Alecia and Matt’s wedding at The Orlo was almost too good to be true! Family and friends had gathered from across the country to witness these two become husband and wife at Sacred Heart Church in downtown Tampa. The skies were blue, the sun was shining, and it was a beautiful day for a wedding!

I met Alecia and her bridesmaids in the morning at The Orlo in South Tampa. They were getting ready in a bridal suite filled with ample natural light. Each bridesmaid wore a dusty blue robe with lace accents (to match their jaw-dropping mismatched sparkly blue dresses for the wedding). Sipping on mimosas, they regaled each other with stories from that past that had lead us all to this point. That’s always one of my favorite parts of the day!

Alecia put on her gown with the help of her mom and maid of honor. Alecia’s dress was stunning – the bottom fabric rippled like water. Alecia wore her hair in a low pulled-back bun to show off the back of the dress. Shortly after she put on the gown, Alecia’s mom surprised Alecia with two gifts that were made from her own wedding dress she wore years ago – a purse to hold Alecia’s items for the day, and a wrap for the bouquet that was embroidered with the date.

Before Matt and Alecia headed to Sacred Heart for their ceremony, they had a first touch upstairs at The Orlo. They were both filled with emotions as they reached for each other’s hand around the door. They whispered to each other and promised that they would see each other soon at the altar. And that they did! The ceremony was thoughtful and Alecia and Matt couldn’t help but smile throughout the whole thing. I loved seeing the joy on their faces as they made their way up the aisle as husband and wife at the end of the ceremony.

The wedding reception at The Orlo was incredibly impressive. The whole room sparkled like jewels with the help of the floating candles and gold rimmed goblets. The silky blue tablecloths almost seemed to glow as the sun set. At each seat, the guest was welcomed with a menu, gold flatware, and an acrylic name card assigning them to a seat.

Matt and Alecia shared their first dance to Michael Buble’s “Everything.” They twirled and dipped their way through the verses and all of the guests erupted into applause at the end of the song! Their routine was so impressive!

Reverend Barry and the Funktastic continued the party after dinner, keeping the dance floor packed with timeless hits. At the end of the evening the guests cheered the band on for an encore that they just couldn’t refuse – no one wanted this party to end! Matt and Alecia exited The Orlo through a tunnel of sparklers to their getaway car, and waved to their family and friends as the Rolls Royce pulled away at the end of the evening. It was such a fun celebration!

Alecia and Matt – you two are so wonderful! We loved spending the day together and watching you two become husband and wife. Your friends and family are all so sweet – they welcomed us with open arms, and for that we are so grateful! I just adore the way you two make each other smile. Wishing you both the best as you start this next chapter together – and I’m selfishly hoping this is just the beginning of our friendship together. More double dates please!

Reception venue: The Orlo // Planning and Design: Bourbon and Blush Events // Florist: FH Weddings & Events // Bridal Boutique: The Bride // Dress Designer: Daalarna Couture // Hair and Makeup: Lasting Luxe // Paper goods: A+P Design Co // Ceremony venue: Sacred Heart Church // Tabletop rentals: Kate Ryan Linens // Catering: Salt Block // Robes: Pretty Plum Sugar // Groom’s Suit: Jos A Bank // Bridesmaids Dresses: Adrianna Papell // Videographer: Life’s Highlights // Cake: Elise’s Pieces // Furniture Rentals & Piping: MMD Events // Linens: Nuage Designs // Veil: Cori Peirce Love Veils & Accessories // Reception band: Rev Barry and the Funktastic // Vintage Rolls Royce & Limo : Ambassador Limo // Chairs: Chic Event Furniture Rental // Welcome cookies: Hands on Sweets // Film Lab: Richard Photo Lab //