A breathtaking backyard setting and a fabulous black and white checkered dance floor. After spending my morning swooning over this gorgeous Atlantic Beach affair, I am thoroughly convinced these are two must-have ingredients for any Big Day soiree. Well, that and some vibrant blooms by Cypress Creative Floral Design, a gallery filled with glorious images by Agnes Lopez Photography and an UBER-stunning bride and groom. Together they make for one sweet, sweet day of wedded bliss – and one amazing way to spend a Tuesday. See it all right here!
From the Bride… From the beginning of our engagement, Jeff and I knew we wanted to have a laid-back wedding reception. We considered many venues but kept going back to the location that is so near and dear to us – my parents’ home in Atlantic Beach, Florida. It’s where we have spent countless days poolside and at the beach, enjoyed outdoor dinners with family and loved ones, and eventually got engaged. It is the only place that truly felt like home. My parents’ house is also conveniently located within walking distance from a great hotel, shops, restaurants and bars. Many of our guests were coming from out of town or using our wedding as an excuse for a beach “stay-cation,” so we wanted the weekend to be “cars optional” for them.
Throughout the planning process, I focused on the feeling I wanted to accomplish: relaxed, yet elegant. We wanted guests to feel comfortable kicking off their shoes while enjoying an evening outdoors with old and new friends. As a nod to Jeff’s and my southern roots, we served southern food with an upscale twist. The short rib sliders and shrimp and grits bar were a huge hit! A dear friend of ours owns an amazing floral and event design company (Cypress Creative Floral Design). I’ve admired her work for years, so using her was a no-brainer and one aspect of the wedding planning process I was very excited about. Ann “got” my vision from the beginning and truly made it come to life. Our photographer, Agnes Lopez, beautifully captured everything and was awesome to work with!
Having a wedding at a home (as opposed to a venue catering to such events) was definitely a labor of love. I had no idea how much planning and work would go into creating a party from scratch. My mom, dad and extended family spent days, weeks and months getting everything ready. My mom even grew succulents to incorporate throughout the décor a year in advance! Jeff and I are so thankful and blessed to have had their help and support. Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. My advice: try not to sweat the small stuff, and hire vendors you trust to do that for you. Things may not (and most likely will not) go exactly as planned. For example, the rickshaw company we planned to use for our getaway canceled last minute. My bridesmaids and cousin decorated my parents’ bikes for us instead. It was so fun to ride off on them at the end of the night knowing my best girlfriends made it happen!
Wedding Photography: Agnes Lopez Photography / Ceremony: Community Presbyterian Church in Atlantic Beach, Florida / Reception: The Bride’s Parents’ Home in Atlantic Beach, Florida / Event Planning: Forever Sacred / Floral Design: Cypress Creative Floral Design (bloomcypress@gmail.com) / Wedding Cake: Cinottis Bakery / Music: KTG Musical Entertainment / Rentals: Beachview Event Rentals & Design / Invitation Design: A Friend, Co-worker of the Bride / Letterpress Invitations: 42 Pressed / Stamps: Verde Studio / Wedding Dress: Melissa Sweet for Priscilla of Boston (Now Closed) / Bride’s Reception Dress: LulaKate via Bella Bridesmaid / Bride’s Belt: Custom by Nicole Lee for Pink Underground / Bride’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Amsale via Bella Bridesmaid