This little Floridian number here? Well, it just might be the inspiration for my upcoming wedding. A gorgeous Anne Barge gown, a beautiful Ritz- Carlton ocean backdrop, Grande Affairs peonies, and Jessica Lorren images that literally make my heart palpitate — this wedding is simply beyond. Click here to see so much more in the gallery.
From the Bride… The night Chase and I met in Dallas, Texas, we realized we were neighbors. Chase had moved to Hong Kong after growing up in Tennessee and attending Auburn University. I had moved to Dallas 6 years ago after growing up in Arkansas and attending the University of Tennessee for dental school. I got my first job as a dentist in Dallas. A family business took Chase to Hong Kong for almost 7 years and then moved him to Dallas, and the rest is history.
Upon meeting Chase, I realized he had an extremely unique faith much like my own, which is what attracted me to his heart. I later learned that Chase was a stroke survivor and had suffered a stroke at the age of 28 years old while on a family vacation at the Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne in Miami. Chase’s experience in Miami was nothing short of a miracle.
My dream was always to get married in front of the ocean. Chase and I happen to share a love for the ocean and the coast. I wanted the setting to be a place of meaning for both of us. After searching high and low for the perfect venue (from Charleston to Dallas to Miami), we decided that the Ritz Carlton-Key Biscayne would provide the gorgeous ocean backdrop that we desired, while still being a place of significance and meaning. It meant everything to us to go back to this place and celebrate God’s faithfulness in bringing us together in marriage.
Choosing my dress was also a miracle in itself! I had a gorgeous Jenny Packham dress in mind, but with only a four month long engagement this was doable but costly. I ended up visiting the original Neiman Marcus in Dallas on a Saturday with no appointment. It just so happens an appointment cancelled about 20 minutes after I got there. I was able to try on many dresses and the final dress I put on was the dress of my dreams and just so happened to be a sample, never tried on by anyone before me, and in need of only one alteration. Bonus: I got the sample for 50 percent off. What a day!
Our wedding celebration was all a dream. It was a picture perfect day. Just before walking down the aisle, I noticed two beautiful white sailboats passing together in front of me. I took a deep breath and took it all in while walking down the aisle to meet the man of my dreams.
After such a special wedding ceremony, officiated by our good friend, Dr. John Tolson, we moved to a cocktail reception outside in front of the ocean. After cocktails, everyone went indoors for an amazing dinner and dancing. We chose a band from Texas to play some of our favorite songs. Then we had DJ Derek bring the party home. Seeing all of the smiles and joy throughout the evening made the planning (which happened in almost four months without a wedding planner) totally worth it. The best part was seeing all of our loved ones letting loose on the dance floor! I enjoyed every minute of planning and would not have changed a thing. My greatest inspiration while planning was Style Me Pretty. I poured over images for hours upon hours until I had created our perfect, elegant Black Tie Affair by the sea. I could not be more pleased with how the day unfolded.
Having Jessica Lorren and Eric Hires capture our day with their creative and insane talent was two of the best decisions I could have made. Jessica was extremely easy to work with and each of her photographs are truly a breathtaking work of art. Eric created a classic wedding film that is timeless and one we will enjoy forever. All in all, our wedding day could not have been more special to us. We made lasting friendships with our vendors along the way and could see God’s hand in every single detail.
Photography: Jessica Lorren Photography | Videography: Eric Hires | Event Design: Grande Affairs | Floral Design: Grande Affairs | Wedding Dress: Anne Barge | Invitations: The Write Print | Bride's Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Bridesmaids' Dresses: BHLDN | Wedding Venue: The Ritz- Carlton, Key Biscayne, Miami | Bride's Earrings: Nadri | Groom's Tuxedo: Tom Ford | Hair & Makeup Robes: Plum Pretty Sugar | Wedding Band: Matt Cline Band