The Bay Watch Blog

Say I Do: Christy & Adam

2011-11-29T13:10:00.001-08:00

Christy and Adam had what could arguably have been the most beautiful weather possible for their amazing 11-11-11 wedding. This couple was the most sweet, thoughtful & genuine couple. There was so much excitement and love shared between these two and everyone had such a blast! A very big thank you to the amazing Angel He Photography for capturing the day so perfectly and Natalie Codella with Burkle Events for making the day so smooth.

Congratulations Christy and Adam :)

Vendors:

Caterer: Amici's Catered Cuisine

Florist: Artistry Designs Group

DJ: Grant Hemond & Associates

Wedding Cake: Chantilly Cakes

Photo Booth: Shutter Booth

Coordinator: Natalie Codella, Burkle Events

natalie@burkleevents.com

Say I Do: Launa & Vinny

2011-11-16T09:43:00.001-08:00

Launa and Vinny had a beautiful ceremony on a delightful dayfull of gorgeous Florida sunshine that beamed as bright as their love for eachother. The night rolled on with goodmusic, fun and plenty of laughter. Thankyou Launa for sending me these amazing ceremony photos. I can’t wait to get the rest of the pictures.

Image of the Week

2011-09-21T06:59:00.000-07:00

Photo by Peter Clark

Sneak Peek: Bridgette & Tim!!!

2011-09-17T09:58:00.000-07:00

Words can’t describe the feeling of Friday at 4:15 after a long work week, but I am happy to start my weekend by sharing photos that I received from Carrie Wildes Photography Art & Design. The extremely talented Carrie Wildes was out here on September 4th to capture Bridgette and Tim's fabtastic wedding. I can't wait to get the rest of the photos. For now enjoy this sneak peak courtesy of the amazingly talented, super professional yet easy going Carrie Wildes who is now one of my favorite's.

Have a great weekend, y’all!

Say I Do: Morgan & Adam

2011-09-13T08:19:00.000-07:00

Morgan and Adam were married on April 3rd. These two together absolutely radiate. Thank you to the talented Mike Carlson Photography for capturing the day. Congratulations to this amazing couple!

Real Wedding: Jessica & Bronson

2011-09-06T12:51:00.000-07:00

Jessica and Bronson had a beautiful summer wedding. Most of the wedding was DIY with some personal touches from the couple and their very close friends and family. A big thank you to Flawless Occasions wedding Planner Beth Carrick, for being such a pleasure to work with! Congratulations Jessica & Bronson, and thank you to Jamie Michelle Photography for capturing the beautiful day and for sharing the images with us! This sweet wedding makes me smile!

Pic of the Week

2011-08-18T12:15:00.000-07:00

Thank's again to Peter Clark:)!

Personalized Wedding Dress Hanger

2011-08-03T07:08:00.000-07:00

Looking for a unique wedding shower gift for a special bride? I am loving this personalized wedding dress hanger.

Photo Courtesy Charis Images. Image from Brittany and Joe's fabulous wedding!

Image of the Week

2011-08-01T07:16:00.000-07:00

These images were taken last Friday night by Peter Clark (my boss). I love it out here when it is stormy.

Nikki & Chris - Jerry McGaghey Photography

2011-07-29T11:24:00.000-07:00

Lately we have had some amazing new vendors out here at Tampa Bay Watch. Jerry McGaghey Photography is simply amazing and captured this magical wedding perfectly. Talk about talented, easy going and super professional. A big thanks to the wonderful Aymee Brace with Puff 'n Stuff Catering, Botanica, Julissa Mercado and Paul Brace Entertainment for making this wedding so successful. Nikki absolutely had an all star line up of vendors.

GETTING READY

THE FIRST LOOK

THE CEREMONY

FORMALS

THE RECEPTION

Sneak Peek: Heather & Paul

2011-07-29T07:58:00.000-07:00

Photographer: Jerry McGaghey Photography (one of my favorites).

Roohi Photography & FishHawk Weddings

2011-07-28T07:39:00.000-07:00

FishHawk Weddings did a photo shoot out here at Tampa Bay Watch and Rana with Roohi Photography was out here to capture the beautiful images. Below are a few images that Rana emailed me and I can't wait to see the rest of them.

