Rustic Tampa Bay Wedding | Cross Creek Ranch Wedding
Brittany and Andrew's rustic Tampa Bay wedding featured a white, grey and hunter green color palette to complement the organic greenery that surrounded their venue.
“Our wedding theme reflected a rustic, yet elegant style,” the groom explained. “Brittany and I share a love for the outdoors, country music and family. Our venue gave balance to the elegant wedding we dreamed of while providing a comfortable and inviting atmosphere for our guests.”
MORE: RUSTIC WEDDING INSPIRATION
The Bradenton couple searched for a rustic Tampa Bay wedding venue that would embody the look and feel of a southern wedding close to home and discovered Cross Creek Ranch.
“From the moment we stepped on the property, we knew that this was the place we would celebrate our special day! The grounds were breathtaking, the Southern-style chapel was pristine and the stable embodied the rustic feel we were looking for. Not only was Cross Creek Ranch the perfect place to get married, but the staff presented with a love for making our wedding vision a reality,” Brittany gushed. “From our first tour of the ranch to the last dance on our wedding night, Cross Creek exceeded our expectations. They handled all the details, answered every question I had and made Andrew and I feel like our happiness was their priority.”
MORE: CROSS CREEK RANCH WEDDINGS
The bride and groom opted for a variety of desserts in addition to a classic wedding cake from Tampa Bay wedding bakery Alessi Bakeries.
“Our two-tiered wedding cake was designed to be soft and romantic with white roses and a gold “Mr. and Mrs.” topper. The flavor inside consisted of chocolate and yellow cake with peanut butter and strawberry filling; the perfect PB&J cake! We also added cupcakes to our dessert menu to give our guests a variety of flavors to choose from,” Brittany explained. “When we went to our tasting at Alessi Bakeries, we were blown away by the presentation and variety of cakes we could create. Alessi was helpful in the selection process and shared new ideas about flavor combinations and decoration.”
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Looking back, Brittany and Andrew each shared their most cherished memories from their wedding day.
“The moment that stands out the most for me was when the doors opened to the chapel, and I saw Brittany, my beautiful bride, for the first time. She took my breath away. I couldn’t help but smile as she came down the aisle. The only word I could formulate was ‘Wow,'” Andrew reminisced.
“For me, writing personal vows was incredibly special because despite not knowing what we wrote to each other, their messages were from the same heart. Going forward in our lives together as one, the words spoken that day reflect our constant promise to one another,” Brittany shared.
What did you look for in a wedding venue?
After searching through many wedding websites for a rustic venue, we ran across Cross Creek Ranch. From the moment we stepped on the property, we knew that this was the place we would celebrate our special day! The grounds were breathtaking, the Southern-style chapel was pristine and the stable embodied the rustic feel we were looking for. Not only was Cross Creek the perfect place to get married, but the staff presented with a love for making our wedding vision a reality.
From our first tour of the ranch to the last dance on our wedding night, Cross Creek Ranch exceeded our expectations. The comment I heard the most throughout the weekend was that I seemed so calm, but I have Cross Creek to thank for that. They handled all the details, answered every question I had and made Andrew and I feel like our happiness was their priority. Each meeting was filled with laughter and excitement as the day got closer. We are so grateful to Nancy Spooner, our wedding coordinator. She was knowledgeable, fun, and well organized. As a type-A personality, I loved the structure and timeline that Cross Creek used to make the day run smoothly. I did not need to worry about anything because they already had it covered. Each person I met throughout the planning process was enjoyable to work with. There are so many little details that they do behind the scenes to make the day special for everyone. My family and friends didn’t have to worry about anything that day, but getting dressed and enjoying the moment with us. Words simply aren’t enough to say how much we love Cross Creek Ranch!
The Proposal:
When I made the decision to propose to Brittany, I wanted to have someone capture the moment and make it a complete surprise. The only way I could think to do that was to use my probationary ceremony from my fire department and create the moment without Brittany knowing something was up. I spoke with my Chief so that he could get in touch with Brittany about planning a “surprise helmet ceremony,” when in fact this was when I would propose to her.
When Brittany arrived at the fire station, my Chief told her that the photographer and videographer were from the city of St. Pete Beach and wanted to feature the helmet ceremony on their website. Brittany, my parents and my crew waited downstairs for me. I came down the fire pole, doing my best to pretend I was surprised she was there. My Chief handed the helmet to Brittany, with the ring hidden inside. Once Brittany gave me the helmet, I told her how much I loved her and that having her in my life was everything I would ever need. I got down on one knee and asked for her hand.
How would you describe your theme?
Our wedding theme reflected a rustic, yet elegant style. Brittany and I share a love for the outdoors, country music and family. Our venue gave balance to the elegant wedding we dreamed of while providing a comfortable and inviting atmosphere for our guests.
What were your colors?
We chose a combination of white, grey, and hunter green. The venue’s garden gave us the inspiration; we wanted our colors to complement the greenery that surrounded the venue.
What was your wedding cake inspiration?
Our two-tiered wedding cake was designed to be soft and romantic with white roses and a gold “Mr. and Mrs.” topper. The flavor inside consisted of chocolate and yellow cake with peanut butter and strawberry filling, the perfect PB & J cake! We also added cupcakes to our dessert menu to give our guests a variety of flavors to choose from.
When we went to our tasting at Alessi Bakeries, we were blown away by the presentation and variety of cakes we could create. Alessi was helpful in the selection process and shared new ideas about flavor combinations and decoration.
What did you look for in a wedding DJ?
Jeff from Grant Hemond & Associates was thorough when it came to songs we preferred. He walked us through the evening, piece by piece, to make sure that the songs we wanted to be played were included, while the songs we did not like were on the “no-play” list. Our ceremony music was my favorite. The selections we chose naturally went with the feel and flow of our ceremony.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Weddings can be stressful to plan at times, but some of the best choices I made were when I trusted my instincts. Cross Creek Ranch was the only venue we toured, and it worked out even better than I had imagined. Do your research, but do not be afraid to follow your heart.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Weddings can be stressful to plan at times, but some of the best choices I made were when I trusted my instincts. Cross Creek Ranch was the only venue we toured, and it worked out even better than I had imagined. Do your research, but do not be afraid to follow your heart.
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Cross Creek Ranch – Nancy Spooner *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Venue
Photographer: Sunglow Photography
Videographer: Skyhelm Weddings
Florist: Alta Fleura
Caterer: Catered by Vesh
Cake: Alessi Bakery *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro
DJ: Grant Hemond & Associates – Jeff *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro
Officiant: Father of the Bride
Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas
Dress Shop and Designer: The Perfect Dress – Essence of Australia
Bridesmaid Dresses: Lulus.com
Hair & Makeup: Destiny and Light
Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Men's Wearhouse
