Non-Stop Laughs and Family Fun During Jataun and Walter's Elopement at The Godfrey Hotel

We love it when couples incorporate their loved ones into their elopement celebration! Jataun and Walter had their kids and newborn grandchild by their side as they exchanged vows, and then did a sand pouring unity ceremony with all of their children. Each person added a different color of sand into the vessel, creating such a special keepsake from their big day.

Jataun and Walter had their ceremony on The Godfrey Hotel pier beneath the white pergola adorned with tropical floral pieces. Once the ceremony was over, they had their first dance, and then moved over to their dessert display to cut the cake and toast champagne. The sweetest part? They also added some fresh cookies to the assortment for the groom and kids! There were so many laughs throughout the day from the groom putting on chapstick before their kiss to the fun candids shot by their photographer (keep scrolling to see them!).

WHAT WORDS WOULD YOU USE TO DESCRIBE YOUR WEDDING?

Stress-free, intimate, gorgeous view, perfection!

THE PROPOSAL:

It happened on New Year’s Eve. I’d just gotten back from a cruise and didn’t want to do ANYTHING or go ANYWHERE due to exhaustion. However, my then boyfriend now husband, insisted we come over to his house because the family had some surprise for HIM, and he wanted me and my son there. I fought it, but eventually conceded. He picks us up and drives us to his house. I walk in and the living room lights are off but the walls are dripping with the floor to ceiling fairy lights! And there’s a saxophone player and a singer in the kitchen! They go on to play some of our favorite love songs and the last song was The Proposal by Jaime Fox. We stood together holding hands, listening to the words, staring into each other’s eyes crying and at the end of the song he got on bended knee and proposed!!!

THE VISION:

We wanted something small and personal as we only wanted our kids present. I can’t stand to see brides/couples stressing over making others happy on THEIR day! We planned on having a large reception for family and friends at a later date. I wanted the beach but he didn’t want to deal with sand! Obstacle #1! Lol. I just love the peace and beauty with large bodies of water. Elope Tampa Bay had the perfect option at The Godfrey with a beautiful long pier out into the water. Which allowed us to bypass the mess of sand but still be surrounded by water and the pictures on the pier are gorgeous!

THE PLANNING PROCESS:

So much stress taken off our plate. Our wedding day was just what we imagined it to be! I did most of the “planning” from my couch! By planning I mean answering a few questionnaires via email. Can I just say I LOVE that 95% of communication was via email! Catie was amazing throughout the entire process! No constant calling and playing phone tag. All my questions were answered thoroughly and seeing as we only started planning a few months before our big day everything moved quickly and was executed perfectly. We just focused on our outfits, hair and makeup.

YOUR OUTFITS AND ACCESSORIES:

The groom had his suit made by a tailor in Jacksonville,FL Arminius Patterson (IG: Audacious_by_arminius) for $950. My dress came from Frontroom Couture in St Petersburg for $1,100. This store only has gorgeous dresses that are customized to your body for $1000 or LESS! Accessories from Amazon were $50! Make Up by Ashley Anne (IG: MakeMeOver_aa) did my makeup for $165. We didn’t want to break the bank for our wedding and we looked FABULOUS if we do say so ourselves!!

MEMORABLE MOMENTS:

Anyone who knows my husband knows he is a serious goof ball! In even the most sweetest moments of photos he was cracking jokes but the most memorable was at the end of the wedding ceremony. The officiant pronounces us husband and wife and declares the groom may kiss the bride….as I lean in for the smooch he turns and holds a finger out as to say “One moment, hold please.” I have no idea what’s going on but he pulls out chapstick from his blazer and proceeds to get his lips good and moisturized!

ADVICE FOR OTHER COUPLES:

If you have time to visit the venues you’re interested in, DO IT. If you want to be outdoors be mindful of time of year and weather! Lastly, RELAX, and let Elope Tampa Bay take the stress out of getting married!