Naples Wedding Ideas and Inspiration

A Twice Postponed Wedding at la Playa Beach Golf Resort That Was Worth the Wait!

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Neutrals to play off the beach colors and highlight the natural scenery of the beach after recovering from catastrophic hurricanes [/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]To bring to life the relaxed elegance vibe, we used organic / whimsical florals and materials throughout. Our wedding invitations were letter-pressed onto hand torn paper to blend formal with style. Our menus also used hand torn paper: the base was white with a taupe name card attached via a monogrammed wax seal. We channeled ivories neutrals throughout for warmth, + used just a dash of gold at the reception for a touch of vintage. I love a good antique, so of course we went with water goblets, brass candle holders, and tapers at the dinner tables.[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]WEDDING story from the bride:
I’ve been going to Naples + LaPlaya since I was six months old, and when I met Garret he joined us on yearly family trips. It was the perfect wedding destination that held an extra special sentiment in our hearts. When the hurricane hit 5 weeks before our wedding + severely damaged our venue, not only were we devastated for the community + the place we loved so much, we were heartbroken to think that we’d have to say “I Do” anywhere else.

We postponed our wedding to April – 5 months after our original wedding date. The next 5 months were filled with wedding anxiety amplified by 100. We had to contact every vendor to swap dates + contract details (some of who were dealing with dozens of other reschedules due to the hurricane), tell all of our loved ones to refund flights + hotels, and constantly communicate with our beachside venue (that was working over the clock to rebuild) who had constantly disappointing updates: the power was still out 2 months post-hurricane, they found yet another issue to fix, etc. All totally out of their control, but of course not the news we’d want to here.

We flew out to naples in January to tour the venue ahead of our April date and were greeted with hard hats. We couldn’t even get into the hotel because it was a complete construction zone. Through tears we were told that our wedding unfortunately could not happen in April. Because of the love + care the venue had showed us, the extra special love we now had for Naples + its community, and our determination to live out our original wedding day dream – we postponed yet again to October (almost a full year later).

The wait was long and stressful, but slowly but surely – we began to experience the calm *after* the storm. The venue was progressing fantastically. We visited twice over the summer and each time we noticed something new: the outdoor lawn was repaired, the new landscaping was blossoming, fresh bricks were being laid, etc.

Our vendors turned into family. We were all in it for the long haul together, and that was clear. LaPlaya hosted a second tasting for us + treated us like a literal King + Queen. We even had dinner with our Catering Manager at her family’s home the week after our wedding.

The Wedding Day was magical. The weather was crispy + breezy, with not a cloud in the sky. Even if something did not go as planned, I or the guests would not have had a single clue because our team of vendors was nothing but positive, supportive and absolutely amazing the day-of. As cliche as it is to say, the wait was worth it. The most special and memorable thing for both of us was our First Look. A moment that I truly could’ve waited eternity for because it was so unforgettable. It made me realize how important it is to make sure you do your wedding day exactly how you want it, because it symbolizes the most important union of your lifetime: your marriage.[/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]
My wedding gown was named Heleny, custom-made 2021 Lihi Hod couture. It was the embodiment of elegance, femininity and delicacy: all elements that I wanted to shine through throughout my bridal details. The veil was designed to accompany the dress. I decided last minute to use the blusher for a traditional touch (and as a nod to my idol: Sofia Richie). I paired it with Mejuri pearl jewels + short Jimmy Choo heels lined with pearls on the straps. Pearls felt perfect for beachside glam!

For the reception I wanted to go with a more casual look that still felt bridal + modern. I chose a Self Portrait mini dress that had similar embellishment to my gown. It was the perfect party dress![/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]Jenny Yoo[/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]

Enzos

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[field title=”Food & Drink”]Salad: organic baby greens, roasted beets, heriloom tomato, candied walnuts, herbed goat cheese, lemon thyme vinaigrette

Entree: Filter of Beef with Lobster Tail florida citrus sauce, parmesan & crab risotto cake, seasonal vegetable

OR

sea salt roasted breast of chicken stuffed with sun dried tomato, gruyere + arugula, forbidden rice, seasonal vegetable

We served red + white wine tableside, of course offering the bride’s favorite: Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio.

We used our Vueve champagne toast as our table escorts for guests.

We had a cocktail hour specialty drink – The Sunshine (a nod to our sweet King Charles Cavalier + the golden hour energy of an ocean-side cocktail hour) with coconut rum, pineapple, prosecco, grenadine, cherry garnish

Our reception specialty cocktail was Diego’s Espresso Martini – named after the Bar Manager at our venue who we now call a dear friend. He made a special recipe for us so that it resembled the flavor of our favorite local one in Chicago (at the iconic Topo Gigio!)[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]The term we coined was “relaxed elegance.” Wanted everyone to feel comfortable, welcome and warm, but in an elevated way. We went with organic + whimsical flowers throughout, ensuring the stems were dainty but the arrangements were grand.

The most important things were the special details that represented my husband and I: our love and our life. We added a jar of pennies to the water fountain leading into the reception so that the space would act as a wishing well for guests. We created acrylic sea shells with our stationary artists to act as an escort garnish for guests to find their seat via champagne glasses filled with Vueve. We also had cookies designed with our beloved dog Sunshine’s likeness. They were so adorable – and while not the most elegant, our day would not have been complete with a little bit of good ‘ol silly fun. [/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]We also wanted our cake to feel soft glam, so our pastry artist used hand painting as a technique to create a floral / greenery design to doll up our four tier vanilla cake.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”] Live pianist at cocktail hour! So stunning + vibey. Really elevated the beachside cocktails.
Our sax player led us into our reception party playing alongside Everybody Loves Somebody by Dean Martin (the bride’s favorite song). It was intimate yet statement-worthy. Very memorable + special.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]Acrylic seashell escort cards: This was something we actually cut before the hurricane because we were over budget for stationary, but once we had more time to plan I knew how much I loved the idea so we brought it back. I’m so glad because it was the most Instgrammed moment by our guests![/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]Light up leis – felt festive and fun for the destination / beach wedding vibe and guests LOVED it! Someone even put a light up lei headband on the sav player and he ROCKED it while keeping the party going![/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]Sunshine cookies custom cookies with our doggie’s face.[/field]
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Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

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BBJ La Tavola

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Lemons and Limoncello Delighted Guests at this Wedding in Naples, Florida

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]

Ivory and cream tones mixed with pastel blues and greys, light taupe, peach, and buttery yellow.

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[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

From planner SBS Weddings: The couple has deep Italian family roots and first met while studying abroad in Sorrento, Italy. Naturally, they dreamed of bringing a touch of Italy to Naples for their wedding weekend, and we partnered with the best creative partners to deliver their romantic, Tuscan-inspired affair.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]

Dante wanted to propose before I started Optometry School in 2019, but I told him I wanted to wait longer because we knew we were planning to get married in 2023 after I graduated. He ended up proposing to me in my backyard with all of our immediate family and friends from Wake Forest. I thought we were going to a winery that night with our friends from out of town, but instead, he proposed that night to try to throw me off.

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The bride wore a Lillian West v-neck button-back floral embroidered gown.

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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]

The bridesmaids were dressed in SHow Me Your Mumu pale blue chiffon dresses.

