5 Things to Consider Before Planning an Outdoor Wedding

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Venue: Davis Island Garden Club

One of the biggest luxuries of living in Florida is being able to have a wedding at any time of the year. Besides the occasional hurricane scare, you will never have to worry about roads being closed or flights being canceled due to snow storms. Although we have the perks of always being in wedding season, there are some things to consider if you envision on having your’s outdoors!

Venue: Belleview Inn | Photography: Arianna J Photography

Weather

Let’s face it, Florida’s weather can be pretty unpredictable. One day it might be in the 90’s and outrageously hot and the next it can be in the 50’s and raining. We always encourage couples to have a backup plan due to this uncertainty for the “just in case” circumstances. One of the most common options is a tent to provide shade (and possibly AC if you decide to go this route) but if you plan on holding your wedding at an outdoor venue the facility should be able to provide you with an additional solution if you do end up getting bad weather.

Photography: Darin Crofton Photography

Electricity

Electricity is commonly overlooked because most couples assume that venues offer it. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case so when searching for wedding locations make sure you ask! In the off chance that they don’t have power on-site, you will need to bring in a generator to accommodate your ceremony and reception needs. Bonus Tip: Make sure to tell the director of sales at any location what you plan on needing power for because some events require more than others!

Venue: Tropical Venue Tampa | Photography: JCanelas

Restrooms

If you plan on having a full on outdoor wedding with no structured building on site you will need to provide your guests with restrooms. You might be thinking “there’s no way that I’m going to be having a port-a-potty at my wedding” which we TOTALLY understand. Luckily for you, luxury restroom trailers now exist and in all honestly some of them are nicer than a venue’s facility anyway!

Venue: Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club | Photography: Heather Lauren Photography

Permits

If you plan on holding your wedding in a public area (e.g. a park or beach) it is likely that you will need to pull a permit. This requirement can vary depending on what county you are in but we always recommend for couples to reach out to the local permitting department ahead of time to make sure. If you don’t get one in an area that requires one, there is a possibility that your wedding will be stopped short and you’ll be charged a major fee.

Venue: Sandpearl Resort | Photography: Edwin Colon Photography

Walkability

Most venues provide a separate location for ceremonies and receptions. If this is the case, take into consideration the walkability from one place to the other. Long distances on grass or uneven grounds can be difficult for any guest, especially older ones. If your venue does require a bit of a hike think about other transportation options for the less stable guests such as valet, trains, or even golf carts!

What Style of Veil Is Right for You?

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Photography: Darin Crofton Photography

When deciding on the perfect veil to wear for your wedding day there are a lot of things to take into consideration. One of the first things to think about is whether or not it will accent your dress or take over the entire ensemble. You should also make sure that the design will be practical for the style of ceremony you are having. For example, if you plan on having a beach wedding you may not want a long cathedral style veil that could collect a bunch of sand.

If you’re completely lost on how to pick the best veil, have no fear! We’ve created a list of the most common styles and tips of when they’re best used.

Birdcage Veil

Birdcages are short veils that are used to cover the top half of your face. This design is usually made of stiff mesh or lace that can hold the structure of the design. These veils are commonly used with vintage style dresses with lace designs.

Blusher Veil

Blusher veils are mid-length designs that typically stop at the top of your dress. This style is commonly made with tulle and is secured at the crown of your head. Designs like these are perfect if you plan on having your face covered as you walk down the aisle since it is easy to toss over your head once you make it to the alter. Blusher veils are also perfect to use if you don’t want to cover up your shoulders!

Elbow Length Veil

Elbow length veils are commonly seen as a more traditional style. This design stops right at the elbows and is extremely lightweight which makes it perfect for any outdoor ceremony.

Chapel Veil

Chapel veils are floor length styles that flow a few inches on the ground. This style is perfect to create the illusion of a trained dress without the hassle of having to bustle it later on!

