Vows That Wow – Kelsey & Steve

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Each month, we highlight a wedding that captures the heart of celebration through intentional design, meaningful moments, and unforgettable ambiance. This month’s Vows That Wow takes us to the iconic Don CeSar, where Kelsey and Steve brought a romantic coastal vision to life through soft hues, thoughtful personalization, and timeless elegance.

Inspired by the hotel’s legendary pink exterior and its waterfront surroundings, this wedding embraced a coastal timeless aesthetic rooted in soft blues and blush pinks. The result was a day that felt romantic yet elevated, perfectly complementing the historic charm of The Don CeSar while allowing the couple’s story to shine.

The Wedding Vision

From the start, the couple envisioned a day that felt romantic, refined, and true to who they are. A palette of blush roses, airy blue florals, and soft white blooms set a coastal tone, echoed throughout the ceremony and reception. The Don CeSar’s architectural details, from its arched windows and striped awnings to its palm-lined terraces, served as a natural backdrop, allowing the design to feel cohesive rather than competing with the venue itself.

Lush floral installations framed the ceremony entrance in soft, romantic layers. The arrangements felt abundant yet controlled, offering an organic, modern-romantic feel that flowed seamlessly into the rest of the day’s design.

The Wows

Inside the ballroom, the celebration unfolded in a space defined by floral-forward design and elevated simplicity. Textured pale-blue linens created a subtle monochromatic foundation, while gold flatware, layered place settings, and clusters of candlelight added warmth and dimension. Menus featured the same soft blue floral pattern seen throughout the design, creating continuity from tabletop details to larger statement moments.

As guests entered the reception, they were immediately drawn to the custom dance floor, designed as the focal point of the room. Inspired by the couple’s invitation artwork, soft blue watercolor peonies floated across a crisp white background, setting the tone for a night filled with movement and celebration.

Just beyond the dance floor, a chic candy display offered a playful yet polished moment. Styled in gold and white tones and anchored by a striking blue floral arrangement, it quickly became a favorite stop guests couldn’t resist.

Thoughtful personal touches were woven throughout, including heartfelt nods to the couple’s beloved dog, Sammi. Sammi joined them for portraits around The Don CeSar, adding warmth and genuine joy to the day’s most intimate moments. That love was echoed again during the reception, where a charming cake topper tucked among blush and blue florals paid tribute to their four-legged family member. Custom koozies featuring an illustrated portrait of Sammi were also offered to guests, a detail that felt playful, personal, and perfectly reflective of the couple’s story.

A Celebration That Felt Effortlessly Theirs

With soft blues and blush pinks layered throughout, lush florals at every turn, and meaningful details woven seamlessly into the design, this wedding struck a beautiful balance between elegance and emotion. From the pastel tablescapes and custom dance floor to the joyful inclusion of their dog, every element felt intentional and deeply personal.

It was a celebration that proved luxury doesn’t need to be loud, sometimes it lives in the softness of color, the glow of candlelight, and the moments that reflect what matters most.

Congratulations to Kelsey & Steve! Your wedding was a heartwarming celebration of love, creativity, and joy that will leave a lasting impression in our upcoming 2026 Tampa + St. Pete Book of Weddings Publication.

Kelsey and Steve walking together on expansive beach at sunset with pastel sky and calm ocean waves
Kelsey and Steve walk hand in hand along a white sand beach at sunset, the bride looking back over her shoulder
Four-tier white wedding cake with diagonal texture, fresh pink roses and blue accents, topped with "Mr & Mrs Beneels" topper
Elegant candy bar with glass jars filled with gold and white treats beneath towering blue delphinium centerpiece at Kelsey and Steve's wedding
Elegant reception table setting with gold-rimmed china, gold flatware, monogrammed napkin with letter S, and blue and blush floral centerpiece
Elegant wedding reception centerpiece with tall taper candles, white hydrangeas, purple delphiniums, and gold geometric votives
Three-tier white wedding cake decorated with blush roses, blue flowers, and dog figurine topper for Kelsey and Steve
Elegant wedding reception table with crystal chandeliers, tall blue and white floral centerpieces, and draped fabric backdrop
Elegant wedding reception table with blue delphinium, white roses, tall candles, and gold flatware
Elegant wedding reception centerpiece with blue hydrangeas, white roses, and tall candlesticks
Light blue personalized wedding koozies featuring dog illustration and "The Serneels 05.02.2025" arranged in gold tray
Burlap welcome bag with blue palm tree design and personalized gift tag from Kelsey and Steve
Kelsey and Steve's outdoor ceremony at a peach-colored hotel with palm trees, white aisle, and blue floral arrangements
Kelsey and Steve lead their wedding party walking from a pink Mediterranean-style resort building
Bride in white ballgown with bridesmaids in mismatched blue dresses at pink hotel with palm tree
Kelsey and Steve pose with their dog in formal wedding attire outside a pink Mediterranean-style building
Pearl-embellished champagne bridal heels surrounded by pink peonies and ivory ranunculus flowers
Kelsey and Steve pose on a white balustrade with palm trees and a pink Mediterranean-style building in the background
Outdoor wedding ceremony setup at pink Mediterranean-style building with grand staircase, white aisle runner, and lush blue and white floral arrangements
Coastal wedding welcome bag with Don CeSar hotel photo, personalized candy favors, palm print bag, and pink florals
Personalized gold cake server engraved "The Semedi's" with wedding date beside slice of cake and blue delphinium bouquet
Elegant wedding reception table with blue and pink floral centerpieces, tall candles, and crystal chandelier in formal ballroom
Soft pastel wedding bouquet featuring blush pink roses, ivory roses, and blue delphinium flowers
Grand staircase with pink-striped awnings flanked by towering blue and white hydrangea arrangements
Kelsey and Steve pose with their dog on a white balustrade terrace overlooking a pink hotel building with palm trees
Bride in white lace gown with bridesmaids in blue floral dresses helping with final preparations
Bride in white V-neck gown stands with bridesmaids in mismatched light blue dresses holding pastel bouquets
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Other Local Vendors:

Bridal Beauty by Tara, Kiefer Jewelers, Fiesta Solutions Event Rentals, Fairytail Petcare, Treasury Rentals, Mens Wearhouse, Azazie Bridal, Total Entertainment by Matt Winter, Cornelia Zaiss Photography, Parties A La Carte, The Gala Photo Booth, DJ Dayve, Imagery Wedding Films, W Event Design, Got You Covered, Infinity Event Solutions, Sweet Harmony, Bruce Wayne Florals, Shine Wedding Invitations

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