Romantic Tropical Ballroom St Pete Wedding

In the heart of downtown St. Pete, Rachel and Eric’s luxurious wedding featured bright florals among classic touches and timeless décor. Guests were transported into a dreamy Florida paradise complete with breathtaking flowers and a vibrant green and pink color palette.

“I always imagined an elegant black-tie wedding. I wanted our wedding to have a romantic, fun feeling while still elegant. I love flowers, so having a lot of florals was very important,” the bride explained. “Our colors were pink, blush, orange, emerald, and gold. I love bright flowers, and the emerald green and gold lifted them up a notch so our wedding could keep the formality. Our hotel was also pink, so it all went together nicely.”

The couple turned to St. Pete wedding planner Jessica Ralph of Parties A La Carte to curate a memorable experience for the bride and groom’s 175 loved ones.

“I was looking for a wedding planner who was professional and honest and someone who had experience in the local industry. Having a wedding planner that has good relationships with the vendors in the area is so important, especially when you have to move your wedding because of a pandemic. We were really happy with the service from Parties A La Carte.” the bride beamed.

The outdoor ceremony took place in The Vinoy’s Tea Garden which was adorned with romantic florals and a flowing water fountain. The bride and groom declared their love under a beautiful chuppah surrounded by light pink wisteria vines, and vibrant orange, yellow, and red flowers with a lush greenry backdrop.

“Being Methodist and my husband being Jewish, we wanted to have an intimate private ceremony that could incorporate both religions. We had many cultural and religious traditions that really made our wedding unique, like a rabbi and pastor both officiating. We had our ceremony under a beautiful chuppah and glass breaking at the end of the ceremony, paying respect to my husband’s religion,” the bride explained. “I walked down the aisle to a ukulele playing Over the Rainbow, and we both received leis at the end of the ceremony, representing the Hawaiian side of my family that was not able to be present. We also honored our moms with white roses during the ceremony.”

Following cocktail hour, guests entered The Vinoy Grand Ballroom, known for its eye-catching Chihuly chandeliers, to be greeted by blooming cherry blossom trees lining long feasting tables. Tall, white tapered candles sat among a vibrant tablescape of delicate gold-rimmed charger plates, gold cutlery, and delicate name cards atop emerald green linens. The reception transcended the ordinary, with a live band, an all-white dance floor with a custom monogram, and cold sparks adding flair to the first dance.

“We really focused on the experience of our guests. We wanted everyone to feel welcomed and be entertained and elements that were unique to our wedding,” Rachel shared. “I really liked Jessica’s wedding portfolio, vision, and ability to speak her mind. We received so many compliments on those elements that really made our wedding stand out!”