Sneak Peek: Abby & Adam

2011-07-27T12:16:00.000-07:00

I loved this wedding so much. W-O-W! Thank you SugarLeaf Photography (Lexia Frank) for the teaser shots.

Sneak Peek: Erica & Johnny

2011-07-27T05:59:00.000-07:00

Check out the photos I received last night from Mark Batson Photography. These are just a sneak peek of Erica and Johnny's March wedding. I can't wait to see the rest and share them with everybody especially all of the reception details. It was a really nice way to start my day by remembering a wedding that was just amazing from start to finish. Thank you Mark!

Preferred Vendor Alert - FishHawk Weddings & Events

2011-07-26T11:38:00.000-07:00

If you are in need of a florist for your wedding or event I strongly recommend that you check out FishHawk Weddings & Events. Designer Stephanie Prenatt and her amazing team never cease to amaze me! I cannot recommend her work highly enough. Stephanie is a true artist who will work with you to create memorable arrangements and bouquets that will be sure to make your wedding even more beautiful. Stephanie has always gone out of her way to make sure that brides have the best of the best. FishHawk Wedding & Events also also offers lighting, draping and linens. Tampa Bay Watch loves, loves, loves FishHawk Weddings & Events. Below are some photos of a few weddings that FishHawk has done at Tampa Bay Watch.

Image of the Week

2011-07-26T07:29:00.000-07:00

Check out this photo that Charis Images took while waiting for Brittany & Joe's wedding to begin.

Real Wedding - Marsha + Shane

2011-07-25T11:32:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Marsha and Shane! The couple had just a sweet and love filled day! I am so glad to have met this wonderful couple and best of luck to the newlyweds! =)

Sneak Peek: Maggie & Jason

2011-07-25T10:27:00.000-07:00

A big thank you to our friend David Krantzberg with Basia Mille Photography for sending me these images today. Maggie & Jason were so much fun and their wedding day was extraordinary. I can't wait to get the rest of the images to share with everybody!

Real Wedding: Kristy & Kenneth

2011-07-25T08:57:00.000-07:00

Kristy and Kenneth were such a fabulous couple to work with. They had both ceremony & reception here at the beautiful Tampa Bay Watch on April 23rd. It was a pleasure working with this wonderful couple! The newlyweds and their families were treated to amazing weather and a beautiful wedding day sunset! Congratulations to the happy couple and best of luck for your future! A big thank you to Life Writing Photography (Janie Koike) for the amazing photos.

Fabtastic Vendor Alert - Lori McCarthy Spunky Spirits

2011-05-10T10:16:00.000-07:00

She's seriously - one of the best - so know her, love her!
She doesn't charge per person!...&...You own your own alcohol!

Spunky Spirits was established in 2006 with the idea: create a custom bar menu, suited for each individual party w/themed cocktails + supply a shopping list for the host so YOU can own the stock w/the option of Spunky Spirits taking care of the shopping for you. This way, your guests get fun drinks and the you get to keep the liquor at the end of the party. Spunky Spirits is absolutely the best quality bartending service available.

Why Does Tampa Bay Watch LOVE Spunky Spirits?
Because Spunky Spirits takes care of everything and you still get to buy your own alcohol!!!

Spunky Spirits

Specialty Bartending

Lori McCarthy

813-431-7131

Lori@SpunkySpirits.com

www.SpunkySpirits.com

Sneak Peak: Brittany and Joe

2011-03-29T10:59:00.000-07:00

Photos Courtesy Charis Images

Jessica & Bryan - Sneak Peek...

2011-02-16T12:39:00.000-08:00

Jessica & Bryan started off 2011 with one of the most amazing weddings that I truly feel blessed to have been a part of! I can honestly say that all of the vendors involved with this wedding fell in love with this couple. The extremely talented Joy Marie Photography was on hand to capture the magical day. The weather was perfect and this couple had a really incredible network of family and friends. My favorite detail was the chuppah that was handmade and carved by Jessica’s dad (very detailed and intricate). The ceremony was officiated by Bryan's dad. Joy Marie will be sending me the rest of the images soon and I cannot wait to share them and relive Jessica's & Bryan's magical January 1, 2011 wedding with you all. For now enjoy these teaser shots from Joy Marie's blog.

