Pastel Blooms and an Emphasis on Fun at the Gasparilla Inn & Club
The Planning
Design / Vibe / Vision
"Alongside the couples pastel-like personalities, the goal was for the wedding to reflect the fun that their relationship is built on. They love to dance and be taken away by the connection and conversation that they share with their loved ones. Michael is also known to be ""the life of the party"" and you can occasionally find him breaking out the worm (a crowd favorite!).
From the ""Our Favorite People"" seating chart to the fun patterned dancefloor, Pop Parties designed and curated a day that captured this fun loving couple and the people that surround them. The Hit Factory Band then blew it away on stage and even surprised the crowd by inviting Michael and his two best friends on stage to perform their karaoke staple: ""Friends in Low Places” by Garth Brooks. The last song of the night was ""Empire State of Mind"" by Jay-Z, an ode to the couple's proposal. "
Proposal Story
"The proposal took place in one of Elizabeth and Michael’s favorite cities to visit: New York City. They were having the perfect City day - exploring without time constraint (or so Elizabeth thought!) - with afternoon of shopping in SOHO, brunch at Sadelles (a favorite of the two) and a stroll around Central Park.
Michael guided Elizabeth to the little reflection pond, where they used to frequent and take naps on the bench nearby. While they approached the bench Michael had flowers set, alongside a copy of The New York times (including the date) and champagne as he knelt to one knee. It was to total surprise.
Just out of a movie — a street musician happened to be passing by, playing the guitar and singing ""Perfect"" by Ed Sheeran all in cohesion with the moment. The crowded park cheered seeing the proposal play out!
They ended the night ice skating under the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Plaza, the place Elizabeth's parents got engaged!"
Getting Ready
Bridal Portraits
Flat Lays
First Look
The Fashion
Wedding Gown
"Elizabeth wore a stunning Amsale dress. During the ceremony, along with her veil, she attached draped sleeves that were an extension of the dress pattern. As the party kicked off, Elizabeth changed into a punchy pink mini dress by Rebecca Vallance with rhinestone bow accents. This perfectly tied in with all the fun pink accents in the decor.
The mother of the Bride and personal stylist, Cynthia Kelley, assisted Elizabeth, the bridesmaids, and even a few guests with styling tips and tricks!"
From the bride: "Amsale is my wedding dress brand, and the pink dress was Rebecca Vallance, what are swagged sleeves lol, maybe draped sleeves- could tie in my fav color is pink which was featured on dance floor etc and ended the night in the same punchy pink for my second dress"
Bridesmaid Dresses
The ladies dressed in compliments of pink: patterns, floral, solids and lots of fun textures.
Groomsman Attire
Michael and his groomsmen wore a navy blue tux with a black lapel and Michael enhanced his look with a hand crafted navy blue/black bow tie.
Wedding Party
Ceremony
Cocktail Hour
The Details
Food & Drink
The Gasparilla Inn and Club enhanced the southern, beach-eye feel with delicious food throughout the entire evening. Cocktail hour was filled with bites of citrus lobster salad served in cucumber cups and mini Florida blue crab cakes. Dinner brought a refreshing flavor and color to each guest with a delicious watermelon and feta salad, a seared filet with truffle whipped potatoes, and rock shrimp with corn salad.
Florals & Decor
Florals by Botanica were the colorful star of the show with a mix of ranunculus, garden roses, delphinium and the Bride's favorite- peonies. The colors complimented the patterned napkins and rattan chargers perfectly, along with Katherine Jezeks stationery works of art. From beautiful watercolor menus, to tropical palm bar fronts, there were fun details everywhere guests looked.
Wedding Cake
Colorful pressed florals were delicately placed by the Gasparilla Inn and Club pastry chef for a simple but fun design.
Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs
"The ceremony closed down the Historical Banyan Street; enchanted by two rows of 31 banyan trees. While touring Boca Grande, Pop Parties knew this was a no-brainer to bring the couples vision to life.
They were joined by a long time mentor of Michael’s, who officiated the wedding; and Elizabeth’s childhood best friend also sang ""The Blessing"" by Elevation Worship, which moved the entire crowd."
Special Detail #1
The night before the wedding we had a special room drop for each guest. The Father of the Bride's favorite chocolate-King Size Cadbury Dairy Milk bars! This was such a sweet and thoughtful thank you from the Bride and Groom to all their guests.
Special Detail #2
The Destination. Elizabeth loves the beach, bright colors, and all things sunny (she even walked down the aisle to "Here Comes the Sun" by The Beatles). All this with a dash of southern charm, made Gasparilla the perfect fit for her tropical, tented wedding.
Couple Portraits
Reception