Classic Sacred Heart Tampa Wedding with a Reception at The Orlo

Lindsey and Lewis got married on a bright January day in downtown Tampa, and their wedding was classic in all the best ways. A Catholic ceremony at Sacred Heart, all-white florals, a string quartet, a reception at The Orlo in Hyde Park and a sparkler send-off to end the night! Their Sacred Heart Tampa wedding on January 10, 2025 is one I’ve been so excited to share.

Annah and the Everlasting Affair team planned the whole day, from the getting-ready timeline to the sparkler send-off, and it was such a joy to work alongside them.

Getting Ready at The Orlo

Lindsey got ready at The Orlo, the historic Hyde Park house (dating back to 1882) where they would celebrate later that night. Her lace gown hung on an ornate silver mirror while we photographed her rings and details, and then her mom helped her into her dress. That laugh says it all!

Hair by Lasting Luxe Artistry and makeup by Hannah Shee Beauty were soft and timeless, and when her bridesmaids saw her for the first time, the reactions were priceless.

Across the river, Lewis and his groomsmen got ready at the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street with Ben. Then it was time to load up the Party Shuttle and head to the church!

A First Look with Dad at Sacred Heart

Before the ceremony, Lindsey shared a first look with her dad just outside the church. He took one look at her and the tears started, and then came the biggest hug. Grab the tissues for this one!

A Catholic Ceremony at Sacred Heart Catholic Church

Sacred Heart Catholic Church is one of the most stunning churches in Tampa. It was dedicated in 1905, and with its Romanesque granite and marble exterior and stained glass from Munich, it is breathtaking in person. Since it was January, the church was still dressed for the Christmas season, with red poinsettias and Christmas trees around the altar.

The Mabry String Quartet played as guests arrived, Lewis waited at the altar, and Lindsey walked down the aisle on her dad’s arm. One of my favorite moments was her dad giving Lewis a hug and a handshake at the altar before handing her off.

After the vows, Lewis dipped Lindsey for a kiss right in the aisle, and they walked out as newlyweds with the biggest smiles.

Lindsey also sent us a detailed family photo list ahead of time, which makes family formals at a church so much smoother. (If you’re working on yours, here’s my guide to an organized family photo list.)

Wedding Portraits at Sacred Heart

Once the guests headed out, we made the most of every corner of the church: the grand front steps, the altar framed by stained glass, and the carved wooden doors.

Portraits at The Orlo in Hyde Park

After a ride on the party bus with their wedding party, we headed back to The Orlo for late-afternoon portraits. The front lawn gave Lindsey’s veil room to fly, and the staircase inside was wrapped in greenery and white flowers. (If you love The Orlo as much as I do, here’s another wedding at The Orlo we photographed.)

A Classic Reception at The Orlo

The Orlo’s ballroom was set with gold chairs, gold-rimmed chargers, candlelight and all-white florals from Victoria Blooms, with pipe and drape by On The Move and rentals from Kate Ryan Event Rentals. And that black-and-white checkered dance floor? Iconic.

The cake from Tampa Bay Cake Company was a showstopper: tall, white and dotted with bright red cherries. Catering By The Family handled dinner, and the Mabry String Quartet played through cocktail hour.

The toasts had both of them laughing, and then Graingertainment got the party going. There were light-up foam sticks, a Paciugo gelato cart, the cake cutting and, at one point, Lindsey up in the air on a chair!

To end the night, their guests lined the walkway with sparklers for the perfect send-off.

Lindsey and Lewis, thank you so much for having us! And thank you to Annah and every vendor below for making this day so beautiful.

Planning a Sacred Heart Tampa wedding, or a celebration at The Orlo? I’d love to hear about it! As Tampa wedding photographers, Ben and I photograph weddings all over Tampa Bay, from downtown churches to Hyde Park venues. Check our availability here.

Wedding Vendors

• Planning: Everlasting Affair
• Ceremony: Sacred Heart Catholic Church
• Reception Venue: The Orlo
• Groom’s Getting Ready: JW Marriott Tampa Water Street
• Photography: Mary Anna Photography
• Florals: Victoria Blooms
• Hair: Lasting Luxe Artistry
• Makeup: Hannah Shee Beauty
• Catering: Catering By The Family
• DJ: Graingertainment
• Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music: Mabry String Quartet
• Cake: Tampa Bay Cake Company
• Gelato Cart: Paciugo Gelato St. Pete
• Pipe and Drape: On The Move Wedding & Event Rentals
• Rentals: Kate Ryan Event Rentals
• Transportation: Party Shuttle