WEDDINGS+EVENTS TA M PA B AY + O R L A N D O ’ S G U I D E T O E L E G A N T E V E N T S
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WEDDINGS+EVENTS
Features
Departments
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Romantic Real-Life Weddings 20 The Don CeSar
Bridal Style Glamorous and Stylish Wedding
Claribel Cruz and Juan Carlos Najarro
Accessories
26 Ringling Museum of Art
Marissa Davenport and Walker Spradley
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Flowers & Cakes Distinctive Designs From Bouquets
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Inspiration
and Centerpieces, to the Cakes
Steamy Romance
and Dessert Tables
Inspirational Events
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40 Dishes and Wishes
Armature Works 42 Pavilion XXXV Tampa Museum of Art
Cover Credits Photography: Rabecca Cruz Photography Planning: Elegant Affairs by Design Venue: Covington Farms Gown & Menswear: Arden Bridal & Boutique Hair & Makeup: Adore Bridal Hair and Makeup Rings: Kiefer Jewelers Flowers: Save The Date
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Gown Guide Feeling Flawless On The Big Day
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Wedding + Events Experts Wedding Professional Profiles
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Venue Profiles 46 JW Marriott Tampa Water Street 48 The Ritz-Carlton Orlando and
JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes
Publisher’s Notes CHEERS TO LOVE, HAPPINESS AND JOY. Congrats to all the recent engagements during the holiday season. The top four most popular dates to get engaged include Christmas Day, Christmas Eve, New Year’s Day and Valentine’s Day. Congratulations, and now that you are engaged, it’s time to be inspired with some of Tampa Bay’s top wedding, event, and bridal industry professionals. For 14 years, the goal at METRO Weddings + EventsTM is to inspire and highlight the best trends and designs to create a magical day to remember. While the industry has been strained throughout the pandemic, and have adapted successful, many couples are now proceeding with their delayed wedding plans, and local vendors have never been so busy. It’s comforting and joyous to see these couples now celebrating with family and friends. For ideas and inspiration when walking down the aisle, take a look at the current bridal trends Photo by Andi Diamond Photography in Gown Guide. From simple and sleek to glitzy and glam, there are styles to consider for the big day. In this issue, we feature the Real Weddings from Claribel and Juan at the historic, beachfront resort Don CeSar with it’s elegant touches captured by Victoria Angela Photography. Limelight Photography captured the stunning outdoor ceremony and reception of Marissa and Walker at the Ringling Museum of Art. We wish these couples a lifetime of happiness, and appreciate them sharing their special day with us. For Inspiration, Rabecca Cruz Photography shared with us “Steamy Romance” photoshoot at the captivating Covington Farms located in Dade City, which we also chose to feature for the cover. All the details and coordination for the shoot was handled by Elegant Affairs by Design. We also showcased the magical evening, Dishes and Wishes, from the Make-A-Wish® that raised over $260,000 to grant wishes to children who have critical illnesses. One of the most prestigious galas in Tampa Bay is the Tampa Museum of Art’s Pavilion. The theme for Pavilion XXXV was “Phoenix Rising” and after a hiatus due to COVID, was completely appropriate to celebrate the arts with proceeds to benefit educational programs. Cheers,
WEDDINGS+EVENTS
Publisher / Editor-in-Chief Stephen Parag II Publisher / Managing Editor Ronda M. Parag Executive Art Director Chad Vorbrich Contributing Photographers Victoria Angela Photography Audrey Clifford Rabecca Cruz Photography Marc Edwards Photographs FotoBohemia Ashleigh Goettsche Limelight Photography Jodi Traster Tara Zimmerman
Publishers of: Tampa Bay METRO™ Orlando METRO™ METRO Weddings + Events™ METRO Health + Wellness™ METRO Home + Design™
Ronda M. Parag Publisher/ Managing Editor @TampaBayWed METRO Weddings + Events is published bi-annually by Metro Life Media, Inc. at 3404 S. Omar Ave., Tampa, FL 33629 (813) 835-7700 Fax (813) 835-7700 • Copyright 2022 Metro Life Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction of, or use without written permission of the publisher, of editorial, pictorial or design content in any manner is prohibited in the United States. Tampa Bay Weddings Magazine,™ are trademarks of Metro Life Media, Inc. Advertisers represent that they are authorized to use submitted materials.
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Bridal Style
It’s all about the accessories for the bride this season. From wearing a signature scent to the lacy undergarments, every bride will feel special with a some signature bling or that clutch that announces her status to the world. Black & White Take a peek underneath the gown with a silk bralette and panty set from Victoria’s Secret. Part of a 4-piece set with a robe and eye mask. $298. Available at Victoria’s Secret, www.victoriassecret.com.
