Oxford Exchange | Tampa, FL
The historic St. Andrews Church established in 1871 and settled in downtown Tampa, Florida was the most beautiful stained-glass embellished backdrop where two aspiring lawyers recited their ever-so romantic wedding vows to one another. The feeling of love in the air between Jenn & Kevin, was as palpable as the petals of the peonies in her beautiful white bouquet. Beginning almost 14 years before when Jenn & Kevin met in Philadelphia at UPenn Law, the pair were in a small class together and became fast friends. A few years into their friendship, they gave dating a try but their career paths took them in separate directions and to different parts of the east coast. Fast forward to ten years after they first met, Jenn moved to NYC and immediately had Kevin on her mind.
Little did Jenn know, Kevin had never quite stopped thinking of her as “the one that got away.” What came across as a LinkedIn reminder, was actually the start of their happily ever after! Technology is such a funny thing!
They met up a week after reaching back out to each other and here we are now, sharing their amazing love story and dreamy wedding day!
Kevin knew he was ready to propose to Jenn less than two years after they began dating again, and he planned the most unforgettable engagement for his bride-to-be. Beginning with a candlelit dinner at the restaurant where they’d shared their first date, a charming rose garden bistro called Palma, Kevin then took Jenn to Washington Square Park, got down on one knee, and slid the most perfect solitaire diamond ring onto her finger. In addition, Kevin had also compiled years worth of photos of their life together into a slideshow that was on a USB drive around the neck of her brand new Labrador puppy! OMG, right?! A ring AND a puppy?!!
They called their closest loved ones letting them know the big news and everyone couldn’t have been more thrilled. The surprises didn’t stop there though! Kevin had also secretly planned to have Jenn’s youngest sister and best friend in the world, fly in from Nashville to share this wonderful time with them! That evening, they hosted a Halloween costume party at their home and were able to celebrate their engagement with their closest friends and topped off the night with an endearing toast from Jenn’s sister. The memories of their engagement are ones Kevin and Jenn will cherish forever.
More about this Oxford Exchange wedding in Tampa
June 22, 2019 began with champagne and makeup, every girl’s dream! Jenn, along with her mom, sisters, and closest girlfriends, began the getting ready process at Le Meridien, one of Tampa’s oldest and chicest boutique hotels, renovated from a historical courthouse built in 1905! While the girls were getting glamorized, the guys were across town at a trendy dive having brunch and Bloody Mary’s, killing time before sliding into their pristine black tuxedos. Little did Kevin know, Jenn had a surprise of her own for her soon-to-be spouse.
Small but sweet side note- Kevin LOVES oysters, especially raw ones! With that in mind, Jenn had one of a kind oyster cufflinks custom made for her groom to wear on their wedding day. They were so unique and special and Kevin was absolutely ecstatic! Jenn had yet another surprise for him when they entered their cocktail hour together, for him to find a fully decked out raw oyster bar set up for him and their guests to enjoy! Jenn had begged and pleaded with the Oxford Exchange where they held their reception, to allow an outside vendor to bring in oysters as a surprise for Kevin. This is something they’d never allowed in the past but after much determination and convincing on Jenn’s part, they agreed and it was a huge hit!!
The Oxford Exchange is an incredible European inspired venue that houses an old fashioned book store and shoe shining station, as well as a restaurant, coffeehouse and gift store. It’s beautiful white brick exterior, antique staircase adorned with famous portraits, and black and white tile floor that leads out to an enclosed outdoor patio with a bubbling fountain in the center, was absolutely stunning! I mean, WOW. Everything from the art displays to the ivy lined walls and overhead skylights that let in the twinkling stars, was perfect.
The white flowers and touches of greenery intertwined with the vibrant pops of orange from the Kumquats that adorned every table, really brought out that Sunny Florida inspired feeling. The Kumquats were a special addition for Jenn, as her and her grandmother would pick them together when she was a little girl. The groom and his groomsmen even wore them in their boutonnières! They always held a special place in Jenn’s heart and now, on their special day.
After posing for their stunning portraits across the street at the architecturally striking University of Tampa, soft saxophone music played and butlers passed cocktails on sparkling silver trays as Kevin and Jenn entered their beautiful wedding reception. The guests were dressed in the most exquisite evening gowns and sharpest tuxedos for this black tie affair, but that didn’t hold a candle to the absolutely gorgeous white satin wedding gown Jenn wore. She. Was. Stunning. Her dress was simple and sleek but elegant and timeless with a classic bow tied at her lower back. The bow was Jenn’s favorite part of the dress (we can see why!!) and it looked like it was made just for her. It was amazing!
Kevin and Jenn’s reception was filled with love and laughter and an especially heart warming toast from Jenn’s father. With friends and family from New York, Tennessee and Florida, you could tell that the newlyweds were surrounded with people that love and care for them both dearly.
As they are currently jet setting their way to Japan for what we know will be an unforgettable honeymoon, we wish Kevin and Jenn an infinite amount of happiness and a lifetime of love! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for welcoming me into your families and for allowing me to be a part of such a special day! Xoxo!
Lots of Love,
Lauren
Oxford Exchange
Tampa Wedding Photographer
Hi there and thank you for stopping by! My name is Lauren and I am the owner of Taylor’d Southern Events. I am a wedding and portrait photographer specializing in couples and families in Florida. I hope you found my Oxford Exchange feature I shared to be helpful. If you are interested in talking with me more about booking a session, let’s connect! Not quite ready but you know you will be interested in a session in the future? No problem! Follow me Instagram and lets be friends!
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