One of the best parts of my job is reading stories from brides; I’m always eager to learn the reasons behind various wedding decisions. So with this couple, in learning they choose their venues for deeply personal reasons, made me fall even more in love with their whole celebration. Jacqui Cole’s pics, Salon Inga’s gorgeous work and one romantic gown were the icing on the cake. See it all right here!
From Jacqui Cole Photography… McKay and Kenny’s Tampa Yacht Club wedding is just so beautiful and I’m thrilled to share this one with you1 Luckily for us, this January 3rd wedding could have been any time of the year in sunny Florida!
McKay’s details were both whimsical and rustic while still maintaining the classic elegance of a traditional wedding. Her bridal party looked fun and girly in their mismatched Ann Taylor dresses and gorgeous bouquets. McKay’s jaw-dropping, low-cut back dress from Malindy Elene couldn’t have been any more perfect for her! With absolutely stunning florals from the internationally acclaimed Botanica Design Studio and a dance floor overlooking the Tampa Bay, their reception was just heavenly. The specialized coffee cart and separate dessert room was of course an added bonus! Unique little touches throughout the entire day really made this wedding one to remember. Thank you McKay and Kenny for allowing me to capture these beautiful memories for you!
From The Bride… Kenny and I met when we both interned over the summer at the same church. It was technically not allowed for interns to date each other, but about two weeks into the summer, Kenny consulted our boss about breaking that rule, received permission, and that’s when it all began! After we had dated a year and a half, I went to spend Christmas with Kenny and his family in Washington. The Saturday before Christmas, he popped the question at his parents home by the Christmas tree. It was such a sweet proposal and moment shared between the two of us. Afterwards, we celebrated with his family and then continued with a fancy date for just the two of us at a local restaurant. When we returned from dinner, we walked up to his parents home and inside, I was surprised with a swanky engagement party filled with his family and friends! Overwhelmed and excited, I turned into the next room to take off my coat and found my parents, who Kenny had flown from Florida to join us, waiting to excitedly congratulate us! It was a perfect day and one that I will always cherish.
We chose Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church where we interned that summer, and where Kenny now works full time, as the location for our ceremony. Not only was the location special to us, but our boss from that summer, and dear friend, David performed the ceremony. It was so sweet and personal to be married by someone who knows us both so well!
For the reception, we chose the Tampa Yacht and Country Club where both my parents and maternal grandparents held their wedding receptions. When we considered how special it was, in addition to the great food and ample dance floor, we knew it was the place for us!
My priorities for the rest of the planning were to find a great photographer and a dress I loved. Jacqui was recommended by our florist and I knew as soon as I saw her beautiful website that our styles would mesh effortlessly. She was an absolute JOY to work with, for both our engagement session and wedding day. Next came the dress, which the wonderful staff at Melindy Elene Bridal in Tampa helped me to find at my first appointment. It was a dream and so exciting to have those two important aspects of the day planned!
It is so difficult narrowing down one favorite moment of the day! I loved my first look with my bridesmaids and with Kenny and will cherish those joyful moments forever. But my favorite moments of the whole day were probably spent on the dance floor at the reception when Kenny and I were both free to celebrate such a wonderful day and dance with our closest friends who had come from all over the country. It was such a happy time!
My advice for those couples in the wedding planning process is, despite how wonderful and exciting it is to plan for this one special wedding day, to devote time to preparing yourself for the actual marriage you are entering into. Take a break from all of the decisions, and have a date night. Maybe read a book together about the purpose of marriage or have an older couple share their wisdom about marriage with you. Those conversations are important and will bless you. Marriage is beautiful and tough and I believe is worth taking the time to prepare for in addition to the wedding day!
Photography: Jacqui Cole Photography | Floral Design: Botanica International Design Studio | Cake: Let Them Eat Cake | Ceremony Venue: Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church | Reception Venue: Tampa Yacht And Country Club | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Ann Taylor Loft | Catering: Cafe A La Carte | Hair And Makeup: Salon Inga' | DJ: Impulse Entertainment | Men's Attire: Men's Wearhouse | Bridal Store: Malindy Elene | Rentals: Pks Rentals