I LOVE it when we find a new-to-us venue, especially when it's this beautiful (and so typically Floridian)! As soon as I opened this fun wedding at The Bamboo Gallery from one our fave guide members, Elaine Palladino, I couldn't wait to share it with you. Lamar and Lisa put together a wedding day that truly reflected them as a couple: loads of brightly colored details, fun elements and games for their guests, and an outdoor, laid-back, tropical feel.
I'm just a little in love with Lamar's bowtie and tux, and Lisa's gorgeous Ferragamo shoes! They both looked amazing.
Lisa felt that their first look was the most memorable moment of the day, and I really loved how she described what it meant to her and Lamar (couples, take note!).
Lamar and I decided to do a first look at the hotel where I was staying and the moments that Elaine and her husband captured right before the ceremony were priceless. Getting a chance to look at him and feel like we were the only people on the planet reassured me in that moment - this is the perfect thing to do. Elaine and Mike were great and managed to capture every detail of our emotions during that time from the intensity of our love for each other to the goofball sense of humor that we share. Furthermore, they were super flexible, photographing us at multiple sites and ultimately letting me pile into the back of their car when the limo company didn't hold up their end of the bargain. By the time the ceremony came around, I was relaxed and happy knowing that we already had hundreds of great shots and we could now focus on being captured with the 150 family and friends that came from all over the country to share our day with us. After seeing the photographs, I can truly say that Elaine and Mike did amazing work that I'll treasure forever.
Lisa shared their thoughts behind the choice of The Bamboo Gallery as their venue: Lamar and I really wanted to go for a tropical feel with modern elements. We're laid back and love the outdoors so the Bamboo Gallery was the perfect place to have our wedding. The location didn't need much in terms of decorations and our choice of violet and chartreuse as our colors fit right in with the surroundings. During a last minute potential rain scare, Lamar and I decided to get a tent for the dining area and although it didn't rain, it was a perfect addition to making the day feel polished.
The bride's favorite detail ("other than my groom and photographer?") was her bouquet: "It translated some of my quirk, my love of classic decor elements, and lots of color! Lamar and I also agree that the food was amazing. We were shocked at how costly feeding 150 people can become but when we decided to go with Taste Rite, the food and quality definitely exceeded our expectations and it stayed within our budget."
Most of the event was a DIY affair, with Lisa's mother and aunts handling the floral arrangements, and Lamar pitching in with the favors: "Lamar decided that a game would be a great party favor for our guests that would really communicate who we are and what we love. (We were registered at Toys 'R Us for board games!) After ordering the party favor games, he lovingly stamped the games with our wedding date and prettied them up for the tables. Thumbs up to groom DIY!"
And Lisa's advice for future brides and grooms? Total perfection.
Enjoy every moment. Get a day of planner (at the very least). Do NOT sweat the small stuff because it wastes energy. Pad your budget 10% for the last minute detail you didn't know you would need or love. Leave for your honeymoon immediately! Be happy and honor your guests.
Congrats, you two! And Elaine, thank you so much for sharing this special day with us.
VENUE/VENDOR INFORMATION:
Ceremony & Reception Venue: The Bamboo Gallery | Photography: Elaine Palladino Photography | Event Coordination: Sharmaine Bernard | Catering: Taste Rite | Linens: Over the Top, Inc. | DJ: Reniel TabAres | Dress & Veil: David's Bridal | Bride's Shoes: Ferragamo | Groom's Tux & Shoes: Men's Wearhouse | Favors: BeWild.com | Submission: Two Bright Lights
Tropical surrounds at The Bamboo Gallery, peg game favors DIY’d by the groom, gorg photos from @elainepalladino – love! http://t.co/dXwUphD1
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What a extraordinary fruit display!
It looks like the bride is having lots of fun on her day.
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