Photo: Ashleigh Goettsche
Shine Bright The wrist with sparkle with the 18KT White Gold 20.50 CTW Round Brilliant Diamond Pavé Chain Link Bracelet, $29,999. Available only at Gold & Diamond Source, Clearwater, FL, www.goldanddiamond.com.
Start at the Top Go romantic and a bit of Old Hollywood Glam with the Danica – a birdcage veil fascinator with silk and pearl poppies. $435. Available at www.genevieroseatelier.com.
I Do The perfect size clutch to hold all the days essentials and to announce that you are marrying the person of your dreams. Carry the Honey clutch by Ariel Taub, $450. Available at www.arieltaub.com.
Scent of a Woman Using the warmth of your body, the My Way scent by Giorgio Armani is full of discoveries and connections. The top notes are bergamot and orange blossom with base notes of ceadarwood, vanilla and white musks, set $135. Available at Neiman Marcus, www.NeimanMarcus.com.
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Step in Style Walk the aisle in these crystal-embellished satin ribbon-tie cocktail sandals Bonita by Badgley Mischka, $275. Available online at Neiman Marcus, www.NeimanMarcus.com.
METRO Weddings + Events provides an invaluable guide to planning stylish, sophisticated and memorable events. We reach and inspire affluent brides and event hosts to the very best vendors and venues through engaging editorial from a local perspective.
Call Now For Rates & Space Deadlines: Ronda Parag - 813-835-7700 Ext. 12 Stephen Parag - 813-835-7700 Ext. 14 www.tampabaywed.com
When the destination is just as important as the journey
Sugary white sand beaches, pristine waters, strolling down a palm tree lined aisle... Our unique, retro-inspired settings accommodate sunset ceremonies, to celebratory receptions with your friends and family. Contact us now for more information at events@postcardinn.com
6300 GULF BLVD | ST. PETE BEACH, FL | 727.369.4925
www.TampaBayWed.com
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Flowers & Cakes Flowers and cakes help to tie your wedding and reception together from the bouquets and centerpieces, to the cakes and dessert tables. Whether your theme is modern and contemporary, or rustic and natural, feel free to use florals and cakes that bring the vision of your special day to life.
Simply Elegant Cake Design: Farmhouse Cakes Floral Design: Ever After DeAnn Photographer: Rabecca Cruz Photography
Cupid’s Seating Floral & Décor Design: FH Events Flower Walls: Orlando Flower Walls Photographer: Victoria Angela Photography
Floral & Light Centerpiece Floral & Décor Design: FH Events Photographer: Victoria Angela Photography
Blooming Orchids Cake Design: The Don CeSar Floral & Décor Design: FH Events Photographer: Victoria Angela Photography
Tiers of Rose Blooms Cake Design: The Cake Girl Planner: Safety Harbor Resort and Spa
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Gown Guide XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Grace Loves Lace
Feeling Flawless On The Big Day Bridal Trends | By Ronda M. Parag
A
fter a lengthy season of postponed weddings and
of detachable puffed sleeves with flattering sheer detailed long
delayed nuptials, many brides are scrambling to
sleeves, textural elements and sexy necklines that brings out
find their dream dress in time for their big day.
the natural feminine beauty. As always with BERTA, the fabrics
Finding a gown can be stressful enough as it is, but the key
are the corner stone of the collection with beautiful combinations
is to start early and give yourself plenty of time to find the
of lace with embroideries and beadwork of the highest level,
perfect gown. From florals to feathers and sequins to lace,
3D floral appliques and shimmering materials.
ballgowns or minis, there is a style that will suit your style and wedding theme. The styles from BERTA offer figure-hugging cuts, a blend
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Whether you seek simple and sleek or glitzy and glam, designers have created the right dress for all shapes and styles and to make walking down the aisle a dream come true.
W+E
BERTA
Grace Loves Lace
RIVINI by Rita Vinieris
BERTA
Grace Loves Lace
RIVINI by Rita Vinieris
Grace Loves Lace
BERTA
RIVINI by Rita Vinieris
Grace Loves Lace
BERTA
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October 16, 2021 | The Don CeSar
Claribel Cruz and Juan Carlos Najarro Modern elegance describes the wedding of Claribel and Juan at the historic Don CeSar. Clean lines and elegant touches from the ceremony site set with candles and clear ghost chairs to the gorgeous reception with crisp white and gold accents.
www.TampaBayWed.com
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L O V I N G
D E T A I L S
Planning and Design: Whitney Carillon Events Venue: The Don CeSar Floral Design and Dance Floor: FH Events Linens: Nuage Rentals: Kate Ryan Rentals: A Different Look Rentals: Gala Rentals Wedding Cake: The Don CeSar Catering: The Don CeSar Escort Signage & Menus: Dogwood Blossom Stationery & Invitation Studio, LLC Photography and Photobooth: Victoria Angela Photography Flower Walls: Orlando Flower Walls DJ and Lighting: Wild Out Entertainment Gown and Cape: The Bridal Finery, Ines de Santo
www.TampaBayWed.com
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XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX October 21, 2021 | Ringling Museum of Art
Marissa Davenport and Walker Spradley The elegant outdoor ceremony and reception for Marissa and Walker was held at the Ringling Museum of Art since the couple are huge art lovers, as well as, they like traveling, movies, board games, rollercoasters and learning. For their “I Do’s” the happy couple was surrounded by loving and supportive family and friends.