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[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]The groomsmen wore black tuxedos.[/field]
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Guests were served a salad of Boston Bibb lettuce, braised short ribs, and garlic herb-crusted sea bass.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

The floral palette consisted of white and cream tones, pastel blue, light toffee, buttery yellow, and soft blush. The ceremony took place in the Center Courtyard and was set directly in front of the fountain, which served as a more dramatic backdrop rather than a traditional arch or arbor. The fountain was covered and overflowing with florals, and lush arrangements lined both sides of the aisle. The same floral color palette was carried through to the reception space.

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

In lieu of wedding cake, the couple chose a more traditional “Florida” dessert option of key lime pie with coconut whipped ganache, coconut sorbet, passion fruit foam, and margarita gel.

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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]

Lemons, lemons and more lemons! From planner: Mary has an affinity for lemons in general, so we brought all the lemons to cocktail hour! We wanted to keep this space more light and fun with patterned linens (ironically named lemon), bistro tables and chairs, and a statement escort wall. Guests were greeted with a custom wall featuring “Ciao, Take a Cello!” and individual bottles of fresh limoncello straight from the motherland as their escort card. Even the trees in the cocktail hour space were adorned with lemons!

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[field title=”Special Detail #2″]

Tom Trovato Floral Design‘s team built custom trees and a 40-foot pergola over the head table, which created spectacular focal points in the reception space. The pergola was covered in lush greenery and, combined with the trees, really brought in the Italian garden feel.

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[field title=”Special Detail #3″]The bride donned a second “look” that evening, which was a white strapless Jane Hill gown.[/field]
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BBJ La Tavola

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Hunter Ryan Photo

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An English Garden Wedding With a Tropical Twist at Cutlass Cove

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Blues, white, yellow, greenery[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]Being that Max is from England and Vivian is from Florida, the only proper conclusion was to go with a tropical English Garden vibe for the wedding.[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]Vivian and Max met while attending Boston College in 2012. After graduation,
they moved to Los Angeles, where Vivian attended University of Southern California for
graduate school and to complete her fifth year as a collegiate track athlete. Meanwhile,
Max pursued a career in sports working for Los Angeles Football Club.
After a few years on the West Coast, Vivian decided to move back home to
Naples, Florida and launch her own jewelry line, Henri Noël. Vivian is a third generation
jeweler who specializes in creating bespoke engagement & wedding bands, in addition to her core jewelry collection. The family jewelry business was a staple of Vivian’s
upbringing and has been an inspiration to her own custom jewelry that holds
long-lasting value and memories.
For the proposal, Max flew in his two siblings to Charlotte, North Carolina, where
he was living at the time, and had his sister convince Vivian to head to Lake Norman to
model for her (she is a photographer and graphic designer for Casamigos Tequila). By
Vivian’s own admission, she’d do “anything for tequila”, so she was a willing participant.
Upon their arrival at Lake Norman, Max took Vivian to explore the lake while his
sister got in position to photograph the proposal. After a short walk, Vivian turned a
corner to find a gazebo decorated in rose petals. Right there and then, Max dropped
down on one knee and popped the question! Shortly thereafter, Max took Vivian to
dinner, where she was surprised by close friends and family.[/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]Vivian found her perfect dress early in the process – a Monique Lhuillier lace
gown paired with light blue Manolo Blahnik heels. During a shopping trip with her mom
in Miami, they shared a knowing smile when she tried on this gown, confirming it as
“the one.” Vivian once listened to a podcast once where Monique said, “If your dress is
not filthy at the end of the night, you didn’t do it right”. Vivian connected with those
words as she wanted a dress she wouldn’t want to take off all night but also one that was comfortable to move in. Vivian’s after party dress was a light blue Rachel Gilbert ruffle dress – she wanted to bring a pop of color to the night once she took her wedding dress off.[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]Vivian opted mismatched blue bridesmaids dresses to showcase each bridesmaid’s style, as well as for baskets rather than bouquets for that English garden feel. [/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”][/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]The signature cocktail was a ‘Spaghett’, a staple at the couple’s favorite restaurant in Charlotte, ‘Vana’. It mixes Miller High Life with Aperol, mimicking an Aperol Spritz, but replacing champagne with ‘The Champagne of Beers’, another subtle nod to the wedding’s elevated but informal feel.[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”] To help bring their English garden vision to life, the couple enlisted the help of Kehrin Hassan as their wedding designer. She helped the couple throw the wedding of their dreams by putting on a ceremony that felt elegant yet relaxed. Their tented beach wedding included a floral installation with elegant globe chandeliers that could almost pass for disco balls, which helped define the elegant yet fun ambiance. The tables were dressed with classic cutting boards tied in a blue bow. We displayed sliced lemons on top as a nod to Florida and a garnish to the guest’s iced waters. Then, to highlight the groom’s English side, our designer, sourced glass cloches filled with English bread pudding for . On the tables were lemons for nods to England and Florida with lemons and english pastries. [/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]A simple white cake with beautiful florals[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]The ceremony was not traditionally seated, but instead included long benches
with accent pillows joined by areas for guests to stand. After the couple said “I do”, the
music immediately kicked in, setting the tone for a night of dancing, highlighted by
Max’s upbeat and choreographed dance with his mother, who herself used to be a
professional dancer.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]Given that Vivian’s father is also a jeweler, Max had the perfect co-creator when it
came to the engagement ring. Together, they sorted, color-matched and set each of the
marquise diamonds to create this one-of-a-kind eternity band.

Her accessories were equally meaningful. In her job, Vivian specializes in
refreshing and revamping jewelry styles. She believes each piece of jewelry holds great
sentimental value. Vivian wore a bezel-set diamond necklace gifted to her mom by her

dad the day she was born (she shares the same birthday as her father). She wore
heart-shaped diamond studs, which she felt was the perfect amount of sparkle. Vivian’s
engagement ring is a 2.25ct xxx GIA certified Oval Diamond set in a four-prong head on
a 1.20ct Marquise Eternity Band. The design was made more unique by the marquise
diamond’s horizontal setting in a rose gold band
Her wedding band is a 4.50ct marquise & Emerald-cut eternity band set in 18k
white gold. Max’s band is a 3-piece 18k Gold Trinity Band that represents Vivian, Max,
and their union. As mentioned before, Max is from London, so Vivian put the Union
Jack on the inside of the band along with the words “Today and Always”.
Vivian had 9 bridesmaids, each with their own unique personality. As such, she
allowed them the freedom to choose their own dresses. And since no outfit is complete
without some Henri Noël jewelry, Vivian created an iconic earring that each of the girls
wore in the gold color of their choice.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]Once engaged, the couple decided on Cutlass Cove Beach in Vivian’s hometown of
Naples, FL for the wedding. After seeing the devastation caused by Hurricane Ian six
months prior, the couple was unsure if they could still have their wedding on the
property. Thankfully, however, with the help of close family friends, they were able to
restore the area just in time.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]The couple shook things up in the layout of their wedding. The space was small for a guest count of their size so their planner/designer suggested structuring the cocktail before the ceremony to set the tone for a laid-back impromptu ceremony that would not require seating for all since it would not fit. On their invites, they
told all guests the ceremony would start at 4pm but really they had the cocktail hour
before the wedding ceremony. This allowed the guests to take photos and get a little
loose before gathering around for the ceremony. [/field]
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These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
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BBJ La Tavola

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After A Hurricane Changed This Couple’s Plans Their Wedding Was Pulled Together In Just 2 Weeks!

