Isabelle + Daniel by Kasey Powell Weddings

We leaned into florals, asymmetry, and lush colour that felt like a living bouquet.

Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…

We’re longtime sweethearts who grew up together and still love a good night at the theatre. She teaches 7th–8th grade English and coaches volleyball; he’s a licensed optician on the path to optometry school. We bond over books, film, and anything creative—plus family, community markets, and our dog. After nearly a decade together (since high school), we’ve seen each other through awkward haircuts and better taste, and learned how to love each other better every year.

How/where/when did you meet – and what were your first impressions?

We met through a school theatre program and officially crossed paths at a sweet-sixteen party. She walked up to say hello when he knew almost no one; they ended up talking the entire night. His first impression: she was unlike anyone he’d ever met—warm, curious, unforgettable. Hers: a spark at first sight; he was charismatic and unafraid to be goofy, which felt like a breath of fresh air. We started talking on Snapchat soon after…and the rest is history.

Tell us about the vision you had for the mood and style of your wedding. (theme, key styling elements, florals, colour palettes, etc.).

“Whimsical, but timeless” guided everything—more garden-party than fairytale. We leaned into florals, asymmetry, and lush colour (lots of jewel tones and greens) that felt like a living bouquet. The Hermitage Museum & Gardens, on the water, was the perfect outdoor setting for our love of art and nature; we wanted guests to feel the breeze, hear a live band, and never be bored for a minute.

What styling and visual elements worked best for you? (could be things, the florals, particular hire products or your marquee, etc., something the stylist created or simply just the scenic beauty of your location or the existing design of your venue).

Studio Posy’s asymmetrical, sculptural arrangements anchored everything—tiger lilies down the aisle were repurposed for the tables, orchids and climatis added movement, and the cake bloomed with fresh flowers. The museum’s green gardens framed it all beautifully, and the live Latin-funk band kept the atmosphere joyful and kinetic from arrival to last dance.

What did you enjoy most about the planning process, and do you have any tips for couples starting their wedding planning journey?

We loved creating together—especially recipe-testing and learning to ice our own cake (thanks, Cake Boss marathons).

Biggest tips: delegate early (a coordinator and helpful family are gold), involve local artisans and fun, unexpected vendors (we had a popsicle cart and a local band), and keep creativity at the heart of the day so it feels uniquely yours.

Tell us about your vendors. Were there any standout suppliers you would like to make special mention of?

Studio Posy translated our floral vision perfectly—even surprising our family with a sweet-pea bouquet in honour of a grandmother. Our coordinator, Michelle, went above and beyond during a stressful, rain-threatened week—advocating for last-minute shifts so we could stay outdoors. And photography meant everything to us; Kasey & Calum captured the artful, candid spirit of the day and kept everyone relaxed and present.

Tell us about your main outfits, what was unique, and is there a story?

He wore sage-green suits from Men’s Wearhouse (a spring collection find that became a mini treasure hunt across sizes). She found “the one” at Studio I Do—an Essense of Australia gown with bold lace appliqués. The straps were styled horizontally for comfort and a custom feel; the floral motif nodded to family garden memories and felt beautifully “her.”

Tell us about your wedding and engagement rings.

He chose her oval engagement ring at Ackerman Jewelers in South Tampa—after a crash course in cut and clarity with his parents. Her baguette-and-tapered-baguette band from Brilliant Earth frames the oval elegantly; on days she skips the diamond, the band shines on its own. Both bands share a subtle riveted edge—an understated match we love.

What were one or two elements that were most important to you both that you were happy to spend a little more on? (food, photography, florals, the venue, your outfits?).

Photography and florals. We wanted images that would carry the emotion of the day for decades, and the florals were essential to the immersive, garden-party vision. Both were absolutely worth the investment.

Was there a favourite moment (or two) that you will treasure always?

Right after the ceremony, we read private vows—no audience, just us—grounding the celebration in the heart of why we were there. Later, a “private” last dance (with onlookers at a distance) slid into a joyous streamer exit that left us adorably tangled. Mostly, we remember the feeling: a room—and garden—so full of love it made our hearts beam.