When Julie and Jimmy met, she wasn't interested getting into a relationship, but Jimmy's persistance paid off.
“I finally caved and decided to take a chance and at least get to know him,” the bride reminisced. The more time I spent with him, the more I found myself struggling to be away from him. Soon, we were inseparable and our relationship quickly blossomed.”
Less than a year later, on a trip to New York City, Jimmy proposed.
“We went for a horse drawn carriage ride around Central Park and the driver talked about some of the history there. Then, he suddenly stopped and said he would be right back and proceeded to disappear into trees. A few minutes later he came back and asked us to follow him,” the Julie explained. “Jimmy and I followed him to a path which lead to a gazebo on the water. Flower petals covered the path and gazebo floor. It was now sunset and Jimmy dropped to one knee and popped the big question. I about knocked him over when I jumped on him and kissed him.”
Teal, White & Purple Spring St. Petersburg, Florida Waterfront Wedding
The couple chose to wed at their waterfront St. Petersburg home, complete with an elegant teal, white and purple tented wedding reception.
“We live in a beautiful historic home,” Julie said. “I couldn't think of a more perfect place to have our closest friends and family celebrate our special day with us at our home.”
Since the groom loves watching the sunset and that was the time of day when Jimmy proposed, the newlyweds said their wedding vows as the sun was retiring for the day.
“My husband loves good wine and beautiful sunsets. His vision was to be married before sunset so that our guests may enjoy cocktail hour while watching the sun go down,” Julie explained.
Because of their on-the-go family Julie and Jimmy hired St. Petersburg wedding planner Exquisite Events to keep the day chaos-free.
“A wedding planner was definitely the way to go,” Julie explained. Exquisite Events was able to direct us on the best caterers, florist, DJ etc. They made sure the day of went smoothly so I didn't have to worry about what time to cut the cake, keeping the party moving or even making sure the ceremony went as planned.”
After the wedding ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktails in the couples' backyard and views of the intercoastal. Afterwards, they walked to the front lawn where a crystal filled reception tent was decorated to the nines.
“The tent was my favorite. It turned out better than I pictured it would,” Julie gushed. “We added a liner to the ceiling, drapes to the walls, chandeliers and uplighting. It was like walking into a page from a magazine only it was in out front yard!”
The couple's wedding guests were treated not just to one wedding day, but an entire wedding weekend, complete with a rehearsal dinner, cocktail welcome party at the Tradewinds Resort and Sunday brunch at the Renaissance Vinoy Yacht Club following the big day.
“We even included a car service for those traveling from out-of-town to get them to and from events,” Julie added.
To reflect Julie's fun personality into her St. Petersburg wedding, she incorporated a professionally choreographed father-daughter dance to an upbeat rock-n-roll song and a martini luge.
At the end of the night, the bride and groom's wedding celebration didn't stop with the sparkler send off.
“When the reception was over I knew where we were staying that night was a surprise,” Julie explained. “We got into a limo and headed to a yacht club just up the road, where a a 74-foot yacht was waiting for us with a captain and first mate. We sailed into the night and woke up at the Vinoy where we had brunch with family and friends. It was truly the best night of my life with the man if my dreams.”
A wedding planner was definitely the way to go. Exquisite Events was able to direct us on the best caterers, florist, DJ etc. They made sure the day of went smoothly so I didn't have to worry about what time to cut the cake, keeping the party moving or even making sure the ceremony went as planned. – The Bride
We live in a beautiful historic home. I couldn't think of a more perfect place to have our closest friends and family celebrate our special day with us at our home. – The Bride
The tent was my favorite. It turned out better than I pictured it would. We added a liner to the ceiling, drapes to the walls, chandeliers and uplighting. It was like walking into a page from a magazine only it was in out front yard! – The Bride
What advice do you have for other Tampa Bay Brides?
Our wedding day seemed a lot like Christmas, so much planning and work for a day that was over in a second. Make sure you step back and really take it all in.
St. Petersburg Wedding Venue: Bride & Groom's Home
St. Petersburg Wedding Photographer: VRvision Photography
St. Petersburg Wedding Planner: Exquisite Events
St. Petersburg Wedding Florist: Carter's Florist
St. Petersburg Wedding Cake: A Piece of Cake
St. Petersburg Wedding Rentals: US Tent Rental
St. Petersburg Wedding Hair & Makeup: The Michele Renee Hair & Makeup Artist Group
We are proud to have Exquisite Events as a Marry Me Tampa Bay sponsor!
Through June 20, 2013, Take 15% off all orders with code “SHOP15.” Save on bestselling reception accessories and favors.
