Practice Run!

Harborside Chapel

Rehearsal

Rusty Pelican

Rehearsal Dinner

The Wedding

Ceremony

Armature Works

Reception

Spring

Our Wedding

For our guests coming in from out of town, the most convenient airport is Tampa International Airport (TPA), which offers direct flights on multiple major airlines. Also close by is St. Petersburg Airport (PIE) with limited flights on Allegiant. Other options include Sarasota/Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) and Orlando International Airport (MCO) which are both about an hour away from Tampa. While renting a car is the preferred way to get around, Tampa Bay is well connected through rideshare options like Uber and Lyft.

Getting Here

A room block has been reserved at this waterfront hotel, which is exactly halfway between the ceremony and reception sites. It is also minutes away from Tampa International Airport. The wedding block has several room choices with special wedding rates:$215 ($185 + $30 destination fee) for city view standard rooms.$235 ($205 + $30 destination fee) for casitas.$245 ($215 + $30 destination fee) for bay view standard rooms. Self-parking charges are $20 per day. The hotel has offered the special rates for our guests from July 10-16. Additional dates outside this range are subject to availability and can be reserved by letting one of us know. It is highly recommended that you book through the following link: <a href="https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/group-booking/TPARW/G-DLW8" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/group-booking/TPARW/G-DLW8</a>

Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay

While there are no special wedding rates at the following hotels, here are a few other properties that are conveniently located. Marriott Bonvoy members may choose to stay at one of the following options: The CURRENT Hotel (Autograph Collection)2545 N Rocky Point Dr, Tampa, FL 33607This hotel is very near the Grand Hyatt and offers similar amenities. It is also minutes away from the airport and features waterfront rooms. The hotel is within 20-30 minutes of both the beach and downtown. JW Marriott Water Street &amp; Tampa Marriott Water Street505-510 Water St, Tampa, FL 33602These sister hotels are located in the heart of downtown and within walking distance of the Tampa Riverwalk and other attractions. Both hotels are minutes away from the reception site. If hotel loyalty is not as important to you: Hotel Haya1412 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605If you're looking for a boutique hotel experience, check out this hotel in historic Ybor City. Conveniently located near popular eateries and vibrant nightlife, while still being well connected to downtown through a free and quick trolley service. Ybor City is also home to several historic cigar factories as well as distilleries and breweries.

Other Hotel Options

Travel & Accommodations

Tampa is a really fun city with plenty of cool places to explore. Hopefully you will have time to check out a few of our favorites!

Near Downtown

This is a really fun venue with restaurants nestled in shipping containers, live entertainment, a bowling alley, beer garden, and even a view of the cruise terminal. Its within walking distance of the Florida Aquarium if you want to extend your stay in the area. Definitely get a picture with the Tampa sign!

Sparkman Wharf

This is newly developed area in the downtown and channelside district (and within walking distance of Sparkman Wharf). Its also full of restaurants and shops, but our favorite part is the beautiful lighting, lush plants, and public art. Our favorite thing to do is stop and get ice cream.

Water Street

This is our favorite ice cream shop, hands down. They have a bunch of rotating seasonal flavors and some perennial favorites like Bees Knees and The Malty Millionaire. If you don't have time to visit this location, you can sneak out of the wedding reception for a scoop...there is a location at the venue! We won't be offended because it's worth it.

Chill Bros Scoop Shop

This is a really fun way to spend a few hours on the water exploring the city from the river!  Weve done this several times and always have fun.  If you can drive a golf cart, you can drive one of these boats.

eBOATS TAMPA

Ybor City

This is the oldest restaurant in the state of Florida and for good reason! It honors Tampa's history, especially the part played by Spanish and Cuban immigrants at the turn of the 20th century. The food is also delish! Reservations are encouraged, especially if you want to see the flamenco dancers at night. If you want a true Tampa experience, don't miss this!

Columbia Restaurant

This is THE spot to get authentic Cuban bread and other tasty treats. The Cuban sandwich, Firebird sandwich, and avocado toast are some of our favorites. Dana never leaves without a guava and cheese turnover. This location is the original location which is to-go only, so if you need seats, check out the new cafe on Kennedy.

La Segunda Central Bakery

This is a free historic trolley that connects Ybor City with downtown Tampa. Its a pretty quick ride and can be used as a fun way to see the city or get from one place to another.

TECO Line Streetcar System

Definitely check out this microbrewery if you want a taste of the local brews. The brewery tour is a fun one.

Coppertail Brewing Co.

For Sunday Morning

This is the church that Leon and Dana attend services at while in Tampa.  Sunday Mass times are 7:30 AM, 9 AM, 10:30 AM, 12 PM, and 5:30 PM.  The historic building is gorgeous with the stained glass and the organ is impressive.