www.TampaBayWed.com
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L O V I N G
D E T A I L S
Lead Photographer: Audrey Clifford, Limelight Photography Associate Photographer: Tara Zimmerman, Limelight Photography Band: Phase 5 Band Bridesmaid Dresses: Jenny Yoo through Bella’s Bridesmaids Cake: Cakes by Ron Caterer: Mattison’s Ceremony Site: Ringling Museum of Art | Courtyard Event Planner: Swanky Soiree Florist: Lily Bella Hair Stylist: Sarasota Beauty Bar Invitations: You’re Invited Gifts & Paper Make-up Artist: Sarasota Beauty Bar Reception Venue: Ringling Museum of Art | Courtyard Videographer: Vibe Chaos Wedding Gown: Anne Barge through White Magnolia Bridal
www.TampaBayWed.com
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I N SXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX PIRATION
Steamy Romance
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Steamy Romance Photographer: Rabecca Cruz Photography Venue: Covington Farms Planning: Elegant Affairs by Design Flowers: Save The Date Linens & Chairs: Rent-All City, Inc. Place Settings: Set and Styled Curated Rentals Cake: Willow Wisp Cakes Draping: On the Move Production Catering: Savory Roots Catering Dress: Arden Bridal & Boutique Menswear: Arden Bridal & Boutique Rings: Kiefer Jewelers Hair & Makeup: Adore Bridal Hair and Makeup Invitations: Bloomish Designs Camper: The Happy Camper Covington Farm
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www.TampaBayWed.com
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INSPIRATIONAL EVENT
Dishes and Wishes Benefitting the Make-A-Wish ® Southern Florida When: October 15, 2021 Where: Armature Works The 25th Annual Dishes and Wishes presented by Power Design brought together the Tampa Bay community for a festive evening and gourmet tastings from some of the area’s most sought-after restaurants including Ava, Maggiano’s, Eddie V’s, Top Shelf Sports Lounge, Noble Crust, Rome and Fig, Nothing Bundt Cakes, CRG Local Brands, and more. More than 350 guests enjoyed fabulous food and drink, auctions, an amazing performance by No Filter, and they heard the story of Abigail, who recently went on her wish to Sanibel Island. More than $260,000 was raised and will help grant the wishes of 32 Tampa-area children who have critical illnesses. For more information, visit www.dishesandwishestampa.com.
VENDORS: Location: Armature Works Event Planner: Kelsey Curls Makowski (Make-A-Wish® Southern Florida) Event Rentals & Styling: FH Events Florals & Décor: FH Events Linens: FH Events Photography: Jodi Traster DJ/Music: No Filter
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I N S XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX PIRATIONAL EVENT
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Pavilion XXXV Phoenix Rising When: Saturday, November 6, 2021 Where: Tampa Museum of Art Phoenix Rising was an appropriate theme for Pavilion XXXV as event chairs Debra L. Williams and Allison Casper Adams created a spectacular evening for guests at Tampa Museum of Art’s premier black tie gala. Presented by PNC Bank, and Patron Party Sponsors Skanska and Kimmins, guests were ready to enjoy a stunning evening outside under the portico, overlooking the minarets of University of Tampa and the Hillsborough River. The enchanted evening brought cocktails, dinner, fabulous live auction items and dancing. All proceeds raised funds and awareness to reduce the barriers of admission, making the exhibitions and educational programs more accessible to all community members. VENDORS: Venue: Tampa Museum of Art Event Planning: One Fine Day Inc. Floral & Décor: Botanica International Design and Décor Studio Catering: Constellation Catering Photography: Foto Bohemia Rentals: A Chair Affair, Vivant Event Rentals Tent: US Tent Lighting, Draping, Stage & AV: The Production Crew
www.TampaBayWed.com
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WEDDING XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX & EVENT
EXPERTS
LIMELIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY Michael + Rebecca Zoumberos Limelight Photography is a luxury boutique studio that creates high-fashion, couture wedding images infused with sophistication and timeless elegance. For 15 years and counting, this dedicated team consistently earns the highest reviews for their passion, exquisite artistry, expressive images and superior customer service that exceeds all expectations. Accolades earned include The Knot Hall of Fame, the most five-star WeddingWire reviews in Florida and Two Bright Lights’ most published wedding photographers in the world. You will be presented with a first-class experience the moment you STEP INTO THE LIMELIGHT. Phone: 813.926.4290 Text: 813.503.9560 www.stepintothelimelight.com
WEDDING & EVENT
EXPERTS
FH EVENTS Celebrating nearly 17 years of creativity and dedication, F H Events is constantly on the path of innovation and one of Tampa Bay’s top design companies. Owners Marty & Stephanie Prenatt, and their team of experts, are driven to create unique events with a 360 degree experience of service and creativity. From custom fabrication, lighting, draping, florals and décor, and furniture, the FH team creates the magic for memorable events. Whether it is a wedding, a personal party, or a corporate event, the goal of FH Events is to take a client’s vision and then create something extraordinary. 1717 W. Kennedy Blvd. Tampa, FL 33606 fh.events events@fhweddings.com 813.390.9371
VENUE PROFILE
JW Marriott Tampa Water Street Celebrate your dream wedding at the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street, Tampa’s first, genuine luxury hotel. With elegant ballrooms and luxurious amenities, the perfect backdrop awaits to say “I do.”