Cathedral Veil

Cathedral veils are one of the longest veils available to this day. This design extends well beyond the dress’s train and can create a very dramatic look. Cathedral veils are most commonly worn with A-line dresses and ball gowns.

Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club Wedding – Stephanie & Daniel

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Stephanie and Daniel met during a month long European excursion. The couple originally bumped into on another during the Wicked performance at the Apollo Theatre in London but were too shy to go over to the other and say a simple “hello”. A few days later, at Mount Pilatus in Switzerland, Daniel (who was an Ohioan) worked up the courage to ask Stephanie (a Floridian) if she needed a hand after watching her clumsily take on ice covered stairs. After that moment the couple felt a spark and new that they had to do something about it, even if it meant that they were going to have to tackle a long distance relationship.

Fast forward one year later, Stephanie decided to take a leap of faith and move to Ohio to be closer to Daniel. The following year Daniel decided to take the same chance and relocate to South Carolina after Stephanie was accepted into Medical School. It didn’t take long for their relationship to progress and eventually Daniel asked Stephanie for her hand on the SkyWheel during sunset in Myrtle Beach. Stephanie was ecstatic but since she was in the final stages of completing Medical School she asked her mother for help in planning their wedding.

The couple decided to get married in Stephanie’s hometown of Sarasota. They agreed on Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club due to the close proximity to the airport and the traditional ballroom feel. 

To enhance the venue’s beautiful atmosphere even more, Stephanie and Daniel decided to incorporate drapery across the ceiling as well as on the walls behind the sweetheart table and ceremony backdrop. The couple also decided to include touches of Stephanie’s favorite color, light green, to the flower arrangements and bridesmaids dresses. 

Aside from having an absolutely stunning reception space, Stephanie and Daniel wanted to incorporate meaningful touches into the decor. The couple decided to use a GOBO projection of their initials next to the sweetheart table as well as forgoing the traditional table numbers and using custom made maps of the locations that they went to during their European trip.

Leading up to their wedding, Stephanie was in the middle of taking her Boards which left her under a lot of stress. The day before her wedding she was notified that she passed her exams and she was now able to pursue a career of being a Pediatric Physician. Not only were Stephanie and Daniel able to use their wedding as an excuse to celebrate their love, they also were able to toast to Stephanie for officially being a Doctor as well!

Venue: Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club | Photography: K&K Photography | Floral, Drapery, Chairs, and Decor: Event Design

2022 Wedding Trends Every Couple Will Want to Include

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Venue: The Gasparilla Inn & Club | Photography: Concept Photography

Spring is right around the corner which means weddings are about to pick up again due to the warmer weather (unless you’re a Floridan like us and only experience the “cold” for one week out of the year). As the outdoors starts to defrost, we’ve noticed a lot more couples approach us with trendy concepts that they would like to incorporate into their special day. Here is a list of some of our favorite ideas and what to expect to see within the upcoming year!

Venue: Davis Island Garden Club

Bold Colors

Say goodbye to the neutral shades that we’ve been seeing over the past few years and hello to vibrant and bright colors! Recently, couples have been incorporating colorful hues in traditionally white elements such as their cake, linen, and even dresses!

Venue: The Vinoy | Photography: Matlock & Kelly

Customized Neon Signs

Couples are starting to light up their reception spaces with customized neon signs! Typically seen near the sweetheart table, brides and grooms use these signs to dress up the space behind them and show off their new family name. Bonus Tip: this addition can later be used as a decor piece in their house after the festivities are over!

Venue: Davis Island Garden Club

Eco-Friendly

Along with all of the other trends, we’ve noticed a lot more eco-friendly weddings. To make a more green atmosphere, couples have incorporated unique ways to prevent the the use of non-biodegradable products such as agave straws and wooden place settings!