Quick Ceremony Pic

2011-01-10T07:42:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday Everybody!

Say I Do: Amy & Phillip!

2011-01-07T09:20:00.000-08:00

Amy and Phillip were married on October 16th and I adored this couple. Amy emailed some photos and I just had to share them with you. Below is a list of vendors that made this wedding so magical.

Catering - Orange Blossom Catering
Lighting/Decorating - Decorating Elves
DJ Entertainment - Music on the Move

The photographer was a friend of both Amy & Phillips so I don't have the name. But when I get more images I will for sure be posting his information.

Happy 2010 Everybody!!!

2010-12-23T13:36:00.000-08:00

Tampa Bay Watch is taking a break until January 3, 2011. If anyone has any event inquiries, wedding questions or an emergency you can contact me (Laura) at 727-403-1866.

I hope this New Year brings you hopes for a bright future, affection, love and peace for the heart.

Below are few pictures from our very first wedding of 2010. I can't wait for our 1-1-11 wedding (seriously)!

Whitney & Bryan - bwl photography

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

Song of the Day: Black Eyed Peas - The Time (Dirty Bit)

2010-12-22T12:00:00.000-08:00

I love the holidays especially when you run into a very old friend you never thought you would run into (very old friend).

With lyrics like:
"I had the time of my life
and I never Felt this way before
and I swear this is true
and I owe it
all to you
&
"Cause I'm Havin'! A good time with you, I'm telling you!"

This song makes me smile (and maybe dance a little at my desk)!!!

I also thought I would share one of my favorite night shots of Tampa Bay Watch from the extremely talented and one of my favorite photographer's Ms. Stephanie A. Smith.

Stephanie A. Smith Photography

727-289-3522

www.StephanieASmith.com

And the winner is...

2010-12-16T08:43:00.000-08:00

Jenni! Tampa Bay Watch celebrated it's 100th wedding on October 1, 2010 with one of nicest couples ever! Celebrations of Tampa Bay was on hand to capture the amazing day.

Enjoy!

Say I Do: Tabitha & Wayne!

2010-12-06T08:27:00.000-08:00

Tabitha & Wayne had a stunning November wedding. Tammy Waterman with Special Moments Weddings & Events worked her magic! I am also happy to say that I have a new favorite photographer. Rob Moorman with Moorman Photographics was outstanding. I highly recommend Special Moments and Moorman Photographics. Thank you to all of the awesome vendors that helped make this wedding such a success. Enjoy!

Erin & Gary - Teaser Shot

2010-11-30T10:54:00.000-08:00

Erin and Gary were married on November 21, 2010. This is a couple that has an amazing network of family and friends. Erin's mom emailed me this photo that a friend of hers took and I just had to share it with everybody while I patiently wait to get the images from the photographer. Enjoy!

Corn Hole, Bocce Ball & More...

2010-11-30T09:02:00.000-08:00

Lauren and Nick's wedding was awesome and the details were very fun. Who doesn't have fun playing bocce ball, corn hole, horseshoes. Lauren also had Madlib advice cards the guests to fill out. The ceremony was at St. Paul's Catholic Church with photos following at Ft. DeSoto and the reception was here at Tampa Bay Watch. If you can't tell that this was a very Gator loving couple. The vintage postcards and smores stations were very fun. Below are some photos from photographer Jason Angelini's blog. I can't wait to receive the rest so that I can share my favorites with you all and you can see all of the details.

Happy Thanksgiving, Gobble Gobble

2010-11-24T12:29:00.000-08:00

Bring on the turkey and pumpkin pie (and ensuing belly ache). I wish you all a wonderful weekend with your families whether you're celebrating Thanksgiving or just hanging out. If you’re still at work, dreaming about the moment the clock strikes five and you can check out for Turkey day…I am here to make the last few hours just a bit sweeter. Here are some more photos from the talented Stephanie A. Smith Photography.

"Thanksgiving dinners take eighteen hours to prepare. They are consumed in twelve minutes. Half-times take twelve minutes. This is not coincidence."—Erma Bombeck

K&K Photography - Jeff & Ana Kathrein - www.kandkphotography.com

2010-11-24T08:12:00.000-08:00

Jeff & Ana Kathrein

866-571-1744

info@k&kphotography.com

www.kandkphotography.com

Say I Do: Erin & Matthew!

