A May Wedding in Tampa’s Urban Jungle
May weddings in Tampa, Florida always hold a special place in my heart. As a Tampa wedding photographer, I know this time of year marks the end of the busy season before the Florida summer heat rolls in. It’s the perfect time for intimate celebrations, and David & Joanna’s wedding was the epitome of a lush, heartfelt, and uniquely Tampa affair.
Their ceremony took place at the iconic Fancy Free Nursery in downtown Tampa-a venue that’s become a favorite for couples seeking a botanical, plant-filled backdrop for their vows. Their reception was held at the air-conditioned Stark Barn in Odessa, offering a rustic yet refined setting to continue the celebration with friends and family.
Why Fancy Free Nursery is Tampa’s Most Unique Wedding Venue
Nestled at 1502 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33602, Fancy Free Nursery is not your typical wedding venue. This urban plant shop transforms into a magical botanical oasis for weddings and elopements. Co-owned by Megan, who also serves as the in-house florist, Fancy Free Nursery offers:
- Lush, Living Decor: The venue’s tropical plants and curated greenery create a built-in, ever-changing backdrop that needs little extra decoration.
- Intimate Urban Setting: Ideal for smaller weddings and elopements, Fancy Free offers a cozy, private atmosphere in the heart of Tampa Heights.
- Editorial Photo Opportunities: As a Fancy Free Nursery wedding photographer, I’m constantly inspired by the natural light, vibrant foliage, and unique nooks for portraits.
- All-in-One Venue & Florist: Megan’s expertise ensures your florals are perfectly matched to the space, creating a seamless, cohesive look.
- Central Location: Minutes from downtown Tampa hotels, restaurants, and other top engagement session spots.
Joanna and David’s ceremony was surrounded by trailing pothos, towering palms, and the gentle sounds of nature-an urban jungle sanctuary that felt worlds away from the city outside.
The Ceremony: Intimate, Joyful, and Authentically Tampa
Their Monday wedding was a petite, heartfelt gathering, proving that weekday weddings can be just as magical as weekend affairs. The intimacy of the guest list allowed for genuine connections and unscripted moments-laughter, happy tears, and vows exchanged beneath a canopy of greenery.
As a Tampa wedding photographer, these are the moments I live for: real, raw, and beautifully unfiltered.
Reception at Stark Barn: Rustic Charm Meets Modern Comfort
After their botanical ceremony, Joanna & David and their guests made their way to Stark Barn in Odessa, a hidden gem among Tampa’s barn venues. Stark Barn is known for its:
- Historic Hand-Built Barn: Originally constructed in the 1700s and meticulously rebuilt in Odessa, it blends rustic elegance with modern amenities.
- Air Conditioning: A rare and much-appreciated feature for Florida barn weddings, ensuring guests stay cool and comfortable.
- Expansive Grounds: Over 15 acres of scenic farmland, perfect for portraits, cocktail hour, and outdoor festivities.
- Versatile Spaces: The barn, manor house, and lawn offer flexible options for every part of your celebration.
The reception was filled with laughter, heartfelt toasts, and the kind of dancing only possible when you’re surrounded by your favorite people in a space that feels both grand and welcoming.
Why Choose a Petite Wedding at Fancy Free Nursery?
- Personalized Experience: Smaller guest lists mean more meaningful connections and less stress.
- Editorial, Timeless Photos: The natural beauty of Fancy Free Nursery ensures your wedding gallery will never go out of style.
- Flexible Scheduling: Weekday weddings are easier to book and often more affordable.
- All-Season Venue: The nursery’s indoor-outdoor flow works beautifully year-round, with string lights and lush plants creating ambiance no matter the weather.
- Perfect for Plant Lovers: If you dream of a wedding surrounded by greenery and botanical beauty, this venue is unmatched in Tampa.
Planning Tips for Your Fancy Free Nursery Wedding
- Book Early: Fancy Free Nursery is in high demand, especially for spring and fall weddings.
- Coordinate with Megan: Leverage the expertise of the in-house florist for a seamless floral vision.
- Consider a Weekday: Enjoy more flexibility and privacy with a Monday-Thursday celebration.
- Pair with a Unique Reception Venue: Like Joanna & David, combine the nursery ceremony with a barn or garden reception for the best of both worlds.
- Capture Every Moment: Hire a Tampa wedding photographer who knows the venue and can make the most of its editorial angles and natural light.
More Tampa Wedding Inspiration
Looking for more ideas for your Tampa wedding or engagement session? Explore these favorites:
- Fancy Free Nursery Botanical Wedding
- Hyde Park Village Engagement Session
- Tampa Garden Club Wedding
- Ybor City Editorial Engagement
Why Book Stills by Hernan for Your Fancy Free Nursery Wedding?
With years of experience capturing weddings at Tampa’s most unique venues, I bring an editorial, documentary approach to every celebration. My goal is to create timeless, authentic images that reflect your story, your style, and your love for Tampa’s vibrant wedding scene.
If you’re planning a Fancy Free Nursery wedding, a Tampa engagement session, or any celebration in Tampa, let’s connect and bring your vision to life.
Venue & Vendor Information
- Ceremony Venue & Florals: Fancy Free Nursery | 1502 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33602 | @fancyfreenursery
- Reception Venue: Stark Barn at Stark Farms, Odessa, FL | thebarnatstarkfarms.com
- Photography: Stills by Hernan | Contact for Availability