Green, White Downtown Tampa Wedding | Glazer Children’s Museum Wedding

June 5, 2017

Modern Downtown Tampa Wedding

Caycee and Kyle have been long time friends of mine and even longer with my husband. They dated for about forever before the two became (finally!) engaged. I was so excited when Caycee enlisted the help of Southern Glam to assist her and Kyle in bringing their Downtown Tampa wedding to life.

I always ask each of my couples what their priorities are for the wedding, aside from the ceremony, so I can ensure everyone is on the same page. Kyle and Caycee answered with amazing foods, great drinks, a fun party, and a marching band. Yes, a marching band! Jeff Mason Photography was there to capture this amazing Downtown Tampa wedding!

The gals glammed up at Caycee’s residence while the gentleman brunched and got ready at a groomsmen’s house. How gorgeous is this lace wedding dress? A little sparkle is always in order too!

Cake pops that doubled as a guests’ place cards and favors were a great, and delicious, idea!

The couple chose to have a Downtown Tampa wedding after falling in love with the view from the Glazer Children’s Museum that overlooked Downtown Tampa, the Hillsborough River, and the University of Tampa.

Caycee wanted a simple, modern, and industrial look to accompany the warm rustic elements she had been pinning on Pinterest. We achieved the goal by incorporating vibrant greens with whites and then accented with rich brown tones. White draping helped define the room and a mixture of round tables and long feasting tables gave the space an intimate feel.

The Floridan Hotel provided a gorgeous and historic backdrop for photos that was conveniently across the street of the ceremony location at the Sam M. Gibbons Federal Courthouse. That day we had an untraditional courthouse wedding with 120 guests to witness it.

Cue the first look in 3… 2… 1..

And these photos are the exact reason why I alway advocate for having a first look. The raw unscripted emotion that is captured is so sweet.

A stylish wedding party complimented the bride and groom perfectly.

On the top floor of the Sam M. Gibbons Federal Courthouse building was the courtroom that the ceremony would take place in. The views of Downtown Tampa from that top floor were gorgeous!

Caycee knew she wanted to hold the wedding ceremony in the courtroom where she spent many hours during her judicial internship with Judge Covington. How special it was for the ceremony to be officiated be the same judge who had such an influence in Caycee’s career. The couples’ parents sat in the defense and plaintiff tables while guests filled in the jury box and the official audience seating areas.

After the knot was tied, the bridal party, family, and guests stepped outside and were welcomed with a full drum line band ready to escort them to the reception venue a few blocks away. Kyle and Caycee’s wish had come true!

One of the most amazing things to witness was the fun everyone had as they marched together through the streets of Downtown Tampa! Spectators cheered on the newlyweds from restaurants, bars, and balconies while watching the show as the drum line cadenced along the route.

The Downtown Tampa wedding reception officially started at the Glazer Children’s Museum by the drum line welcoming each guest as they walked by and into the museum.

Guests were then greeted with a signature cocktail at the door and mingled on the patio before the first dance took place and dinner was served.

Bay Kings Band was phenomenal and kept the guests dancing all night long!

Congratulations Kyle and Caycee!

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Downtown Tampa Wedding Vendors

Ceremony Venue: Sam M. Gibbons Federal Courthouse

Reception Venue: Glazer’s Children Museum

Photography: Jeff Mason Photography

Catering: SaltBlock Catering

Wedding Planner: Southern Glam Weddings & Events

Cake: Publix Greenwise Market at Hyde Park

Florist: Apple Blossoms Floral Design

Draping and Lighting: FH Weddings & Events

Linens and Chair Rentals: A Chair Affair

Band: Bay Kings Band

Makeup: Lindsay Does Makeup

Hair: Serendipity Salon & Spa

Drum Line: T. R. Robinson High School

Caribbean Island Time at Sandals Barbados

February 4, 2017

One of the many perks of my job as a wedding planner is the opportunity to work directly with Sandals and Beaches Resorts through the Association of Bridal Consultants. The incredible relationship allows me to sell honeymoons, vacations, and fun-in-the-carribbean-sun experiences. Therefore, I visit the various resorts to be able to truly match each client with the perfect resort for them. When Sandals Barbados called, I immediately packed my bags and husband!

