Historic Hotel Haya Wedding in Ybor City | Savannah and Stuart
- sierra925
- Oct 14
- 4 min read
Planning weddings in Tampa always brings a unique sense of place. From historic architecture to lush tropical vibes, there’s no shortage of character. You know it’s going to be something unforgettable when a couple chooses to say “I do” in Ybor City. Savannah and Stuart’s Historic Hotel Haya Wedding was exactly that: a celebration steeped in charm and effortless elegance.
With its rich Cuban heritage and modern design details, Hotel Haya offered the perfect backdrop for this couple. The space came to life with layers of greenery, warm lighting, and thoughtful touches that made every moment feel intentional. It was a day where history and style met, with love taking center stage. And fittingly so, Savannah and Stuart’s own story began with a sense of adventure. The two first met on a road trip to New Orleans with mutual friends from the University of Florida, where a fun weekend for the UF–LSU football game quickly turned into the beginning of something much deeper. Years later, that same sense of joy and connection led them to this timeless celebration in the heart of Ybor City.
Getting Ready at the Historic Hotel Haya in Ybor City
One of the best parts of choosing Historic Hotel Haya for both ceremony and reception was how easy and relaxed the morning felt. Savannah and her bridal party spent the morning getting ready in one of Hotel Haya’s beautifully designed suites. The suite was filled with soft natural light, perfect for photos.
The atmosphere was lighthearted and full of excitement. Savannah’s mom helped her into her gown, creating one of the most sentimental moments of the day. Across the hall, Stuart and his groomsmen shared laughs and anticipation as they prepared for the big day ahead.
Having everything in one location made the morning stress-free—no travel, no timeline juggling, just genuine content and calm before the celebration began. The couple shared their first look on Hotel Haya’s stunning balcony, then explored the property’s historic architecture for portraits that perfectly captured the venue’s blend of old-world charm and modern sophistication.
Ceremony at the Historic Hotel Haya in Ybor City
The ceremony took place in one of Hotel Haya’s beautiful event spaces, seamlessly blending historic details with elegant, modern touches. Surrounded by lush greenery and a golden hue, Savannah and Stuart exchanged vows in front of their closest friends and family.
Though it was a fall wedding, Tampa delivered a classic Florida day - sunny, warm, and filled with light. The atmosphere was giddy with anticipation; both the bride and groom were glowing with excitement as they finally said “I do.”
Guests could feel the deep connection between them, and the setting reflected that emotion perfectly. It was a moment that beautifully combined timeless romance with the energy of Ybor City.
Reception at the Historic Hotel Haya in Ybor City
As the sun set, Historic Hotel Haya’s reception space transformed into a large celebration. Every detail reflected Savannah and Stuart’s personalities and love story.
The wedding party made a showstopping grand entrance, sprinting into the room as if crossing a finish line, a playful nod to Savannah’s love of running that had everyone cheering. From there, the evening unfolded into heartfelt speeches, incredible food, and nonstop laughter.
A particularly special moment came after the cake cutting, when the couple drank milk from a family heirloom loving cup passed down through generations on Stuart’s side. It was a touching way to honor tradition while beginning their own new chapter together.
Visually, the reception was a dream. The sweetheart table stood out as one of the most stunning features, elegantly styled with lush greenery, flickering candles, and framed by a margarita tower and cake display. The combination of soft lighting and thoughtful décor made the space feel both historic and timeless.
As their Tampa wedding planner, it was such a joy to see their vision come to life. Savannah shared that she chose Events by Marykate because she felt a true connection.
“I could tell I would be treated as a real person and friend, rather than just another job.”
Historic Hotel Haya in Ybor City Sunset Portraits
As the evening progressed, the couple took a short stroll for sunset portraits around Hotel Haya’s charming streets. The golden hour light reflected off Ybor City’s brick façades, creating a beautiful backdrop that felt both historic and effortlessly romantic.
Why the Couple Chose Us!
"We chose Events by Marykate because, from the beginning of our vendor search for a day-of coordinator, we could tell she was a genuine person who would go above-and-beyond just conducting the wedding day timeline. Before we even met Marykate, we found her informational reels, "ask me anything" stories, and posts on Instagram to be super helpful, and we could see her true passion for wedding planning. It was also a fun and exciting bonus to have a custom item as part of the package!"
~ Savannah & Stuart
What stood out most about Savannah and Stuart’s celebration at Historic Hotel Haya was the effortless joy that carried through the entire day. The hotel’s setting, rich with Ybor City’s character, framed every moment from getting ready to the final dance. It was the perfect setting for a couple whose story began with adventure and grew into a love worth celebrating.
The Amazing Vendor Team:
Venue: Hotel Haya
Wedding Planner: Us! Events by Marykate
Hair/Makeup: FemmeAkoi
Photography: wetheblackwells
Floral: Jennies Florist
DJ: Tampa Bay DJ Co.
Cake: Publix