Image Via: Martha Stewart | Photography: Matthew Moore Photography

Food Trucks

Instead of going to nationally known catering companies, couples have elected to stay local and incorporate food trucks into their wedding day. This allows guests to try dishes from various neighborhood vendors as well as promote business within the community!

Image Via: Martha Stewart | Photography: Michelle Walker Photography

Jumpsuits

Within the past few years outdoor weddings have been popping up more than usual. In order to stay comfortable during Florida’s heat, brides have been ditching the dress and opting for jumpsuits to create a more breathable outfit! Not only have we been seeing brides sport this nontraditional style, they’ve even been asking their bridesmaids to join in!

Whether it be through daring colors or nontraditional outfits, 2022 is going to be the year where brides and grooms feel the most excited to express themselves. We can’t wait to see what other trends pop up within the next few months and how couples choose to incorporate them into their special days!

The Vinoy (St. Pete) Wedding – Breanne & Quinn

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Breanne and Quinn met each other when Breanne was only 4 years old and Quinn’s mom was her pre-kindergarten teacher. Although the two grew up together, they waited until they became adults before officially starting to date. They knew immediately that their connection was strong which led to Quinn asking Breanne for her hand in marriage exactly one year after starting their relationship. Pro Move: Quinn proposed at the same location that he asked Breanne to be his girlfriend!

The couple decided to have a traditional wedding and held their ceremony at St. Mary’s Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in St. Petersburg, Florida. Since the church already had stunning features, Event Design added a few small flower arrangements to some of the aisle pews (which were later donated!) 

Looking back, Breanne thinks that the ceremony was the best part of her wedding day. She remembers walking down the aisle with her dad by her side and seeing Quinn standing at the alter with a big smile on his face and thinking “this is perfection”. 

When selecting reception venues, Breanne had her heart set at The Vinoy. After seeing her sister get married at this location a few years prior (which we also helped design, btw!) Breanne fell in love with the atmosphere of the hotel. Even though her family was local to the St. Pete area, The Vinoy made her feel like she was having a destination wedding.

The couple envisioned a romantic and classic style wedding. They wanted to avoid using anything trendy so they were able to look back on it and still love the timeless decor. In order to achieve that look, Event Design used white flowers with simple touches of greenery and gold accents through vaseware, table numbers, and chiavari chairs. We also placed a greenery hedge wall behind the sweetheart table with white flower accents across the top and an LED sign of the couple’s last name secured to the middle.

If Breanne could offer one piece of advice to any couple planning their wedding it’s to not procrastinate. It’s never too early to start planning and your wedding day will sneak up on you before you know it! She said that hiring Event Design made her process even easier due to constant communication. Breanne said that she was extremely picky with her flower design and the Event Design team was able to create exactly what she envisioned and carried it through to her wedding day!

Ceremony Venue: St. Mary Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church | Reception Venue: The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club | Chairs, Flowers, and Decor: Event Design | Photography: Matlock and Kelly Photography | Videography: Kemari Lyn Films | Dresses: BHLDN | Hair & Makeup: Femme Akoi Beauty Studio | Suits: Men’s Wearhouse | Invitations: Jerry and Julep | Band: Taylor Fletcher Music | Cake: Cakes Plus Tampa

New Year, New You: 5 Beauty Tips to Prepare for Your Big Day

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Photography: Darin Crofton Photography

As you get closer to your wedding day you will probably be undergoing some sort of stress (even if it’s only a little). The final details will start to pile up and you may begin to wonder how you are going to get it all done in time. Even though the finishing touches will still need to be taken care of, don’t forget to set aside some TLC time to keep your head on straight! Here are our five favorite self care tips to utilize leading up to your wedding day!

Drink Water

We know, we know. You’re probably thinking that we sound like your mother. Staying hydrated is one of the best ways to filter out toxins and keep your skin clear! By continuously drinking water you are more likely to say “bye bye!” to the pesky blemishes that just so happen to pop up RIGHT BEFORE important days!