2010-11-17T09:02:00.000-08:00

I just saw these images sitting in my inbox from Foto di Amore and I thought I would share them with you all. Erin and Matthew traveled all the way from Germany to have their June wedding in Florida. The whole wedding was amazing!

Misty & James - Sneak Peek

2010-11-08T11:07:00.000-08:00

Misty & James were our first November 2010 wedding. An all star team of vendors made the night perfect. The talented David Krantzberg (Basia Mille Photography) was out here to capture the night.

Below is the list of vendors that made the night so amazing. I give everybody 5 Stars!

Photographer - Basia Mille Photography (David Krantzberg)

Wedding Coordinator - Polka Dot Weddings (Allison Spivey)

Catering - Amici's Catered Cuisine

Florist - FishHawk Weddings

DJ - Inpulse Entertainment (Chad Lazzara & Curtis Carrasco)

Lauren & Nick - Sunset Teaser Shot

2010-11-01T06:43:00.000-07:00

Check out the pretty sunset teaser shot of Lauren and Nick's October wedding. I can't wait to get the rest of the photo's to share with you all.

Stephanie A. Smith Photography

2010-10-21T11:36:00.000-07:00

The first weekend of October couldn't of been more perfect! With sunny skies, a wonderful breeze, an amazing view of Tampa Bay and picture perfect sunsets. I met Stephanie with Stephanie A. Smith Photography at Julia & Matt's wedding and I was so impressed by her creativity, professionalism, positivity and not to mention her awesome personality. It has been a long time since I have met a vendor that fits so perfectly with Tampa Bay Watch. Below are some of her favorite photos from Julia and Matt's wedding that she posted on her blog. I can't wait to get the rest of the images from Stephanie so I can pick out my own favorites and share them with you all.

Tampa Bay Watch LOVES Stephanie A. Smith Photography!!!

Below is a picture of Stephanie I grabbed from her website.

Stephanie A. Smith Photography
727-289-3522
www.StephanieASmith.com

Stunning Ceremony Arch

2010-09-17T08:12:00.000-07:00

I was going through some photos yesterday from the amazing Jeff of K&K Photography and was blown away by this wedding arch (if you can call it that). Anik had her ceremony at Ft. DeSoto with the reception following here at Tampa Bay Watch. I knew her ceremony was beautiful but I didn't get to see it. Lovelynn Jensen with Grand Events custom designed it for the bride and is now available for rent.

Happy Labor Day Weekend Everybody!

2010-09-02T12:13:00.000-07:00

Next week I can't wait to post the amazing photos I received from Life Long Studios of Hector & Megan's beautiful September wedding.

I'm a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it.

Thomas Jefferson

Tissue Packets

2010-08-11T13:10:00.000-07:00

Everyone cries at weddings, so why not provide tissue packs to comfort your guests?

So practical... I love it!

Preferred Vendors? or Paid Vendors???

2010-08-11T08:11:00.000-07:00

Many venues are changing the way they do their preferred vendor lists from a list of vendors that they really enjoy working with and feel would do a great job for the brides who hire them to a list of vendors who are willing to pay to be on their lists.

However, the unfortunate truth is that sometimes, Preferred Vendor Lists should stand for Paid Vendor List. Do you hear my voice getting high and squeaky? Sorry about that, but as you can see, paid vendor lists are a pet peeve of mine.

At Tampa Bay Watch our preferred list is more of a trust list. We recommend vendors we know and love, and vendors who have excelled in their chosen field. We have met and worked with these vendors and continue to keep in touch with them. These are people we would trust with our own weddings as well as yours. Our preferred vendor list is priceless because it is based on TRUST & RESPECT. Tampa Bay Watch doesn’t recommend vendors unless we can personally attest to their standards.

In short, the Preferred Vendor List should not be akin to the Yellow Pages!

Our referrals are because we know that the vendors on our Preferred Vendor List will offer the client royal treatment, and not because we make a penny off them. I don’t feel it’s ethical to make a commission/kickback whatever from the vendor. IF the vendor wants to offer an incentive to the bride for using us, fantastic, give it to the bride in the form of a discount.

