“A wedding without any buzz, is a wedding that never was…” How adorable is that little phrase that graced the details of this adorable Florida fête with a subtle bee theme?! Correct answer: Be-YOND adorbs. If this sweet as can bee (sorry I had to) wedding captured by Esther Louise Photography got any cuter I think it would be illegal! Inspired by sweet citrus and honey, the entire affair is just downright darling, and you can see what all the buzz is about the full gallery!
Click here to see the entire gallery of images!
From the Bride…My husband Josh and I love living in Tallahassee, Florida, but decided on my “Old Florida” hometown of Stuart for a wedding in the same church where my parents were married. Sharing this experience with loved ones within the same church walls was an incredibly special opportunity. We selected the Mansion at Tuckahoe for a distinctive reception backdrop for our day in May. One of the most historically significant sites in Florida, the mansion is surrounded by oaks, sable palms and a riverfront boardwalk, offering beautiful photo locations. It provided a breathtaking canvas for details selected to compliment its understated elegance.
For our Methodist ceremony, Josh and I changed it up a bit with “Clair de Lune” by Debussy as our prelude and “Ode to Joy” by Beethoven for the processional. It was special to have my brother read selected verses from 1 PETER, Chapters 1, 3, 4, & 5. The verses savor and elevate the message of love and were handpicked by my mom. The best men each participated in passing the wedding ring down to Josh, and my maids of honor each passed down my bouquet, creating a humorous-yet-meaningful moment in the ceremony. Josh and I then traveled to the reception in a vintage Jaguar generously loaned by a local car collector.
At the reception, guests enjoyed a cocktail hour and live guitarist on the patio. The first and second-floor patios were sprinkled with pub tables with white linens tied with gold sashes to accommodate the breeze. Covered lanterns with electric candles made perfect wind-proof centerpieces for the outdoor tables, each accented with a few lemons. We had two separate bars, one for cocktails and one for beer and wine. This economical decision allowed us to more easily return unopened supplies. The groom is a huge beer fan, so we added select beers from Cigar City Brewing Company in Tampa, Florida, in addition to more mainstream options. Cocktail hour included passed appetizers and our signature drink, the Tom Collins (another lemony twist), with stirrers handmade using craft sticks, hot glue and small yellow ribbons. Custom neoprene koozies were a hit with guests wanting a warm hand and cold beverage. Each had the tagline, “A wedding without any buzz is a wedding that never was.” Our lemon wedding cake was made by a dear family friend. She decorated the cake to reflect the mansion’s ornate railings, and if you looked closely, you could see our initials in the design. Bird cake toppers from Etsy were embellished with a bow tie and veil to mimic our wedding attire.
Looking back, I am blown away by how well our photographer captured the day without intruding on special moments. Josh and I felt completely at ease with Esther. Along with our photographer, hiring an experienced bridal consultant proved valuable to my amazing mother and me. I could focus on having fun with my husband and guests knowing the event details were in Anna Marie’s capable hands.
Wedding Photography: Esther Louise Photography / Bridal Consultant: Anna Marie Wintercorn of Elegant Weddings and Events / Wedding Dress: Anne Barge via Vocelles, The Bridal Shoppe / Bride’s Earrings + Bracelet: Haute Bride via Vocelles, The Bridal Shoppe / Bridal Party Hair: Deidra Marcus Salon & Spa / Make-up: Donyell Parrish-Suarez / Bridal Party Dresses: Jenny Yoo via Vocelles, The Bridal Shoppe / Men’s Jackets: Nic’s Toggery / Men’s Pants: European Fashions / Men’s Ties: Southern Proper / Band: The Passions Band / Flowers + Centerpieces: Country Club Florist / Catering: Chantal’s Par Avion, Inc. / Bartending: Roy’s Liquors & Fine Wines / Custom Koozies: Clothesline / Rentals + Linens: Premier Party Rentals / Graphic Design: Christy Jennings Creative / Printing: Karmanos Printing / Candy: Stained Glass Candy Company / Venue: Mansion at Tuckahoe