Hair and Makeup Trial

You’re going to need to do a trial run for your hair and makeup anyway. Why not do a practice round right before your wedding day? A little bit of pampering can do wonders to not only your skin but your mindset!

Mani/Pedi

This just goes without explanation! Having your nails done is a major confidence booster so make sure to use the hurdles that life has thrown at you as an excuse to get them done!

Stay Out of the Sun

The last thing that you’re going to want is to be burned and red in your wedding photos. We recommend for couples to stay out of the sun for at least one week prior to your wedding day. If you still want to achieve the glowy sun kissed look, opt for a spray tan!

Teeth Whitening

Your smile is going to be plastered on your face throughout the entire day (at least we hope). Getting your teeth professionally whitened (or even using Crest White Strips) a few days beforehand will help make them look as radiant as you feel!

We encourage all couples to take some time to themselves as they get closer to their wedding day. Even a little bit of self care can help you feel like your best self!

3 Ways to Incorporate Your Children Into Your Wedding

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Venue: Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa | Photography: Alexis Kline Photography

Inviting children to a wedding has been a big debate throughout the past few years. We’ve heard from numerous couples expressing both positive and negative feelings towards this idea. While some believe that the more the merrier, others fear that they might cause a distraction during significant parts of the day. But what happens if the child happens to be your own? Whether it’s with your significant other or from a previous relationship, there’s a pretty good chance that you’re going to want to include them. Although the standard idea of incorporating them as flower girls or ring bearers might seem like the easiest route to go, here’s three of our favorite ways to include them that can be appropriate for any age!

Customized Mocktail

Even if you don’t plan on having a bar at your wedding, coming up with an original drink that your little one loves is a great way to remind your guests that they are a part of the day! This could be a fun concoction that you both create and test out in advance or one that’s already known but with a fun twist (shout out to the Shirley Temples with not one but TWO cherries). Bonus Points: Make sure you name the drink after your child so everyone at the wedding knows who inspired it!

DIY Crafts

As you get closer to your wedding day your mind might be running a mile a minute thinking about all of the finishing touches that you still have to do. How much easier would it be if you had another pair of hands to help you make the welcome baskets and hand-written place cards? Asking your little one to help out is a great way to get the tasks done more efficiently as well as create memories.

Family Cake Topper

Just because it’s going on your wedding cake doesn’t mean it only has to be the two of you! Having a cake topper that includes your entire family reassures your little ones that this day should be just as special for them!

3 Mistakes to Avoid When Planning Your Wedding

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Venue: Paradise Cove | Photography: Castaldo Studio

When it comes to planning your wedding mistakes are bound to happen. No matter how big or small it is, there are so many moving parts that you will experience a hiccup at least once or twice along the way (even if you hired the BEST wedding planner).

With that being said, you do have an advantage because there have been plenty of weddings before yours and we can learn from the mistakes that those couples made (thanks for taking one for the team, guys!) Keep reading to learn three of the top mistakes that we have witnessed and ways to avoid them!

Not Having a Rain Plan

Getting married in Florida means sunshine and beaches, right? Well, not exactly… Did you know that Florida is one of the top five rainiest states in the U.S.? Although having an outdoor ceremony with the sunset in the background is ideal for some couples (and totally doable) we encourage you to have a back up plan just in case. The weather here can change in the blink of an eye which means you might have to change your ceremony location rather quickly. This means you should definitely consider the venue’s rain plan before signing the contract because there is a strong chance that you might have to use that instead!

Not Having a Good Understanding of the Area’s Yearly Events

Events happen in the Tampa Bay area almost every week. Although some are bigger than others, we recommend couples to do their research and see if anything is happening near or around your venue on the dates that you’re interested in having your wedding. If a major event is happening on the same day (such as Gasparilla) make sure your guests are aware of the traffic and parking circumstances ahead of time so they can plan their commute accordingly. We also encourage couples to avoid having their wedding during certain busy weekends such as spring break and holidays where hotel and travel prices tend to be inflated.

