From the laid back beach setting to the cocktail reception – today’s wedding planned by Jennifer Buono Events is giving us allll the summer in paradise vibes. The darling couple decided to forego a traditional sit down dinner and opt for a more lounge like feel with a cocktail-style soirée at Casa Ybel Resort, dressed in a color palette of warm, island-inspired hues. To see all the steal-worthy beauty from their day, check out the full gallery of details – all captured by Hunter Ryan Photo!
From the Bride… We knew we would get married from the very start of our relationship. After a personal tragedy, and grieving together, we realized there was nothing holding us back and life’s too short to not be with the person you love for as long as you can. In the midst of COVID, we decided to have a small, intimate ceremony at the place that brings us the most peace and happiness – the beach. It was very important to me that the backdrop be a sunset. My dad, who passed away in 2013, loved sunsets. It was one of the ways I felt like he was present with all of our loved ones. After some research and calling around, we decided Sanibel and Casa Ybel in particular would give us the intimate, sunset wedding we dreamed of. Laid back, but elegant was the feel we wanted. A tall order, but Jennifer and her team exceeded expectations. When we sat down to plan our guest list, there were 80 people we knew absolutely had to be there- and we were so blessed that 75 were able to make it!
We chose to not have a sit-down dinner, rather a lounge feel with different stations of food to not only give people more time for mingling and having fun, but to ensure everyone could keep a safe distance if they felt more comfortable doing so. There were sanitizing stations and masks available as well. After a long, very personal conversation with Tiffany at Hunter Ryan (my photographer) I decided to wear my dad’s wedding band that day, and we also wrote our own vows. There was not a dry eye in the house! Jennifer(the planner) suggested steel drums for the ceremony and cocktail reception to give a laid back, Caribbean feel and it was one of the most memorable touches! You could find Josh at the cigar bar surrounded by friends and family most of the evening. It was a hit!
From planner… Using a fresh, modern take on a more traditional island beach soirée, we went with a relaxed, warm color palette for Megan and Josh’s wedding. We created an ambiance that eluded to that true Caribbean feel, drawing inspiration from the island atmosphere and its natural tones and textures. From the whimsical nature of the florals, to the soft blues and natural tones in the textiles, every element had a special connotation for the couple on their wedding day.
In creating this experience for the guests, it was important that we set the tones for a laid back, open air fete from the beginning. Emily Baird Design put together an incredible invitation suite, using natural taupes paired with the warmth of blues and creamy ivories. We loved this look because it embodied the ocean and beachy vibes in an elegant, fun way for guests to become excited about. Carrying the design over to the wedding day, Emily used miniature white sand dollars, tethered wraps and fun prints for guests at every touch point. For the welcome bags, we wanted to include a mixture of sustainable items, so we opted for the comfort foods of their home in Indiana and memories from their time here in Florida. We hand selected beach totes and packed them with a caramel + cheddar popcorn mix from their hometown, Kristi’s Cookies from Florida, an earthy holiday candle from Blackbarn Home guests could enjoy when they went home, custom matches, a guide for shelling, and hand sanitizer (for safely mingling with friends and loved ones). We knew there was potential for a brisk evening, so we brought in cozy blankets for guests to wrap themselves in throughout the cool night. One of our favorite aspects were these lounge pairings brought in by Vivant Rentals. Using the same patterns from their invitations and menus, we created a custom inlay for the couples’ bar, and paired the look with cozy white lounges.
Photography: Hunter Ryan Photo | Event Planning: Jennifer Buono Events | Floral Design: Kaleidoscope Floral | Gown: Marie Gabriel Bridal Couture | Cake: Sweetified Bakery | Reception Venue: Casa Ybel Resort | DJ: DJ Jacob Towe | Tent: Sperry Tents | Beauty: Duality Artistry | Paper: Emily Baird Design | Rent: Vivant Rentals | Steel Drummer: John Patti