David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts Wedding by MMD Events

March 27, 2012

I'm just going to go ahead and say it, the florals designed by MMD Events in this gorgeous Florida fête make me SO happy. Bright, vibrant and overflowing - what more can you ask for? Actually this entire soiree snapped up by Gina Leigh Photography is making my grin go from ear to ear, and it's sure to do the same for you. Want even more of this beauty (of course you do)?

From Jackie of MMD Events... We had so much fun being a part of the creation of Natalie and Bryan’s big day! Natalie, the bride, was such a joy to work with from start to finish — she came through our doors, bursting with wonderful and unique ideas! Their ceremony took place at the Hyde Park United Methodist Chapel, where the altars were adorned with vintage French floral buckets filled with crespedia, white O’Hara garden roses, yellow mums, tulips, ranunculus, dusty miller and a few hydrangeas. The bride was beaming as she and her bridesmaids walked down the aisles, holding their bouquets, toward her future husband. Natalie’s bouquet was just as she envisioned: an asymmetrical shape with white O’Hara garden roses, crespedia, pale yellow roses, white and yellow ranunculus all tied together with white dupioni silk and buttercup yellow vintage French seam building. The special detail was the mini photos of her family members that she asked MMD Events' floral designer, Amanda Allen, to add to the handle of her bouquet. Her bridesmaids carried smaller yellow bouquets that featured small rosette succulents and dusty miller — the handles were wrapped in the same fabric that had been trimmed from their dresses during alterations.

Following the ceremony, the reception was located at The Straz Center, on the waterside in downtown Tampa. Guests were able to move freely between a tented area with high tops and cabaret tables to an outdoor area that also had places for guests to lounge. The main feature outside of the tent was a cigar bar and custom matches with the couple’s names, date of their wedding and a picture of cowboy boots. Inside of the tent, guests were able to visit different food stations for dinner, and rather than the customary wedding cake, Natalie and Bryan had a “his” and “hers” cupcake bar catered by GiGi’s Cupcakes with champagne-flavored cupcakes for the “hers” and red velvet and German chocolate for the “his." The cupcake table was beautifully decorated on the “hers” side with a vintage-inspired mix of crates, and dishes, and gradually morphed into a more “manly” theme for the “his” flavored delicacies.

Natalie and Bryan wanted everyone to enjoy themselves and be comfortable, so when it was time to get down and dance to their favorite band “Lucky Penny,” they had arranged two crates filled with flip-flops, labeled “dance your feet off.” The night was all captured beautifully in still life by the talents of Gina Leigh Photography.

Wedding Photography: Gina Leigh Photography / Ceremony: Hyde Park United Methodist Church in Tampa, Florida / Reception: David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa, Florida / Floral + Event Design: MMD Events / Wedding Invitations + Menus: A+P Designs / Cinematography: Indie Atlantic Films / Band: Lucky Penny / Transportation: Tampa Water Taxi Co. / Cupcakes: Gigi's Cupcakes / Wedding Dress: Vineyard Collection via Malindy Elene / Bride's Shoes: Grazia via Malindy Elene / Bridesmaid Dress: Jenny Yoo via The Dressing Room / Hair + Makeup: Tanja Handling of Coiffeur Inga Salon / Groom's Tuxedo + Shirt: Tom James