Raina and Miguel had a gorgeous black and white wedding at the Bayanihan Arts and Events Center in Tampa.  Their planner was Julie of Chic Designs and Fabulous Events.  She was awesome!  Dad said she was organized, helpful, and just like her company name she really did do a fabulous job with all the details.  The favors, linens, and sweets table was done by her as well and everything came together beautifully.  Other vendors on the couple’s wedding team included Darcy of Salon Belladonna & Spa for hair, Christy and Kortney of MAC makeup at International Mall for makeup, Cheral Floral Studio as the florist, Affordable Catering as the caterer, Cynthia of Cynsational Sweets (813-504-5431) for the sweets, a cigar roller from Rodriguez and Menendez Cigar Factory and Store, and transportation from Ambassador Limousine Inc.  The ceremony was held at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Tampa.  It was the first church dad has ever gone to for a wedding where they do not allow any pictures to be taken at all for the ceremony!  This includes the guests as well.  They even tell couples that their programs must include a announcement “prominently listed” that no photography of any kind is allowed during the ceremony!  But dad had an awesome time with the couple for the rest of their day.  Dad said they are a sweet couple and lots of fun to be around.  Raina and Miguel’s families were terrific too and their parents made dad feel welcome.

With Julie’s help, Raina and Miguel put together a gorgeous reception!  The fabric and the uplighting created an elegant and posh look.  Raina looked stunning in her beaded mermaid gown which she wore for the ceremony and the beginning of the reception.  As the party kicked into high gear Raina changed into her second gown and went from classic and bridal to modern and hot!  The gown was short and covered in bling with some tulle around the hips and a big satin bow around the waist which gave it more of a wedding look.  It looked amazing on her!

Mom has a new favorite way to do the bouquet and garter toss.  After Miguel removed Raina’s garter, the available men were gathered on one side of the room and the women on the other.  Raina and Miguel stood in the middle facing each other and tossed the garter and bouquet at the same time.  Mom thinks this is an awesome way to do it and she hopes to see it done this way at more weddings!

Thanks to the newlyweds for having dad capture your wedding day.  Congratulations on your amazing wedding and what is sure to be the start of a long and happy marriage.