A Breathtaking Cathedral-Inspired Open Air Wedding Ceremony

Inspired by the grandeur of cathedrals, Nicole and Nathan’s wedding included striking custom architectural elements for their regal and luxurious celebration in St. Petersburg. They selected the Vinoy Resort for its glamorous Mediterranean Revival style, which included a modern shade of pink on the exterior and spectacular waterfront views of Florida’s Tampa Bay.

Nicole and Nathan were engaged while on a trip to Marie Selby Gardens in Florida. The Wishing Tree, where visitors from across the globe tie colorful wishes to the branches, was the perfect spot to propose. The couple has been together since age fifteen and, with time, have cultivated a resilience in growing together in each new season of life. Nathan led Nicole beneath the tree and sealed their love with his greatest wish — to be married!

In alignment with Berta’s extravagant detail and couture mantra, Nicole’s wedding gown matched every luxury of her wedding day. Her look included a full ballgown of elaborate floral applique atop layers of nude mesh and tulle, regal long sleeves, and a sexy plunge neckline.

Nicole's bridesmaids each sported a unique floor-length gown in an array of neutral hues.

Nathan was dressed in a custom tuxedo by Tom James. He wore a white jacket with black pants and accessories.

Guests had the option between gulf grouper with citrus butter sauce and grilled filet with port wine jus, cauliflower risotto, and charred broccolini.

Guests arrived at an open-air ceremony on the Esplanade waterfront lawn. Custom pointed arches were decorated in greenery and marked the aisle with an air of elegance. The couple stood at the altar set on an elevated platform decorated with candles, florals, and more touches of greenery. An outdoor cocktail hour channeled the same cathedral inspiration, with similar archways constructed behind the bar. The wedding reception moved to the Grand Ballroom, where velvet couches surrounded the custom oval dancefloor. An array of glowing candles and magnificent floral installations overhead decorated each table. Signage included the couple’s custom monogram, as well as a guest list inspired by the idea of a family crest.

The couple served a pink champagne wedding cake with raspberry coulis, raspberry buttercream, and cream cheese icing. The towering, five-tier masterpiece was decorated with sugar roses that climbed up the side.

Nicole and Nathan's unconventional guest book, a large wooden "S," was handmade by Nicole's Uncle Tony and cousin Marcos, 2nd and 3rd generation craftsmen who continued a tradition started by Nicole's grandfather.

Nicole and her mom crafted unique favors for their guests, which included an oyster shell painted gold on one side, with a decoupage watercolor photo of the Vinoy on the other.

The night ended with all of the guests on the dance floor for a festive Hora Loca.