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]

Powder blue (in various shades) was the dominant color of the wedding colors, with lots of creams and whites with touches of toffee, blush, and golden tones in the florals.

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[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

From SBS Weddings & Events: Hurricane Ian devasted Southwest Florida just three weeks before Brooke and Michael’s wedding date (October 22, 2022) and severely damaged their reception venue located on the beach. Most hotels and businesses lost all power for several weeks following the hurricane. We had such limited time and resources to try and find a new venue that could accommodate their hotel room blocks, welcome party, and reception for 200+ people. Naples Grande Beach Resort reopened on October 10th, and they graciously agreed to accept the wedding. In less than two weeks, we had to pivot and rework some of the major design elements, reconfigure the entire layout to fit the new space, finalize food and beverage, redesign florals, print new stationery, etc. A beautiful event never comes without challenges. Many vendors were still dealing with the aftermath, working without power and internet and juggling their own personal issues while attempting to serve others. What we witnessed from every vendor that weekend was truly impressive, and their efforts did not go unnoticed. Twenty different vendors rallied together and pulled out all the stops to make this wedding happen. When designing this wedding, we kept “relaxed elegance” at the forefront, which is most fitting to Brooke and Michael’s personal styles. Our goal was to create that perfect balance of classic meets modern and the feeling of luxurious yet inviting by incorporating elements like the two-toned flatware and matte chargers from Treasury Rentals and beautiful textured linens. Guests loved being able to relax on the lounge furniture with a front-row seat around the dance floor and a cocktail in hand.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]From the bride: Being the avid golfers we are, we couldn’t wait for a bucket list trip to play Pebble Beach in California for my birthday. After we finished the round on the 18th green, Michael dropped down to one knee and asked the important question with the picturesque views of the Monterey Peninsula and the ocean in the background. I loved that he was so thoughtful to do it during something that we mutually enjoy and in such a beautiful and iconic place – it was perfect![/field]
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From the bride: I didn’t really know what style of dress I wanted but knew because of the Florida heat and being near the beach I would not want sleeves or extra tulle on the bottom. My maid of honor walks by the Pronovias flagship store in NYC every day and said I needed to check it out. I would have never expected to choose a strapless dress, but the stylist brought it out and I loved the intricate details. Even the sample fit like a glove. We still went to other bridal shops, but I couldn’t stop thinking about my Pronovias dress and went back to get it that same day.

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From SBS Weddings & Events: Guest experience was a high priority for Brooke and Michael, with great food and statement bars being at the top of the list. Brooke and Michael were both collegiate golfers, so it’s only fitting that one of their featured signature drinks was The Transfusion aka “Golf’s Greatest Cocktail”. Guests were served a duet of filet and lobster then sipped on espresso martinis as a post-dinner treat before hitting the dance floor with None Other the rest of the night. The edible martini topper added a fun touch and was a huge crowd-pleaser! The bride and groom currently reside in New York City, which is also where they first met, so we chose to include all of their favorite NYC street foods at the after-party, complete with a hot dog bar, fresh pretzels with mustard and dipping sauces, and slices of pizza.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

From SBS Weddings & Events: We opted for all low centerpieces on the guest tables, using a mixture of round and long tables paired with two different chair styles to create variety and dimension in the room. Isn’t She Lovely Florals designed a canopy of loose greenery and florals over the head table and lined the full length of the table underneath with varying heights of pillar candles. The linens from Nuage Designs really inspired a lot of the design details including the cut of the menu cards which mimicked the white scalloped pattern. We were thrilled to debut the matte blue chargers and plates from Treasury Rentals, which were just a perfect match to the powder blue linens. Brooke was drawn to both silver and gold elements, so the two-toned flatware was also a natural choice. The gold handles on the flatware complimented the thin gold rim on the plate chargers without being over the top. The overall look exuded an effortless elegance, with thought and intention behind every detail.

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

From SBS Weddings & Events: Brooke and Michael chose two flavors for their 4-tier wedding cake – pineapple cake with cream cheese icing and chocolate cake with raspberry mousse filling. The all-white cake was adorned with fresh florals and we chose a powder blue velvet linen to elevate the table.

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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]

From SBS Weddings & Events: We collaborated with Coastal Event Decor and Luster Designs for the custom-wrapped dance floor, the three-panel escort display, and the statement bars. The dance floor included the gold palm tree monogram from the couple’s invitation suite, which we also carried through to the cocktail napkins and stir sticks. Sean from Coastal Event Decor built two, large custom bars (18 feet each) for the reception space, which served as a major focal point on each side of the room. Luster Designs created the blue pattern for the bar fronts that also replicated the linens.

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[field title=”Special Detail #2″]

From SBS Weddings & Events: Guests were served champagne as they transitioned from cocktail hour on the terrace to the reception upstairs. Servers held acrylic trays that were lined with the same blue pattern used on the bar fronts. There were personal touches at every turn for the guests.

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[field title=”Special Detail #3″]From SBS: The couple had a live event painter who captured their first dance. Guests loved being able to watch the progression of her painting throughout night. [/field]
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Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

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Hunter Ryan Photo

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A Baby’s Breath Dream at Club Pelican Bay

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Clean and Bright Whites, with small touches of green leaf accents. [/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]Since the Bride was a true fashionista, we wanted to stay a little more classic in our choices for colors and decor so the overall look of the Wedding would remain relevant with passage of time, instead of being overly trendy. The vibe was Clean, Mod with Organic Elements of Baby’s Breath sprinkled in for texture.

Striking white lacquer tables and acrylic ghost chairs paired with smokey grey glassware and baby’s breath clouds proved to be a romantic, yet moody wedding Day for Alexa and Matt. [/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]Alexa & Matt’s first date in June 2010 was High SchoolProm, and after their prom, they went out to the Hamptons, where they had an after-prom party and bonfire on the beach. After a long night, Matt took care of her and carried her up the dunes back to the house. Fast forward 10 years later, Matt proposed in the same spot on the beach at Gurney’s (a Hamptons Resort which was 100 yards from where he first carried her up the stairs).

On the day of the proposal, they went horseback riding, had a spa day, and then Matt brought Alexa back to a private spot that was decorated with old photos of the two of them, flowers, champagne and a photographer to capture the moment! It was absolutely perfect. Their parents met them the next day, and stayed overnight for a long weekend to share in the moment! [/field]
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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]The Bride wore a sleek, Trumpet gown by designer, Monique Lhuiller. The dress had a tight bodice with a trumpet flare at the bottom, pearl buttons down the back, and a luxe train trailing behind- but the obvious standout detail were her fabulous statement sleeves. The puff ball sleeves brought back a retro style that we could not get enough of! [/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]The Bridesmaids each wore a slightly varied style of Jenny Yoo’s gowns. Their light sage color in satin sheen was an effortless look, that kept the overall Bridal Party as a perfect compliment to the Bride. [/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]The gentlemen were dressed to the nines in black, Vera Wang tuxedos with matching black dress shoes. A small spring of hand-tied baby’s breath as a boutonniere and a white pocket square completed their look. [/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]Espresso Martinis and Tequila Shots for Signature Drinks at Cocktail Hour, Why Not? They paired their two favorite drinks as an unlikely but FUN offering right after guests left the ceremony.

