I am so excited to share the Almeida's beautiful wedding! I met Christina and Luis almost a year ago when I photographed their engagement session at the USF campus which was a very special place for them, fin out why and more about their beautiful love story and proposal which was feature by How He Asked by the Knot HERE!
Thank you Christina for sharing some valuable information and details about your wedding planning with future brides to be!
From our beautiful bride Christina,
Why did you pick the venue that you chose?
We really wanted a venue that offered both a ceremony and reception area all in one location and preferably indoors. We did not want a blank canvas. We wanted a venue that provided all catering and hopefully a bar as well that was affordable and still beautiful to the eye. I was so thankful that my venue, Tampa Palms Golf and Country Club provided both indoor and outdoor ceremony options, indoor and outdoor reception options, and full catering and bar. The menu and bar options were so much more affordable than any other venue we checked into.
What was your wedding inspiration? (think decor, florals, overall theme and feel of the day, etc)
I wanted a romantic feel to the wedding. Romantic colors such as sangria, blush, rose gold. Plenty of candles and rose gold decorated our tables.
Let's talk stunning dress! How did you both choose your wedding day look? Would you describe the looks in detail? This will help future brides when shopping for their dress!
I wanted a more classic bridal look for my dress. Something more timeless that I would not regret later when looking back at my wedding photos. A dress that was more flattering for my body type and was not too heavy with beading. I was able to find a beautiful sweetheart neckline lace dress from CC's Ivory and Lace for an awesome price! I loved the lace detail and scallop design on the sweetheart neckline.
Why should you seek your photographers help with the timeline before the wedding day?
One of my biggest "wants" from my wedding day, outside of a happy, beautiful marriage and union, was to have amazing photos to look back at! So having a great timeline set up with my photographer was important. I wanted to make sure my bridal party and vendors were on the same timeline and ready with make-up and hair and also making sure everyone ate at an appropriate time and felt comfortable. Wedding days can be hectic but that can be prevented with a timeline and knowing where to be, when to be dressed, and when things should start. It helps give brides and grooms an overall idea of how your day will flow and easy for vendors to coordinate when they will arrive and set up.
Do you recommend doing an engagement session before the big day? if yes, why?!
Yes, why not?! You only get married once and should celebrate every moment you possibly can! Why not record these memories if you are able to.
If you had a first look, what advice would you give future brides to be and why should they consider having one?!
Yes, yes, and yes. I highly recommend having a first look! Our first look was so intimate and so special. We had a private moment to meet, see each other for the first time without that feeling of being in front of a large crowd. We were able to take more pictures doing a first look beforehand and relax a little prior to the ceremony. We were also able to enjoy cocktail hour with family and friends so we did not miss out on the delicious appetizers and drinks! We did not have to rush and take an hour of photos during the cocktail hour with family and bridal party. There was no rush! It was awesome and I would definitely recommend.
What are the important things to look for in a great Makeup Artist and Hair Stylist for your wedding?
I looked for pricing, professionalism, and how well they are with creating a specific look all from your ideas. I could not find a photo of the exact make up look I wanted but my makeup artist, Roxie Rodriguez with Element Hair Studio, knew exactly what type of romantic, rose gold look I was aiming for and she nailed it! She gave me a bold lip and my eyebrows looked amazing. I felt so beautiful on my wedding day! As for hair, I knew Jessica Pignano would be the perfect go-to stylist because she has magical hands when it comes to hair. I wanted my curls to be a little more exaggerated and have more volume. She was able to complete my look and it was very secure! I had no issues while dancing and moving around.
Congratulations to the newlyweds Mr and Mrs Almeida! #almeidaatlast
Creative Team and Wedding Vendors:
Photography Carography Studios by Carolina Epperson Venue Tampa Palms Country Club Hair/Makeup Element Hair Studio with Jessica Pignano and Roxie Rodriguez Florals DD's Florals Cake and other Desserts Yesenia Mendez with Sweets By Yesi Second Shooter Anna Cardona DJ/Band Dj Charlie Chase, Charlie Chase Entertainment Catering Tampa Palms Country Club Designer Martina Liana GownPlace of Purchase Cici's Bridal Ivory and Lace Boutique Designer Watters Shoes InternationalConcept Planner Ocean Sands Officiant Liz Nieves
