You can go ahead and file this pretty party under “seriously awesome weddings,” because, well… it sooo is. A laid-back, yet totally elegant affair planned to perfection by Shannon Reeves Events, it’s what happens when shabby chic details and an adorable bride and groom meet the gorgeous shores of Santa Rosa Beach. See it all captured by Woodland Fields Photography in the full gallery.
From Shannon Reeves Events… Pretty weddings are common, as I know you must know better than anyone. Pretty is usually a given. But easy, authentic, crazy-about-you, perfect-combination-of-over-the-moon-giddiness-and-calm-contentment is a bit harder to come by. These two had all of this in spades and you can just SEE it. And their wedding was pretty, too.
Jenn got engaged just about the same time I launched Shannon Reeves Events in October 2011. She was my very first client. Together, over plenty of phone dates and giddy emails between her home in Washington D.C. and mine in Tallahassee, we set a date, snagged the prettiest wedding venue you ever did see, assembled a to-die-for vendor team and filled in plenty of pretty details for a coastal wedding in Florida.
With Ian deployed, serving on the front lines in Afghanistan during most of the planning process, Jenn – sweet as she can be – focused more on the two of them then anything else. No big Pinterest projects. No over-the-top decor or filler craziness. Instead, a stripped-down, elegant affair with pretty flowers, southern lace, sweet handwritten vows and 72 of their nearest and dearest to share them with.
Bentley’s on the Bay, located in Santa Rosa Beach, is take-your-breath-away pretty. Classic white flowers, big wooden whitewashed tables, lanterns, mercury glass and textures galore was a perfect mix.
And some sweet cake with toasts to match and a packed dance floor on the waterfront, all under cafe lights on a summer night in Florida. Pretty perfect.
At the end of the June evening, the DJ played Jenn and Ian’s first dance song again, to end the reception just like it began. Such a sweet finale! And as though we drew it up perfectly ourselves, a summer storm hit the second the song ended and the DJ said farewell. And it downpoured the entire next day! We definitely didn’t forget to count our lucky stars.
The day was packed to the brim with grateful love. Real smiles. Adoration. She’s giddy-as-can-be and he’s the picture of happiness. It was the best big day I’ve ever experienced as a planner. I hope with these photos you can see it, too.
Photography: Woodland Fields Photography | Flowers: Florals By The Sea | Bakery: Bentley's on the Bay | Bride's Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Bridesmaid's Dresses: J.Crew | Makeup Artist: Jamie Gummere | DJ: GT Entertainment | Bride's Dress: David's Bridal | Catering and Bartending: Bentley's on the Bay | Ceremony and Reception Venue: Bentley's on the Bay | Event Planning, Design and Coordination: Great Southern Weddings | Groom and Groomsmen Attire: J.Crew | Hair Styling: Denise Davidson | Vintage and Shabby Chic Prop and Furniture Rentals: Hemstitch Vintage Rentals