Yes! We are thrilled to celebrate our marriage and while we're saddened that the pandemic is still in full swing, Tampa is fully open and our venues are allowing the event to take place as of right now with our complete guest list.
Temperature checks will be conducted before entering the ceremony and all guests are required to wear a mask while at the church. Everyone will be spaced out every other pew during the ceremony and we're keeping it quick with an abbreviated mass. There also will be multiple hand sanitation stations both at the ceremony and at the reception venue + masks will be provided. Our reception venue is indoors, but has a large rooftop terrace where we'll be set up for cocktail hour and if the weather is nice, the garage-style doors at the reception that lead out to the terrace can be opened throughout the event.
The Gasparilla Pirate Festival is a large parade and a host of related community events held in Tampa, Florida almost every year since 1904. It typically takes place in January, but was postponed this year due to COVID-19. Fun fact: David and Elizabeth first started dating on Gasparilla in 2018!
A lot of out of town travelers (or those from Tampa suburbs) make their way to downtown Tampa & Hyde Park Village off of Bayshore Blvd. where the parade route takes place so hotels and Airbnb's tend to book up fast - be sure to book yours early! It also means there will be a lot of road closures right where our wedding ceremony and reception are being held so plan on leaving at least 30 minutes sooner than you would normally to get to each event in time. And last, but not least - Gasparilla means there will be cannons firing out in the bay, beads strewn about, and lots of drunk pirates roaming the streets of Tampa. Enjoy!
The airport is only 15 minutes from downtown Tampa where the wedding festivities are taking place and each event venue is within three miles of each other. Ubering is recommended, but parking at the wedding ceremony at Sacred Heart Catholic Church will be available on street or in the church parking lot across the street and in the garage adjacent to the church. Walking is also an option (the hotel is about a half mile away) or you can utilize the Marriott hotel shuttle to get to the church. The Marriott shuttle can be arranged by contacting Randy@myblue1.com | 813-927-3602 in advance. We'll be providing transportation following the ceremony starting at 2:30 p.m. Shuttles will take guests from the church to the Marriott on Water Street in downtown Tampa and to the reception venue in Hyde Park Village until 5:30 p.m. The reception will begin at 5:30 p.m.
There's finally something to celebrate after being locked in for so long so we're gettin' fancy! The wedding is be black-tie optional. Groomsmen will be in tuxedos and bridesmaids will be in satin gowns. Tuxes aren't required, but please no pirate suits.
Nope! The Gasparilla parade was cancelled this year so now Tampa will be much calmer and easier to get around. Everything is within about 15-20 minutes max from each other if you're staying near downtown and Hyde Park so you can plan to get around without a problem.