How We Blended Historic Elegance with a Full-On Winter Wonderland in Tampa
Q: What made this wedding so special?
It started with roots. The ceremony took place under the iconic arches of the University of Tampa’s Plant Hall—where the bride’s late parents first met. Her father taught there, so bringing the celebration full circle on that very campus? Cue the waterworks.
Every detail honored their presence: a University of Tampa brooch in her bouquet, photo charms of her parents dangling from her shoes so they could still “walk” her down the aisle. It was deeply personal and genuinely moving.
Q: What did the ceremony feel like?
Romantic. Classic. Steeped in vintage glam.
Burgundy, ivory, and champagne swirled through the ceremony design, perfectly echoing the historic venue. It felt like you stepped into a sepia-toned film. Elegant, timeless, and intentional.
But that was just the beginning...
Q: And the reception?
Oh honey, we flipped the script. Guests took an elevator ride up to the reception space—and when those doors opened? BAM. Winter Wonderland.
A glowing hallway with icy, moody lighting greeted them. The scent in the air? Fresh winter florals. The vibe? Surreal magic. And then—because we don't do subtle around here—they walked under a literal hanging ice chandelier. (Yes, real ice.)
The ceiling danced with Northern Lights projections. A ballerina twirled gracefully across the room, paying tribute to the bride’s childhood love of dance. Every moment shimmered with nostalgia and fantasy.
Q: What were the standout design elements?
Let’s talk layers of luxury - Real ice centerpieces that glittered in the candlelight. Mirror-top tables reflecting the twinkle of glass and silver. A snow-kissed cake that looked like it belonged in a couture bakery inside a snow globe. The menus sparkled. The lighting glowed. The entire space felt dipped in frost and starlight.
Q: Was there a nod to the couple’s roots?
Absolutely. In the middle of all the glitz and glam, guests dined on a low-country boil—elevated, of course, but still Southern at heart. Warmth and comfort met opulence in the most unexpectedly perfect way.
Q: How did the night end?
With elegance and legacy. The couple made their grand exit in a vintage white Rolls-Royce—Hollywood glamour to the very end. But this wedding wasn’t just about sparkle. It was about substance. Love, memory, and a dream realized.
university of tampa wedding