Intimate Candelit Florida Wedding by BG Pictures Photography

There are not many weddings where I feel that I am instantly whisked away to a romantic haven of candles and dim lighting but this wedding is.  I love the ambiance that this couple envisioned and the creation that their planner, Tammy of Special Moments perfected.  First off, I love me some candles and to use them to line a wedding aisle is stunning. They create such a romantic feeling and it sets the tone for the whole night.  And to add in roses on top of that, dag gone, I’m fit to be tied! So hold on because we are ending the zone of perfection!

Kristi and Ed

Wedding Date: 10/20/12
Wedding Location {State and City} Tampa, Florida
Number of guests: 75
Wedding Colors: Ivory, Champagne, Blue, Black
Occupations: Kristi – Director of Client Services; Ed – Test Engineering Manager

How did the two of you meet? The old cliche….out for drinks.

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Describe your engagement: The proposal was a complete surprise in front of a glacier in Alaska.  Was perfect and real, in so many ways.  It was drizzling and cold, I was not being very nice, and he was trying to find the perfect spot to surprise me.  I love that man!!

The weather on your wedding was:  Wedding day was beautiful, sunny, warm…typical October day in Florida

Describe your wedding flowers:  blue hydrangeas, Ivory mini calla lillies and mini Ivory roses.  I loved the bouquet that Iza created….was perfect!!  The centerpieces were just as I envisioned.

Your first dance song:  Lifehouse, “Love of a Lifetime”

The thing that we would have done differently is?   Honestly, there is nothing I would change.  I planned the wedding I wanted with the help of Tammy Waterman.  I ended up over budget, but everything was perfect and I would do it all over again.  Tammy took my very vague vision of what my heart was wanting, and created lasting memories that were/are perfect!

If we could have spend our wedding dollars differently, we would have:  Again, nothing I would change.  We spent the time to really think about what we wanted, and planned for that.  We are older, and decided that this was the only time we were going to do this…so have no regrets. And we didn’t…zero regrets.

Our favorite detail of the wedding was:  The ceremony space lit up by candles.  I loved the romantic and intimate feel of the space.  Felt like we were in our living room, surrounded by family and friends.

The most unique element of the day:  I don’t know that I had anything unique about the day.  We still hear from people about the decor, the food and musician.  I cannot say enough about Colt Clark….fantastic fantastic fantastic.

Describe your menu and your favorite part:  We served a 6 course tapas style dinner.  The chef at The Don Vicente took our vision and created a wonderful dinner.  Everything from a grilled salad and vegetables, to shrimp, paella, and beef filet.  Was delicious….far from the average wedding food.

Describe any unique aspects of the beverages you served: Nothing unique…open bar before the ceremony throughout the night.

Describe your wedding cake and any other desserts:  Three tiers, various flavors of cheese cake and chocolate cake, decorated with live Ivory and blue hydrangeas.  Beautiful!

Your advice for other plus size brides:  My advice is not just for plus size brides, but for all brides.  Buy and plan things that you and your fiance like and enjoy.  Don’t get hung up with worrying about what everyone else thinks…this is your day.  Have no regrets at the end of the day.  Ohhh…and hire a wedding coordinator, like Tammy Waterman of Special Moments.  She was there to keep sane as we went through the process, to guide and offer advise when needed, to work with vendors, and most importantly, to handle every detail the day of the wedding.  If there was something that went wrong, I wasn’t aware.  Tammy took care of everything.  I was able to enjoy my day, my ceremony and my reception.

Three adjectives that describe the day: Intimate, Romantic, Perfectly Real

What has surprised you most during the first few months of marriage? How much more I love my husband each day.  We’ve been together for 5 years, and each day is better than the previous.  We are not perfect people, but we are perfect for each other…we let each other know daily that we love and respect each other…not just with words, but with actions.

 Vendors who made it possible

Photographer: BG Pictures Photography, Bryan Glenn
Videographer: None
Wedding Planner: Tammy Waterman, Special Moments
Caterer – Chef at the venue, The Don Vincente Inn
Florist: Iza’s Flowers
Cake: A Better Cheesecake
Invitations & Calligraphy: The American Wedding
Jewelry: I wore family heirloom jewelry
Bride’s Attire {Designer, Style Name or Number}: Oleg Cassini
Where did you get the bridal attire? David’s Bridal
Bridesmaids Attire: N/A
Groom’s Attire: Tuxedos by Men’s Warehouse
Groomsmen Attire: Same as above
Ceremony Location: The Don Vicente Inn
Reception Location: The Don Vicente Inn
Transportation: n/a
Music/Entertainment: DJ: MusicMagic DJ and Live Musician: Colt Clark
Rentals and Décor: Connie Duglin
Officiate/ Minister: Weddings by Christina, Officiant: Chris Tollette

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Shafonne Myers is a certified wedding and event planner who longed for bridal inspiration that looked like her. She has created a website and magazine that brings bridal inspiration to plus size brides. She does speaking engagements educating the world about plus size brides and self confidence.
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