Congratulations, Chantel and Merrick! This winter, they invited their loved ones to a beautiful Tampa wedding day. Chantel and Merrick celebrated at two beautiful Tampa FL wedding venues: Harborside Chapel and the Rusty Pelican for their winter wedding and every moment was perfect! I can’t wait for you to see it all.
![man hugs wife in lace wedding gown in front of Tampa sunset at the Rusty Pelican](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/Harborside-Chapel_Rusty-Pelican_Tampa-Wedding_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_1033.jpg)
Their Love Story
Chantel and Merrick met in Tennessee. They dated for awhile and when she went to law school, they dated long distance for quite some time. After 2.5 years, Chantel and Merrick moved to Tampa and their long distance relationship was finally over. As they continued to fall in love with each other – and their new city – during that chapter of their lives. Now, they’re husband and wife, and I had the honor of capturing their Florida wedding day!
![diamond ring rests in ivory roses on gold tray](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/Harborside-Chapel_Rusty-Pelican_Tampa-Wedding_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_1004.jpg)
![bride and groom hold hands showing off engagement ring on beach in Tampa FL](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/Harborside-Chapel_Rusty-Pelican_Tampa-Wedding_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_1032.jpg)
![bride and groom lean heads together outside Harborside Chapel](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/Harborside-Chapel_Rusty-Pelican_Tampa-Wedding_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_1018.jpg)
Emotional Tampa FL Wedding Day
Chantel and Merrick’s wedding day was an emotional one – in the best way possible. It was clear from the moment that I arrived that it was going to be a special day. While preparing, Chantel and Merrick spent time with their loved ones and opted not to do a first look together. Instead, Chantel did a first look with her family, which was followed by a beautiful and heartfelt prayer blessing together.
![bride smiles with bridesmaids in light blue robes before Tampa wedding day](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/ChantelMerrickWedding-HarborsideChapelRustyPelicanTampa-RuthTerreroPhotography-07535.jpg)
![mother adjusts buttons on bride's wedding gown for Tampa FL wedding day](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/Harborside-Chapel_Rusty-Pelican_Tampa-Wedding_Ruth-Terrero-Photography__1077.jpg)
![bridesmaids, mother and grandmother help bride into wedding dress](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/Harborside-Chapel_Rusty-Pelican_Tampa-Wedding_Ruth-Terrero-Photography__1078.jpg)
![bride has emotional first look with brothers and father](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/Harborside-Chapel_Rusty-Pelican_Tampa-Wedding_Ruth-Terrero-Photography__1079.jpg)
Harborside Chapel Winter Wedding
Their wedding ceremony took place at Harborside Chapel. This chapel is absolutely stunning! It was full of elegant ivory flowers near the wooden cross and the space is simply beautiful – lots of big open windows, bringing natural light into the space. Chantel and Merrick had lots of emotional moments throughout their ceremony. First was when Merrick saw Chantel for the first time – it was so sweet and he cried looking at his beautiful bride. During their vows, Chantel actually shared that she always knew this day would come when she met him years ago. Now, all of their dreams have come to life!
![ceremony site with wooden cross and ivory flowers inside Harborside Chapel](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/Harborside-Chapel_Rusty-Pelican_Tampa-Wedding_Ruth-Terrero-Photography__1084.jpg)
![ivory flowers sit on pew next to white lanterns inside Harborside Chapel](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/ChantelMerrickWedding-HarborsideChapelRustyPelicanTampa-RuthTerreroPhotography-1089.jpg)
![bride walks down aisle with father and stepfather at Harborside Chapel in Tampa FL](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/Harborside-Chapel_Rusty-Pelican_Tampa-Wedding_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_1053.jpg)
![groom in navy suit with black lapels tears up during ceremony at Harborside Chapel in Tampa FL](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/Harborside-Chapel_Rusty-Pelican_Tampa-Wedding_Ruth-Terrero-Photography__1081.jpg)
![bride and groom hold hands walking through Harborside Chapel](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/Harborside-Chapel_Rusty-Pelican_Tampa-Wedding_Ruth-Terrero-Photography__1092.jpg)
Wedding Reception at the Rusty Pelican
After portraits outside the beautiful chapel and around the waterfront outside the Rusty Pelican, Chantel and Merrick welcomed their guests to their winter reception at the Rusty Pelican. The space was absolutely gorgeous – with over the top ivory flowers, gold accents, and blue napkins. With twinkling Christmas trees in the corner, there was a subtle hint of the Christmas holiday in the space which was so fun! Their reception was a great time! Chantel and Merrick surprised their guests with fog during their first dance. It was amazing! Chantel also dances with both her father and stepfather during the reception, another tear-jerker moment for everyone.
