Hannah+ Jared
Hannah + Jared's wedding introduced me to one of my new favorite wedding venues in the Tampa Bay area, The Orlo. It's a beautiful three story historic building, built in 1896, and has been beautifully restored while maintaining the architectural details that make it so captivating. The grounds are small but pretty, with several large old oak trees for shade. And I have to tell you, The Orlo has one of the BEST getting ready areas of any venue I've ever worked in.The prep space is a detail that is often not given the attention it deserves, and yet such a big portion of the wedding day's activities and photos happen there. The prep space at The Orlo has plenty of space and and natural light, and is decorated tastefully and with elegance. There is even a large bathroom with a clawfoot tub and ornate mirrors. There are so many opportunities to turn the space into something even more whimsical and romantic than it already is; such as the grand staircase that is the focal point of the entrance, and which many couples choose to decorate with candles, greenery, and florals. Hannah and Jared's wedding was an intimate one, with a smaller than average number of guests and a dinner party style reception (no band or dance floor). The Orlo also has a large room that can accommodate up to 295 people, which is not pictured in this blog.
This was also my first time photographing a wedding at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in downtown Tampa, and it did not disappoint. There is just something so dramatic and beautiful about the grand sanctuary filled with intricate stained glass, the long center aisle, and the ability to photograph from the balcony.
One of the sweetest moments of Hannah + Jared's wedding day was when her parents surprised her by bringing her dog, who had been unwell, to see his mommy and daddy during the reception. The look on Hannah's face was heart melting when she saw her sweet pup, and he got to get in some face licks and cuddles before the newlyweds headed back inside to celebrate with their friends and family.
Hannah and Jared's wedding was a wonderful example of a smaller wedding that doesn't compromise on luxury and elegance. There were so many fun touches, such as a gourmet coffee cart by Cafe Ala Carte, and a S'mores bar where guests could make their own S'mores and roast them over an open fire outdoors. Many couples are currently facing a dwindling guest list due to COVID concerns or mitigation efforts, and I hope this wedding can be an inspiration, illustrating that less guests doesn't mean less fun or less memorable.
Ceremony Venue: Sacred Heart Catholic Church / Venue: The Orlo / Planner: Piper Marie Events / Cake: Hands On Sweets / Caterer: Puff N Stuff / Pet Care: Fairy Tale Petcare / Video: Lucky Lemon Films / Photography: Tara Tomlinson Photography