DETAILS TOTAL SQUARE FOOTAGE 100,000 square feet # OF EVENT SPACES 3 ballrooms plus 21 breakouts MAXIMUM CAPACITY 3,200 VENUE STYLE Grand Ballroom, Indoor Stunning views of Tampa Bay CATERING OPTIONS Yes RENTAL INCLUDES Yes PARKING OPTIONS Valet Only CONTACT Brittany Erigo P: 813.204.6311 C: 813.215.4284 Brittany.Erigo@marriott.com
ABOUT THE VENUE Bring your wedding vision to life as you celebrate your love in the heart of downtown Tampa. JW Marriot Tampa offers over 500 luxurious rooms and suites as well as three sophisticated ballrooms, each with spacious pre-function areas looking out onto the Water Street neighborhood. Marriott Certified planners are available to craft every detail of your event from venues to menus created by our expert catering team. Exceptional amenities await for you and loved ones including a full service spa, two rooftop pools with stunning water views and five restaurants with indoor and outdoor dining.
510 Water Street, Tampa, FL 33602 813.221.4950 | www.jwmarriotttampa.com
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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
VENUE PROFILES Reach influential event planners and sophisticated brides with an informative Venue Profile in METRO Weddings + Events. For more information, contact Ronda Parag today. 813.835.7700 ext. 12 rparag@tampabaymetro.com
WEDDINGS+EVENTS TAMPA BAY + ORLANDO’S GUIDE TO ELEGANT EVENTS
www.TampaBayWed.com
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VENUE PROFILE
The Ritz-Carlton Orlando and JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes The luxury resorts of The Ritz-Carlton Grand Lakes and JW Marriott, Orlando Grande Lakes located on a lush 500-acre property in Central Florida are the ideal venues to host a variety of business and social occasions.
DETAILS TOTAL SQUARE FOOTAGE 170,000 # OF EVENT SPACES 64 MAXIMUM CAPACITY 3,100 VENUE STYLE Mediterranean inspired 500-acre resort setting CATERING OPTIONS Yes RENTAL INCLUDES Chairs, Tables, Meeting Office Amenities (pencils, pads, mints/ candies), House linens, White Folding Chairs (for outdoor ceremonies), Water Station with Attendant, Non-alcoholic Beverage for Guests, Private Champagne Toast for the Wedding Couple PARKING OPTIONS Valet Parking Only at The Ritz-Carlton, Self-Parking available at JW
ABOUT THE VENUE With luxurious guest rooms, outdoor pool complex with a lazy river and AquaCourse 360, 18-hole golf course designed by PGA great Greg Norman and so much more, it’s ideal for a destination wedding too. From refined indoor and outdoor venues to elegant ballroom and terraces, create the wedding of your dreams. Enjoy the Whisper Creek location for a complete farm-to-table experience. The luxury hotel’s culinary team will create a custom menu for a delicious and spectacular reception. Where dreams of a luxury Orlando wedding become reality.
CONTACT grandelakesleads@marriott.com
4012 Central Florida Parkway | Orlando, FL 32837 407.206.2400 | www.ritzcarlton.com or www.marriott.com
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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
METRO WEDDINGS + EVENTS
WEDDINGS+EVENTS TA M PA B AY + O R L A N D O ’ S G U I D E T O E L E G A N T E V E N T S
TAMPA BAY + ORLANDO’S GUIDE TO ELEGANT EVENTS
Private party, charity gala or a dream wedding. METRO Weddings + Events provides an invaluable guide to planning stylish, sophisticated and memorable events. We inspire and introduce brides and event hosts to the very best vendors and venues through engaging editorial from a local perspective.
Call Now For Rate & Space Deadlines: Ronda Parag - 813-835-7700 Ext. 12 Stephen Parag - 813-835-7700 Ext. 14
www.tampabaywed.com
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