![winter wedding reception at the Rusty Pelican in Tampa FL with gold and ivory details](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/ChantelMerrickWedding-HarborsideChapelRustyPelicanTampa-RuthTerreroPhotography-09057.jpg)
![Rusty Pelican Tampa wedding reception with blue and gold palace settings](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/Harborside-Chapel_Rusty-Pelican_Tampa-Wedding_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_1054.jpg)
![Rusty Pelican Tampa wedding table with blue napkins and gold rimmed plates](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/ChantelMerrickWedding-HarborsideChapelRustyPelicanTampa-RuthTerreroPhotography-1883.jpg)
![bride and groom pose on dance floor inside Rusty Pelican Tampa wedding reception](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/Harborside-Chapel_Rusty-Pelican_Tampa-Wedding_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_1026.jpg)
![newlyweds cheer walking onto dance floor in fog at their Rusty Pelican Tampa wedding reception](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/Harborside-Chapel_Rusty-Pelican_Tampa-Wedding_Ruth-Terrero-Photography__1072.jpg)
Congratulations, Chantel and Merrick! I’m so happy for you both and excited to have been a part of sending you off on this next chapter of your life together. I wish you many years of happiness in Tampa!!
![blue, gold, and ivory invitation suite for Tampa FL wedding](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/Harborside-Chapel_Rusty-Pelican_Tampa-Wedding_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_1000.jpg)
![bride's perfume rests between ivory roses on blue backdrop](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/Harborside-Chapel_Rusty-Pelican_Tampa-Wedding_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_1003.jpg)
![bride's white shoes for Tampa FL wedding day](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/Harborside-Chapel_Rusty-Pelican_Tampa-Wedding_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_1006.jpg)
![bride sits and laughs with bridesmaids in matching blue robes](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/Harborside-Chapel_Rusty-Pelican_Tampa-Wedding_Ruth-Terrero-Photography__1076.jpg)
![bride poses with bridesmaids in light bleu robes on morning of Tampa FL wedding day](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/ChantelMerrickWedding-HarborsideChapelRustyPelicanTampa-RuthTerreroPhotography-07670.jpg)
![mother hugs bride after helping her prepare for wedding day](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/Harborside-Chapel_Rusty-Pelican_Tampa-Wedding_Ruth-Terrero-Photography__1093.jpg)
![bride looks out the window of vintage white car on wedding morning](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/Harborside-Chapel_Rusty-Pelican_Tampa-Wedding_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_1008.jpg)
![groom's mother and father help groom with tie and lapel of suit](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/Harborside-Chapel_Rusty-Pelican_Tampa-Wedding_Ruth-Terrero-Photography__1059.jpg)
![groom adjusts black tie above navy suit vest before Tampa FL wedding day](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/Harborside-Chapel_Rusty-Pelican_Tampa-Wedding_Ruth-Terrero-Photography__1058.jpg)
![Harborside Chapel in Tampa FL](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/ChantelMerrickWedding-HarborsideChapelRustyPelicanTampa-RuthTerreroPhotography-0265.jpg)
![white rose bunch hangs on wooden cross inside Harborside Chapel in Tampa FL](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/Harborside-Chapel_Rusty-Pelican_Tampa-Wedding_Ruth-Terrero-Photography__1057.jpg)
![musicians perform during wedding ceremony at Harborside Chapel in Tampa FL](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/Harborside-Chapel_Rusty-Pelican_Tampa-Wedding_Ruth-Terrero-Photography__1060.jpg)
![mothers light unity candle during wedding ceremony at Harborside Chapel in Tampa FL](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/Harborside-Chapel_Rusty-Pelican_Tampa-Wedding_Ruth-Terrero-Photography__1080.jpg)
![bride looks over shoulder holding groom's hand during wedding ceremony at Harborside Chapel in Tampa FL](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/Harborside-Chapel_Rusty-Pelican_Tampa-Wedding_Ruth-Terrero-Photography__1061.jpg)
![newlyweds exchange vows during wedding ceremony at Harborside Chapel in Tampa FL](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/Harborside-Chapel_Rusty-Pelican_Tampa-Wedding_Ruth-Terrero-Photography__1063.jpg)
