Vows That Wow – Megan & Ben

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The Vows

Every month, we choose our “Vows That Wow” to spotlight a wedding that embodies love, commitment, and celebration in its finest form. This month, we are thrilled to share the enchanting wedding of Megan and Ben McFarlane Barnes, who tied the knot on May 11, 2024, in the vibrant city of Tampa, Florida. Their special day was a harmonious blend of elegance, joy, and personal touches, making it our pick for the month’s best Tampa + St Pete wedding!

 

Megan and Ben McFarlane Barnes are a dynamic duo with a shared love for family. When asked about their favorite wedding day memory, they shared:

 

The whole day was amazing, but getting to spend the day with family and friends that traveled near and far was the best part. Also continuing the night at our private after party event at Jekyll in Hyde Park Village was easily unforgettable!…Britny Ray with Arise Coordination…our wedding planner…made the whole planning process/ day of a BREEZE! She was also our officiant! Don’t know how we would have done it without her!”

 

Their love story began and they decided to embark on this journey together. With warmth and kindness, Megan and Ben’s connection was evident in every aspect of their wedding day. When asked what they learned when planning their wedding, they shared:

 

“Time is key! We got married two years after we were engaged and having extra time and not feeling rushed made all of a difference.”

 

The Wows

Megan and Ben’s wedding took place at the stunning Hyde House in Tampa. The venue’s modern yet timeless architecture provided the perfect backdrop for their nuptials. With floral arrangements from Bloom & Wild Events LLC adorning the ceremony arches and sweetheart table, the atmosphere was both romantic and sophisticated. Merci Garden created lovely bouquets for the bride & bridesmaids and decor and rentals provided by Gabro Event Services creating a serene and heartfelt ambiance. The reception continued at the same location, seamlessly transitioning into a night of celebration and dance.

 

The ceremony was a beautiful blend of tradition and personal touches. Officiated by their wedding planner, Britny Ray from Arise Coordination, the couple exchanged vows surrounded by loved ones. Sweets, catering and delicious drinks provided by Salt Block Hospitality, keeping energies high and sweet tooths satisfied!

 

Megan looked radiant in a gown from The White Magnolia, designed by WToo Savvy by Watters Design. Beautified by her makeup artists Mandy Baustert and Karri Sizemore-Andrew and hair stylist Hannah Waldrop. Her ensemble was complemented by earrings from Nordstrom, a veil from BlissWeddingVeil, and shoes by Dolce Vita. Ben was equally dashing in a suit from Suit Supply Tampa. The couple’s rings, sourced from Gold & Diamond Source and Johnston Jewelers, added the final touch of elegance.

 

The reception at Hyde House was a lively celebration filled with laughter and dance. DJ Kevin Compton from Tampa Bay DJ Company kept the energy high, ensuring that guests had an unforgettable time. The night culminated in a private after-party at Jekyll in Hyde Park Village, creating lasting memories for Megan, Ben, and their guests.

 

The entire celebration was stunningly captured by Sarah Marie Photography, who found those precious moments and ensured that Megan and Ben can relive their special day through breathtaking photos. Explore these beautiful photos that exude elegance, sophistication and so much love!

Megan and Ben's first look moment in a modern hotel lobby with white paneled walls and elegant decor
Black and white artistic double exposure portrait of bride Megan with groom Ben in background
Megan and Ben share their first kiss under white floral ceremony arch at outdoor wedding venue
Ben smiling at Megan during their wedding vow exchange in a modern gallery space
Megan and Ben hold hands in front of ornate wooden panel doors, she in a strapless white gown with bouquet, he in black tuxedo
Bride in strapless gown holding white and eucalyptus bouquet beside groom in black tuxedo
Bride and groom kissing in modern sauna with black and white floral wallpaper backdrop
Bride wipes away tears of emotion as groom watches during their vow exchange against sage green wall
Groom and groomsmen in classic black tuxedos with bow ties and white floral boutonnieres gathering before ceremony
Megan and Ben stand back-to-back against a white wall, bride in flowing gown with veil, groom in black tuxedo
Ben in black tuxedo with white boutonniere gazes thoughtfully out window before ceremony
Bride in white dress surrounded by bridesmaids in sage green slip dresses against geometric white paneled wall
Elegant wedding flat lay featuring white pearl-strapped heels, B|M monogram invitation suite, wedding rings in velvet boxes, and vow books on black background
Father's surprised reaction during first look with bride before ceremony
Bride Megan smiling in strapless white gown with flowing veil against pink textured wall
Bride in strapless gown with veil poses in modern gallery hallway with framed artwork
Elegant wedding reception tables with white linens, black chiavari chairs, and pillar candle centerpieces
Makeup artist applying cosmetics to bride during wedding day preparations
Personalized silver cufflinks engraved with initials B|M and wedding date 08.11.24 displayed with groom's accessories
Groom Ben in black tuxedo with bow tie and white boutonniere smiling by hotel window at downtown Tampa wedding
Modern hotel lobby with teal forest mural, pendant lighting, and mid-century furniture for Megan and Ben's celebration
Two-tier white wedding cake with textured frosting, baby's breath flowers, and black monogram topper reading "B/M"
Bride Megan in strapless white gown seated on curved tan banquette beneath black and white floral wallpaper
Bride in white gown and veil stands at pink marble table in blush-toned dressing room
Bride in strapless white wedding gown smiling over her shoulder while woman in blue dress helps fasten her dress
Chef plates herb-garnished meat from silver tray at wedding reception
Outdoor wedding ceremony with bride and groom holding hands beneath white fabric canopy with bridesmaids in sage green dresses
Wedding party of bridesmaids in sage green dresses and groomsmen in black tuxedos posed on wooden platform steps
Megan and Ben celebrate with their wedding party outside Hyde House, everyone cheering with raised arms

Megan and Ben McFarlane Barnes’ wedding was a true celebration of love, family, and friendship. The thoughtful planning, beautiful setting, and joyous atmosphere made it a standout event. As we honor this couple’s special day, we are reminded of the beauty and significance of weddings as a testament to love and commitment.

Congratulations to Megan and Ben McFarlane Barnes on their remarkable wedding! Your love story is an inspiration, and your wedding day will be cherished by all who were fortunate to share it with you.

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Other Local Vendors:

Publix, SaltBlock Hospitality, Gabro Event Services, Sarah Marie Photography

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