I really do have THE BEST job!  I don’t know how I luck out with such amazing couples but somehow I continue to work with brides and grooms who are such nice, warm, and wonderful people.  It’s such an honor that I get to be a part of their most special day.  This past weekend’s couple was no exception.  Janet and Trey tied the knot at Christ the King Catholic Church, followed by dinner and dancing at the Davis Islands Garden Club (my personal favorite venue in all of Tampa of course!)

Their color scheme was black and white with touches of clover green, and the black-eyed gerbera daisy bridesmaid bouquets were a perfect fit.  The bride wore a gorgeous lace Casablanca Bridal gown and carried a stunning white rose bouquet. 

The groom (with a background in design) created the beautiful invitations, ceremony programs, table name signs, and seating chart – I love when the groom gets involved in the wedding design and adds his own personal touches, and he did an awesome job!

The open-air veranda of the garden club was the perfect venue for the cocktail hour.  As guests arrived they walked along a winding path lined with shepherd’s hooks balancing black mini pails of white Peruvian lilies.  White lanterns filled with fresh flower heads anchored the hightop tables, ready for mingling guests.  We also lined the porch benches with white cushions and black pillows. 

Guests noshed on a beautiful crudités display, fresh seasonal fruit, and do-it-yourself Shrimp Shooters (where guests selected shot glasses of cocktail sauce or mango salsa and added a jumbo iced shrimp before tossing it back.)  YUM!  (Shout out to Catering by the Family)

Guests used the poster-sized seating chart to help find their tables for the dinner reception.  The bride and groom named the tables after all the places they have lived, and most guests from those areas ended up sitting at their corresponding table.

The table centerpieces consisted of three different vases filled each with white hydrangea and orchids, black-eyed gerbera daisies, and white roses.  (Floral design by Jennie's Flowers)  As another home-spun element, the bride and groom hand-dipped chocolate covered pretzels as favors for their guests, and each place setting featured a pair of pretzels wrapped in cello bags and sealed with a monogram sticker.

The four-tiered wedding cake was iced with black ‘ribbon’, a fondant monogram seal, and a bunch of black-eyed gerbera daisies (kudos to Chocolate Pi.)  And it was as delicious as it was beautiful, with alternating white cake tiers with strawberries and champagne filling as well as a raspberry framboise filling.  As a special gift, the groom’s mom arranged for a special Harry Potter themed groom’s cake (from A Piece of Cake), featuring chocolate cake with a chocolate mousse filling.  Yes, I had one piece of each kind of cake – don’t judge me!

Before wrapping up the reception (and heading to their ‘after party’ at the hotel), the bride and groom enjoyed an incredible send-off, walking through an arch of beautiful glowing sparklers before climbing into their convertible mustang.  So fun!

Thank you for the great memories Janet & Trey!  Enjoy your honeymoon (and your quick stop at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter along the way!)