Our Favorite Grand Exit Getaways

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After toasts have been said and memories have been made it’s time to conclude your wedding day. Your big exit is one of the few things that all of your guests are able to be included in at the same time. In recent years, couples have customized their grand finale to make it catered toward them and just as impressive as the rest of the day. Here’s a list of some of our favorite ideas that are sure to wow your guests during your final goodbye!

LED Glow Sticks

Venue: Tropical Venue Tampa | Photography: JCanelas Photography

LED glow sticks are extremely versatile for any celebration. Not only can you customize them to make great wedding favors, they are also perfect to use for venues who don’t allow open flames!

Fireworks

Photography: Darin Crofton Photography

Fireworks are one of the most dramatic grand exits to pull off. Instead of worrying about all of your guests lining up and having a send off favor, you are able to light up the entire sky while creating a memorable show!

Bubbles

Venue: Tampa Marriott Water Street | Photography: Corey Conroy Photography

Bubbles are great to use if you’re looking for an easy clean up afterwards. Unlike confetti, bubbles will pop and dissolve in the air preventing any need to pick up leftover pieces at the end of the celebration. Another bonus of using these is that the light reflecting off of the suds create an awesome photograph for both day and nighttime celebrations!

Balloons

Venue: Innisbrook | Photography: Sunglow Photography

Although balloons aren’t as common, their inclusion can add a unique look in the grand exit photos.

Sparklers

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

An oldie but a goodie! Sparklers will always be considered one of the most traditional send offs. While this classic exit may seem overdone, it is a great way to bring smiles to all of your guests faces and memories to last!

3 Reasons to Hire a Videographer

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Venue: The Vinoy | Photography: Salvador Robles Photography

When planning your wedding you and your fiancé are going to have an ideal budget that you want to stay within. You two are going to discuss the absolute necessities numerous times along the way. While we agree that there are some things that can be easily cut, here’s a list of the three reasons why we don’t think a videographer should be one of them!

Capture Words and Moments That Photographs Can’t

Images are great for just that, capturing still life moments. There’s so many sentimental occasions in weddings that photographs aren’t able to accentuate such as recitting your vows, hearing the toasts from your parents, and your first dance as husband and wife. Meaningful times like these captured with audio give you the opportunity to look back and feel the raw emotions that you felt on that vary day.

Opportunity to See Missed Moments

During your wedding day you are likely to run into circumstances where two things happen at once. There will be precious moments that you and your significant other will miss , but that’s the benefit to hiring a videographer. It gives you the opportunity to soak in every single thing that you are physically present for, but allows you to look back at the ones that you weren’t!

Ability to Share Your Wedding With Loved Ones

Unfortunately there is going to be a loved one who isn’t able to attend your wedding. Whether it being a relative who lives out of the country or a grandparent in the hospital – having a video copy of all of the significant moments of your wedding day is a great way to look back on it with the people who weren’t able to be there.

The Sandpearl Resort Wedding – Melissa & Kevin

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Melissa and Kevin are some of the bubbliest and most positive couples that every vendor dreams of working with. Their love story is special including them meeting at a young age and later became engaged at their favorite place, Disney! The couple originally planned on having an intimate wedding at a Disney resort the following year, but due to scheduling errors their dream location fell through. Although many would feel crushed, the two decided to make the most of this situation and have their wedding at the next best location, The Sandpearl!

Choosing the Resort was a relatively mindless decision. Even though it was close to their families and friends, the modern beach styled atmosphere made the attendees feel like they were on a tropical vacation. Melissa and Kevin dreamed of an outdoor ceremony so they could walk down the infamous stairs only to be greeted by loved ones in front of the hotel’s waterfall. Unfortunately, days before the wedding Florida experienced its first cold front of the year (we’re talking in the 40’s). Although this was unexpected, the couple didn’t change their minds and decided to bundle up and have their ceremony on the lawn anyways.

Since their dreams of a wedding at Disney didn’t happen, the couple decided to bring Walt to them. Event Design created single rose centerpieces inside hurricane vases to resemble Beauty and the Beast and even “hid” the classic Mickey Mouse ears inside Melissa’s bouquet. To add the final touches to the Ballroom, Event Design used navy linen, silver chiavari chairs, and drapery to create the traditional and timeless look that we all know and love from any Disney experience.

Decor and Florals: Event Design | Photography: Edwin Colon Photography | Venue: Sandpearl Resort | Coordination: Special Moments Event Planning

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.