A Preferred Vendor List implies a recommendation.
A Preferred Vendor List infers that the one who created it endorses the vendors on the list. Period.
The creator of the list has worked with these vendors. They stake their own reputation on their performance. In other words, it's a trust-building exchange that says to the couple, "I'm in the business and I wouldn't steer you wrong; this is someone I'd retain if I was in need of their services."

And another thought to ponder. Since there are so many quality venues who do have genuine Preferred Vendor Lists (i.e. unpaid), why would a wedding vendor pay to be on such a list? Hmmm...maybe because getting on a true preferred list is difficult.

Why would that be, do you think? Nuff’ Said, stepping off my soap box now.

Simple & Green

2010-07-29T12:21:00.000-07:00

I just found these photos while cleaning out the camera. I love how green it is.

Guests Painting at Weddings

2010-07-29T11:40:00.000-07:00

This couple used a grid system and invited each guest to paint a square on the canvas, creating an awesome memento to hang on their wall that doesn’t scream “wedding.” I love it!

Sneak Peek: Melanie & Scott (ceremony)

2010-07-28T13:49:00.000-07:00

Images provided by Charis Images.

Corey Conroy Photography

2010-07-28T12:17:00.000-07:00

More images from the fantastic and talented Corey Conroy Photography... Corey and his wife are extremely honest, professional, gifted and very easy to work with.

Weirdest Wedding Rings

2010-07-28T10:09:00.000-07:00

Have you ever thought how only a wedding ring can change the life of a person forever? How a ring is cherished by spouses in all societies? Given the emotional perspectives attached to Wedding Rings, people go a long way to get the best for their special someone(s). Picking out what to engrave on your partner's ring isn't easy. When it comes to wedding ring engravings, I thought I had seen it all. Until I journeyed to all corners of the world web in search of wedding rings.

Once you see the rings below you will be happy you played it safe.

1. Say it in sound waves.

2. Binary love.

The brides initials in binary code.

3. When a sentence isn't enough.

Go with a pretentious paragraph of illegible script.

4. Marriage means decoding.

Wedding rings are like tattoos - you have to look at it every day.

5. All the elements of marriage.

6. I LOVE IT!

7. A tattooed I Do.

Who say's "Ditto" anymore?

The tattoo rings remind of Daft Hands - Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger

Say I Do: Asheley & Chris!!!

2010-07-27T08:33:00.000-07:00

Asheley & Chris were married on May 15, 2010. Chuck Rheinsmith & his assistant Sara La Delfa of BC Wedding Photography are the uber-talented photographers behind these stunning pictures. There were so many great images to choose from that I have asked Asheley to send me her favorites. Can't wait to get them. I just want to add how smitten I was with the great network of family and friends that Asheley & Chris have. Enough chit chat! On to the pictures.

Congratulations to this amazing couple!!!

Wedding Tradition of 1,000 Origami Cranes

2010-07-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

As some of you might know, I fold origami cranes. When I came across this picture it brought back memories of when I folded 1001 cranes for a friends wedding. I folded the extra crane for good luck.

The tradition of the origami cranes is a combination of Japanese, Chinese and Korean traditions that stand for long life, happiness and peace. Cranes are associated with fidelity because (like lobsters) they choose a mate for life and longevity because cranes are said to live a thousand years.

The ancient practice of a man and woman folding 1,000 cranes for their wedding is called sembazuru. The tradition itself is called Tsuru wa sennen. The time and energy put into the thousand hand-folded origami cranes symbolized the patience and trust necessary to sustain a happy marriage.

Allison & Lance: Sneak Peek

2010-07-23T07:20:00.000-07:00

Allison sent these photos to me last night and I am so in love with how fun they are. This was a very creative and very in love couple. Evelio with Longboard Photography (813-230-4515) has once again provided amazing photos for me to share with everyone. Can't wait to see the reception photos.

Tampa Bay Watch Wristbands

2010-07-21T12:33:00.000-07:00

Give special meaning to your wedding day with a donation to Tampa Bay Watch and receive gift announcement cards and Tampa Bay Watch wristbands.

Gotan Project - Santa Maria (Del Buen Ayre)

2010-07-18T05:57:00.000-07:00

Magnifique! Sensualismo!!!