Champagne is about as classic as they come when you are deciding on drinks, so as guests came up the stairs from cocktail hour, the Bride and Groom were on display – pouring champagne into the top of a stacked Coupe Tower. The staff from Club Pelican Bay were handing out the filled coupes to the arriving guests, so instead of hanging champagne pre-set on the tables, guests were able to partake in a fun “action station” of sorts, put on by the guests of honor.

Passed hors d’oeuvres at the Cocktail Party included Lobster Arancini, Ahi Tuna Wontons, Beef Satay, Crab Cakes, Spanakopita and Duck Spring Rolls. In addition to the passed bites was a Raw Bar Station with a MUST-HAVE for the couple – Oysters. Both Kumamoto and PEI oyster varieties were offered and displayed on a beautiful ice sculpture alongside cocktail shrimp.

Guests had the option of 10oz New York Strip Steak or Wild Isles Salmon for their entrees, both served with Potato Dauphinoise and Haricot Vert with a Carrot Ribbon. [/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]The Custom Invitation from Grey & Cake truly set the tone for this Wedding Weekend. The sage letterpress invitations were wrapped in a lasercut “baby’s breath” printed wrap and tied together with a sage ribbon. The Duogram, Menus and even envelope liner had additional accents of the printed baby’s breath that carried through the reception details.

The white perimeter room drape, white vinyl dance floor, and white stage surround were all a big part of neutralizing the room – which gave us a blank slate to work with. Then we brought in sleek, long and square lacquer tables to bring the element of clean-lined furniture, which gives a more modern uplift to the space that linens don’t quite achieve.

We took advantage of the dining room’s built-in alcove (normally used for the Band’s stage) and created a cozy little bar lounge in the room. We opened the drape with gathered swags, that made for an inviting space to order your favorite cocktail.

In terms of the tablescape, we had three varieties of centerpieces for each of the table shapes mixed into the layout. Candelabras wrapped with baby’s breath garland, bud vases of baby’s breath and long rows of flickering candlelight on the king’s tables.

Without a doubt, the WOW moment in the room came from the ethereal Baby’s Breath clouds that were suspended from the ceiling. Kaleidoscope Florals arranged these beautiful clusters of delicate stems from random points in the room, and also focused a large statement piece hanging from the room’s central chandelier. You could not miss these pieces of art that seem to bring in some fun texture in such a stark white space[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]The Wedding cake was understated, with white textured ruffle layers, and a runner of baby’s breath trailing down the right side of the cake. Sassy Cakes did a beautiful job adding the right amount of texture to the cake, while keeping it simple. Alexa & Matt cut into this vanilla and raspberry delight and proceeded to feed each other right off the knife.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]When you have been together for 10+ years, it makes it incredibly special to have someone that has watched your story evolve perform the ceremony. The Bride’s cousin, Lindsay, officiated the ceremony with a very heartfelt performance. The Bride and Groom wrote their own vows, that touched on so many meaningful moments in their history – that reduced the guests to tears.

Jade Strings provided a Violin & Cello duo for the ceremony, and Alexa walked down the aisle to “Thousand Years”. The Newlyweds exited with a more upbeat “Higher Love” as they skipped back down the aisle.

The Newlyweds danced their First Dance to “Dancing in the Moonlight”, performed by The Headliners Band, but surprised everyone with a more upbeat “2nd Dance” song (after dinner) to the infamous Dirty Dancing song, “Time of My Life” with a spinning lift and all! When the cold sparks went off for THAT moment of the song – the guests went wild!

Alexa and her Mother danced an emotional “Mother-Daughter” dance to Celine Dion’s “Because You Loved Me” and Matt danced with his Mom to Melissa Smith “Seems Like Yesterday”. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]We have definitely seen the Bride change into a “party dress” before, but this time around the Bride AND Groom had a Costume Change and swapped color schemes. Reversing the rolls, Alexa traded her white dress for a sheer, black sequin Dolce and Gabbana Dress with “Til Death Do Us Part” Tulle gloves. She even had the stylist stay to update her hair look, and add in a matching Tulle bow. Matt hung up his black tuxedo jacket and donned a White Dinner Jacket, accented with a black pocket square. Before they came back to the party for their “2nd First Dance”, they took a few minutes to do some high-fashion flash portraits, including some cozy ones in the venue’s elevator. This couple was HOT, HOT, HOT! [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]Since the Dinner Reception was upstairs and the Afterparty was tucked away downstairs, we wanted to have a fun transition between the two spaces. We brought in some Hora Loca Dancers to join in on the Band’s last song – bursting into the room with high-energy dance moves and elaborate costumes. Once they caught all the guests’ attention, they led everyone out of the room (Bride and Groom out in front) and single file down the staircase- right into the afterparty! The party never lost it’s momentum – in fact, I think it had a second wind as they came into the Afterparty space and met a dancing Mirror Man face to face! DJ Dayve had the beats popping as guests arrived for the next part of the evening. [/field]
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How to Mix Luxe Glamour + Florida Whimsy to Perfection

From the New England-style lobster and oyster shucking rehearsal dinner to the beautiful mix ‘n match bridesmaids’ dresses to the peek-a-boo dolphin at sunset, this Florida wedding is everything a Florida wedding should be and so much more! With Jacqui Cole Photography, Voilà Cinematic and Tracie Domino Events behind each and every gorgeous moment, this day is sure to bring a smile to your face!

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From Jacqui Cole Photography… Kimmy + Matt wed at The Ritz Naples on March 25th. The Welcome Party was hosted on the beach with oyster shuckers from Maine, cuban cigar rollers and whole lobsters served to the guests. The wedding weekend started with a bang with the guests being greeting with a fireworks show on the beach! The wedding day itself was a blend of true luxe elegance with crystal chandeliers, mirrored tabletops and custom bar set ups. At the same time, the couple were able to maintain a little Florida whimsy and romance by wandering to the beach for sunset portraits. Would you believe me when I tell you a dolphin swam right past the new Mr & Mrs just as they watched the sun dip below the horizon – how romantic?! Tracie Domino Events truly created a complete experience at the reception by including many unique touches, first and foremost having the Grand Bevy serve gold leaf topped edible cocktails as guests danced the night away! I’m thrilled for this sweet couple and their beautiful families – they really had the most perfect weekend celebrating their marriage. Congratulations from us all Mr and Mrs Tucker!!

This Oscar De La Renta Gown Set the Scene for a Classic Seaside Wedding

Oscar De La Renta, you’ve done it again. You’ve designed a gown beyond my wildest wedding dreams and “obsessed” is an understatement. Luckily, we have the images from Hunter Ryan Photo to stare at forever, plus every perfect wedding detail designed by Anna Lucia Events. Let’s head to The Vault and let the pinning begin.

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From The Bride…Our marriage is a dream come true in every way, starting with the big day that was more than we could have ever imagined. Friends, family, Anna, Meghan, Noor (of Anna Lucia Events), Tiffany & Cody (of Hunter Ryan Photo) and David & Danny (of Salon Tease) helped make our dream into a reality.

We exchanged our wedding vows at Trinity By The Cove Episcopal Church in Naples, Fl. on Sept. 12, 2015. A black-tie reception of dining and dancing followed a Private Club in Naples. I selected an Oscar de la Renta silk mikado gown and an Homa silk organza veil, and wore my grandmother Shirley’s sapphire bangle.

