We have a reception venue!
Davis Island Garden Club
This is the perfect indoor/outdoor venue for us. It is located on a small island called…wait for it…Davis Island. There is a channel separating Davis Island and downtown Tampa, and the Garden Club is located right on the water. It has beautiful mature oak trees, a huge covered patio, and stunning views of the Tampa skyline.
Oh yeaaah. Check it out folks.
Nighttime view of downtown Tampa from the Garden Club:
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Image via Vadim Photo
If you were next to the water and turned around, this is what you would see:
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Personal photo
I will be the first to admit, my photos do NOT do this venue justice! There is actually a lot more space between the trees and the building. This is where we hope to have the feasting table. I regret not taking pictures under the trees so you could get a better sense of things.
A wider shot captures the gazebo (perhaps where the bar will be):
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Personal photo
A lot of couples who use this venue have the ceremony out by the gazebo, cocktail hour under patio, and dinner and dancing inside. Honestly, the inside is just your average beige reception hall. Instead, we will have the cocktail hour and dancing outside on the patio, and dinner will actually be served under the trees out on the lawn. I like that we have the inside space in case it rains, but why go inside when the outside rocks this much??
Our dance party will be quite a bit rowdier than this one:
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Image via Tampa Lights
You may have caught on to my light (twinkle, cafe, etc.) obsession by now. Here are a couple rough examples of what it would look like. I’m planning to have long feasting tables under the trees so it’ll end up looking a lot different than this:
Image via Tampa Lights / Photo by Limelight Photography
Image via Tampa Lights
It’s kind of perfect.
Close to the church, big trees, indoor backup option, beautiful view, and yes this anti-beach bride even found herself some water. What do you think—did we find a good venue or what?
It was almost as good as finding Mr. Squirrel.
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Personal photo
Almost. 
I love your venue. It was our 2nd runner up! My only issue with them is it seemed they wanted to nickle and dime us for everything! Other than that, the views and surroundings are beautiful!!!
@shakira0202: I can see what you mean and I was intimidated at first. But then I realized one of the things I really liked about this place was that it wasn’t all inclusive. I wanted to be able to pick out my own vendors, provide my own alcohol, make my own seat cushions, etc.
Very pretty! Can’t wait to see your vision come to life Miss S 
Your venue rocks! And I love what you want to do with the string lights. It’s going to look so romantic
What a great view! I love the look of the twinkling lights in that gorgeous garden setting!!!
Umm, if the pictures don’t do your venue justice, I definitely need to visit, because the pictures are GORGEOUS. What a great venue!!
What a gorgeous venue, I love all the twinkle lights and that view is amazing!
Mrs. Squirrel, Tampa, FL Age and Occupation: 25, Genetic Counselor Fiance's Age and Occupation: 27, Graphic Designer/ Engineering Student Engagement Date: March 17, 2012 Wedding Date: May 2013 Venue: Davis Island Garden Club About Me: I am a DIY loving, science dork. I like to eat green peppers every day and I wish all clothes would be made with bows and lace. I moved to the South for grad school and stumbled across Mr. Squirrel, aka Southern Gent extraordinaire. We moved to Tampa, Florida and are starting a new life together. We are so excited to get married! Our ceremony will be in a Catholic church and the guests will then take a boat ride to the outdoor reception. We are channeling a Midsummer Night's Dream and plan to have lots of twinkling lights, moss, and whimsy in the air.
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