Trying a New Beauty Routine Right Before

There’s a pretty good chance that the few days before your wedding you are going to be stressed to the max. You may feel tempted to decompress with a little self care (which is encouraged!) but please avoid completely changing up your routine! The last thing you want is to have your skin break out or your hair appear oily in your wedding photos just because you had to try the latest TikTok trend. Instead, we recommend having a two week buffer to try out any new products and see how your body adjusts before implementing them on/around your big day!

At the end of the day, don’t forget the reasoning behind having your wedding in the first place! You and your significant other are committing a lifetime to one another around the people who you love the most. No matter what happens on your special day, that alone is worth celebrating.

Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Wedding – Rebecca & Jason

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Rebecca’s best friend (who later became her Maid of Honor) met Jason during basic training for the army. She immediately realized the similarities between the two and formally introduced them after graduation. After many years of dating, Jason decided to pop the question in the most intimate setting he could imagine – on their patio while listening to their favorite song WITH his grandmother’s ring!

While planning their wedding the couple decided that the surrounding scenery was one of the most significant parts of their day. They decided to get married at the Hyatt Regency on Clearwater Beach so that they could have views of the water during their entire celebration. Praying for good weather (and thank goodness it was perfect!), the couple decided to hold their ceremony on the hotel’s outdoor terrace. To not take away from the beautiful view, Event Design provided a drapery archway as well as chair florals to make the space appear more wedding like.

After exchanging vows and taking pictures, the couple moved their celebration to the Hyatt Regency’s indoor ballroom to hold the reception. Rebecca and Jason wanted to create a very timeless and romantic atmosphere through the use of chiavari chairs, specialty linen, and meaningful centerpieces. Before their delicious meals were served, Rebecca decided to switch into a comfy white jumpsuit so she was able to bust out her favorite dance moves later on!

Rebecca and Jason’s most cherished memory of their wedding day was being able to celebrate it with their family and friends. The couple were originally planning on getting married in April of 2020 but due to COVID they had to go through two postponements.

Following their wedding, Rebecca says that her favorite reason as to why she hired Event Design was because of how easy we were to work with. She said that we were able to “read her mind” when it came to the decor and everything turned out exactly how she envisioned. If she could give one piece of advice to any couple planning their wedding she would recommend not sweating about the little things and enjoying yourself because it goes by quickly!

Floral, Chairs, & Decor: Event Design | Venue: Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa | Photography: Alexis Kline Photography

3 Tips for a Great Best Man/Maid of Honor Toast

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Venue: Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay (Armani’s) | Photography: Jon Montis Photography

Did your best friend just ask you to be their right hand on their wedding day? Most likely you instantly said yes only to be hit with a curve ball and find out that they want you to give a speech during the reception. What?! A toast?! You didn’t know that there was going to be public speaking involved before committing to this! Before getting in a frenzy about what you should and shouldn’t say, we’ve made a list of the 3 BEST tips for a great toast!

Write it Ahead of Time

If you take some time out of your days prior to the wedding to write out the speech ahead of time you will be able to gather your thoughts and ensure that the toast is cohesive and easy to follow. This also helps prevent you from going off on tangents and being flustered day of.

Keep Personal Scenarios Private

The main goal of a successful toast is to avoid completely embarrassing the newlyweds. Subtle jokes to poke fun are acceptable (to a degree) but if you think your friend will be upset about a remark afterwards it’s better left unsaid. Additionally, skip the inside jokes (since the majority of the guests won’t understand) and absolutely do not bring up exes!

Keep it Lighthearted

The less serious the toast is the calmer you will be! Typically these speeches are supposed to make the audience laugh and relate to. Bonus Tip: you have a glass of champagne in your hand so feel free to use it if need be ;)

Bottom line, remember that this is an opportunity for you to express your excitement for your friends and their future!