Band vs. DJ: Let’s Talk

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Venue: Gasparilla Inn & Club | Photography: Concept Photography

Let’s face it, the music selected for your wedding will set the mood for the entire day. The style chosen can make your guests immediately jump on the dance floor or create an uncomfortable “we’re not sure what to do” atmosphere. The biggest decision factor to all of this is whether you prefer a live performance from a band or a festival like ambiance created by a DJ. Below we’ve broken down the pros and cons to hiring each.

Pros of Hiring a Band

  1. Bands can create a one of a kind experience which tends to be more memorable.
  2. Bands are able to assess the wedding’s atmosphere and amplify their performance if necessary.
  3. Bands can go great with themed weddings.
  4. First dances preformed by bands can make them more emotional.
  5. Bands are appealing even to guests who aren’t dancers.

Cons of Hiring a Band:

  1. More space is required to accommodate the band’s needs.
  2. Bands tend to stick to the genre that they are most comfortable preforming which can lead to less variety.
  3. Bands are typically more expensive.
  4. Bands take breaks throughout the night which can create a lull in music being played.
  5. Bands can require more difficult logistics (e.g. designated space, staging, etc.)

Pros of Hiring a DJ:

  1. DJs tend to be more cost effective.
  2. DJs provide music selections from different genres.
  3. DJs are likely able to emcee the entire night. (e.g. walking down the aisle, toasts, etc.)
  4. DJs take song requests.
  5. DJs have a simple set up and take less space.

Cons of Hiring a DJ:

  1. It may be harder for a DJ to engage with the crowd.
  2. A DJ’s visual appearance may be limited.
  3. DJs may be less entertaining compared to a live performance.
  4. DJs can be less personal.
  5. DJs are less appealing to watch.

In the end, the music played at your wedding is completely up to you and your fiancé. If you prefer to save money and have a variety in your music selection, a DJ is a great solution. If you two envision a lively atmosphere with everyone on the dance floor, then a band may be the better option!

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

Signature Cocktails? Our 5 Favorite Recipes

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When planning the menu for your reception you are eventually going to have to decide on drinks. Although varieties of beer and wine will be a common crowd pleaser, you may want to include a few specialty drinks that the liquor only fans will be able to enjoy (because trust us they do exist!). Here’s a list of our 5 favorite cocktail recipes that are sure to win over the affection of all of your guests!

Spiced Apple Cider Margarita

Recipe by: Tasty Yummies

Ingredients:

  • 1 ounce fresh squeezed lime juice
  • 2 ounces gold tequila (Resposado or Anejo)
  • 4 ounces no sweetener-added apple cider
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground pumpkin pie spice blend

Directions:

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in the tequila, apple cider, lime juice, maple syrup, and spice blend. Put a lid on and shake vigorously. Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass and add an apple slice and cinnamon stick to garnish.

Strawberry Basil Smash

Recipe by: Biscuits and Burlap

Ingredients:

  • 6 strawberries halved
  • 6-8 basil leaves fresh
  • 1 oz lemon juice fresh
  • 3 oz gin
  • 1 oz elderflower liqueur
  • tonic water

Directions:

In a cocktail shaker, muddle strawberries, basil, and lemon juice. Add gin and liqueur and shake. Pour over ice, being sure to include the solids inside the glass as well. Top with tonic water.

Pomegranate Paloma

Recipe by: Simply Recipes

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup pomegranate juice
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 2 teaspoons simple syrup
  • 3 tablespoons (1 1/2 ounces) white tequila
  • 1/4 cup club soda
  • Kosher salt for glass rim
  • Sprig rosemary for garnish

Directions:

Stir together the pomegranate juice, lime juice, simple syrup, and tequila. Pour the mixture into the salt-rimmed glass and top with club soda. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary

Cucumber Moscow Mule

Recipe by: Linger

Ingredients:

  • 3 slices of cucumber, peeled
  • 1 1/2 ounces vodka
  • 1/2 lime juice
  • 6 ounces ginger beer

Directions:

Muddle the peeled cucumber in a stainless steel shaker. Add the vodka, lime juice, and ice and shake well. Strain into a copper mug filled with ice and top it off with ginger beer.

Watermelon Gin Punch

Recipe by: Garnish With Lemon

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups watermelon juice
  • 12 springs fresh mint
  • 1 cup lemon juice
  • 1 cup simple syrup
  • 2 cups gin

Directions:

Muddle mint in a tall pitcher. Pour in watermelon juice, simple syrup, lemon juice and gin. Stir to mix. Pour over ice and serve.