For anyone looking to ditch the winter weather and elope somewhere that gives all the tropical vibes, we have covered! Jataun and Walter’s elopement had everything we love about an off the beach elopement. The tropical flowers, the sparkling ocean in the distance, and a ceremony ritual that signified the unity of Jataun and Walter’s family as one.

The day was filled with many laughs, many tears and most importantly lots of love. Take a peek at their elopement at the Godfrey Pier and prepare to be inspired to plan your tropical elopement.

WHAT WORDS WOULD YOU USE TO DESCRIBE YOUR WEDDING?

Stress free, intimate, gorgeous view, perfection! 

THE PROPOSAL:

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 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!

YOUR OUTFITS AND ACCESSORIES

The groom had his suit made by a tailor in Jacksonville,FL Arminius Patterson (IG: Audacious_by_arminius)-$950. My dress came from Frontroom Couture in St Petersburg-$1,100. This store only has gorgeous dresses that are customized to your body for $1000 or LESS! Accessories from Amazon-$50! Make Up by Ashley Anne (IG: MakeMeOver_aa)-$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! And then kisses me lol

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 yr and weather! If you are very particular about how you want your photos stylized (tint/filtered) you may want to do your research and hire your own. I had no clue! Our photos came out lovely but you can’t make request to alter the photos. Lastly, RELAX, and let Elope Tampa Bay take the stress out of getting married! 

VENDORS

 Officiant: Pastor Chris Thomas

Photographer: M.A.D. Images Inc.

Coordinator & Permit: Elope Tampa Bay

Venue: Godfrey Hotel

Floral: Jennies Florist 

Cake: Alessi Bakery

 H&M: Make Me Over by Ashley Ann