Tropical Rock n' Roll Wedding -

a groom in a suit jacket and bride in a leather jacket and white dress facing each other surrounded by blue neon lights from a sign that reads "so fresh & clean"

Old Florida Rock n Roll

Courtney* & Daniel* reached out to me in January 2022 to plan their destination tropical rock n’ roll micro-wedding for that October. Anyone in the wedding industry will tell you, October is the most popular month to get married. And my October was fully booked. But after one conversation, I couldn’t say no. Obsessed with their vision would be an understatement. And lucky for both of us, I specialize in planning micro-weddings in less than one year.

a large neon vintage motel sign with a blue mermaid tail and orange stars

a wedding ceremony site with two sides and 4 rows of clear chairs facing a large screen backdrop with Florida everglades on screen.

The couple had so many ideas on their Pinterest board. 70s vintage, 60s rock, 20s sultry, new age celestial, old Hollywood glam. But there was one thing in every picture. COLOR! Lots of color and lots of sparkle! They were two rainbow glitter bad-asses. Absolutely everything I adore. We couldn’t compromise. We couldn’t abandon a single idea. So we created a blended concept with a bridge connecting it all. Old Florida meets the Golden Age of Rock n Roll.

A bride in a white satin dress in a room with a wall covered in seashells arranged in an eye shaped pattern. Facing away from a groom in a doorframe of a room light with blue neon lights. They cannot see each other.

New Age Art & Bygone Era Ceremony

How they found this venue from five states away, I don’t know! Only hiccup, neither the ceremony or reception location had ever hosted a wedding. Ever. The ceremony site had never hosted a single event. But that didn’t matter to Courtney & Dan. They loved the look and trusted me to turn it into a wedding venue. Fairgrounds St Pete describes itself as “an indoor, explorable world of playful immersive exhibits.” It was such a cool exhibit, we just had to build space into the timeline for guests to wander and explore.

tropical colorful floral arrangement with two different sized disco balls

close up boutonniere of a small yellow marigold and a tiny pink pineapple

Tropical Rock n’ Roll Reception

The reception space was just as wonderfully wild as Courtney & Dan’s vision. Dirty Laundry is a laundromat themed café that hides a sexy speakeasy behind a wall of washing machines.

Since the reception was only a 5 minute ride down the street from the ceremony. Courtney & Dan booked a trolley to take all of their guests over. It was a sweet gesture, ensuring their guests didn’t have to worry about traffic or parking. (Also, no one would be late.)

Groom & Bride walking in front of a greenery wall - pink neon sign on wall reads "ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE & MOJITOS"

A sweetheart table set for 2 dressed in a black sequin tablecloth, 4 taper candles, assorted fruit, 4 small disco balls, and colorful, tropical floral arrangements in front of a pink lattice wall

Once at the reception, the guests were welcomed into the back courtyard with saxophone music. Mario, aka – The Sugar Sax, played the ceremony and reception and I will be recommending him forever and always. He is *chef’s kiss*. The couple opted for a mix of lounge seating and bistro tables for a casual vibe which went right along with the laid back, tropical rock n’ roll concept.

After dinner was eaten, the couple toasted to, and the shag cake had been cut, everyone moved to the speakeasy for dancing. Courtney & Dan didn’t want the night to end! So, afterwards, they headed back to the hotel bar for another drink and a magic show.

a group of people sitting on a couch holding up champagne glasses to toast a couple

Rock Your Wedding

Do you know know anyone who wore tiny pineapples at their wedding? How about someone who entered their wedding ceremony through a giant dragon’s mouth? I mean just look at that woman! The smile on Courtney’s face and the pure excitement in her whole body is why I do this job.

All throughout the event I heard guests saying to each other, Courtney would do that. This is so Dan & Court. That was just about the best compliment I think Courtney, Dan, and I could receive. To get to know them so well, and have their personalities shine through on their wedding day, there’s nothing more satisfying.

At the end of their night Courtney and I hugged and she told me I gave her the CONFIDENCE to have the wedding they wanted. Which is all I try to do for all the couples I work with. These two are two rainbow shining stars that I will not soon forget. Congratulations, Courtney & Daniel!