Sandals Barbados, an all-new retreat in the spirited St. Lawrence Gap area, offers undeniable luxury with inventive accommodations spanning three unique villages, world-class cuisine with international appeal, including a festive Indian cuisine restaurant, and innovative bar and pool designs.

When we landed at the Barbados airport, we were greeted by smiles and friendly citizens. Although there was not a Sandals Lounge at the airport, we easily found the desk outside the airport to get our bags ticketed and onto the bus. After a short 15 minutes, we arrived at the gorgeous Sandals Barbados resort.

Upon arrival, our Butler greeted us at check-in with a cocktail and escorted us to our ultra swanky suite that overlooked the river pool. We stayed in a “Crystal Lagoon One Bedroom Butler Suite with Balcony Tranquility Soaking Tub” and I never wanted to leave. Two soaking tubs! A sitting room! A fully stocked bar! That bathroom! From the first moment on the property, we were treated like the most important people on the island.

Sean is no stranger to the Southern Glam Weddings & Events team but this trip made him even more official in the business. During our time on the island, he took the Sandals Certified Specialist training for the first time to expand our Sandals services. He’s now the official Southern Glam’s Groom’s Concierge to assist the sometimes neglected groom in the wedding planning adventure. We all know how much grooms love wedding planning (ha!) but now Southern Glam grooms have another guy on their side. They can grab a beer and chat Caribbean honeymoons instead of linens and centerpieces.

We absolutely adored all three of our butlers. Demar and Juliana were the most amazing Butlers treated us like pure royalty! Utina, who isn’t pictured here was also on Team Phillips and we loved her too!

We’ve never experienced the Butler level of service before at Sandals so it was a real treat this vacation. During our VIP check-in, we were given a cell phone to call on our Butlers whenever and wherever we needed them on property. They also took care of all our dinner reservations, scheduled excursions, and customized menus for me since I am vegetarian and gluten free. I have never had so many food choices available to me before. To say I ate well, despite my dietary restrictions, is an understatement!

A fun memory was when we asked Demar to have dessert with us before he left for the evening. Chatting with him about his life, ambitions, and the island of Barbados was a conversation I will always remember.

I told you I was able to eat while on vacation! Sandals and its Culinary Concierge take dietary restrictions seriously; I was able to find gluten free pasta, bread, cookies, pizza, and brownies! Sandals also had vegan butter too. I was one happy gluten free vegetarian!

See the video here on how those with dietary concerns can sit back and relax at Sandals and Beaches Resorts.

Although this photo is a bit blurry and dark, these two incredible people hold a special place in my heart. Utina, one of our amazing Butlers, truly went the extra mile. In addition to the amazing service, Utina had many surprises up her sleeve. One of them: Sean told her about this delicious sauce he had at Sandals Grande St. Lucian on our honeymoon almost five years ago. The next day, it magically appeared with his chicken tender snacks. #TheButlerDidIt

From time to time, we would see Abhishek sneak into restaurants to check in with me to ensure I had enough to eat and enough variety. The level of service and his compassion completely blew me away. That is what Sandals is all about!

Each evening, one of our Butlers would ask where we’d like to spend the next day. We absolutely loved the main pool, so each morning, the Butlers would reserve the best lounge chairs for us and filled a cooler with our favorite beverages and water. Throughout the day, they would bring us drinks before our current ones were empty in addition to snacks.

I discovered my new favorite cocktail was a Bajan Lemonade. First, muddle limes and add lemonade, raspberry vodka, a spritz of Sprite, and a splash of cranberry. It was a perfect pool drink. Sandals Barbados knows what’s up!

I am a sit by the pool or on the beach kind of gal. Yet, Sean on the other hand, likes a little more action and every afternoon at 3pm, you could find him in the pool playing volleyball. He also took full advantage of the Scuba diving program. As a result, each of us happily enjoyed our afternoons.

Another #TheButlerDidIt moment! Bubble baths with champagne and snacks? Yes, please!