We met in the fall of 2005 at Vanderbilt University. We remained friends for seven years, even though we always knew we’d found “the one”. We began dating in 2012, when I soon moved from New York City to Dallas, and became engaged in October of 2014. We were married in September of the following year, and are so thrilled for life together forever.

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Romantic Yacht Club Wedding

Sometimes you come across a wedding that is just so crazy beautiful, you’re not quite sure where to begin. This, loves, is one of those weddings… a breathtaking yacht club affair featuring one picture perfect detail after another and a fab team of vendors putting it all together. (I’m talking to you Carrie Darling Events, Duality Artistry and Isn’t She Lovely Florals.) See it all captured brilliantly by Hunter Ryan Photo right here, then stay awhile in The Vault to peruse even more yacht club beauties.

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From Hunter Ryan Photo… Marissa & Alex had their destination wedding amidst the boat docks of the Naples Yacht Club. Not wanting to be over the top nautical, Marissa worked with Isn’t She Lovely Florals to design a tablescape that reflected a pretty neutral palatte but still embodied the soft seaside vibe.

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Weddings at LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort

There are beach resorts in Florida, and then there is the LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort; a Naples wonderland of drop-dead gorgeous accommodations, top-notch service and luxurious amenities at every turn. Think seaside “I do’s” meets an elegant ballroom reception meets an entire weekend of lounging around with your sweetie. Put simply, it’s amazing.

Whether you’re saying “I do” for the first time, renewing your vows or simply planning your honeymoon in paradise, LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort is THE place where all of the above happens, and it happens perfectly. From your choice of stunning venues (pristine beach + fab pool + breathtaking ballroom) to the team of professionals that will walk with you step by step through the planning process to your end of the night walks underneath a golden sunset.

Contact LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort today to start planning your dream wedding!

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Romantic Naples Garden Wedding

We’re packing a punch today with this Naples garden goodness from Justin DeMutiis and Sarah Tucker Events. A punch of sassy hot pink, that is. It’s the delightful hue that splashes the ‘maids and their bouquets from Victoria Blooms, a hue that crawls in the form of petals up the walls of The Escalante and adorns the sugary naked cake. The entire gallery? It’ll plaster a grin across your face.

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From Sarah Tucker Events …Tricia and Tyler’s wedding day in Naples, FL was nothing short of perfect. The venue alone can make you feel like you’re walking into a garden in the med, but the gorgeous florals dripping everywhere, the personal touches throughout, and the love Tricia and Tyler share made the whole day pure magic.

From the beautiful Bride… Tyler and I live in Chicago, we are both from the same town in upstate NY, but Naples has always had a place in our hearts so deciding to have our wedding there made sense. Wedding planning is not small fete especially from a far but our wedding day was exactly what I had envisioned all those long nights planning with my Mom. Our venue, that my parents scouted, set the tone for our theme, a garden party. Next it was the details, I couldn’t have done it without a supportive fiance, great parents, amazing vendors and every other person who had a hand in it.

It was the best day, from getting ready with my Mom and sisters, to having a special first look first with my Dad, to walking hand and hand with my husband to finally dancing all night with our family and friends who had traveled near and far to celebrate with us. I am so grateful for these memories, I still tear up looking at pictures and feel like I am the luckiest. Can we do it again next weekend?

Weddings at LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort

Fact: LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort is the type of place that just makes your soul happy. The perfect combo of luxury and elegance, it’s glistening beaches meets amazing accommodations meets that sweet Florida sun. In other words? It’s the ideal setting for your wedding, vow renewal or honeymoon.

Located against a stunning Gulf of Mexico backdrop, LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort knows a thing or two about throwing a perfect party. From that intimate vow renewal to that 200-person affair, LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort has the venue just right for you and yours. Think grand ballrooms, poolside spaces and sandy beaches that will wow you and your guests with their awesomeness. Not to mention an amazing team of wedding professionals that will make sure each and every moment of your day is simply flawless. Add all of that to the peace and tranquility of a Naples vacation and it’s the wedding of your dreams… and then some.

Elegant Naples Wedding at La Playa Beach & Golf Resort

I’m pretty sure I let out a big fat squeal when I first laid eyes on this amazing Naples affair captured by Hunter Ryan Photo. Ok, let me be honest. I definitely squealed to high heavens. And you might find yourself doing the same. Because when you pair a perfectly pink palette with beautiful design and florals from Isn’t She Lovely Florals, you are sure to get a winner. And trust me, this one is a winner.

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From Hunter Ryan Photo…Nicole & Sean had their destination wedding at La Playa Beach & Golf Resort in Naples, FL. Nicole said: “I envisioned our wedding to be elegant, classic, and beautiful. I definitely leaned towards a somewhat formal wedding, but nothing stiff or stuffy. The venue was very elegant, but it also had a bit of a laid-back seaside vibe. We only had 60 or so guests, so it was an intimate event.

Our colors were pale pink, cream, and touches of gold. I love soft, muted colors for weddings. I would say my style is fairly traditional, and I wanted the event to have an elegant, Southern, classic vibe, like something you would see in the lowcountry in Charleston or Savannah. Sean and I are both Catholic, but we had a non-denominational Christian ceremony. The ceremony was very important to me, and it was a very tough decision to choose an outdoor ceremony instead of a traditional church ceremony. Ultimately, we chose our ceremony venue because it is stunningly beautiful and we loved the idea of having all of the wedding events in one place. The lawn at La Playa is beautiful, and I think it really reflected our style.”

Special touches from Nicole’s day were: the inclusion of Sean’s 2 adorable sons as groomsmen with their big seersucker bowties! :) To complement to elegant theme she wanted – the event designer – Krissy, hung a beautiful chandelier in their wedding arch. Nicole really loved the soft palette for her wedding and wanted to add her own personal stamp on it – so she DIY’d all her paper goods like her menu & table numbers with her die-cut machine! She also had custom monogrammed robes for all of her maids, as well as Sean’s mother and her mother. :) During cocktail hour they had some passed hors d oeuvres, but added a super fun gorumet macaroni & cheese station with all types of delicious toppings – like Truffle Mac n Cheese! They ended the night on a sweet note – having guests fill their own goodie bags full of treats from Nicole’s custom candy bar.

Nicole & Seans honeymooned on the slopes of Vail, Colorado!

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Glamorous Ballroom Wedding in Naples, Florida

KT Merry and glamorous beach weddings go together like sequins and tulle; quite the delicious combo. Now pair her images with florals and decor by 50Fifty Creative Services, and planning by LUCIA PAUL Weddings + Events, for a shindig that is the prettiest mingling of sand and glamour. And you would never guess that the weather forced this couple to go with plan C. See it right here.

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From Meghan Detweiler of LUCIA PAUL Weddings + Events… I was honored to be a part of Lindsay and Scott’s destination wedding in Naples, FL. From the very beginning, Lindsay had a very clear idea of what she wanted her wedding to look and feel like: clean and modern with a few small elements of Florida. Lindsay and Scott both really had their heart set on a beach ceremony however, due to beach renourishments and bad weather, we had to change the ceremony location three times within two months. But the third time was definitely the charm! With an amazing group of vendors and supportive parents, what was plan C was decided on and executed in a matter of days and felt Lindsay & Scott’s plan A. From the romantic draped ballroom ceremony all in white to the white and silvery blue reception space, it was definitely a night to remember for all!

