Ybor City Wedding – Northside Florist Wedding
Karina and Dane's Love Story:
Dane and I were introduced by my cousin in July 2010 at an Irish bar in Tampa called the Dubliner. Dane was charming, smart, good looking and fun; we had an immediate connection.
The following morning I woke up to an early text message from him wishing me a good morning, telling me how great it was to have met me and how he hoped we would meet again. I thought that was incredibly sweet of him. He wasn’t playing games. As crazy as it may sound, I knew at that moment that he was the one. I actually told my puppy dog “I think we found your father.”
When we met, I had just signed a one-year job contract in Cocoa Beach. I knew he was serious about us because he would alternate driving every weekend to see me. After one year dating long distance, I decided to move to Tampa. We continued dating until June 2013 when he proposed.
We were both in Gainesville for the weekend; Dane and I are University of Florida grads, so Gainesville is very dear to our hearts. I was spending time with my cousin, and when I came back to our hotel room, there were roses, rose petals, champagne and candles everywhere. When I turned around, Dane was on one knee asking me to me marry him.
He was so nervous. He had the most beautiful ring, and I was thrilled! I couldn’t believe we were getting engaged! I was going to marry my best friend, my soulmate. It was completely adorable to see how excited he was to call all of his family and friends to tell them the news.
1920's Vintage Ybor City Wedding – Centro Asturiano Wedding
When Karina and Dane began planning their wedding, there were two items that were non-negotiable: fun and Ybor City.
“My husband thought it would be original and fun to get married in Ybor city, and I agreed,” the bride explained.
The Tampa couple tied the knot at the historic Ybor City church Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church and also chose a historic wedding reception venue.
“We wanted a vintage feel to match our venue and church. Centro Asturiano was beautiful. The chandeliers, staircases, wooden doors and crown molding, made us feel like we were in a different era,” Karina shared. “It was unique and fit our vision perfectly.”
To bring their 1920's inspired blush and black wedding to reality, the pair hired Tampa wedding florist Northside Florist.
“I was looking for someone reliable and professional who could transform a room. I had been to several Northside Florist weddings and the flowers and decorations were just stunning,” the bride gushed. “Kathy [of Northside Florist] made my vision come alive; she completely exceeded our expectations. The bouquets, amazing candelabras with crystals and flowers on the cake were absolutely perfect. Some of my guests told me that my wedding ‘looked like it came out of a magazine or a Pinterest board.'”
MORE: NORTHSIDE FLORIST WEDDINGS
With the decor in the place, Karina and Dane turned their focus to planning a memorable experience for their wedding guests.
“My husband and I like to have fun, hence we wanted our wedding to just be a big party,” the bride said. “We wanted people to say that this was the most fun wedding they had ever been too. I think we accomplished our goal.”
As part of her Venezuela heritage, the bride incorporated La Hora Loca (Crazy Hour) into the reception.
“The most memorable and fun moment for us and our guests was our La Hora Loca, a Spanish tradition where guests are given props. We had bags under each table that were personalized for every guest with hats, headpieces, gloves, beads, sunglasses, feather boas, etc.,” Karina explained. “Most of my guests had never been to a party with a La Hora Loca, and everyone had a blast. I have been told by several people that they will include this tradition to their upcoming celebrations.”
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Centro Asturiano was beautiful. The chandeliers, staircases, wooden doors and crown molding, made us feel like we were in a different era,” Karina shared. “It was unique and fit our vision perfectly.” -The Bride
“I was looking for someone reliable and professional who could transform a room. I had been to several Northside Florist weddings and the flowers and decorations were just stunning. Kathy [of Northside Florist] made my vision come alive; she completely exceeded our expectations. The bouquets, amazing candelabras with crystals and flowers on the cake were absolutely perfect. Some of my guests told me that my wedding ‘looked like it came out of a magazine or a Pinterest board.'” – The Bride
“Most of my guests had never been to a party with a La Hora Loca, and everyone had a blast. I have been told by several people that they will include this tradition to their upcoming celebrations.” – The Bride
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay Brides?
Enjoy the process. Planning a wedding can be very stressful. During the first few months I felt overwhelmed and frustrated, but then, I decided to have fun with it. After the wedding was over, I actually missed all the planning. It’s a beautiful experience so take time to enjoy it.
Also, I know they say “it’s the bride’s day,” but I think it should be “the couples' day”. Make sure you include your groom’s ideas in the wedding. You want the day to be special and memorable for BOTH of you.
Ybor Wedding Ceremony Venue: Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church
Ybor Wedding Reception Venue: Centro Asturiano de Tampa
Ybor Wedding Photographer: Roberts Imagery
Ybor Wedding Coordinator: Brenda Hayes
Ybor Wedding Florist: Northside Florist
Ybor Wedding Caterer: Amicis Catered Cuisine
Ybor Wedding Cake: Chantilly Cakes
Ybor Wedding Officiant: Reverend Roland Lajoie
Ybor Wedding DJ: DJ Izzie Entertainment
Ybor Wedding Transportation: Blue One Transportation
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