Laura and Cory imagined their wedding day to be full of love, romance and a lot of RED. St. Pete Lion’s Club was the perfect venue to showcase their vision. With a gorgeous arch filled with rich red flowers, a scenic beach backdrop, and most importantly their closet friends and family, the Cochran’s were set to start the beginning of a beautiful new chapter.

The couple started off their big day with a first look we can not get over. By the way Cory reacted after seeing Laura for the first time you could tell he couldn’t wait to call her Mrs. Cochran! Following their first look, it was time for the “I do’s”. The best part about this was even though Cory had just seen Laura in her gorgeous white dress, he couldn’t believe he was about to marry this gorgeous lady walking down the aisle. After they sealed it with a kiss, the couple celebrated with champagne, cupcakes and the first dance on the beach. Needless to say, their day was absolutely perfect. Take a peek at their day below!

WHAT WORDS WOULD YOU USE TO DESCRIBE YOUR WEDDING?

Intimate, classic, memorable

THE PROPOSAL:

On my 26th birthday, June 28 2021 Cory planned to take me to my favorite winery, Arrington Vineyards in Nashville, TN. We previously visited Arrington in October of 2020 and both fell in love with the scenery and atmosphere.

Cory planned a picnic through the vineyard, with a bottle of Rose.  After a few minutes of snacking, he asked me to stand up and take a selfie with the vineyard in the back. Little did I know, Fiona, our amazing photographer, came rushing down the hill to capture the moment.

When he asked me to marry him, I immediately responded “oh my gosh! I love you, I love you, I love you!” After the immediate shock wore off, he said “Wait, that’s a yes right?” OF COURSE!!

THE VISION:

My vision was simple. I wanted to bring my closest friends and family from our hometown, Memphis, TN to our favorite destination, St. Pete Beach for a simple ceremony and after-party. I knew I wanted to have less than 30 guests with a focus on the scenery. 

THE PLANNING PROCESS:

I began planning more than a year ahead of time for my destination wedding. Almost immediately, I found Elope Tampa Bay and realized they had everything I wanted. I used ETB instagram, blogs, and facebook groups to find the perfect photographer and HMU artists. I met with our photographer, Amber and Femme Akoi 6 months before on a trip to St Pete for our engagement shoot and HMU Trial. 

YOUR OUTFITS AND ACCESSORIES

Dress from local shop Nicole Barre Bridal in Memphis TN. I picked this dress because it was classic, with a modern twist. Groom’s attire was from Joseph A. Bank and also picked for the classic fall colors. 

MEMORABLE MOMENTS

My most favorite moment was during the ceremony when we asked our family, and our friends, to stand up and also make a vow with us, to help us succeed in marriage. To offer advice and guide us in a long lasting marriage. It was perfect to have our first dance on the beach and I’m so glad we made extra time for photos so we could capture the most beautiful sunset. 

 ADVICE FOR OTHER COUPLES

DEFINITELY use ETB, and Amber McWhorter Photography!!! ETB was texting me telling me the weather would hold off and the ceremony would be perfect during the morning. They are so experienced, I had no doubts they could pull it off. They handled it all and made my wedding planning experience seamless. Amber is 100% the best photographer and I’d choose her a million times over if I had to do it again.

VENDORS

Officiant: Pastor Chris Thomas

Photographer: Amber McWhorter

Coordinator & Permit: Elope Tampa Bay

Venue: Lion’s Club

Floral: Wonderland Florist

Pastry Chef/Cake: Alessi Bakery

H&M: Femme Akoi

Transportation: Star Trolley

Dress: Nicole Barre Bridal