From the Bride, Lindsay… Scott and I have dated for over 7 years. We live in Manhattan but have always shared a love of warm weather, sun and sand. When Scott finally popped the question, we both knew we wanted to celebrate our big weekend with a beachside ceremony in Naples, Florida. Naples is home for my parents and I have been enjoying the beautiful beaches there since I was a little girl. Our goal was to create a fun, destination weeding for our family and friends to enjoy a weekend away from the cold.

As we began planning, Style Me Pretty was a fantastic resource to research vendors and find style details that I wanted to incorporate into our overall aesthetic. I could not have been more pleased with the team that we put together (see all of our vendors below)! 50 Fifty Floral was able to completely transform my many, many mood boards into a capiz shell and orchid filled dream. We could not wait to see all of our family and friends gather on the beach at the Waldorf Astoria for our sunset ceremony. The day before our wedding, however, the unpredictable Florida weather took a turn for the worse. Rain was imminent, and we had to make a last minute decision to move our ceremony set up inside the hotel.

The last minute change in plans was stressful, but the end result was absolutely stunning. 50 Fifty was able to create a gorgeous, romantic setting inside the hotel. The room absolutely glowed! They even incorporated small details such as bringing sand into the room as part of the décor. Although inside, we were still “on the beach.” Fortunately, we had a break in weather and were able to shoot all of our first look photos on the beach. We were even lucky enough to have a rainbow in our background!

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Naples Wedding at The Club at the Strand

So technically this wedding is not all white… it’s champagne, gold, peach, and coral, but the overall white out effect is my absolute favorite. Nothing is better than a bright and cheery white wedding (at least in my book) and with Botanicals on the Gulf behind the stunning blooms, this wedding from Maria Angela Photography is tops. Absolute tops.

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From the beautiful bride… After moving to DC for my first job as a Special Education Teacher, I decided to have a high school reunion at my apartment. My friend Megan attended and invited her college friend, Jeff, who unbeknownst to me lived less than a mile away. Jeff couldn’t decline an 8:1 girl to guy ratio party! Although it was great meeting him, my attention was on my girlfriends that I hadn’t seen in months. Two dozen roses were sent to my apartment the following week!

I thought I was gaining a great friendship but wasn’t interested in getting involved in a relationship. After a persistent Jeff tried for a month to get me to go out on a date with him, I finally agreed. After just a few dates, we were inseparable. Jeff was traveling for work consulting every Monday-Thursday, but that didn’t stop us. I would pick him up from the airport every Thursday night and we were together until his flight every Monday morning. In just a few short months we knew our relationship would be forever.

About a year later Jeff and I planned a wonderful vacation to Key West, Florida. After visiting Jeff’s parents in Naples, Florida, we hopped into the convertible and headed to beautiful Key West. On our first night there, we went on the Wind and Wine Sunset Sail amid the warm tropical Caribbean waters of the Florida Keys making the evening an unforgettable start to a memorable night! After the romantic Sunset Sail, Jeff guided me to the Sunset Pier where we walked to the end and he got down on one knee! It was the most magical night of our lives!

The beginning phases of planning were definitely not the easiest. Jeff and I moved to Atlanta, my parents live in New York, and Jeff’s parents live in Florida. To top it off we were planning an interfaith wedding on a budget for a summer date. While the tradition to wed where the bride was raised seemed natural, NY was our first stop. Extremely high summer rates and a picky bride and groom left us without an agreement. The search continued in Atlanta and finally while visiting Jeff’s parents in Naples, Florida the search ended. We looked at the beautiful Club at the Strand. The romantic Botanical Gardens were just one of the selling points for us! We knew we wanted to marry on site and this was perfect! The gold tones, helpful coordinators, and flexible packages were exactly what we were looking for!

Our day was picture perfect. As my good listening husband says, “Our wedding colors were champagne and gold with POPS of peach and coral.” I was looking for the clean and elegant look with a bit of vintage inspirations. We kept floral arrangements elegant and simple with Kevin from Botanicals on the Gulf who blew me away. The teacher in me got creative with some DIY projects. I created fan programs to match our invitations, place cards in wine corks, a guest photobook, and hangers with the bridal party’s names bent in wire. Some other special touches I included were hotel gift bags for our out of town guests (98% of the guests), pictures of our parents and grandparents on their wedding day, monogrammed block letters, a fun lantern for our cards, monogrammed golf balls for our favors, and my favorite, pictures of Jeff and I posing with wooden numbers that were mounted in wine corks in vintage candle holders for our table numbers.

There are so many amazing memories, from walking down the aisle, to our first kiss as Mr. and Mrs., and being completely surprised with a top matching wedding band during the exchange of rings, but one of my favorite memories was after the wedding, back at the suite. No, not what you’re thinking! It was drinking a bottle of champagne in our wedding attire lounging on our suite balcony just reminiscing and reflecting on how perfect our night was! Thanks to Maria Angela Photography we have amazing photographs to continue reminiscing for many years to come!

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Port Royal Wedding from Margaret Events + Trenholm Photography

I am obsessed with this wedding. First, I fell in love with this Bride’s Monique Lhuillier stunner of a gown. And then? Well, then I just fell head over heels with every thing else in this vintage yet elegant piece of wedding perfection. So perfect in fact, I want to reach through my computer screen and hug Margaret Events for bringing us such a beauty. It’s simply beyond from the first image snapped up by Trenholm Photography to the last, and it’s all sitting pretty right here.

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From Margaret... Jena and Brad’s wedding was an absolute dream. It was a lavish event combining ageless vintage and elegant modern touches with ease. The entire affair took place on the Bride’s Grandfather’s private Port Royal estate. The Groom and his Groomsmen readied themselves in the Guesthouse and the Bride and her attendants in the main house, all overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Being married in her Grandfather’s home was just the beginning of the small and intimate details that made this day so special.

The ceremony took place on a small island in the center of the property accessible only by an ornate red bridge. The entire wedding party crossed the bridge to stand under a beautiful archway built between two trees utilizing honeysuckle and grape vine with blush, white and green clusters and garlands of hydrangea, roses, orchids, astilbe, ranunculus with a beautiful crystal chandelier in the middle. The guests sat on farm chairs and benches interspersed with vintage wing backed chairs, assuring comfort for older family members during the exchanging of the vows. All watched from the shore under flowing fabric canopies holding delicate lace parasols and waving lace fans to keep cool and shade the sun.

The cocktail hour had the guests moving to the north side of the property where musicians played in the teahouse overlooking the koi ponds and aviaries. Games such as croquet, horseshoes and customized corn hole were played as the couples’ 165 guests watched the sun set over the Gulf and sipped signature drinks called ‘2200’created and named by Jena’s attendants at her bridal shower.

As dinner bells chimed, guests made their way to a 50′ by 120′ clear-sided tent complete with twelve crystal chandeliers to have an amazing meal served– and dance the night away to a 9-piece band. Jena and Brad were very specific about the tables not all looking the same. They had 3 acrylic kings tables with paloma lace runners, half of the round tables had tulle underlay with ivory matte satin overlays and the other half of the round tables had ivory matte satin underlay with paloma lace overlays. Each setting had a Riedel crystal charger with a round menu underneath so the guests could read the menu after each course was cleared. On top of the charger was a customized place card containing a message from the bride and groom that they had made a donation in their guest’s honor to either St. Jude’s if the guest was from the USA or to POGO if the guest was from Canada. The centerpieces had crystal candelabras or candlesticks with ivory, blush and white flowers around Manzanita branches with draping pearls.

