There’s something magnetic about being in a room full of people who love what they do—and that energy pulsed through every moment of our celebration at Armature Works. The occasion was twofold: honoring the first year of Wed Society | Tampa + St. Pete and unveiling our very first Book of Weddings. The evening unfolded as a heartfelt thank-you—to the vendors, the couples, the community—and as an invitation to dream even bigger in the year ahead.
Guests arrived to a transformed event space, styled with intention and elegance. Anna Lucia Events brought the vision to life with impeccable coordination, ensuring that every element flowed naturally and beautifully from start to finish. As they entered, guests were greeted by romantic floral installations from 2Birds Events. Lush arrangements in soft, summer tones softened the industrial edges of the space, creating an atmosphere that was both welcoming and elevated.
The entrance display for the Book of Weddings was a showstopper—copies of the book were displayed on a modern, white pedestal, perfectly lit to invite guests to pause and reflect. The cover wedding glowed under spotlight, drawing eyes and admiration from every corner of the room. Guests gathered around to take selfies with the book in hand, capturing their first look at a project that had been months in the making.
The lounge areas, thoughtfully curated with pieces from Vivant Rentals, invited guests to sit, connect, and celebrate together. Swag Decor added layers of texture with flowing drapery that framed the room and added depth, while The Posy Exchange brought playful elegance with whimsical bows that drew everyone’s attention. Champagne flowed as guests mingled across the custom-built bar, which offered a picture-perfect place to toast the evening.
As the event began, Asia Bass (Digital Marketing Manager for Wed Society | Tampa + St Pete) took the stage with a warm welcome, sharing what this first year has meant to our team and to the broader Tampa Bay wedding community. Standing alongside her were Heather Bass (Owner & Publisher), Autumn Pak (Community Manager), and Gianna Malave (Account Executive) —the faces behind the day-to-day work that has helped grow and shape this regional branch of a beloved national brand. Co-founder of Wed Society, Ashley Murphy, was also present to mark this milestone, celebrating how far we’ve come and the possibilities ahead. Their presence on stage marked a truly full-circle moment.
Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed a menu curated and executed to perfection by Puff ’n Stuff Catering, offering bites that were as beautiful as they were delicious, every detail plated with precision. Refreshing cocktails were served from the Armature Works bar team, and The Gelato Carte offered a sweet surprise that quickly became a guest favorite, served from their sleek cart with custom signage that felt like a curated part of the décor.
Music played a central role in setting the tone, and the Tampa Bay DJ Company delivered the perfect soundtrack, accompanied by Chris Barbosa Music, who elevated the night with his violin, seamlessly blending live strings with the DJ’s set. His performance brought a dynamic, unforgettable layer to the celebration—equal parts soulful and fun. From the cocktail hour through mingling, the music created movement and laughter. Groups gathered to connect and take photo ops, keeping the evening full of energy.
Photographers from Lifelong Photography Studio and Dewitt for Love moved seamlessly throughout the space, capturing everything from posed moments to candid conversations. Their presence ensured every detail—from the signature signage to the glimmering glassware—was documented with artistry. Northwood Films documented the evening in motion, preserving not just the look, but the feeling of the night.
Across the room, guests lined up for snapshots at the sleek, modern photo booth from White Tie Modern, while others stopped to admire the creative signage and interactive photo box crafted by Artistic Spaces Inc. The space was full of movement, laughter, and spontaneous joy—exactly the kind of night we dreamed of.
Adding a layer of magic to the celebration were the live experiences. BB Art’s bottle painting and Gio’s Typos, who typed custom poems for anyone who paused long enough to receive a piece of heartfelt prose. Keepsake Couture sketch artist gave guests a chance to take home a one-of-a-kind keepsake. Each sketch placed throughout the space featured thoughtful quotes from real brides and grooms about the very vendors standing in the room. These quotes were accompanied by timeless illustrations of the couples, honoring select guests with hand-drawn mementos of the night.
Every detail was layered with intention. BBJ La Tavola’s linens dressed the tables with softness and polish, while live monograms by Tampa Monogram added a custom touch that grounded the celebration in personal style, treating each guest to a monogramed bow to fit the night’s theme. The desserts—elegant confections from SweetCakes and The Artistic Whisk—were as showstopping as they were delicious, displayed in a way that felt more like art than dessert. Guests circled the display snapping photos before savoring every bite.
Content creator Cielo Rose Content Creation brought a modern lens to the evening, sharing behind-the-scenes content and capturing the event’s energy in real-time, helping us relive every special moment as it unfolded. Her lense captured everything from quiet conversations in cozy lounge corners to wide shots of the crowd gathered to toast the year’s achievements.
We turned our attention to a special group of creatives—those who brought to life the cover wedding featured in our 2025 Book of Weddings. The cover couple in attendance, Meghan and Thomas Tatarian, were joined by their vendor team on stage as we celebrated their stunning day. Photographer Hannah T Photography was honored for her heartfelt, honest imagery that ultimately became our cover. Their planner, The Olive Tree Weddings, along with content creator Julious Daughters, stylist Femme Akoi, and event designers at Gabro Event Services, were recognized for their shared artistry and collaboration.
And then, a big announcement: Beginning this summer, The Tampa EDITION will feature a complimentary copy of the Book of Weddings in every guest room—a powerful step forward in connecting couples with the talent of our local market. This partnership marks a turning point in Wed Society | Tampa + St. Pete’s reach and impact.
As the night wound down, there was a collective sense of pride. This wasn’t just an event—it was a celebration of a thriving creative community. It was a thank-you to the planners, florists, bakers, DJs, photographers, venues, stylists, content creators, and artists who bring their full hearts to every wedding they touch. It was a nod to what’s been built in just one year—and a toast to everything still to come.
Here’s to the future of weddings in Tampa Bay—and the incredible talent behind them all.
Other Local Vendors:
Anna Lucia Events, Dewitt For Love, Vivant Event Rentals, Northwood Films, 2Birds Events, BBJ La Tavola, BB Art, Gio's Typos
