A Romantic Wedding at Sunken Gardens

Maria and Matt live in Washington, D.C., but their wedding vision took them to Florida. With Matt’s mom living in St. Petersburg, they visited Sunken Gardens and instantly knew it was the perfect place. Its tropical beauty, winding paths and historic charm created the dream setting for their intimate Tampa wedding.

They wanted a romantic, candlelit garden party with a relaxed vibe. They wanted to be surrounded by their closest family and friends who traveled from all over the world to witness their vows. With Sunken Garden’s lush florals and Oak Pavillon reception area it was the perfect way to entertain their guests.

The Wedding Day

On April 12, 2025, the ceremony began at 6:00 p.m. Guests gathered beneath the golden sky as Maria and Matt exchanged vows in the lush gardens.

The food was delicious and the drinks were colorful.

Dinner was served family-style, creating warmth and connection across the tables. Candles glowed alongside twinkling market lights, wrapping the reception in a cozy, magical ambiance.

The evening was filled with laughter, heartfelt toasts and dances that reflected their love story. One of our personal favorites was the first dance. Maria and Matt danced to ‘Steal My Heart Away’ by Van Morrison.

At 10:30 p.m., the night came to a close with Maria and Matt dancing with all their loved ones to ‘Pink Pony Club’ by Chappell Roan.

Planning with Chantilly Chic Celebrations

Like many couples, Maria and Matt started planning with big questions: How much would it cost? How many guests should they invite? What vendors to hire? What food and beverage to serve? With guidance, these uncertainties became clear decisions.

“It was very helpful to have Melanie’s input on costs and vendors so that I had a sense of what was reasonable to expect.” – Maria

They chose the Event Management Plus Package, which provided support with final vendor bookings and seamless coordination in the last eight weeks. For a couple living out of state, this was a crucial part of making the process easy and stress-free.

Building Trust with the Couple

At first, Maria wasn’t sure if hiring a planner was worth the cost. But her perspective quickly changed:

“Yes, I was hesitant about the extra cost, but it was definitely worth it for the stress and time saved as well as the professional experience that Melanie provided.” – Maria

She realized that without a planner, the process would have meant hours of research, second-guessing and endless worry about details being missed. Instead, she gained the freedom to enjoy the planning process, and most importantly, being present on her wedding day.

Event Management Plus Package

One of the things Maria valued most was the sense of reassurance throughout the process:

“Having never planned a wedding before, I really appreciated Melanie’s ability to guide us through the process and answer questions. It really took a lot of stress away from me to know that I wasn’t forgetting anything and that someone with experience was checking our work and knew the right questions to ask.” – Maria

With confidence, organization and peace of mind, Maria and Matt could relax and trust that every detail was under control.

Love Note after the Wedding

Perhaps the most telling feedback came after the wedding itself. Maria followed up with this heartfelt note:

“We were so happy on the day, everything turned out SO pretty (I kept telling Matt how pretty everything was; it was even better than what was in my head), and we were able to enjoy everything so much more without having to worry about the logistics. Thank you so so much!” – Maria

That gratitude captures what every couple deserves: the ability to be fully present, surrounded by love and without stress.

Why Hiring a Planner is Valuable

When asked what mattered most about her experience, Maria was clear:

“Saved time and stress; experienced perspective and input; ability to truly be in the moment on the day.” – Maria

This is the heart of what Chantilly Chic Celebrations delivers. Beyond logistics and timelines, it’s about ensuring couples experience the joy of their wedding without worry.

Final Thoughts

Maria and Matt’s Sunken Gardens wedding was a romantic blend of intimacy, beauty and love. Yet what made it unforgettable wasn’t just the setting or décor—it was the freedom they had to enjoy every moment, knowing everything was handled.

If you’re dreaming of your own Tampa wedding, take it from Maria: “Your services are worth more!”

Ready for Your Stress-Free Wedding Experience?

Your wedding day should be relaxing and stress-free. With Chantilly Chic Celebrations, you’ll have a planner who brings expertise, organization and heart to every detail.

Need help booking your vendors? Need guidance leading up to wedding day? Want to know how our Event Management Plus Package could support you best on wedding day? Contact us today! We’d be more than happy to create a package that best fits your wedding planning needs.

---

Sunken Gardens Vendor Team

Tampa Wedding Planners: Melanie with Chantilly Chic Celebrations I Photographer: Foto Bohemia I Venue: Sunken Gardens I Florist: Wonderland Florist I Pastry Chef: Chantilly Cakes I DJ: Jason with Grant Hemond and Associates I Rentals: Gabro Events I Hair and Makeup: Lasting Luxe Artistry I Caterers: Good Food Events and Catering