To add to the special touches the couple arranged for a sitting area outside of the tent filled with overstuffed couches and vintage wing back chairs where guests could spend time in a photo booth creating video messages to the bride and groom, or sit in comfort as they had custom cigars rolled by artisan’s hands complete with personalized wrappers.

Concern for their guests as they were leaving was evident as Jena and Brad offered “one for the road” with personalized mini bottles of tequila as favors and custom “hangover recovery kits”. Jena and Brad were the last to leave the property, hanging on and cherishing every last moment of their dream wedding.

From the Bride… The location and setting of our “somewhat” destination wedding truly brought our two worlds together, which had been a common denominator throughout our entire relationship. Brad and I had been living in Canada (where I am from) for the last four years, but before I dragged this Floridian to Canada, we met in Florida where I had been attending university. So, when we got engaged, it felt natural for us to have our wedding in Florida, and when my grandfather offered for us to be married at his estate in Naples we both felt like we were getting married “at home”. We were overwhelmed by the love of our family and friends who flew in from four countries and many states to share in our big day.

Being blessed with the beautiful scenery and landscape of my grandfather’s grounds allowed my vision to come alive; a vision of soft vintage elegance, with a modern twist. We were able to put a personal twist on so many traditional elements of a wedding ceremony, by having our ceremony on an island with guests looking on from across the pond, while Anna Wilson’s soulful voice sang, “Can I walk with you.” I entered from my secret doorway in my blush pink wedding dress, holding my bouquet embellished with my grandmother’s wedding necklace and brooches, my father walked me down the path, leading to the bridge, where Brad met us halfway.

While Brad and I snuck off to the pier to take photos, our guests enjoyed the Anna Wilson trio, played corn hole and ate designer donuts, while sipping on our completely personal and customized signature drink, which was created and named– 2200 (to signify the address of our wedding) by four close family and friends at my bridal shower.

It was so important for us to be able to turn our perfect day into a memorable event for all our family and friends and with the countless hours of assistance from our wedding planner, Margaret, I think my incessant need for detail paid off! Every element of our reception tent overlooking the Gulf of Mexico captured the vintage elegance I had envisioned. I kept referring to the elements as works of art and each vendor we used took my vision and words to heart and created just that; from the lace and pearl detail work on the cake, the specific placement of each flower and strand of pearls in the centerpieces to my favorite of all, the orchids encircling the chandeliers. Having the tent walls up created a welcoming outdoor space with a lounge filled with vintage furniture where guests could relax and smoke a hand rolled cigar, while still being able to enjoy the music by CTO High Voltage. [dotted]

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Monique Lhuillier Bridal Fall 2015

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Naples Florida Wedding at The Club at Mediterra from Hunter Ryan Photo

After reading this couple’s sweet little love story and pouring over the gorgeous pictures from Hunter Ryan Photo of their stunning big day in Naples at The Club at Mediterra, I’m pretty sure this couple couldn’t be cuter if they tried. They are just completely adorable, and their love shows in every picture perfect image. I can’t help but be smitten with them all, and you can join me in the awwww-fest right here in the full gallery of images.

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From Hunter Ryan… Kayla is one of the sweetest, most genuine girls you’ll ever meet and Justin truly completes her in every way. It is so evident in the in-between moments with them. Kayla’s famous scrunchy nose giggles when Justin lovingly teases her or the way Justin stares at her like he can’t believe she picked him! We loved sharing in their wedding because it was totally “them.” Held at the gorgeous Club at Mediterra – it was planned perfectly by Kehrin of Jet Set Wed to be elegant and so much fun! Their wedding was a beautiful day full of fun surprises and personal touches. Kayla had little sweet touches like remembrances to relatives, and being Italian – Kayla had Mediterra specially prepare her grandmother’s lasagna for their entrees, and she even had flip flops in assorted sizes on the dance floor so all her girls would be comfortable to dance the night away. That’s just the way Justin and Kayla are -thinking of others. Justin and Kayla surprised their guests by secretly taking salsa lessons so that halfway through their reception she changed into a gold sequined mini-dress and they jumped on the dance floor with an amazing salsa number! And…if you know Justin – you know he loves 3 things: Kayla, good Scotch and good cigars! Kayla and Justin had an amazing Scotch bar set up for their guests, but what good is a Scotch bar without a custom cigar roller? Justin’s amazing friends Colton, Milo and Glenn surprised them with a custom cigar roller during their reception. It was THE perfect gift to top off a perfect day!

Here is their love story (written on the back of the menu at their reception)… Once upon a time, there was a young kickballer who thought of nothing but kicking home runs and running around with his friends, oblivious about how his life would end up. Until one fateful evening whilst preparing to engage in the first game of his career, he noticed something out of the ordinary. A beautiful young player was somehow mysteriously on his team. He was taken by surprise by this newcomer and had to investigate. Thinking of no other idea, he approached this intriguing woman and offered her a drink from his prized possession… His bubba keg.

The plan didn’t go quite as smoothly as he thought because she politely rejected his offer and continued her conversation as if he wasn’t even there. Justin walked away rejected, but was determined not to give up. Thinking he would impress her, he played like he never played before, kicking, catching, and running as fast as he could… Yet this was not enough to gain the attention of his new teammate, so he thought anyway.

Unbeknownst to him, Kayla did take notice of this young goofy boy with a cute butt flailing himself around the field like a balloon caught in a wind storm. She wasn’t quite sure what to make of him, but she eventually started giving in to his numerous (albeit comical) advances. Over the course of that season the two of them became friends, and soon enough they became more.

Their friends happily watched as they both grew closer together. Although their relationship at first had its ups and downs, neither one of them let it get between them. Thankfully for Justin’s sake, Kayla was just as patient as she was smart, allowing him time to realize what an amazing woman Kayla really was (he can be pretty slow sometimes…).

After what seemed like an eternity (to Kayla anyway) Justin secretly planned a little surprise in the midst of Kayla’s 30th birthday celebration. He hired a local florist to decorate the hotel suite they had rented and had a close friend make a banner for him (in case he lost his train of thought). After a long relaxing day and a great dinner, Justin asked Kayla to be his wife. And you guys guessed correctly, she said yes.

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Naples Wedding at The Port Royal Club from Audrey Snow Photography

I think we can all agree that waking up to a torrential downpour on your wedding day is never a good thing. Especially when your wedding happens to be a destination affair in Naples, Florida. But, that’s exactly what happened to these two sweeties, who, along with their guests, were expecting a beachy, seaside affair and were greeted instead with flooded streets. True story. Luckily for them, the clouds parted and ONE HOUR before the festivities begin, the sun came out of hiding and allowed them to marry with their toes in the sand. We call that meant to be. See every last sun-filled moment captured by Audrey Snow in the full gallery.

And even more of this gorgeous day from Voila Cinematic. Enjoy, lovelies.

