Carol Ann and Arnie’s Romantic Restaurant Wedding

by Amy Serrago

Carol Ann and Arnie’s love story started online. They met on a Catholic match site. Their shared interests and faith drew them to one another, so they decided to go out on a real date, dinner at The Birchwood Restaurant in St. Petersburg, Florida. The pair hit it off in person and their love blossomed from there. It was New Year’s Eve when Arnie proposed to Carol Ann on the deck of a Royal Caribbean cruise ship and of course, she said yes! When they began planning their wedding, they knew they would have traditional Catholic ceremony and the reception site was a no brainer. They’d go back to where it all started, The Birchwood.

Carol Ann was stunning in her lace mermaid cut gown with its dramatic train, long sleeves and off the shoulder styling. She completed her look with a diamond heart pendant and a fingertip veil and Arnie was handsome in a traditional black tux with a gray vest and red bow tie. The florals that adorned the church’s aisle were a romantic mix of red and white roses and white hydrangea, a theme that carried over to the reception decor. Inside The Birchwood, tables were set with black linens and a combination of tall and short centerpieces in red and white with accents of lush greenery. Plenty of glowing votive candles completed the decor and vacation photos of the newlyweds were lovingly displayed near the guest book. As the sun set outside, Carol Ann and Arnie shared their first dance as husband and wife and celebrated their love with their dearest friends and family. Congratulations Carol Ann and Arnie!