Kristy & Tai’s Moody, romantic Hotel Haya Wedding
They Laughed, They Cried, They Danced | Kristy & Tai's Moody, romantic Hotel Haya Wedding in Ybor City, Tampa
Kristy and Tai had one request for their wedding day. They wanted their guests to leave saying two things: that they had fun, and that they cried. Mission absolutely accomplished.
We started with getting ready at their home in Tampa with their wedding party, parents and of course their cats! Hotel Haya in Ybor City is one of those venues that does the heavy lifting for you. Its warm, historic architecture and effortlessly elegant bones make every photo feel intentional — and paired with Kristy and Tai's classic black, white, and beige palette, the whole day felt like something out of a timeless editorial. Clean, sophisticated, and deeply personal all at once.
The ceremony was a beautiful Christian celebration — the kind that fills a room with something you can actually feel. Officiant Anthony Dinh led Kristy and Tai through their vows with warmth and sincerity, and yes, there were tears. Exactly as requested.
Every detail of the day came together seamlessly thanks to the incredible Gabby Watters of Watters & Co, who coordinated the whole thing with grace and precision. The florals by Danielle Zechmann of Save the Date Florida were stunning — perfectly complementing the black, white, and beige palette with arrangements that felt lush and intentional. Kristy looked absolutely radiant in her J. Alexander gown from White Closet Bridal, and her hair and makeup by Justina Jefferson of Just Beauty were flawless from ceremony to last dance.
The reception? That's where the fun part kicked in. Grant Lee of Tampa Bay DJ Company kept the dance floor packed all night — the kind of DJ set where nobody sits down and everybody's sweaty and happy by the end. The catering from the Hotel Haya team led by Meghan Cody was exactly what you'd expect from one of Tampa's most beloved venues — exceptional. And the cake? Kristy and Tai kept it grounded and sweet with a Publix wedding cake, which honestly? A Tampa tradition I can respect.
Kristy even brought her own handmade stationery and signage to the day — those personal DIY touches that make a wedding feel less like an event and more like them.
To Kristy and Tai — thank you for trusting me with your day. You wanted your guests to have fun and cry. You delivered on both. Here's to a lifetime of exactly that.
