When Jonathan proposed to Christina, he had just finished a 28 hour day of his residency, and secretly drove to the Kennedy Center to drop off a special bottle of wine for their date that evening. During dinner on the rooftop terrace, Jonathan ordered a bottle of wine and the server presented the special bottle. Jonathan turned the bottle to face Christina, revealing special dates and milestones etched on the label, and then got down on one knee and popped the question. Swoon! The couple knew they wanted their wedding to be set in Tampa (the city where they met) and wanted to provide a unique experience that also incorporated wine elements as a nod to their engagement.
The couple posed in Downtown Tampa beneath a cloud streaked sky.
The groom wrote a sweet message to the bride that she was sure to keep close throughout the wedding day.
Her doting bridesmaids made sure every little detail and finishing touch was perfectly in place for the stunning bride.
The groom wore a sharp black and white tux (and a look of someone truly elated!)
Blush and wine tones were found in the bouquets and boutonnieres, the bridesmaids wore soft blue-grey gowns, while the groomsmen sported grey tuxes with soft blue ties.
Although not included on the program, the groom created a slideshow of images documenting their journey from childhood to wedding day, and revealed the surprise to the bride during the reception.
Although inclement weather brought their ceremony indoors, the expansive foyer of the performing arts center made for a stunning, grand backdrop.
A harpist serenaded the bride's entrance, and the couple exchanged vows led by their church's pastor.
After being pronounced husband and wife the couple were showered with rose petals before posing for a selfie while walking down the aisle (one look at this photo and you can feel their joy!)
After the wedding ceremony, the couple participated in a Chinese tea ceremony.
The bride changed into stunning red and gold traditional Chinese garb for the tea ceremony.
Wine-inspired details were found throughout the event, including cork escort cards and a wine bottle guestbook.
Escort cards with an elegant black script were set into wine bottle corks to guide guests to their seats.
The guestbook featured wine bottles the guests could sign during the wedding which the couple would open on those special anniversaries.
Tables were set with towering floral centerpieces, touches of soft blue and silver, and lit by warm candlelight.
Shades of Blush and Merlot were natural choices (perfect for a wine-theme!) and blue-grey tones appeared in details like the bridesmaid dresses, napkins, and silk sashes down the ceremony aisle.
Crisp white menu cards with black script were tucked into dusty blue napkins at every place setting.
Smaller bunches of florals and sparkling silver table numbers also adorned guest tables.
How gorgeous was the bride's strapless ivory gown with an asymmetrical tiered skirt?!
Even the menu featured wine throughout, such as red-wine vinaigrette with the salad course, filet with red wine demi glace, and tilapia with white wine scampi sauce.
Of course the favors had to be mini bottles of wine for this wine inspired affair!
The cake was four layers of hand crafted confection perfection! It featured intricate piping details and complimenting florals, finished off with a silver 'Mr. & Mrs.' topper.
Despite the earlier rain, the skies cleared and created one of the most amazing sunset skies ever seen!
The couple's elegant wedding and engagement rings fit right in with the shimmering silver details of the wedding.
After dancing and dining (and delicious cake) the couple were sent off through the marquee-bulb theater entrance with a tunnel of sparklers.
The incredible wedding pros who helped create this event include:
Venue and Catering: The David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts
Photography: Marc Edwards Photographs
Florist: Arlene Floral Designer
Entertainment: James King, Grant Hemond and Associates
Videography: Current Films
Cake: Goldie's Goodies Bakery
Dress: The White Magnolia Bridal Collection