Preakness Inspired Wedding at Tampa Bay Downs | Tampa Wedding Photographer
While American Pharoah was racing his way towards the Triple Crown, Jennifer and Danny were racing to get married! And yes, that pun was absolutely intended. All kidding aside, this couple wanted a non-traditional wedding that infused memories of their previous trips to the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes into the day. With the equestrian racing theme in mind, Danny and Jennifer chose Tampa Downs as their wedding venue. Guests were asked to observe a dress code that included hats and bow ties. Jennifer even wore a custom made fascinator in lieu of a traditional bridal headpiece—its yellow color a nod to the Preakness Stakes.
The couple’s family and dearest friends joined them in the winner’s circle for the wedding ceremony which was officiated by Danny’s friend, Joe. Best man duties fell to Danny’s son, Cason, who almost stole the show with his fun commentary as the bride and groom exchanged laugh inducing personal wedding vows. We soon learned that that sense of humor is a family trait.
After the ceremony, everyone gathered beneath the Jumbotron on the race track to cheer on American Pharoah as he won the Preakness. The reception got underway with Jennifer and Danny dancing to John Prine and Iris Dement’s In Spite of Ourselves which had guests laughing at its irreverently humorous take on love. More than once did the newlyweds have to stop dancing because Jennifer had almost doubled over with laughter! Later that evening, Danny serenaded a surprised Jennifer with You Never Even Call Me By My Name while guests played backup choir.
The day was a celebration full of laughter and joy and the calm certainty that comes when two people want nothing more than to be married and build a future together.
Jennifer and Danny, thank you for the honor of being your wedding photographer. Your wedding truly reflected your personalities and the things that matter most. We hope you had a great time at the Belmont Stakes watching American Pharoah capture the Triple Crown. May you and Cason be blessed with love, happiness and laughter…and like the song says, big hearts dancing in your eyes.
Wedding Venue: Tampa Bay Downs, Inc.
Hotel: Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk
Dress: Ann Taylor | David's Bridal
Bride's Shoes: Ralph Lauren
Catering: Tampa Bay Downs
Groom's Attire: Custom | Dragon Inside
Bowties: Ella Bing Bow Ties
Custom Koozies: Chameleon Custom Solutions
Baked Goods: Cupping Cakes
Preakness-wedding-invitation-ring.jpgEngagement ring and wedding invitation for a Preakness inspired wedding at Tampa Bay Downs.
Preakness-wedding-bouquet-shoes.jpgThe bride's wedding bouquet and shoes worn at her Preakness inspired wedding at Tampa Bay Downs.
preakness-wedding-gown-riverwalk-hotel-tampa-downs.jpgJennifer's Ann Taylor wedding gown that se wor her Preakness inspired wedding at Tampa Bay Downs
preakness-wedding-tampa-downs-bridal-makeup.jpgJennifer gets a final makeup touch up before her wedding at Tampa Bay Downs
preakness-wedding-bride-stepson-tampa-downs.jpgJennifer helps her stepson and the best man get ready for her Preakness inspired wedding at Tampa Bay Downs
preakness-wedding-groom-son-sheraton-riverwalk.jpgDanny spends some fun moments with his son who also served as best man for his Preakness inspired wedding at Tampa Bay Downs
preakness--wedding-groom-relatives-Sheraton-riverwalk.jpgDanny spends a moment with his father and son at the Sheraton Riverwalk before his Preakness inspired wedding at Tampa Bay Downs.
preakness-wedding-groom-friends-Sheraton-riverwalk.jpgDanny with his relatives and friends at the Sheraton Riverwalk prior to his Preakness inspired wedding at Tampa Bay Downs
preakness-wedding-tampa-downs-processional.jpgJennifer and Danny walk down to the winner's circle for Preakness inspired wedding at Tampa Bay Downs
Preakness-wedding-ceremony-tampa-bay-downs-02.jpgJennifer and Danny's wedding ceremony at Tampa Bay Downs
preakness-inspired-cute-wedding-tampa-downs.jpgJennifer and Danny's Preakness inspired wedding at Tampa Bay Downs
Preakness-wedding-recessional-tampa-bay-downsNewlyweds leave the winner's circle after their wedding ceremony at Tampa Bay Downs
preakness-wedding-newlywed-tampa-downs-track.jpgJennifer and Danny's stroll along the track after their Preakness inspired wedding ceremony at Tampa Bay Downs
preakness-wedding-bridal-portrait-tampa-downs.jpgBridal portrait taken during a Preakness inspired wedding at Tampa Bay Downs.
Preakness-wedding-newlyweds-tampa-bay-downs-03.jpgNewlyweds Danny and Jennifer after their wedding at Tampa Bay Downs
Preakness-wedding-race-viewing-tampa-downs.jpgDanny and Jennifer's wedding guests watch the Preakness Stakes at the Tampa Bay Downs track.
guests-cheer-preakness-wedding-tampa-downs.jpgWedding guests cheer for American Pharoah while watching the Preakness Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs
preakness-wedding-newlyweds-kiss-tampa-downs.jpgDanny and Jennifer kiss after watching the Preakness race during their wedding reception at Tampa Downs.
preakness-wedding-guest-race-tampa-downs.jpgWedding guests race down the track with the groom after wedding ceremony at Tampa Bay Downs
Preakness-wedding-cupcakes-tampa-bay-downs.jpgDessert station for Jennifer and Danny's Preakness inspired wedding provided by Cupping Cakes.
Preakness-wedding-reception-decoration-tampa-bay-downs.jpgPreakness inspired table top floral arrangement.
preakness-wedding-reception-dance-tampa-bay-downs.jpgJennifer and Danny's first dance at their Preakness inspired wedding at Tampa Bay Downs
preakness-wedding-serenade-tampa-downs.jpgDanny serenades his bride during their wedding reception at Tampa Bay Downs
Jennifer and Danny's wedding has been published in Mywedding.com
