#realchicbride Zoe in Berta at her Tampa Wedding

Tell us your love story! How did you meet and how did you get to a proposal? 

We met at the University of Central Florida in 2017! I was invited to play in a soccer game with a friend and met Matthew. A couple of months later we were inseparable! We traveled together, got our first dog, moved in together, and in 2021 Matthew got down on one knee on a trip to Washington D.C!

When you started planning your wedding what did you envision? How close did the actual wedding get to that vision? 

When I thought about my wedding I wanted spring and sparkle. I think I got very close to my vision! I had beautiful pastel florals everywhere you could think of. I wanted some water element to my venue so when I found the river center I was obsessed it gave us enough creative freedom to make our vision come true. I have always wanted my wedding colors to be champagne and black because it is timeless but gives you so much room to add special details that may be hard to match with other colors.

What were a few things that were important to you as a couple to include (or not include) in the wedding? 

We actually had our dog, Kylo in our wedding and this was so awesome! We have had him since college and he has been able to grow with us as we went from boyfriend and girlfriend to fiancés and now husband and wife! We used Fairytail Pets and she was so amazing!! She got his attention for all the photos and even sent us pictures when they took him home. We felt so comfortable leaving our boy with them.

I also really wanted to do a first look. It was so special to have a moment just the two of before the craziness started and it was amazing! We got all of our photos done during this time as well which saved us a lot of time after the ceremony, totally worth it!

Lastly, we did a boat exit and it was so much fun!! Everyone got on a water taxi and got dropped off at the hotels! 

How did you decide on the location? 

When we picked a venue I wanted to make sure it was a place we could easily visit. I am from Tampa and Matthew is from Miami so we wanted to stay close to either city and preferred it to be on the water. When we saw the Tampa river center it was perfect. Right in the heart of Tampa, on the water, modern but elegant, and it’s somewhere we can go visit to remember all the great moments we had on April 28th.  

Let's talk dress! Give us all the deets! 

I went to a dress boutique to try dresses and I liked them BUT I had my heart set on my Berta dress from the moment I saw it. I looked up all the places that carried it and when I saw Chic Parisien in Miami I made an appointment the next day.

Every dress I tried on was absolutely stunning however, when I put my dress on I and everyone else knew it was the one.

I love glitter and it doesn’t get more sparkly than this dress! Not only did the glitter sell me but also all the small details like the corset top, studded straps, and all of the layers. Truly the most stunning piece I have ever worn and I feel so lucky to have gotten married in my dream dress! 

How did your family, friends, etc play into your wedding planning and wedding day? 

My mom was my rock in all of this. She was on top of every detail in the best way possible. She helped me pick out all the details with the florals, rentals, and accommodations. Her and  my father were a huge part in making my dream wedding come true and I couldn’t be more thankful! My twin sister planned my bachelorette helped with my bridal shower and was so helpful and encouraging throughout everything!
My mother and law and grandmother-in-law were at every dress fitting and did so much to help! All the signage done at the ceremony was from my mother-in-law and she planned our rehearsal dinner!
Matthew's grandfather actually officiated our wedding which was so special for us. Something we truly will never forget. Of course, I would have been lost without my bridesmaids and I am so appreciative of each other for everything they did, they are the best!

What's one specific memory you have from your wedding day that you don't think you'll ever forget? 

Matthew and I started to make a first dance routine about two weeks before the wedding which was a little scary because we only had two weeks to get it right. We actually went and practiced in the venue with my dress on before the ceremony and it was a little rocky. Once it was time for our first dance we nailed it!! I just remember being so excited to have just perfected our first task in marriage and it was so fun!

How did you decide on your hair and makeup look? 

Because my dress was so much(in the best way possible) I wanted very simple hair and makeup. I had loose waves in my hair and for makeup I actually got inspired by looking at Berta’s page and seeing what other brides had done for their makeup! I went with a brown smoky eye and bronzed finish. 

Was there one vendor you used that you wish everyone knew about? 

This is so hard to pick!! I have to shoutout three of them, 

First my photographer, Karin Marie Photography, she completely outdid herself. I felt so comfortable with her the entire night and she was a bride’s girl all night long. She never left my side and did everything she could to make sure I had the best night ever while getting the most amazing photos. I got my preview the next day which exceeded all my expectations. She was absolutely amazing. 

Next, my florist with Petals Parties and Presents! I told her spring and she delivered. I never picked a single flower, only gave her a couple of Inspo photos like 8 months before and she made the most beautiful floral arrangements I have ever seen. She even texted me the night before about how obsessed she was with my bouquet and it just got me so excited! The florals complemented my dress and my bridesmaids’ champagne dresses. Classy can be colorful and she proved it! 

Lastly, my wedding planner Katy with Coastal Coordinating. She had every detail planned out and was so supportive of every decision I made. She was honest and practical, you can’t ask for more! During my wedding, she always made sure I had everything I needed! She even called the dress company my bridesmaids’ dresses were from because there was a stain on one of them and she wanted to know the best way to immediately get it out. Literally above and beyond. 

Where did you go on your honeymoon and what was the best part? 

We went to Ocho Rios Jamaica for our honeymoon and it was so dreamy. We woke up to a violinist playing on the beach every morning. My favorite part was just spending time with Matthew. Everything we did together was so magical and we truly had the best time. We went hiking up waterfalls, floating down rivers, on catamaran cruises, snorkeling, and so much more! We are so lucky to have each other and can’t wait to build more memories !

Wedding Planner: Coastal Coordinating 

Catering: Milan catering 

Venue: Tampa river center 

Florist: Petals Parties and Presents 

Photographer: Karin Marie photography

Videographer: Namesake Creative 

Dress: Chic Parisien, Berta

Pet care: FairyTail Pet care 

Hair/MU: FemmeAkoi

DJ: Grainger entertainment 

Cake: Alessis bakery