Picture this: a charming, intimate wedding in a historic chapel, surrounded by the love of close family. That’s exactly the magical experience Christy and Nevin envisioned for their special day. They chose the stunning Historic Andrews Memorial Chapel in Dunedin, Florida, and let Intimate Weddings of Tampa handle all the details, turning their dream into a beautiful reality.
This wasn’t just any wedding venue. The Historic Andrews Memorial Chapel has a rich history, adding an extra layer of romance and significance to the occasion. Imagine getting married in a place that’s seen over a century of love stories! Built way back in 1876, this chapel is one of Dunedin’s oldest treasures. It all started when B M Brown, one of Dunedin’s original settlers, and the Emerson family generously donated the land. Then, Mr. Allan G Andrews stepped up, pledging $200 to build the church in memory of his son. Talk about a touching tribute!
Fast forward to 1970, and the chapel faced demolition. Luckily, the Dunedin Historical Society swooped in to save the day! They carefully moved the entire building to its current location at the entrance of Hammock Park. This wasn’t a simple task; they actually had to cut the chapel in half! Restoration work began in 1974, bringing the chapel back to its former glory. And, to top it all off, the chapel was added to the National Register of Historic Places, solidifying its importance.
Walking into the chapel is like stepping back in time. The Victorian architecture is absolutely captivating, creating the perfect atmosphere for a wedding. Built with gorgeous Florida heart of pine, the chapel boasts two elegant foyers with striking Gothic archways that lead into the sanctuary. Prepare to be amazed by the hand-carved, nautical-themed beamed ceiling, which resembles the inside of a ship’s hull. It’s a true work of art. The hand-carved pews, also dating back to the late 1800s, are a remarkable seventeen feet long! And don’t forget the original stained-glass window above the pulpit, adding a touch of timeless beauty. It was the perfect location for Christy and Nevin to have their intimate wedding.
The big day arrived, and Christy looked absolutely radiant as her father escorted her down the aisle. Nevin, waiting at the altar, couldn’t have been more thrilled. Their custom-designed ceremony was truly special, incorporating heartfelt elements like a Thank You to the Parents, a Parental Blessing, a reading of 1 Corinthians 13, The Blessing of the Hands, A Blessing for a Marriage, and The Tying of the Thali. These meaningful rituals added a personal touch, making the ceremony even more memorable for everyone present.
Surrounded by their closest family members, Christy and Nevin exchanged vows and rings, promising to love and cherish each other forever. Rev Rick Lackore from Sensational Ceremonies officiated, making their union official. The joy and love in the room were palpable.
No wedding is complete without beautiful flowers, and Iza’s Flowers provided a stunning bouquet and boutonniere, adding pops of color to the already picturesque scene. And a huge shoutout to Tammy Lackore with True Love Photography, who captured this breathtaking photo of the ceremony. This image will forever remind Christy and Nevin of their special day.
This intimate wedding perfectly demonstrates how special small, family-focused ceremonies can be. The Historic Andrews Memorial Chapel provided a beautiful backdrop for Christy and Nevin’s love story, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Congratulations to the newlyweds, Mr. and Mrs. Alummoottil! We wish them a lifetime of happiness together.