Sacred Heart Catholic Church

This is a Buddist temple on the shores of the Palm River. On Sunday mornings, they have a market selling authentic Thai food. It runs from 9 AM -1 PM and be sure to go early because they will sell out of food! Its beautiful to see the community come together and celebrate the food and culture!

Wat Mongkolratanaram

Other Food and Drink

This is the place that started it all!  Leon invited Dana here on the first date and proposed at the same table more than 6 years later.  Leon and Albie are frequently seen here getting coffee and the food is also quite good.  If youre lucky, you may even run into a local celebrity!

DI Coffee Bar

While Leon is across the street getting coffee at DI Coffee Bar, Dana is found here getting a cup of tea! Whether you get a drink in house or take some loose leaf tea home, it's worth the stop.

Tebella Tea Company

This is probably one of Leons favorite restaurants and another famous Tampa spot that has even hosted US Presidents! Make a reservation now, as its the only way to get in. Dont miss the kitchen and wine cellar tour and definitely dont miss the Harry Waugh Dessert Room!

Bern's Steak House

This is one of Dana's favorite Tampa spots and Leon can't quite figure out exactly why, because she will eat here every chance she gets. The menu is generous and the desserts are all homemade. What's not to love? It's the perfect lunch spot!

Wright's Gourmet House

This was stop number two on Dana and Leons first date.  It is also where they first celebrated their engagement.  The food is delicious and the views of the water are unmatched.  Bonus: its super close to the hotels we recommend!

Rusty Pelican Tampa

Another great spot for a brewery tour.  This location also has a restaurant and taproom if youre only looking for good eats.

Cigar City Brewing Spruce Street Brewery & Taproom

Beaches

This is one of the beaches worth making the trek for. There is a historic fort, nature trails, a dog beach, and even a ferry out to Egmont Key if you want a truly nature filled visit.

Fort De Soto County Park

Another great beach option a little ways from the city.  It is a state park, so there are plenty of amenities.  The sunsets here are some of the best weve seen over the ocean.

Honeymoon Island State Park

This is the closest beach to Tampa and the hotels recommended for wedding weekend. There are plenty of fun restaurants and beach shops out that way, as well as the Clearwater Aquarium.

Clearwater Beach-Clearwater

This is definitely over an hour drive from Tampa, but its one of Danas favorite spots.  She often takes her family here and is their main go-to when in Bradenton.

Coquina Beach

Things to Do

Our story begins like so many others in the 21st century...online! After countless back and forth messages

A Tale of Two Continents

How We Got Here

Our Favorite Pastimes

Cheering on Sports!

We love to cheer on the Tampa Bay Lightning and have even gotten to see them raise the Stanley Cup! While Dana still cheers on her hometown favorites (Cubs and Blackhawks) now and again, Leon has convinced her also to throw her support behind the teams of Champa Bay!

Being Boat People

Once Leon discovered his love for boating, there was no stopping him! At any possible opportunity, he will find an excuse to take out a boat. Dana and Albie are usually pretty happy to tag along and spend a day on the water.

Getting Outside

Living in Florida, we try to make the most of the nice weather to get out and explore our state. This will often include going to the beach, hiking, kayaking, or even playing tourist at one of the theme parks.

Being Foodies

Leon is definitely the more adventurous eater, but Dana holds her own. Many of Leon's family members seem surprised that she can handle the spicy food often served at family gatherings! And while Leon is always up for trying a new restaurant or cuisine, Dana is usually just happy to be eating out and not having to do dishes.

Not Taking Ourselves Too Seriously

Spoiling "the Dood"

Albie (aka Alfonso de Albuquerque) joined the family in May 2021 as a pandemic puppy. He is definitely one spoiled doodle, but earns his keep by providing plenty of silly antics and endless cuddles.

Our Favorite Travels

Washington D.C.

This was the destination of our very first trip together. We've returned a few times since then and it always is a super fun time with friends and family.

New York City

Leon surprised Dana with a trip to NYC for her birthday in 2020. Little did we know it would be our last trip before a global pandemic set in! We returned for 4th of July this year and enjoyed a summer weekend in the city.

Niagra Falls and Toronto

This was our first international trip together! We flew into Toronto and explored the city, including a visit to the Hockey Hall of Fame (naturally). Niagra Falls was definitely a highlight even if border control agents seemed confused that we walked across the bridge to explore the falls from both countries on the same day!

India

Leon was overjoyed to share his home country with Dana in 2019. We got to see New Delhi and the Taj Mahal before spending the most time in Goa, which is obviously the best place! We've been back several times since then and it always feels like home.

