Katie and Royal’s Tampa Bay Watch Wedding

This Tampa Bay Watch wedding was too sweet for words. Katie and Royal were so much fun to work with, and the day was filled with personality.

 

Happy bride and groom after their first look at TAMPA BAY Watch

 

Not only were there lots of DIY touches, but the personal details and family members who were part of the day made the day extra special.

Along the way, we’ll share some things that made the day so unique and fun!

 

Getting Ready

The bride and groom-to-be each spent the afternoon getting ready with their families and wedding party.

 

Bride getting ready at TAMPA BAY watch

 

Personal Touch #1 –

The garter Katie chose to wear was the garter her mother wore on her wedding day!

 

Groom getting ready for the big day

 

Personal Touch #2 –

Royal’s cufflinks were his grandfather’s.

 

Dressed and ready, it was time for our couple to see each other for the first time!

 

A First Look

At first glance, it’s easy to see how much in love these two are. They are so sweet and loving together. 

 

Bride and groom's first look at TAMPA BAY Watch

Bride and groom embrace after their first look

 

After lots of wedding portraits along the Tampa Bay Watch waterfront, the couple was joined by their wedding party.

 

Bride and groom with their wedding party

 

Personal Touch #3 –

Katie’s twin sister was her Maid of Honor, and Royal’s brother was his Best Man.

 

With This Ring

Everything was in place for a beautiful waterfront wedding ceremony. White garden chairs led to a simple ceremony structure draped with white fabric and dressed with flowers.

 

Waterfront wedding ceremony on Tampa Bay

The flower girls!

 

Personal Touch #4 –

Katie’s grandmothers were her flower girls! 

 

Escorted by her father, Katie made her way down the aisle to her anxiously awaiting groom.

 

Dad walking his daughter down the aisle

 

The couple exchanged wedding vows and rings in a beautiful, personalized ceremony.

 

Bride and groom exchanging wedding vows

 

Personal Touch #5 –

The wedding officiant was one of Katie’s Girl Scout Troop dads.

 

First kiss!

 

Sealing their vows with a kiss, it was time for the couple to head off for some photos.

 

Sunset Photos at Tampa Bay Watch

Wedding guests went to Tampa Bay Watch’s upper deck for cocktails and lite bites.

Meanwhile, the newlyweds took full advantage of the beautiful backdrop and the magnificent sunset for some photos before rejoining their wedding guests.

 

Bride and groom at sunset at TAMPA BAY Watch

Bride and groom with their getaway car

 

Personal Touch #6 –

The getaway car for the end of the night was a 1964 Chevy Impala. The original owner was Royal’s great-grandmother, now owned by his uncle. Yes, it’s been in his family for a long time!

 

Dinner, Dancing, and LOTS of Fun!

Inside the ballroom, tables were set with simple, elegant touches. The wedding favors at each place setting were delicious William Dean Chocolates. The couple chose Salted Caramel and Peanut Butter Krunch.

 

 

Personal Touch #7 –

Katie works for William Dean Chocolates!

 

Following introductions, the newlyweds took to the dance floor for their first dance to ‘Pay No Rent,’ by Turnpike Troubadours. They followed this up with each of their parent dances.

 

First dance as husband and wife

 

Food Trucks!

For dinner service, Katie and Royal chose two food trucks. Parked in the lot below the ballroom, guests could help themselves and return to their seats. The food options included.

Mr. C’s Grilled Cheese

Mac Daddy

Cheddar and American Cheese and Homemade Mac and Cheese on Signature Texas Toast.

Fancy Caprese

Mozzarella Cheese, Tomato, Fresh Basil, Cracked Black Pepper, and Olive Oil on Multigrain Bread.

Buffalo Soldiers

Provolone, Mozzarella, chopped Chicken Breast, Buffalo Sauce, and Tomato on Signature Text Toast.

Side Dish:

TATER TOTS!

 

Chef’s Cantina

Street Tacos 

Corn Tortillas topped with your choice of Shredded Chicken or Carne Asada, Onions, and Cilantro.

Quesadilla

Warm Flour Tortilla filled with your choice of meat, cheese, or Chef’s Queso Sauce.

Nachos 

Fresh Warm Tortilla Chips topped with your choice of meat, fresh Pico de Gallo, Shredded Cheese, and Queso.

Side Dishes:

Chips and Salsa or Rice and Beans

 

Shoe, Shoe!

Following dinner, toasts were next in line, followed by the Shoe Game, where everyone learned a little about the newlyweds and how well they knew each other.

 

Bride and groom playing the Shoe Game

 

Then our bride and groom cut their wedding cake, Katie tossed her bouquet, and the newlyweds opened the dance floor for the evening.

 

Personal Touch #8

Katie made her wedding cake. Boston Cream!!

 

Bride and groom cutting their cake

 

Good Night!

The evening came to a close with the last dance of the night. ‘I Will Always Love You’ by Dolly Parton.

Well, almost the last dance. Guests were asked to make their way outside for a sparkler sendoff for the newlyweds. What better choice of song than ‘Bye Bye Bye’ by NSYNC?

 

Sparkler exit at TAMPA BAY Watch

 

Congratulations, Katie and Royal. We loved being part of all of your wedding day’s special moments!

 

Tampa Bay Wedding Vendors

Wedding Venue: Tampa Bay Watch

Tampa Bay Wedding Planner: Special Moments Event Planning

Hair and Makeup: Blo Blow Dry Bar, St. Pete

Photography: Justine Marie Photography

Floral: Something Borrowed Blooms

DJ: Tampa Bay Event DJ

Catering: Tampa Bay Food Trucks

Linens: Fancy That Specialty Linen

Bartender: Spunky Spirits

Cupcakes: Cake Affection

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