One of my favorite restaurants was Kimonos because I love hibachi! It’s a vibrant restaurant that serves up Japanese cuisine in a most captivating way. Kamal made our dining experience superb! And the saki cocktails where delicious!

While Sean went scuba diving, I went pampering. The first time I ever visited a spa was on my honeymoon at the Grande St. Lucian and the Red Lane Spa certainly set the bar. Each time I visit another Sandals or Beaches property, I make sure to make a spa appointment for a luxury treat!

One of the eleven restaurants at Sandals Barbados is Soy Sushi Bar. Since I’m not a big sushi fan, the restaurant wasn’t high on my “to visit” list but Sean had never had it. One of the main amazing benefits of the Sandals brand is the luxury included discovery gourmet dining. Why not try something different? Sean did and actually found out that he liked sushi! This remarkable sushi house offers exciting flavors and exotic sushi creations made-to-order. Sushi Chef Gilbert was amazing to watch at preparing each roll.

Almost each night we found ourselves at the Merry Monkey Pub. With cozy traditional décor you’ll feel as if you’ve ventured across the Atlantic to England and entered into another reality completely. Bartender Shane mixed amazing cocktails and kept the bar entertained all night with laughter.

The Caribbean and Sandals Resorts are an Instagramer’s paradise! As a result, the number of gorgeous natural light photo opportunities are endless!

On our last morning, we enjoyed breakfast on our terrace thanks to our amazing Butlers. Definitely, it was the perfect end to a wonderful vacation!

While it was incredibly sad to leave paradise, Sandals is our home away from home so we know we’ll be back soon!

And now, who wants to visit the gorgeous Sandals Barbados?

Do you want to visit Barbados or any of the gorgeous Sandals or Beaches resorts? Let’s chat and make it happen!

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Sarasota Historic Mansion Wedding | Powel Crosley Estate Wedding

November 23, 2016

Powel Crosley Estate Wedding

When you think of a Florida wedding, naturally we tend to think of sandy beaches, salty air, and nautical decor. Nothing could be further from this vision for Sarah and Jeremy’s Powel Crosley Estate wedding in Bradenton, Florida. This historic Spanish mansion near Sarasota, Florida boosts jaw dropping architecture and a spacious back lawn on the water.

Richard Harrell Photography was there to capture the day as it unfolded. I cannot stop swooning over Sarah’s lace wedding dress!

This fun couple met at work and are close friends with Heather and Richard Harrell. When I was asked to join a fabulous team of vendors, I was thrilled! Various shades of pink and white were chosen as the color palette. When I asked what the couple wanted most from their wedding day (besides tying the knot!), celebration was their answer.

The wedding party looked sharp in black bridesmaid dresses and grey suites. How adorable are the flower girls and ring bearers?

The Powel Crosley Estate wedding ceremony was held on the back lawn with the water as a tranquil background. Mahogany chiavari chairs, pink rose petals, and vases with submerged white calla lilies lined the aisle. In memory of the groom’s mother, a white rose wrist corsage was placed on the first chair of the right row. At the end of the aisle, a gorgeous arch filled with pink florals and greenery awaited the bridal party.

It was time to get Sarah and Jeremy married.

A lovely ceremony blended two families into one. It was incredibly sweet of Jermey to take a moment to gift Sarah’s daughter a necklace to signify this unifying moment as one happy family.

A candy bar was a sweet treat for guests made up of customized M&Ms, yogurt dipped pretzels, chocolate hearts, rock candy, and chocolate almonds. Each guest also received a bottle of wine with a customized label.

The groom’s cake was to be kept a surprise for the University of Georgia alum groom. As a Georgia gal myself, the cake has a special place in my heart!

The newlyweds, friends, family, and lovely ones danced the night away under a canopy of twinkle lights and chandeliers. When it was time to cut the cake, instead of the big moment taking place inside, we brought it out to the dance floor to ensure everyone could witness the confection cut.

The celebration continued all night with a packed dance floor. A bubble send off was the perfect way to end such a perfect Powel Crosley Estate wedding.