Illinois

Obviously, we spend plenty of time in Illinois and Wisconsin visiting Dana's hometown and enjoying time with family.

Singapore

We made the most of a long layover while returning from India. Neither of us had ever been and were blown away by the city. We definitely want to go back as there were plenty of things we left unexplored. Highlights included Little India, Sentosa Island, and Gardens by the Bay. Drinks atop the Marina Bay Sands left us feeling like we were living in a movie!

And Others...With More in the Works Hopefully!

We've been lucky to be able to travel to quite a few locations, both in the US and internationally. Some of the places we have gotten to explore together include London, Munich, Cozumel, Savannah, Key West, and most recently, Rehoboth Beach. Any suggestions for our next trip...or honeymoon?

This Is Us

Our Life in Pictures

Dana and Lauren have been super close since childhood, as sisters tend to be. As adults, they are constantly calling and texting each other with funny stories, new recipes, goat/ET photos, or just to talk about life. Dana was honored to stand as maid of honor in Lauren’s wedding and is so excited to ask her to do the same in her 2 weddings!

Lauren Groblewski

Dana and Vicki have been friends for 20 years after meeting 40 feet up in a tree! It’s a friendship that has had just as many crazy adventures since then. Whether it be on a beach, on a boat, on a hike, or on a bike, Dana and Vicki are always laughing and creating their next inside joke. Dana is so thankful that the Jimmy to her Justin is ready for wedding shenanigans across 2 continents!

Vicki Scudlark

Dana and Kathleen have been close friends ever since freshmen year of college where their friendship blossomed at Greek Conference. Since then, there have been lots of ups and downs in their lives, but their friendship has remained a steady constant. They never seem to get to spend enough time together but make every moment count when they do. Dana can’t wait to have “Kathy” by her side at the wedding. (Don’t call her that, seriously don’t, but Dana couldn’t resist the opportunity for teasing.)

Kathleen Schwarzwalder

Karuna and Leon have a cousin relationship so close that you would think they are siblings! They share many fond memories of spending the holidays in Goa growing up. As adults, they speak often and rely on each other for the honest opinion that only someone that truly knows you can offer. Dana loves watching the banter between them! It will be a joy to see that cousin duo together again at the wedding.

Karuna Periera

Leon and Will got to know each other after frequently running into each other on Davis Islands. Apparently new puppies (Leon) and new babies (Will) need equal amounts of fresh air and walks. The friendship has only grown from there, whether it be at a hockey game or golf cart parade! He even helped Leon with the proposal to keep Dana from suspecting anything. Leon is so honored that Will gets to be part of both weddings. 

Will Moore

Nick is one of Leon’s close friends. Work colleagues in a past life, their friendship dates back to Leon’s work trips to Memphis, TN over 10 years ago. They are partners in just about everything they do: moving down to the Sunshine State in 2014, losing money together in crypto, and obsessing over audio equipment, BMWs, electric cars, and tech through the years. When he is not working on his home theater or building himself a solar powerwall in his backyard, Nick is enjoying his new life as dad to his beautiful princess Aurora Celeste!

Nick McConnell

Christopher is Leon’s cousin. Being on the autism spectrum, he usually has a very reserved personality. But put him next to Leon and you instantly see that the bond they share is indeed a special one. They were each other’s favorite people growing up, and remain so to this day. Christopher loves his music, especially Indian pop! Give him his pair of headphones and he is set for the day!

Christopher Periera

Jack is Dana's nephew and godson and is one of the sweetest 6 year olds that you will ever meet.  Jack loves to swim and read about the Titanic.  He is ready to take his job as ring bearer very seriously.

Jack Groblewski

Luke is Dana's nephew and godson.  He is one spunky 3 year old and will never cease to amaze you with his sense of humor.  He loves playing outside and helping Grampy with any home repairs.  You can count on him to bring a little sass to the wedding day.

Luke Groblewski

Neel is Leon's cousin and one of the smartest and most talented kids we know.  He is always happy to play you a little something on the violin.  If you are lucky enough to make friends with him, he may just let you call him by his nickname, an honor reserved for those closest to him. 

Neel Thomas

Rachel is Leon's cousin and a newly minted big sister.  She is very kind and lovingly looks out for her little brother.  Rachel is an avid reader whose wisdom is beyond her years.  She will definitely be bringing some style to the wedding party.

Rachel Fernandes

Reese is Leon's goddaughter and the most adorable 2 year old.  She is slow to be your friend, but once you get on her good side, she will brighten your day with her smiles.  Be sure to look for one on the wedding day!

Dana & Leon

Dana & Leon

Registry