Hello, Tampa!

Hey Beautiful Readers! 

I’ve been hard at work behind-the-scenes this year - quiet on social media, but working on multiple wedding projects, and also expanding as a full-time entrepreneur in a new city. 

Back story is key here so let me fill you in on the last year. In October, 2024 my husband and I made the bold decision that we wanted to move across the world and spend a few years living in Barcelona. The plan was for The Calm Bride to come with me, and to start planning local & destination weddings from my Spanish home base. In the midst of the chaos of attempting an international move, life decided it had other plans. Job situations changed, and unsure what the next steps would look like, the move became unfeasible. 98% of our things sold or in boxes, we were forced to re-think everything. Where do we go? What do we do? How do we get through this together?  

So what happened in 2025? 

The greater Tampa area, from Sarasota to San Antonio, is now home base for The Calm Bride and over the next year you’ll be seeing more of me at open houses, networking events, and hopefully a wedding you attend. As a past Tampa area bride myself, I'm well versed on the local vendor scene, but reconnecting with and scouting new venues has been so exciting. Jacksonville brides no stress - I'll always return for your events, in fact I already have 2 on the calendar for later this year. 

I also joined Fora Travel. A modern tech-forward travel agency that provides a low barrier of entry for entrepreneurs to establish travel careers. Through this venture, I expanded into Destination Weddings, and also rounded out the services all of my clients can benefit from. 

• Hotel block contracting, negotiation & management 

• Guest transportation arrangement

• Guest activities & excursions in destination

• Pre / post wedding events (bachelorette / bachelor parties & honeymoons). 

  
  

Your true one-stop-shop for everything wedding planning - from “Yes” to “I do”. When it comes to destination weddings here’s the run down: 

• Private vineyard estate villa with an intimate weekend long event - let’s do it. 

• Rented out hotel for a grand celebration - on it. 

• Toes in the sand ceremony with the sound of the waves in the background - just a call away. 

Susurros del Corazón, Auberge Collection

No limitations, just your preferences, my global partnerships, and a mind that loves pushing the envelope with unique details and event designs. In collaboration with powerhouses in the hotel, private rental and experience spaces, I am able to connect clients with the best venue, vendors, accommodations & activities when looking to get married in Tampa, greater North Florida, around the Caribbean, Western Europe, and even on a cruise. 

Brands you may have heard of include The Hyatt Inclusive Collection, Classic Vacations, Auberge Resorts, Belmond, The Excellence Collection, TripWix, Olivers Travels, Villas of Distinction, LimoLane, OnLocation & so many more. 

Between exploring new destinations, curating new design concepts, scheming up unique color palates, designing one-of-a-kind layouts, and scouting the best views - this last year has been fulfilling and inspiring beyond my wildest dreams. 

I have an opportunity to work with some outstanding people on one of my most important projects to date at the end of this month - my first project in Tampa as well. Choosing a good photographer to capture your wedding is one of the top vendor choices you will make, and I truly can’t wait to see Will (@iyruswedding) in action again at my cousins wedding, hosted at White Rock Canyon. 

Being that I play two distinct roles in this event (also maid of honor), we co-planned with another top Tampa planner (Kelci Leigh) - which served up a beautiful combination of ideas, experience, and perspectives. There will be a live tattoo artist, all candle decor, match box seating chart, and the infusion of one of my favorite unique new finds, the Sola Wood florals - my second event in 6 months to use the product. Learn more here https://www.solawoodflowers.com/. 

The fun doesn’t stop there. I got to execute a travel inspired event for a military couple, after spending only 47 days together due to deployment during their first year of legal marriage. “Where in the World” featured artifacts & decor inspired by their personal travels, an around the world cocktail hour with small bites & cocktail pairings, and “remove before flight” luggage tags that doubled as a favor and place cards. One of those designs you smile when you put together. It wasn’t done to be “trendy” - it spoke exactly to who the couple is, and it was gorgeous. 

Extensive vendor collaboration and pre-planning makes miracles happen. For this wedding we had three hours from venue access to guest arrival. With the right teams, minute by minute breakdowns, and detailed direction - we came together to produce a beautiful event that left the bride in tears upon reveal. Being a wedding planner means having a vision and being an advocate for your clients, but also acting as the source of truth and leader keeping the day on track, making sure everyone has what they need to be successful, and is executing at the highest level. Where things go, when they need to be set, the factors that may interfere with design or event success, and every minute in between. 

On the other side of the state, if you’ve never been to Amelia Island, it’s worth a weekend trip. As a preferred planner at the Golf Club of Amelia Island, it was a joy to work with Jade & the team on a coordination project this past October. A gorgeous destination that shares land with The Ritz Carlton of Amelia Island and provides a unique layout serving both indoor and outdoor ceremonies, cocktail hours, and receptions. Plus, take advantage of STARS perks when booking your block or post-wedding stay at the Ritz through me [$100 property credit, complimentary breakfast, upgrade, welcome amenity]. 

Watching this bride settle in and enjoy her day after a morning of nerves and overwhelming emotions is truly what it's all about. This event required lots of guest movement from outside to inside and back. I've talked about transition periods in previous blogs - and having someone to oversee these moments is critical to keep the day on track. I also got to design my very first Pittsburgh Cookie Table for this event - add it to the repertoire. 

Attending weddings for friends is always fun since I'm not the one in charge! This fall, weddings took me to mountain backdrops in the beautiful destinations of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee at The Magnolia Venue, and Arvada, Colorado at Mount Vernon Canyon Club. 

Some of my favorite moments included pre-ceremony drinks, personal letters written by the bride & groom to each guest - that doubled as a seating chart, a flower petal toss at the end of the ceremony, and an espresso bar! Little touches like this stand out to guests as weddings have become so typical these days, that small details leave a big impact. 

Thinking about hosting a “destination” wedding doesn’t mean you have to leave the country. A great view or experience inspired destination in the states counts just the same. Pick a destination with meaning to your relationship, family ties, even a place you’ve just always dreamed of going. Every wedding is a “destination” for some. 

So I've been busy, but I'm really just getting started. Website facelift, updated packages, more comprehensive offerings and a new home base. 2027-2028 travel & wedding calendars are open and filling fast. Follow me @thecalmbrideint and check in for monthly wedding tip updates here on The Calm Blog. You can also sign up for my travel email here https://tr.ee/lovenotesandlandmarks-email. 

Cheers - to being a calm bride, and to wherever your journey may take you. 2026 i’m ready for you! 

Xoxo, Alyssa