Nestled on the serene shores of Lake Pierce, Bella Cosa set the stage for Roxanna and David’s enchanting celebration, a day that intertwined timeless elegance with genuine moments, from sunlit “I do’s” to laughter-filled vows beneath the oak-lined terrace. Here is what they had to say about their big day.
We chose Bella Cosa because it was so beautiful and on the water. The ceremony space outside overlooking the water was the perfect place and even better than I ever thought my ceremony space could be.
The whole venue itself was beautiful, and I knew we wouldn’t need many decorations. I liked how there were accommodations were included on site right after the wedding. The “estate” house feel on the water had upscale, classy, and romantic vibes about it.
I wasn’t specifically looking for a venue like Bella Cosa, but once I found it, I knew it was the one. It had everything I didn’t even know I wanted! I knew everyone would be raving about how beautiful and unique of a venue it is.
I found Bella Cosa through searching on The Knot app.
We had about 100 guests. We got married in September and the weather turned out sunny and slightly windy, which was better than super hot or rainy, and hurricane-like weather, which we were worried about since it was September!
Did you have a theme for the wedding?
We didn’t really have a specific theme, but I knew I wanted a romantic and classic/traditional type of feeling. I’ve always wanted a classic/traditional/formal wedding which is why we went with that vibe.
My favorite color is orange so that is why I had the main colors of terracotta and gold. I didn’t have orange for my wedding but went with terracotta and to make it not feel “gaudy”. I had touches blush, pinks, golds, whites, etc. to keep the feeling romantic and classic. I fell in love with the terracotta dress color from Birdy Grey so I planned the color schemes around that.
What was your cake like?
We had a 2 tiered cake + sheet cake, hummingbird flavor, baked by Sugar and Slice in Winter Haven. We chose that flavor as the groom wanted that and not something traditionally served at weddings.
I was searching for bakeries near Bella Cosa that served Hummingbird cakes and we came across Sugar & Slice. We chose them as our bakers because they offered a free tasting, a free cake on your anniversary, was not far from the venue for delivery purposes, tasted great and was fairly priced.
What did the bridal party wear?
Bride: dress from The White Magnolia in Tampa
Groom: black tuxedo from Men’s Wearhouse
Groomsmen: black suits from Men’s Wearhouse
Bridesmaid: terrracotta colored dress from Birdy Grey
I wanted a traditional look of a tuxedo for the groom and having him look different compared to the groomsmen so that is why they were in black suits.
I wanted somewhat of an orange color for the bridesmaids since that is my favorite color, and while looking for bridesmaid dresses I fell in love with the terracotta dress color from Birdy Grey, so I had the girls wear that color. I thought that color was a little brighter without being gaudy or overwhelming and that it matched the feel of Bella Cosa’s ambience.
What flowers did you have?
Wild Hare Flowers was our florist. I let the florist decide what flowers to put into all of the florals. I wasn’t very particular with the specific type of flowers I wanted, I just provided the colors being soft pinks, whites and touches of terracotta and some inspiration pictures.
Did you hire a venue decorator?
Our planner, Perfect Day Productions, decorated and broke down the venue for us. They had everything we needed that we were able to rent from them without having to add an additional vendor.
My inspiration was to go along with the romantic, classic and traditional vibe of Bella Cosa and what I envisioned for my wedding day. I chose gold for most decor pieces since that went well with terracotta and Bella Cosa as well. I wanted something classic and modern but that was still soft and romantic.
Any suppliers you would like to mention?
Hair & make up: Jennifer Beauty & Co
DJ: Graingertainment
Planning/day of coordination: Perfect Day Productions
Food/bar: Table Top Catering
Photobooth: The Gala Photo Booth
What was the best part of your day?
If I had to choose one best part of the day, it would be walking down the aisle to my husband.
We didn’t do a first look so that moment was really special. The whole day went so well and I had so much fun that, if I could choose, the whole day was the best part!!
Any advice you would offer to other couples getting married?
Stay true to what you envision for your wedding day. Be present in the day and don’t let the little things worry you.
I said no to a first look because it ended up being the most special moment of our lives and the true emotion you feel during it is indescribable.
Photography by Lifelong Photography
