beth & david | oxford exchange ceremony and wedding reception | downtown tampa wedding photographer

…insights from beth…

how would you describe your wedding to someone who was not there? what were some of your inspirations? how did you envision the wedding prior to your special day?

Our wedding was an intimate, romantic, evening wedding with a blend of Spanish and American traditions.

which three vendors were most important to you when planning your wedding?

For me, as an artist myself, I happened to care a lot about my photography and videography. I spent many weeks combing through online portfolios and really looking at details. I needed a team that was creative, professional, organized and experienced. I have to say, Marissa Moss Photography and The Artistry Films were a pleasure to work with: professional, kind, and accommodating. I am really looking forward to seeing all of the edited images and video!

As someone who loves good food, my husband really wanted a venue with delicious food and a rich, delicious cake. The Oxford Exchange and Hands on Sweets delivered on both of these phenomenally!

what was the best advice you received when planning your wedding?

Best advice received: Keep the DIY to a minimum! Don’t drive yourself crazy. Pick one or two things you care to put a personal touch on and leave the rest to the professionals.

My best advice: Give yourself an hour in the morning (if you can) before the chaos of the day starts. Have a coffee, stretch, sit in the sun and listen to some relaxing music. I really enjoyed having that down-time!

what was your favorite moment, or favorite part, of your wedding day?

I have lots of favorite moments, but I have selected a few…

Firstly, my first dance with my husband. Recently having moved to New York, we decided to tap into the energy of this city and spring for some private lessons since we both enjoy dancing. We have a blast during the classes leading up to the wedding day, so it eased some of the more rigid aspects of wedding planning. When the wedding day came, I felt like it was a special moment layered in all of the happy moments we shared dancing together.

Secondly, walking down the stairs at the Oxford Exchange to meet my father when we were about to walk down the aisle. I had to pause for a few moments to breathe (and hold in the tears!) – the string quartet (Bella Musica) brought so much emotion into the room, I wanted to soak in the moment. I will always remember my dad’s smile as he was waiting!

I also had the most amazing time bonding with my best girl friends and my amazing family. We had a wonderfully relaxing morning filled with storytelling, champagne, makeup and lunch. It will go down forever as one of my happiest memories to have all of these spectacular women sharing the morning with me. To end our perfect afternoon, my best friends also gave the most amazing toast, which, to this day, still brings me to tears.

… how it all came together…

ceremony | oxford exchange

reception venue and catering | oxford exchange

event designer | oxford exchange

event coordinator | one fine day

cake artist | hands on sweets

florist | belle fleur
musician/DJ | inpulse enterntainment

videographer | the artistry films

officiant | wes morris

gown boutique | la belle marie bridal

men’s wear | hackett london

hair and makeup | lasting luxe