When Bold Gowns, Musical Vows & Theatrical Glam Stole the Spotlight

Q: What made this wedding a showstopper?
From our very first meeting, I knew this was going to be pure drama - in the best possible way. Once I introduced the couple to the Mahaffey Theatre in St. Petersburg, everything fell into place. The grandeur, the built-in stage, the perfect lighting - it was the ultimate backdrop for a wedding that felt like opening night on Broadway. And when one bride announced she’d wear a red gown? The entire color palette flipped instantly. Blue was out; black, white, red, and gold took center stage.

Q: How did the brides’ looks shape the design?
They were the design. One bride in a jaw-dropping red gown, the other in timeless white—we played off that contrast everywhere. The bride in red carried an all-white bouquet, while the bride in white wore a deep red faux-floral wrist corsage (thank you, allergies). Their portraits on the Mahaffey stage? Iconic. They looked like stars in their own headline show.

Q: Tell us about the ceremony - any surprises?
Oh yes. A custom aisle runner, towering altar florals - and then, mid-ceremony, one bride sang her vows live. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house (myself included). It was romantic, personal, and completely unexpected.

Q: What was cocktail hour like?
A soft-glam nod to the 1920s - pearls, feathers, and vintage details everywhere. But you won’t spot a single hint of red. We intentionally held that color back so that when the draping dropped for the reception, the impact was pure theatrical shock.

Q: And the reception reveal?
Think Gatsby meets theatre magic. Floor-to-ceiling red velvet draping. Ticket-style escort cards - literally torn by an attendant as guests entered. Black-and-gold tablescapes, candelabras, ostrich feathers, and candles for days. Each place setting featured gold flatware, crystal champagne coupes, and a mini brooch with a feather accent. It was opulence without apology.

Q: What detail had the brides obsessed?
Their “J&T Bakery” station. We built a full-scale dessert counter - complete with a sleek plexiglass barrier for a safe-but-gorgeous presentation - so guests could “order” from a display that felt like a luxury pâtisserie. Playful, pretty, and totally on brand.

Q: How did the night end?
With double outfit changes, a surprise rap performance, and a dance floor that never slowed down. This wasn’t just a wedding - it was a full-on production. Lights. Vows. Action.