Location: St. Petersburg, Florida, USA
Setting: Esplanade, ballroom
Wedding season: Fall
The number of guests: 210
How long did the couple plan the event: 1 year and 2 month
Wedding theme/style: Elegant, glam, black tie.
It was St Patrick’s Day, 2017 when Carson and Hovig’s love story began. While visiting from Washington, D.C., Carson was bar hopping with a friend when Hovig stopped her from entering an Irish Pub in New York City’s iconic East Village neighborhood. Hovig instantly found a way to Carson’s heart when he convinced her not to go into the bar and offered to take her to grab a slice of pizza. Little did they know this was the start of something special.
The couple shared their mutual love for pizza, sports, travel, animals, and family. A few months later, Carson and Hovig entered a long-distance relationship when Hovig saw her catch a football with one hand and throw a perfect spiral back to him. Once Carson completed her master’s degree in Washington, D.C., she moved to the big city to follow her heart.
Since Carson moved to New York City to move in with Hovig, they have shared countless adventures, from traveling across the country to competing in fitness competitions. As they are both outgoing as a couple, they could not be more different apart. As they always say, opposites attract. Hovig is as social as they come and always on the go. Carson, on the other hand, enjoys a slower-paced, laid-back day-to-day lifestyle.
The couple has since created a little family of their own. They adopted a dog named Millie in 2020 and adopted a cat that goes by many names, Jasmine/Kitty Cat/Noodle, in 2022. After almost five years of dating, Carson and Hovig engaged in August of 2022 in Mackinac Island, MI. Hovig planned the perfect proposal for Carson, and the couple could not be more excited to begin their life together and officially tie the knot in October.
Carson’s wedding look, including her dress and a second nontraditional outfit, was curated at the White Gown in NYC. She donned the iconic Carrie Bradshaw blue Manolo Blahnik’s for the ceremony and switched to a stylish cape and pants ensemble for the second look. The glamorous transformation was complemented by makeup and hair artistry from the skilled team at Brides by Kelly Anne.
When Carson appeared in her bridal attire before her bridesmaids, it was an incredibly emotional moment. The bride’s friends couldn’t hold back tears of joy, as the bride looked stunningly beautiful.
Hovig, a true gentleman, opted for a classic tuxedo: a white jacket paired with black trousers, completed by a bow tie that added a formal and festive touch to the ensemble. Hovig spent his morning among family and friends, who assisted him in preparing for the wedding.
The soul-stirring first look between the bride and groom was magical. As they looked at each other for the first time in their stunning wedding attire, it was a moment suspended in time—a perfect oasis of intimacy before the grand symphony of the wedding ceremony began.
The ceremony venue looked breathtaking. A beautiful white gazebo adorned with flowing white fabric and flowers looked stunning, while the aisle was decorated with various white flowers in transparent glass vases: calla lilies and orchids. They seemed to float in the air.
The radiant bride, accompanied by her father, entered as the ceremony commenced. A jubilant groom awaited at the designated spot, brimming with happiness. All the guests became witnesses to a beautiful ceremony, where vows were exchanged, and many were moved to tears by the heartfelt promises of love between the bride and groom. The atmosphere was filled with emotional and touching moments, creating a ceremony that lingered in the hearts of all who attended.
The couple entrusted their wedding vision to the talented team at JMEP. Envisioning an elegant celebration with a touch of tropical flair, they aimed to create not just a wedding but the best party of the year. The result was a white and black elegance that perfectly captured their dream.
Carson shared: “The venue was stunning, and the arbor that the team at JMEP had created made our ceremony vision come to life. The reception was by far the best part of our wedding. The venue’s stunning ballroom helped bring all of our ideas to life. We still talk about how incredible the ballroom looked and how happy we were with everything to this day. We are still beyond happy and could not have asked for it to go any better.”
Every detail of the decor was meticulously thought out to craft a distinctive ambiance that exuded both elegance and romance. The venue transformed when hundreds of candles were lit, adorning the tables with their warm glow. It was truly enchanting.
The unquestionable highlight of the evening was the wedding cake. A three-tiered, pristine white cake adorned with orchid flowers, flawlessly complementing the entire wedding decor and style.
Genuine emotions of joy and delight overcame the newlyweds as they entered the reception hall. Jennifer Matteo and the JMEP team brought their deepest dreams and every wish to life, creating a moment that exceeded all expectations.
Advice from the couple:
• We loved having our wedding party sit during the ceremony, allowing everyone to focus on us. We also had everyone enter the reception as one big group and danced together as we joined. It was the best wedding entrance we have ever seen; we have received nothing but compliments on how it was done. Also, I recommend to all brides with a second look to do a second entrance! It is so worth it and leaves the surprise to your guest and your husband!
PLANNER Jennifer Matteo Event Planning | VENUE The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club | CONTENT CREATOR VELZY CO | PHOTOGRAPHER Jillian Margaret Photography | VIDEOGRAPHER VibeChaos Productions | MUAH Brides by Kelly Anne | PHOTO BOOTH Xpress UrSelf media | GELATO The Gelato Carte | STRINGS Jade Strings | DJ Tampa Bay DJ Company | FLOWERS Victoria Blooms | SEATING WALL Matthew Matteo | CAKE Sweet Divas Cakery | RENTALS US Tent Rental
