferred.
“I wanted a beach wedding, but Moises wanted a venue that was more private, so it would just the people we invited to the wedding surrounding us, so we compromised [on a private residence]. It was still on the water and had the privacy that Moises was looking for,” the bride explained.
The Tampa couple's fall wedding featured an outdoor, waterfront ceremony and a color palette that matched the sunset.
“Our colors were bright fall colors: plums, fuchsias and oranges. I wanted the wedding to feel bright, fun and lighthearted,” the bride shared. “The most important thing to us was that everyone had a great time.”
To ensure they hired trusted vendors and to keep them on track, Deanna and Moises hired St. Petersburg wedding planner Exquisite Events.
“We hired a wedding planner because I was working 50-60 hours a week when we got engaged. I had no idea what went into a wedding or when things needed to be done,” the bride explained. “When we met Lisa and Ashley of Exquisite Events, I liked them right away. They were fun and knowledgeable, and their service was phenomenal. They helped me put together an amazing, beautiful wedding and took the stress out of planning, which allowed me to relax on our big day.”
Since the groom is a chef, the quality of the couple's wedding menu was a top priority.
“The food was important. We looked for a wedding caterer who had good food and good presentation,” the bride explained. “Olympia Catering had the best flavor of the places we tried; their food was delicious. The prices were reasonable, and the service was fantastic.”
MORE: OLYMPIA CATERING WEDDINGS
Looking back, Deanna cherished celebrating with family and friends on her wedding day.
“My most memorable moment was being able to have my husband's family here from Mexico. Everything was just so beautiful and everyone had a great time. People danced all night!” the bride reminisced.
Why did you hire a wedding planner?
We hired a wedding planner because I was working 50-60 hours a week when we got engaged. I had no idea what went into a wedding or when things needed to be done. I wanted someone who knew vendors and who could be trusted to provide good service. We wanted someone who seemed to understand what we were looking for and who we could get along with.
When we met Lisa and Ashley of Exquisite Events, I liked them right away. They were fun and knowledgeable, and their service was phenomenal. Having Lisa there kept everything on time and organized. They helped me put together an amazing, beautiful wedding and took the stress out of planning, which allowed me to relax on our big day.
What was your beauty inspiration, and what did you look for in a hair and makeup artist?
I wanted someone who would give me a look that didn't look like I was wearing too much makeup. I wanted it to be natural but not too natural. I also needed someone who knew how to work with curly hair, because a lot of people don't know what do with my hair.
I chose Michele Renee The Studio because I knew they would do a great job. I wanted to make sure I felt beautiful, and I trusted them to help me look my best. I was in one of my best friend's weddings a couple years ago, and she used them, and I thought they were great. They offer everything. I liked the girls and that they come to you to do your hair and makeup; I knew the makeup would last all night.
The Proposal:
Moises sent me two dozen roses at work on a Friday. The following day was Valentine's Day, and he had chocolate covered strawberries delivered to me at home while he was at work. Later that evening, we went out to dinner. We ate at Flamestone Grill, and after we finished eating, Moises asked for a dessert menu, and the waitress brought out a cake with a ring on top. The cake read, “Will you marry me?”
How would you describe your theme?
It was an outdoor wedding, but since it was on the water in October, the weather was nice. We both just wanted a relaxed and lighthearted wedding. The most important thing to us was that everyone had a great time. I wanted a beach wedding, but Moises didn't want a wedding at a hotel venue, so we compromised with 900 Park St., since it was still on the water and had the privacy that Moises was looking for.
What were your colors?
Our colors were bright fall colors: plums, fuchsias and oranges. I wanted the wedding to feel bright and fun, and I wanted colors of the sunset.
What was your menu inspiration, and what did you look for in a caterer?
We wanted a menu that we thought most people would like. Our cocktail hour had Florida-themed foods that we thought wouldn't be too heavy. We did dual entrées so everyone would have the same food. We looked for a wedding caterer who had good food and good presentation. My husband is a chef so the quality of the food was very important to him.
Olympia Catering had the best flavor of the places we tried; their food was delicious. The prices were reasonable, and they offered the cake at a discounted rate since they were our caterer. We thought the service was fantastic. Our guests also complemented the food and the service they provided.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay Brides?
Hire a wedding planner if you can.
Enjoy everything about the wedding day; it goes by so fast. Hire a videographer and a great photographer.
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Private Residence – 900 Park St.
Photographer: VRVision Photography
Videographer: Iryus Weddings
Planner: Exquisite Events
Florist: Braun's Fine Flowers
Caterer: Olympia Catering *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro
Cake: Olympia Catering
DJ: Iryus Weddings
Officiant: Cherished Ceremonies and Pastor Wayne Goldworthy
Invitations: Zazzle
Transportation: Olympus Limousine
Dress Shop and Designer: CC's Boutique – Stella York
Bridesmaid Dress Shop and Designer: David's Bridal
Hair & Makeup: Michele Renee The Studio *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro
