With a love for the great outdoors and camping, there was no question that Kari and Kevin would include this in their wedding design. The beautiful scenery full of trees, a river, and cabins at the Canoe Outpost at Little Manatee River provided all the details the couples wanted that they couldn’t find in a traditional wedding venue.
Kari and Kevin’s wedding was held on their 3rd anniversary. With Kevin
proposing right after coming home from deployment, they pulled their whole wedding together in just 4 months with the help of wedding planner, Carlisha of Designer Weddings by Carly Rose.
The couple’s closest family and friends joined them for a beautiful ceremony in a clearing in the woods. This was followed by a picnic style wedding reception under the trees catered by a food truck and mobile bar.
When asked what she would change about her wedding day, Kari said “Maybe more mosquito spray! There’s isn’t a thing I would change about my day. It was perfect!”
From Bride, Kari:
How did you two meet and/or what was your proposal story?
“We met on Tinder! Crazy, right? We got married on 3 year anniversary. We got engaged the May before (which means a 4-month engagement) after Kevin came home from a deployment. We were visiting his family in California. We had the day to ourselves. We went to go see the Avengers movie that just came out, then decided to go for a hike. We stopped for a pizza to bring with us before Kevin took me to one of his favorite hang out spots from when he was younger that overlooks the pacific ocean. We were the only ones at the top, when Kevin called me over, got down on one knee, and pulled out the ring. Like a dweeb, I was so excited that instead of immediately saying yes, I turned and ran around in circles while he waited on his knee.”
From Bride, Kari:
What advice would you give other couples about the wedding planning process?
“Do not settle for the first price you hear. If it sounds too expensive, it is. Shop around until you find what meets your budget and vision. Also, a wedding planner was the best investment for the wedding. Carly from Designer Weddings by Carly Rose was so helpful, so sweet, and did basically everything for me.”
Is there any advice that you would give engaged couples about married life?
“Learn to let the little things go! Set your pride aside and know when you back down in an argument. Your love and relationship are more important than arguing about picking up underwear off the floor.”
Participating Vendors:
Venue: Canoe Outpost at Little Manatee River
Planner: Designer Weddings by Carly Rose
Photographer: Jessica Jones Photography
Florist: Gather and Grace Designs
Cake: Nothing Bundt Cakes
DJ: Tamik Entertainment
Hair: Simply Dvyne Hair Studio
Makeup: Jose Berti
Dress: One and Only Bridal
Rentals: Ocean Hawks Rentals
Caterer: Curbside Chef
Bartending: Tipsy Tampa Bartending