WEDDINGS+EVENTS

WEDDINGS+EVENTS

Cover Credits

Photography: Limelight Photography

Planning: Live 2 Love Weddings & Events

Venue: The CURRENT Hotel, Autograph Collection

Gown: The Dressing Room

Hair & Makeup: Hair & Makeup by Nereida

Flowers: Acuarela Events

LOVE IS IN THE AIR. It’s the season of love with engagements for many happy couples. Now that you are engaged, it is time to plan for the wedding of your dreams. And METRO Weddings + Events ™ is here to help. With over 15 years of publishing in the wedding industry, we are here to inspire by showcasing the latest trends and designs. Plus, we have access to some of the most professional industry partners including hotels, venues, floral + designs, bridal gowns, hair and makeup artists, pastry chefs and so much more. If you have questions, we can usually point you in the right direction to create a memorable and magical day.

Brides will want to check out the latest accessories in Bridal Style. From head to toe, we’ve got a few must-have items from the big day including a pair of drop down dazzling earrings from local jewelry store, Gold & Diamond Source.

We all know that everyone waits for the bride and groom to cut the cake and is big part of the reception. See some gorgeous designs and blooms in Cakes & Flowers.

One of biggest decisions for the wedding day is the selection of the bridal gown. We say, “Let Your Personality Shine,” in the Gown Guide Trends for 2023. From glam ball gowns to sleek silhouettes, take a look at the gorgeous gowns showcased from a variety of designers this year. We love the floral motifs and the pops of color trending this season.

Thanks to our special couples that we feature in Real Weddings Congratulations to Kathy and Luis who were married at The Current Hotel. Danielle and Ryan enjoyed a romantic and classic wedding at the BellaCosa Lakeside Lodge & Venue. Rachel and Senthil had a three day celebration in Sarasota at the Ringling Museum of Art, Powel Crosely Estate and The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota. Each wedding has stunning details that we hope provides ideas and inspiration for your own special day.

In addition to weddings, many of the bridal vendors handle corporate and fundraising events. Anna Lucia Events founded by Anna Lucia Richardson with the help of amazing vendors created a modern theme for Tampa Museum of Art’s signature fundraising event — Pavilion XXXVI Celebrate the love this season. We are always searching for unique and gorgeous weddings to feature in an upcoming issue, so please share with us photos of your special day and it may end up on the pages in a future issue.

Cheers,

Ronda M. Parag

Publisher/ Managing Editor

Publisher / Editor-in-Chief

Stephen Parag II

Publisher / Managing Editor

Ronda M. Parag

Executive Art Director

Chad Vorbrich

Contributing Photographers

FotoBohemia

Emma Hintz

Beth Joy Photography

Kirby Lavallee

Limelight Photography

Steven McCarthy

Allen Reed

Roohi Photo

Tina Sargeant

Dafne Spencer

Rebecca Zoumberos

Every detail for the wedding begins with the bride and her dream of a perfect day. From head to toe, we’ve found a few bridal style essentials.

Drop Down Dazzle

These Juleve aquamarine & round diamond drop Evolving Earrings feature stunning 4.05 carat total weight cushion cut aquamarines & 1.46 carat total weight round diamonds. These beautiful earrings can be worn as diamond studs, diamond studs with the earring jackets, or all 3 earring components together! $9,420. Available at Gold & Diamond Source, www.goldanddiamond.com.

Take Flight

Walk down the aisle in a pair of gorgeous Sophia Webster Bridal Chiara Angel Wing Sandals. $805. Available online at Neiman Marcus, www.NeimanMarcus.com.

Hair of Adornment

The up-do style with a braid is perfect to showcase this gorgeous Twigs and Honey crystal encrusted leafy bridal comb. $225. Available at Malindy Elene or www.twigsandhoney.com.

Playful & Fun

The floral scent of Tease Sugar Fleur opens with a fresh, tart pop of Pink Lady apple for a burst of energy. At the heart, jasmine buds are dipped in pink caramel, with a surprisingly sophisticated hint of bubblegum. 1.7 oz., $59.95; 3.4 oz., $79.95. Available at Victoria’s Secret, www.VictoriasSecret.com.

Simply Sparkle

Elevate your core collection with the Audrey 14k White Gold Strand Necklace. Fringed by full cut, hand placed White Diamonds, sparkle from every angle in this forever favorite. $1,000. Available at www.kendrascott.com.

Announce It

The perfect bag to hold the day-of essentials and then to announce your new status to the world with the Sophia Webster Cleo Wifey for Lifey Clutch Bag. $630. Available online at Neiman Marcus, www.NeimanMarcus.com.

Cakes & Flowers

Whether you are a modern or boho chic bride, the flowers and cakes that are selected for the big day impact the overall décor. Everyone loves to celebrate at the reception with a delicous slice of cake. Flowers from the bouqet to the centerpieces create a feeling of celebration.

Citrus Blooms

Floral Design: FH Events

Planner: Laura Detwiler Events

Photographer: Beth Joy Photography

Towering Heights

Cake Design: Cake Girl

Venue: Kapok Tree Special Events

Photographer: Kirby Lavallee

Classic & Elegant

Cake Design: SweetCakes Bakery

Floral & Décor: 2 Sisters Events

Photographer: Tina Sargeant

White Bliss

Floral & Décor Design: FH Events

Planner: Laura Detwiler Events

Photographer: Beth Joy Photography

Ribbon Rules

Cake Design: SweetCakes Bakery

Photographer: Allen Reed

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