a modern mediterranean inspired destination for connection & community.
Paloma House was created as a space where people come together; to celebrate meaningful moments, build real connections, and experience community in a way that feels natural and welcoming.
Designed as an elevated yet approachable gathering space, Paloma House is home to thoughtfully curated events, community experiences, and intentional programming for women, families, and the broader Tampa Bay community. From weddings and milestone celebrations to wellness classes, workshops, and social gatherings, Paloma House is a place where life is shared, beautifully and authentically.
The heart behind Paloma House was inspired by our honeymoon and the feeling of togetherness we experienced while traveling through Greece & Italy.
Our mediterranean honeymoon was filled with slow mornings talking over coffee, open-air dinners under market lights and bougainvillea, and time spent taking in communities, culture and the slow, relaxed pace of life on the med. There was such an ease to it; spaces designed for conversation, laughter, and togetherness; and Paloma House was imagined as a way to bring that same feeling home.
The Inspiration
My husband and I had always dreamt of owning a wedding venue, to combine my love of hosting & my career as a photographer-but neither of us could have imagined the community we would be able to build in the process. We are so excited to share what we love about bringing people together, in a space built to feel like home.
meet the team
Meet the owner & founder
Hi, I’m Sophie, first-time mom, full-time business owner, and the heart behind The Mom Collective. I’m a self-proclaimed collector of best friends who loves bringing women together. I’m a thirty something, two time graduate of the University of Florida, a former educator, full time photographer, and have called St. Pete my home for over 25 years.
My husband Travis and I have a son named Remy, and 3 fur babies-Gracie, Koda + Blue, who keep us busy, when we aren’t spending time traveling and knocking things off our bucket list.
I own Sophie Natalie Photography, and have been a St. Pete wedding, motherhood and family photographer for over 3 years and I love the art of storytelling through photographs, because it gives you a time capsule of the most precious moments in your life.
When I became a mom last March, I realized how essential community is; and how hard it is to find one that feels real, welcoming, and inspiring. So I built it. But I didn’t build it alone. This community has come together because of so many incredible women who supported this vision along the way, and I truly couldn’t have done it without any of them! The Mom Collective at Paloma House was built to give women all over Tampa Bay a safe space to call their home away from home, and I am truly grateful for each of you who have chosen to walk through our doors.
I cannot wait to continue to grow this community, and to welcome so many more women to Paloma House.
Meet our Director of Operations
Melissa Darr is a St. Pete native, connector, and first-time mom who loves bringing people together. She’s married to Ryan, mom to Liam, and one of three sisters—so community has always been part of her life.
Melissa built a career in HR, helping people find jobs where they could truly feel at home. Motherhood made her even more passionate about creating real connection and support for women, which led her to help build The Mom Collective.
At Paloma House, Melissa brings her love of people, her welcoming energy, and her knack for thoughtful experiences—from community events to friendly conversations over good coffee. She believes moms deserve a place that feels easy, supportive, and fun.
