GABRIELLA + MICHAEL STEP INTO THE LIMELIGHT | THE FLORIDAN PALACE HOTEL | TAMPA, FL
Gabriella and Michael met each other during the famous pirate invasion of Tampa event called Gasparilla in 2015. They had been out with friends celebrating when they just so happen to meet at Macdintons. Michael came up to strike up a conversation after just moving back to the Tampa area and the rest is history!
On Christmas Eve 2017, they were at Gabriella's mother's house having dinner. Somehow, Michael had found the time to sneak away and ask her parent's permission to marry me. Michael surprised her with plane tickets to Hawaii, a place that she had always dreamed of going! They left the morning after Christmas and had an absolute blast. On New Years Eve, they went for a walk on one of the private beaches. They sat on the beach when all of a sudden, Michael got down on one knee and proposed. They rang in the new year in Hawaii and could not wait to come home and celebrate with their family and friends!
Gabriella has this to say about her love for Michael, “Michael has an awesome sense of humor, he is a great friend and gets along with everyone! His laugh is contagious and so unique. He keeps me calm and always is my voice of reason. I love to travel with him because he loves trying new things and always keeps an open mind. He works very hard and is a loyal son, is great with his family and mine.”
Together they bring out the best in each other and have a sense of humor and their LAUGHING is contagious! They enjoy lounging by the pool or beach, traveling and cooking together.
They wanted their wedding to be very romantic and traditional. They knew that they wanted to embrace Tampa's culture and show their guests why they love this city so much. Everything felt fresh but still warm with florals and lighting. The Floridan is so iconic and grandiose, boasting the most beautiful architecture and was absolutely stunning during the holiday season. The black tie attire certainly matched the ambiance and set the tone for a glamorous final weekend in 2018!
Gabriella was most excited for her wedding dress and they both loved their band, the florals. They also had some amazing details during the cocktail hour that are unique to Tampa - a cigar aficionado and a flamenco guitarist!
Gabriella and Michael really love to have fun and entertain, and they certainly paid attention to every little at the biggest party they will ever have! They picked out each detail together so that everything at the wedding was a reflection of both of their families and history, and the different pieces that bring them happiness.
So many special emotional moments throughout the day left all of the guests feeling overjoyed and in awe of the elegant decor. You could see and feel the love as Gabriella was first walking down the aisle with her dad, when her dad gave her away and as Gabriella and Michael said their vows. The excitement and celebration of love continued as their shared their first kiss and first dance as husband and wife with all of the most special people in our lives being in one room witnessing their joy.
Lead Photographers | Michael and Rebecca Zoumberos
Band: The Bay Kings Band
Cake: Elise's Pieces
Caterer: The Floridan Palace Hotel
Ceremony Site: Saint Andrew's Episcopal Church
Cigar Aficionado: Delite Entertainment
Drapery + Lighting: Delite Entertainment
Flamenco Guitarist: Delite Entertainment
Florist: Northside Florist
Hair Stylist: Destiny and Light Hair & Makeup Group
Invitations: The Write Stuff
Make-Up Artist: Destiny and Light Hair & Makeup Group
Reception Venue: The Floridan Palace Hotel
Videographer: Voila Cinematic
Wedding Gown: The White Magnolia | Watters Too Dress
Wedding Planner | Taylor Falcon Events
Photobooth: Snapshoot