Romantic, Outdoor Tampa Wedding | TPepin Hospitality Centre Wedding
Fallon and Al's Tampa wedding featured a romantic and whimsical, A Midsummer Night's Dream theme for their nighttime nuptials. The enchanting wedding featured greenery and neutral colors and the couple's love for wine.
“Candlelight was always very important. It sets the mood so elegantly. We used a lot of greenery; there was nothing cookie cutter at any angle,” the bride shared. “Our guests signed wine corks instead of a book. Instead of table numbers, we assigned different wine regions.”
The couple searched for a Tampa wedding planner who meshed with their personalities and dynamic. Initially on the fence about hiring a planner, the groom soon realized it was a necessity.
“Kimberly [of Kimberly Hensley Events] was my best friend that day. I never fretted one moment. I was the most calm I had ever been in my entire life. She has a remarkable style, a great sense of reality and provides the experience that makes your planning seem effortless,” Fallon gushed.
MORE: KIMBERLY HENSLEY EVENTS WEDDINGS
Wedding photography played an important role in capturing the bride and groom's big day.
“We both agreed Marc Edwards Photographs' work just called to us. Besides his obvious talent and artistry, he is hilarious with modesty and confident. We felt like we knew him forever,” Fallon shared. “I have been told at least 10-15 times that my pictures are the most captivating and artistic wedding pictures ever.”
MORE: MARC EDWARDS PHOTOGRAPHY WEDDINGS
Looking back, the ceremony was one of the bride's most memorable moments of the night.
“We wrote our own vows, which allowed the audience to indulge in the moment. I looked out at one point, and I saw almost everyone with tissues. Knowing everyone was touched by our sentimentality is something that touches your soul,” Fallon reminisced.
The Proposal:
It was one day away from our seventh year anniversary of dating. We met friends in downtown St. Pete at one of my favorite spots, The Birchwood, and ordered a few drinks. Before I knew it, Al was on his knee, and I looked over the rooftop balcony to see some friends holding a “Will You Marry Me?” banner.
It was rainy that day, and apparently, Al was really nervous because he felt bad for making me get my hair wet. However, he soon found out that a diamond ring and a proposal cancels out damp, frizzy hair about 100 times. After the proposal, even more friends showed up to celebrate. We don’t consider ourselves romantics, but the day he arranged was a textbook definition of romantic, which I adored.
What did you look for in a wedding planner?
Al was initially on the fence about getting a planner. We didn’t want a Julie Andrews type planner, meaning prim and proper. With our personalities and our dynamic as a couple, we wanted and needed someone edgy and raw.
We met with Kimberly of [Kimberly Hensley Events] for an hour, and the rest was history. No sales pitch or convincing needed. When I told her I was a non-traditional, but somewhat traditional bride, she laughed and said perfect! Kimberly has a remarkable style, a great sense of reality and provides the experience that makes your planning seem effortless. She is honest and your best advocate.
What did you look for in a wedding photographer?
We set aside a decent, but not absurd, amount for a photographer. Our planner sent me seven different photographers to choose from. After seeing all the work, we both agreed Marc Edwards Photographs’ work just called to us; we just felt connected to him.
After meeting Marc, it was even more enlivening. Besides his obvious talent and artistry, he is hilarious with modesty and confident. We felt like we knew him forever. I have been told at least 10-15 times that my pictures are the most captivating and artistic wedding pictures ever.
How would you describe your theme?
Whimsical, intimate and romantic. Candlelight was always very important. It sets the mood so elegantly. Also, we used a lot of greenery to incorporate A Midsummer Night's Dream atmosphere. Having green as a theme was never an idea I had before. It ended up being dreamy, calming, and cost effective! There was nothing cookie cutter at any angle. Imperfections were charming, and it carried through from the outside, the foyer and into the ballroom.
What were your colors?
Having greenery as the major prop, neutral colors seemed the most appropriate to carry out the theme. I picked out three different bridesmaids dresses and two colors for each dress. This allowed my girls to feel comfortable since they had the freedom to choose which was best for them. The day of, as I admired my bridesmaids, I was simply elated on how well the different colors complemented everyone. The gentlemen sported a rich grey suit that exuded couture more than just formal attire. The whole bridal party looked put together, but not in a forced way.
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay Brides?
Get a planner. Even if it’s only for the “Week of/Day of!” They are the professional and help you save money in ways that you couldn’t imagine, not to mention the relief you have on your big day. If a vendor is late, you shouldn’t know about it!
Take care of your bridal party, and they will be thankful. Being in a wedding is not cheap, and it’s important you show them your gratitude.
Most of all, enjoy the hype with your future spouse! My husband and I never let any disagreements start a fight, and we loved the process together. Leading up to the wedding, everything starts to move faster and faster. It’s all about being in love so don’t lose sight of that!
Ceremony and Reception Venue: TPepin Hospitality Centre
Photographer: Marc Edwards Photographs *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Videographer: Randall Productions
Planner: Kimberly Hensley Events *Marry Me Tampa Bay Preferred Wedding Pro
Florist: Flowers by Design
Caterer: Puff N' Stuff
Rentals: U.S. Tent Rental
DJ: Brian Jalbert
Choreographer: DQ Monte
Music: Pinellas Strings Quartet
Officiant: Sensational Ceremonies
Invitations: Minted
Transportation: Uber
Dress Shop and Designer: CC's Bridal Boutique, Sottero & Midgley – Maddalena
Bridesmaid Dress Shop and Designer: Alterations & Creations – Jasmine Belsoie
Hair: Wilson Grajales
Makeup: Danielle Sabatello
