You'll Love The Charming Details Of This Classic Florida Wedding
After patiently waiting a year following the hurricane, we finally had the chance to bring our dream wedding to life—a bittersweet hiatus that allowed me to reimagine our special day with fresh eyes. Wanting something distinct, we drew inspiration from old Florida, incorporating wicker furniture, shell decor, and nods to the state's natural beauty. The recent renovation and design of the Gasparilla Inn influenced our vision, steering us towards sleek lines, scalloped edges, and whimsical calligraphy. We opted for clean lines, scalloped edges, and playful calligraphy in our details, along with blue accents, plenty of hydrangeas, and lush garden greens to tie it all together. Blythe worked her magic, crafting a one-of-a-kind dance floor, bar decals, and stunning panels in a dreamy watercolor pattern that really brought everything to life. NK Productions Wedding Planning, our wedding planner, was amazing the day of, as they made sure everything was seamless. My husband got hands-on too, building our escort card display himself—a labor of love. I stumbled upon a gorgeous hydrangea-patterned fabric on Etsy from VK Enterprises, and we used it everywhere: welcome bags, get-ready dresses, and even the cake tablecloth. We went the extra mile, embroidering the pattern onto flowers to help guests find their seats, adding a personal touch that made our seating chart arrangement feel extra special.
In September 2018, Annie and Hartwell met through mutual friends at an Auburn football tailgate. From that moment, they were inseparable. Despite living in different cities to pursue their careers, their bond only grew stronger during their chapter of long-distance love. In May 2019, Hartwell returned to Atlanta, where Annie eagerly awaited him. Their love story continued to blossom, filled with travels, shared dreams, and unforgettable moments. On March 31, 2021, Hartwell proposed to Annie at her childhood home, sealing their love with a promise of forever. Little did they know, their journey to the altar would be as eventful as their love story. With plans for an idyllic wedding on the sun-kissed shores of Boca Grande, they faced a challenge when Hurricane Ian disrupted their plans. Determined to give back to the island they cherished, they spent the week of their proposed wedding date aiding in hurricane relief efforts, turning adversity into an opportunity to spread love and kindness. Undeterred, they rescheduled their union for December 2, 2023, on the same beloved island of Boca Grande. Though the countdown from March 31, 2021, to December 2, 2023, felt longer than a double-overtime game, every moment was worth the wait. Through the highs and lows, twists and turns, Hartwell and Annie's love story remained a testament to the power of love, perseverance, and the beauty of starting each new chapter hand in hand. With hearts full of joy and anticipation, they embarked on the next chapter of their journey, ready to tackle whatever challenges came their way, together.
Annie wanted a classic style and found her dream gown at Ivory & White Bridal Boutique, Mountain Brook, Alabama. The reception dress was by Nardos.
The dresses are from Bella Bridesmaids in black to keep the classic black-tie look and feel.
The food at Boca Bay Pass Club was incredible. We decided on a mixed green salad with fresh strawberries, pickled shallots, spiced pecans, goat cheese and a mango vinaigrette. For the main course we served bronzed grouper and grilled filet. We also had custom his and her's drink. His was the Old Fashioned and hers was the Aperol Spritz.
One week before Annie and Hartwell's wedding hurricane Ian made landfall just south of Boca Grande. All flowers had already been ordered for the wedding. Annie and Hartwell and their families decided to offer the flowers for sale with all proceeds going to hurricane relief efforts. For the wedding day the color theme was kept the same, mostly white and green with a few touches of blue. The 5-foot hanging floral installation over the bar was a statement piece in itself. To complete the look, each pillar of the tent and the entry way were decorated with flowers and greenery.
We wanted the wedding cake to compliment the rest of the design and Julie Deffense Artistry did such an amazing job. The wedding care was alternating layers of raspberry champagne and vanilla cake with a thin layer of raspberry jam and white chocolate Swiss meringue buttercream. The groom's cake was carrot cake with cream cheese frosting.
