In this chic, serene garden, Alexis and Ward said “I do”. A perfect blend of elegance, romance, and a journey that came full circle, just like their love.
We had the absolute joy of spending over a year working with Alexis to plan her dream wedding. Every detail was thoughtfully curated to reflect her vision and bring out the magic in her love story.
Location: Sunken Gardens, St. Petersburg, Florida
Style: Chic, Romantic, Garden Party
Venue Style: Garden Glamour
Tucked away in the heart of St. Petersburg’s Historic Old Northeast, the Sunken Gardens span four lush acres of century-old botanical beauty. As a charming and storied venue, the gardens offer a romantic, tropical backdrop unlike any other.
Alexis and Ward welcomed guests to their wedding weekend with an intimate rehearsal dinner at Sauvignon Wine Locker & American Trattoria, nestled along Central Ave in St. Petersburg. A true hidden gem, this cozy, refined space brought a touch of New York sophistication to the heart of sunny St. Pete… exactly what we envisioned for the night before.
Guests gathered over exceptional wines, celebratory bubbles, and a thoughtfully curated dinner menu. The atmosphere struck the perfect balance: effortlessly chic, elevated yet inviting. This evening was the ideal prelude to a weekend of love and celebration.
Alexis’s wedding morning was filled with joy, anticipation, and the kind of excited energy that only your wedding day can bring. The bridal party stayed at the stylish AC Hotel in downtown St. Petersburg making for a smooth and relaxed start to the day. To recharge and prepare for the celebration ahead, a local IV hydration team arrived for a wellness boost.
Her glam team, Lauren and Emily, delivered effortlessly elevated beauty. Every detail was executed to perfection and truly set the tone for the day to come.
The ceremony unfolded amidst the serene beauty of the Sunken Gardens, where century-old flora and cascading greenery created a naturally enchanting setting. We intentionally chose the majestic oak tree as the focal point. Its sweeping branches offered both shade and grandeur. Positioning this grand tree slightly off-center allowed for a long, cinematic aisle moment for Alexis, and added a quiet layer of drama to her entrance.
With a refined approach to florals, we let the garden’s beauty take center stage. Every detail was curated to complement the setting, resulting in an atmosphere of effortless, understated elegance.
A live saxophonist and guitarist set the tone during cocktail hour, where gorgeous white and green floral linens and watercolor napkins, customized with a portrait of the newlyweds, added a personal and artful touch.
Guests gathered beneath a clear tent, where string lights twinkled overhead like stars, casting a romantic glow over the evening. The reception featured signature cocktails, selected by the bride and groom, a bold checkered dance floor, and a charming heart-shaped cake that felt both playful and timeless. It was a perfect balance of modern sophistication and personality-filled details that made the entire day feel uniquely theirs.
Alexis and Ward’s first dance was a moment of pure magic. Beneath the glow of the clear tent and surrounded by friends and family, they took to the checkered dance floor as a live band played their song. Their choreography was anything but ordinary as it was filled it joyful spins, playful lifts, and effortless movement that mirrored the energy of their love. It was a beautiful blend of elegance and fun, and ultimately captured the couple’s love perfectly.
Naturally, the night didn’t end with the last dance. Alexis and Ward are huge fans of 70s and 80s music, so it was only right to keep the celebration going with an unforgettable after party at Good Night John Boy, a retro-inspired bar perched above Central Avenue. Guests boarded a private trolley and made their way to the venue, where disco beats, neon lights, and nostalgic vibes took over. And of course, the night was not complete without late-night slices of classic New York style pizza, a perfect, playful nod to the couple’s East Coast roots.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED KELCI LEIGH EVENTS. PHOTOS FROM VARIOUS TALENTED PHOTOGRAPHERS
WEBSITE AND BRAND DESIGN BY DANIELA NAOMI CO.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED KELCI LEIGH EVENTS
| WEBDESIGN BY DANIELA NAOMI CO.
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