We’re absolutely in love with the Florida chic Jewish wedding of Mickey, a doctor specializing in otolaryngology, and Scott, a director of business development. The couple, who live in Tampa, wanted to show their friends and family – the majority of whom were coming in from out of town – the best of their adopted home city.
Fortunately for them, they were able to find a gorgeous venue just blocks from their home. And even more fortunately, despite getting married during the pandemic, they were able to keep most of their pre-COVID plans in place (though with a smaller guest list, naturally).
We love that Mickey and Scott worked with Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor The Delicate Brush to custom design the most exquisite ketubah, featuring gold leaf and a Star of David. And how beautiful are the photos from Justin Demutiis Photography and trailer by Connor Halden?!
We’ll leave it to the bride, who looked stunning in Martina Liana, to fill you in on the rest…
How we Met
Mickey, the bride: We met in 2018 through a mutual friend. I was living in Tampa, Florida, where Scott had lived previously and moved away in 2012. Even though Scott was living in Nashville, Tennessee, at the time, a mutual friend in Florida was trying to set us up for months, I wasn’t even sure if this Scott guy was a real person! Finally, my friend called me up and said “Clear your schedule, Scott is coming down to meet you.” Turns out he was very real, came to visit, and even stayed and extra day we were having so much fun. We have spoken everyday since then and in May 2019 he moved down to Tampa. We got engaged that October and married one year later.
Venue and wedding plans
We got married in Tampa, Florida, very close to where we live. Neither one of us is from Florida so for the majority of guests this was a destination wedding. It was very important for us to show our friends and family our neighborhood and a peek into what our lives are like in Tampa.
The wedding venue, Hyde House, the rehearsal venue and hotel (The Epicurean), wedding dress boutique, nail salon, and florist were all within a few blocks of our home. This made the day even more personal.
Even though the final guest count was smaller than anticipated. We were very lucky that we were still able to keep most of our pre-COVID wedding plans. Personalized face coverings were even provided for all guests which was an added keepsake!
Theme
Our wedding theme was timeless and elegant with a touch of fun. Our décor was green, white and gold.
Invitations / stationery
Our invitations were designed by UrbanCoast. They were very traditional on the inside but the envelope had a gold glitter lining that set the mood to party.
Hair + Make-up
Denise Berkle and her team did all the ladies’ hair and make-up. They did an amazing job and made the day very enjoyable and stress free.
Dress
The dress was from a local boutique called Malindy Elene. Before trying on dresses my only request was no flowers and no lace. I left with my dream dress, a beautiful Martina Liana lace ballgown covered in beautiful tropical flowers !!!!
Shoes
My ceremony shoes were open toe Badgley Mischka wedges covered in jewels. As a unique touch after the ceremony, the bride and the bridesmaides changed into sparkly hightop sneakers that had light-up color changing soles – super fun and comfy for the dance floor
Bridesmaids
The bridesmaids wore full length black currant gowns designed by Jenny Yoo
Ceremony
When we met with our rabbi before the wedding, he asked us to email him what we love most about each other and the other’s best and unique qualities. After the traditional portion of the ceremony read excerpts from our email exchanges, complete surprise and amazing memory. Truly made the whole experience very personal.
Another wonderful moment was the first kiss. Scott got so excited his yarmulke flew off!
Ketubah
We had the most beautiful custom ketubah made by Rachelle from The Delicate Brush. We instantly fell in love with her designs and she was able to incorporate gold leaf and a Star of David to make a ketubah especially for us!
Music Choice
Sunset Strings provided the music for the ceremony and cocktail hour. We chose the string version of Elvis’ ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’ to walk down the aisle. We have family in Memphis and even went as Elvis and Priscilla Presley for Halloween last year so the song was a personal favorite of ours. For the reception, our band, The Hit Factory Band, was absolutely amazing. They kept everyone on their feet dancing the whole time. Their rendition of the hora was the best I’ve ever experienced and made the night unforgettable.
Photographer and videographer
Justin Demutiis Photography and his wife Ashley were the photographers for the whole weekend. The photos turned out better than ever expected and we feel like they became our friends in the process. Justin is the most talented photographer and his demeanour and professionalism made the entire wedding go smoothly. Ashley saved the day multiple times and even sewed me back into my dress when the clasp broke right before the ceremony, TWICE. They captured the most special and amazing moments and are even more special and amazing people.
We made a last minute decision to hire a videographer, Connor Halden, and are so happy we did! He was able to take all the 12 hours of raw footage and compile it into the most wonderful 6 minute video that absolutely captured the whole day! He have watched it over and over since the wedding to relive our best day ever.
Favors
We gave away personalized tumblers with our initials, location and date on them. They also doubled as the seating cards with the guests’ table number inside! My friends and I use them to bring coffee to work every day!
The photobooth was a super fun addition that guests really enjoyed. We even got a book of all the pictures taken with personal notes from all our friends to take home. This was a super special surprise that we got to look at and read before our official wedding photos were ready.
Honeymoon
For our honeymoon we went to Blackberry Mountain in Wayland, Tennessee. Our original plan to go on an African safari was postponed due to covid but the back up plan ended up being even more amazing then the original! We stayed in a luxury cabin in the Smokey Mountains. In addition to being very romantic we were able to participate in many activities including horseback riding, ceramics, dance, wine tasting, hiking and meditation just to name a few. We even had our own golf cart to drive around the beautiful mountain property and watch the autumn leaves change color. It was spectacular.
MICKEY & SCOTT’S LITTLE WHITE BOOK
Photography – Justin Demutiis Photography
Ketubah – The Delicate Brush {offers 10% discount to all members of Smashing The Glass’s Brides Club}
Videography – Connor Halden
Wedding planner – Confetti Events
Venue – Hyde House
Bride’s dress – Martina Liana found and fitted at Malindy Elene
Bride’s shoes – Badgley Mischka
Groom’s attire – Mens Wearhouse
Bridesmaids – Jenny Yoo
Hair + Makeup – Denise Berkle
Flowers – F H Events
Band – The Hit Factory Band
Strings – Sunset Strings
Catering – Saltblock Hospitality
Cake – Handson Sweets
Stationery/Invitation – UrbanCoast
Rabbi – Rabbi Sternfield
Trolley – Clearwater Jolley Trolley
Photo Booth – Snapshoot Photobooth
If you’re a Jewish or Jew-ish bride-to-be, you’ll want to join Smashing The Glass’ Brides Club. Guided by the world’s number 1 Jewish wedding expert, Karen Cinnamon, Brides Club is the private community for Jewish and Jew-ish brides that removes wedstress and indecision and gives you what you need to plan with confidence during these uncertain times. Join our Brides Club here.
