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Heather & Austin | Garden Club Wedding – Tampa

Posted in Weddings

Bride & Groom frozen as the hustle and bustle of Oxford Exchange in Tampa swirls around themAt the south end of the Davis Islands in Tampa, FL, Heather & Austin said “I do” during their Florida garden wedding. It was a gorgeous day at the Davis Islands Garden Club filled with love, laughter, and stories shared about a couple who have been together for ten years. The only guests missing were Heather & Austin’s adorable cats (who were the stars of their engagement photos)!

We started the day at Oxford Exchange which made for an epic getting ready area, first look and key caffeine boost for us and for the bridesmaids. Surrounded by fashionable finishes and portraits of historical figures, Austin saw his bride for the first time.

Something we always tell our brides and grooms is to remember to stop, breathe, look around and just take it all in. Your wedding day goes by so quickly and it’s so important to take little moments to yourselves. Heather says some of her favorite moments from their wedding was when it was just her and Austin together (for picture time) because they got to relax and just enjoy it.

 

The bride's Kenneth Cole shoes peak out from her Essense of Australia wedding gown in the getting ready room at Oxford Exchange
The bride's succulent and white roses bouquet rests with her Kenneth Cole shoes on a stack of old books
the bridesmaids in their teal bridesmaid dresses help fix the bride's train
The bride's intricate engagement ring and wedding bands rest on an antique drawer
side by side shots, on left, the groom buttons his Perry Ellis suit jacket on the stairs at Oxford Exchange, on right, the bride gazes down at her train surrounded by old exposed brick
the bride's Kenneth Cole heels in the drawer of an antique library bookshelf at Oxford Exchange
the bride glances down at her shoulder as two of her bridesmaids finish the buttons on her dress
the bride places her En Vogue bridal belt around her waist for the finishing touch at Oxford Exchange
A bridesmaid adjusts the bride's veil in Tampa's Oxford Exchange
Portraits of historical figures hang along the stairs at the Oxford Exchange in Tampa
side by side, on left, the groom awaits his bride in his navy Perry Ellis suit, on right, bride and groom embrace on the landing of the portrait lined staircase at Oxford Exchange
Bridal bouquet by Jennie's Flowers complete with white roses and succulentsThe groom & his groomsmen looking dapper in their navy Perry Ellis suits outside University of Tampa
The groom kisses his bride on the forehead on the brick-lined porch of a University of Tampa building
the bride & groom share a moment outside Oxford Exchange as he carries her bouquet for her
the wedding party with their navy and teal accessories give the bride and groom a huge group hug outside a University of Tampa building
the groom kisses his bride under her Essense of Australia bridal veil
The groom leads his bride down the stairs of a University of Tampa building surrounded by huge ornate columns
The wedding party lines the concrete steps outside of University of Tampa's Henry B. Plant Museum, on right, the bride climbing the steps up to the Henry B. Plant Museum
side by side, on left, the groom kisses his bride's cheek outside Oxford Exchange, on right, the groom looks adoringly at his blushing bride
side by side, on left, the bride looks lovingly at her future husband surrounded by old bricks at the Henry B. Plant Museum, on right, the bride stands beneath the ornate archway on University of Tampa campus

Heather made the sign for the bar herself! She said it took her forever, but man was it worth it. Perhaps this is a new side hustle for you, Heather? ;)
side by side, on left, floral details at Oxford Exchange, on right, the bar menu sign that the bride handmade

hanging mason jar flower pots lined the aisle at the Davis Island Yacht Club ceremony with beautiful gold chairs from A Chair Affair
the bride & groom provided navy blankets to warm up their guests during Florida's one cold snap
The Carnival's Paradise coming into port as their Davis Island Yacht Club ceremony began
Black and white photo of the groom looking adoringly at his bride coming down the aisle at the Davis Island Yacht Club

Heather walked down the aisle to “Your Song” by Elton John which had sentimental meaning, she said:

“Austin had specific voicemail recordings for everyone in his phone. He played piano and sang a portion of that song as my voicemail recording.”

side by side, on left, the bride and her father walking down the aisle, on right, the bride and groom standing hand in hand at the altar
the groom shakes his soon-to-be father in law's hand as he presents his daughter to the groom
The guests looking on as they exchange vows at their Florida garden wedding at the Davis Island Yacht Club
the bride and groom take their first walk as husband and wife after their Davis Island Yacht Club ceremony
the groom bell kicks with excitement after marrying his best friend
Gorgeous market lights with white lanterns hung by Tampa Lights kept the reception glowing even after the sun went down
the bride and groom stroll together along Tampa Bay looking out over the Downtown Tampa skyline
the bride and groom announced into their Davis Island Yacht Club reception by DJ Kyle from Celebrations 24
the bride's stunning Ackerman Jeweler's engagement ring sparkles in the light during their first dance as husband and wife
the groom laughs as his best man delivers his toast at their Davis Island Yacht Club reception
delicious teal and gold cupcakes from Sweet! By Holly
The bride and groom cut their Sweet! By Holly red velvet cake
A bridesmaid singing her heart out using a Corona bottle for a microphone during their Davis Island Yacht Club reception
Guests dancing the night away to the amazing mixes from DJ Kyle from Celebrations 24
guests perform a rousing rendition of "YMCA" during their Davis Island Yacht Club reception
everyone cheers as the bride & groom kiss during a huge group photo
Beautiful glowing lanterns and market lights by Tampa Lights lit up the night at their Davis Island Yacht Club reception

Heather’s advice for brides planning now:

Delegate. I did a great job delegating. :) I was not into planning a wedding like most girls, I just wanted to show up to a beautiful night. Unfortunately it doesn’t work that way and I did end up having to plan a lot — but I delegated to the moms where possible.

It takes a village to plan a wedding and Heather & Austin have a pretty spectacular village supporting them! We are so happy for you guys and we can’t wait to see where life takes you! Thank you for letting us be a small part of your incredible day!

♥ The SFP Team

Wedding Vendor Love

Venue: Davis Islands Garden Club

Florist: Jennie’s Flowers

Succulents: Crazy Critters, Inc.

Caterer: Whaley’s Blazin’ BBQ

Cupcakes: Sweet! By Holly

Officiant & DJ: Celebrations 24

Hair & Makeup: Eyes on You Salon & Spa

Wedding Dress: Essense of Australia

Bridal Belt: En Vogue Bridal Accessories

Bridesmaids Dresses: CC’s Bridal Boutique

Groom & Groomsmen Suits: Perry Ellis

Groom & Groomsmen Ties: The Tie Bar

Bartenders: Spunky Spirits

Table & Chair Rentals: A Chair Affair

Strung Lights: Tampa Lights

Bridal Necklace: Brighton

 

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