![bride and groom kiss after wedding ceremony at Harborside Chapel in Tampa FL](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/Harborside-Chapel_Rusty-Pelican_Tampa-Wedding_Ruth-Terrero-Photography__1082.jpg)
![bride and groom kiss in aisle after recessional from ceremony at Harborside Chapel in Tampa FL](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/Harborside-Chapel_Rusty-Pelican_Tampa-Wedding_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_1011.jpg)
![bride and groom leave Harborside Chapel surrounded by guests](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/Harborside-Chapel_Rusty-Pelican_Tampa-Wedding_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_1012.jpg)
![groom dips bride kissing her outside Harborside Chapel surrounded by guests](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/Harborside-Chapel_Rusty-Pelican_Tampa-Wedding_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_1013.jpg)
![bride smiles with bridesmaids in blue gowns with white flowers outside Harborside Chapel](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/Harborside-Chapel_Rusty-Pelican_Tampa-Wedding_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_1014.jpg)
![newlyweds lean heads together as bride's veil floats around them](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/Harborside-Chapel_Rusty-Pelican_Tampa-Wedding_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_1017.jpg)
![bride and groom kiss while wedding party cheers outside Harborside Chapel](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/Harborside-Chapel_Rusty-Pelican_Tampa-Wedding_Ruth-Terrero-Photography__1094.jpg)
![bride holds bouquet of ivory roses outside Harborside Chapel](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/Harborside-Chapel_Rusty-Pelican_Tampa-Wedding_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_1029.jpg)
![bride holds bouquet of ivory roses with veil behind her at Harborside Chapel](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/Harborside-Chapel_Rusty-Pelican_Tampa-Wedding_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_1035.jpg)
![bride and groom pose with wedding party outside Harborside Chapel](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/Harborside-Chapel_Rusty-Pelican_Tampa-Wedding_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_1016.jpg)
![bride holds bouquet of ivory roses in blue gowns outside Harborside Chapel](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/Harborside-Chapel_Rusty-Pelican_Tampa-Wedding_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_1015.jpg)
![groom hugs bride to him standing outside Harborside Chapel in Tampa FL](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/Harborside-Chapel_Rusty-Pelican_Tampa-Wedding_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_1030.jpg)
![bride walks with bridesmaids in blue gowns and Ivory rose bouquets](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/Harborside-Chapel_Rusty-Pelican_Tampa-Wedding_Ruth-Terrero-Photography__1091.jpg)
![groom stands with groomsmen in navy suits outside the Rusty Pelican](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/Harborside-Chapel_Rusty-Pelican_Tampa-Wedding_Ruth-Terrero-Photography__1089.jpg)
![groom in navy suit with black lapels holds jacket](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/Harborside-Chapel_Rusty-Pelican_Tampa-Wedding_Ruth-Terrero-Photography__1090.jpg)
![bride and groom pose with black dog in Tampa FL](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/Harborside-Chapel_Rusty-Pelican_Tampa-Wedding_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_1028.jpg)
![bride holds bouquet of ivory roses and walks with groom in Tampa FL](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/Harborside-Chapel_Rusty-Pelican_Tampa-Wedding_Ruth-Terrero-Photography__1096.jpg)
![bride and groom pose in front of rocks and waterfront in Tampa FL](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/Harborside-Chapel_Rusty-Pelican_Tampa-Wedding_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_1031.jpg)
![bride and groom kiss under bride's veil during wedding day at the Rusty Pelican](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/Harborside-Chapel_Rusty-Pelican_Tampa-Wedding_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_1019.jpg)
![groom hugs bride from behind in front of rocks outside the Rusty Pelican](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/Harborside-Chapel_Rusty-Pelican_Tampa-Wedding_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_1022.jpg)
