A Charming and Sophisticated Wedding at The Rialto Theatre in Tampa, Florida

MaryJane Wermuth and Jordan Prosser began their love story at the Gasparilla Pirate Festival – a large parade celebrated every year since 1904 in Tampa, Florida. With Tampa being their hometown, the two were introduced through a mutual friend and soon started running into each other everywhere they went.

When they decided to meet up at a local bar for drinks, Jordan called MaryJane the next day and asked, “On a scale of one to America, how free are you today?” From that point on, he had MaryJane’s attention. “What attracted me to Jordan the most when we first started dating was, and still is, his confidence,” MaryJane recalls. “He has such a charismatic personality. Jordan likes to joke that my brain is his favorite thing about me but truthfully, it is probably my drive and ambition.” 

It was right before sunset on September 9, 2015, when the couple walked out onto the sand dunes of The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island. MaryJane was surprised by a spectacular setup of roses, candles, and champagne – a setting created by Jordan’s father, who is a leader in the floral industry. After Jordan popped the question, the engaged pair spent five luxurious days at the Ritz, basking in the prospect of their future together.

“Since Jordan grew up in the event industry, planning our special day was a breeze,” says MaryJane. “With the financial help of our parents and Jordan’s father taking care of all the florals, we knew we were in good hands. I constantly tell people that being a flower buyer’s girlfriend, fiancé, and now wife really has its perks!”

When the bride and groom arrived at their wedding ceremony, they were greeted by a beautiful display of dendrobium orchids cascading from the entrance ceiling. “One of my favorite parts of the wedding was our vows,” MaryJane describes. “Although we didn’t write our own, we spent a lot of time hand selecting the ceremony readings that we felt best depicted our relationship’s past, present and future.”

After the ceremony, the party went into full-swing. The newlyweds wanted to experience cocktail hour with their guests, so they made sure to take most of their photos beforehand. Irish musician Paul Duffy, a family friend, performed a variety of spirited tunes, setting the tone for the evening. “All night long we kept trying to remember to take a moment to take everything in,” MaryJane adds. “If we were told anything, it was that they day would go by too quickly. Truer words have never been spoken.”

When guests transitioned into the reception space, audible gasps could be heard. The floral designs, lighting, draping, and décor was beyond anything the newlyweds had envisioned. “We wanted to create a sophisticated vibe, so lounge furniture and cluster seating was a very important element,” MaryJane explains. “All the different textured and colored linens were chosen by Jordan’s sister, who is Creative Director at the family’s floral company. I think it would be safe to say that the production of our wedding was definitely a family affair – one my husband is very proud of.”