![white and gold tables for Rusty Pelican Tampa wedding reception](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/Harborside-Chapel_Rusty-Pelican_Tampa-Wedding_Ruth-Terrero-Photography__1085.jpg)
![place settings for Rusty Pelican Tampa wedding reception with blue napkins and gold plates](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/Harborside-Chapel_Rusty-Pelican_Tampa-Wedding_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_1055.jpg)
![tapered candles in glass holders on tables for Rusty Pelican Tampa wedding reception](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/Harborside-Chapel_Rusty-Pelican_Tampa-Wedding_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_1027.jpg)
![Rusty Pelican Tampa wedding reception with blue and white accents on each table](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/Harborside-Chapel_Rusty-Pelican_Tampa-Wedding_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_1051.jpg)
![sweetheart table sits in front of fabric backdrop near dance floor for Rusty Pelican Tampa wedding reception](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/Harborside-Chapel_Rusty-Pelican_Tampa-Wedding_Ruth-Terrero-Photography__1086.jpg)
![tiered wedding cake with gold and white floral accents](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/ChantelMerrickWedding-HarborsideChapelRustyPelicanTampa-RuthTerreroPhotography-1919.jpg)
![sweetheart table with candles and ivory flowers in center for Rusty Pelican Tampa wedding reception](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/Harborside-Chapel_Rusty-Pelican_Tampa-Wedding_Ruth-Terrero-Photography_1025.jpg)
![wedding reception with white flowers and blue napkins in Tampa FL](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/Harborside-Chapel_Rusty-Pelican_Tampa-Wedding_Ruth-Terrero-Photography__1064.jpg)
![signature cocktail sign for Rusty Pelican Tampa wedding reception](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/Harborside-Chapel_Rusty-Pelican_Tampa-Wedding_Ruth-Terrero-Photography__1067.jpg)
![violin player performs during Rusty Pelican Tampa wedding reception](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/Harborside-Chapel_Rusty-Pelican_Tampa-Wedding_Ruth-Terrero-Photography__1065.jpg)
![audio guest book sits on mirrored tray for Rusty Pelican Tampa wedding reception](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/Harborside-Chapel_Rusty-Pelican_Tampa-Wedding_Ruth-Terrero-Photography__1068.jpg)
![bride and groom cheer walking into Rusty Pelican Tampa wedding reception](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/Harborside-Chapel_Rusty-Pelican_Tampa-Wedding_Ruth-Terrero-Photography__1069.jpg)
![bride and groom have first dance during Rusty Pelican Tampa wedding reception in fog and mist](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/Harborside-Chapel_Rusty-Pelican_Tampa-Wedding_Ruth-Terrero-Photography__1071.jpg)
![bride dances with father during Rusty Pelican Tampa wedding reception](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/ChantelMerrickWedding-HarborsideChapelRustyPelicanTampa-RuthTerreroPhotography-09189-12.56.11-PM-scaled.jpg)
![bride dances with father during Rusty Pelican Tampa wedding reception](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/Harborside-Chapel_Rusty-Pelican_Tampa-Wedding_Ruth-Terrero-Photography__1087.jpg)
![bride dances with father and stepfather during Rusty Pelican Tampa wedding reception](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/Harborside-Chapel_Rusty-Pelican_Tampa-Wedding_Ruth-Terrero-Photography__1073.jpg)
![groom dances with mother during Rusty Pelican Tampa wedding reception](https://www.ruthterrerophoto.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6837/2024/02/Harborside-Chapel_Rusty-Pelican_Tampa-Wedding_Ruth-Terrero-Photography__1088.jpg)
Tampa FL Wedding Vendors
Chapel: Harborside Chapel
Reception Venue: The Rusty Pelican
Planner: The Gathering Planner
Florist: Beyond Floral
Photographer: Ruth Terrero Photography
Make Up Artist: Makeup by Regly
Draping and Place Settings: On The Move Rentals and Events
Dance Floor, flatware and Tables: Blossom Events Tampa
Chairs and Rentals: Classic Event Rentals
DJ: Tirado Events
Cake: Alessi Bakery
Violinist: Sebagabo
I love getting to capture these special moments so that you can remember your wedding day for the rest of your life! For me, your wedding day is so much more than just a day.
You deserve a wedding photographer who is invested in you and capturing every moment! Reach out and let’s connect to book your wedding day here in Florida (or around the world)!
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