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From the Bride… I will never forget the thought that ran through my head while getting ready for our wedding during a torrential Florida downpour, “we didn’t have 160 people come all the way down to Naples for a destination wedding to have it indoors!” Having met in college at Indiana University and being from two different parts of the country, we knew our guests would be traveling no matter where we decided to have the wedding. We thought nothing would be better than a destination wedding in Naples, Florida, a place that has become so special to us over the course of our relationship as we spend as many holidays as possible in the gorgeous beach town.

Our wedding day was filled with rain, and the words torrential downpour really don’t do it justice. It poured (flooded streets and all) up until an hour before our wedding. Our wedding planners had reluctantly told Pete and I that we would have to hold everything indoors. Then miraculously, an hour before the ceremony, the skies cleared and our amazing vendors rushed to move everything outside! In the end, we were almost thankful for the rain because it led to the most amazing sunset we had ever seen.

We chose the Port Royal Club for our wedding because we loved the “old Florida” feel the club gave as soon as you walked in the doors. We wanted a tropical and relaxed, yet elegant, feel to our wedding and I think our vendors executed it perfectly. From the bright tropical colors, touches of bamboo, to our amazing band, it was truly the wedding of our dreams.

The little details are what made the wedding our own. We asked the guests to “lose their shoes,” in a hammock as they walked onto the beach for the ceremony and then gave them brushes as they made their way to the pool for cocktail hour so they could brush the sand off their feet. A steel drum band played as our guests sipped cocktails by the pool and enjoyed the beautiful sunset. Our reception was filled with candlelight and the tables had three different flower arrangements that were spotlighted so they almost “glowed” in the darkness of the room. Our band was outstanding and had the dance floor packed all night long!

Planning a destination wedding from Manhattan was most definitely challenging and we couldn’t have done it without the help of my mother, mother-in-law, and our outstanding vendors. It’s so important to choose vendors who share a common vision with you and that you can trust when you can’t be there. We will never forget the feeling of knowing that all of those people came from so far just for us. We felt so loved and it was truly the most amazing weekend held in a place that is so special to us.

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Bonita Springs Wedding at The Bonita Dolphin House from Naomi Chokr

There are many, many reasons why I adore Florida weddings, but sunset ceremonies on the beach? They rank high atop my list. As does this gorgeous Bonita Springs affair captured by Naomi Chokr, which happens to be boasting all of the aforementioned with a beyond stunning outdoor reception, as well. It’s an intimate day filled with love, laughter, touches of pink (!) and heartwarming moments aplenty. See sooo much more in the full gallery.

From Naomi Chokr… Melissa & Kyle has a lovely story and both worked so hard to put this wedding together along with family and friends. The sunset immediately after the ceremony was almost like a gift to wish the happy couple well.

Melissa the bride booked me exactly a year before her wedding day. I was just starting out and she was the second bride to ever book me. She found me online and then contacted me to photograph her wedding. And we’ve been friends ever since. She’s seen my work grow and has been one of my biggest supporters from day one and I’m so grateful for her. So publishing her wedding is a little bittersweet for me because it means that there will be no more wedding for me to look forward as I have been for over a year.

I’m so excited that Melissa & Kyle are now Mr. & Mrs Crawford. These two are just meant to be together and being there to witness their special day as their photographer was just amazing. They rented a private beach house to host their ceremony and reception. It was very intimate and so beautiful. Melissa created and planned everything. Their family and friends pitched in and put everything together for her so she could enjoy and relax on her day. Melissa has a gorgeous voice and during the reception she surprised Kyle and sang “The Luckiest” by Ben Folds.

Wedding Photography: Naomi Chokr / Wedding Venue: The Bonita Dolphin House Rental in Bonita Springs, Florida / Floral Design: A Flower Boutique / Wedding Cake: Perfectly Scrumptious / Cupcake Toppers: ClickityClack / Sign Decor: Duanes Workshop / Something Blue: Dana Marie Creations / Wedding Dress: J.Crew / Robes: Plum Pretty Sugar / Makeup: Janea Soliven from J & A Makeup Artistry / Bowtie: SillyBuddy

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Naples Botanical Garden Photo Shoot from Luminaire Foto + Wed Perfect

Any day that sees us basking in some eco-friendly inspiration, we consider to be a very good day. Especially when that eco-friendly inspiration was oh-so-perfectly crafted by a dream team of Florida vendors. That’s a good day and then some. Add to the mix the fab stylings of Wed Perfect, serious beauty expertise of Hope Henderson Artistry + Salon Tease and some downright amazing images from Luminaire Foto and, well. It’s a go green masterpiece. See it all right here.

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From Wed Perfect… Wed Perfect teamed up with the these Southwest Florida vendors to put on an eco-friendly photo shoot, featuring some amazing vendors who have eco policies in place, or who will work with eco-friendly packages. The goal of Wed Perfect is to provide full-service wedding and event planning to the eco-conscious bride, and to show that you can have an amazing “green” wedding without compromising style or vision. We chose the Naples Botanical Garden as our location, as they provide many organic and eco-friendly services to the community. The immense beauty of the location was ideal to create the perfect, natural backdrop for this shoot. In this photo shoot, we illustrated two looks for the modern bride. In one look, we showed a classic, eco-friendly look. This look featured natural colors such as white, ivory, sage green, pale pink and the like. This look is for that one might gravitate towards for a traditional green wedding. The second look was a modern, glamorous look. This look utilized the same white and ivory as before but was then complemented by a deep eggplant purple and various shades of green (from artichoke to acid). This look utilized most of the same materials and vendors as the first look, and was used to demonstrate that one can utilize all eco-friendly materials but still have a modern, high-style look to their wedding.

Photography: Luminaire Foto / Photo Shoot Venue: Naples Botanical Garden in Naples, Florida / Event Planning: Wed Perfect / Floral Design: Signature Florals / Cinematography: The Water’s Edge / Wedding Cake: Mason’s Bakery / Specialty Foods: Chocolate Dreams and Wishes / Invitations: Wiregrass Weddings / Lighting: O’Ryan Sound and Lighting / Linens + Coverings: Connie Duglin Specialty Linen & Chair Cover Rental / Equipment Rentals: Embellish High Style Party Rentals + Niche Event Rentals / Strapless Wedding Dress: Lazaro via Tie the Knot Bridal / Long-Sleeved Wedding Dress: Vintage via Love that Dress / Makeup: Hope Artistry + Salon Tease / Tuxedo + Men’s Attire: Charlotte Formal / Personal Styling: Jet Set Wed

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Naples Botanical Garden Wedding from Wed Perfect + Audrey Snow Photography

It’s time to talk about adorable couples. Adorable couples who tie the knot in uber-beautiful weddings planned and designed by Wed Perfect – to be exact. Because today’s stunning Naples wedding? Well, it happens to feature just such a couple, plus beautiful blooms from Signature Florals, vibrant paper lanterns and a whole lot of happy-filled romance. The always amazing Audrey Snow Photography captured all of the pretty and it’s a glorious joining of cultures that will quickly move atop your favorites list. See so much more right here.

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From Wed Perfect… The wedding of Yael and Ignatious (Iggy) Low took place on Sunday, September 30th, 2012 at the stunning Naples Botanical Garden here in Southwest Florida. From the moment I met Yael, my fabulous bride, almost a year ago, I knew this wedding was going to be a BLAST to plan and would be chock full of deeply personal details, amazing cultural significance and a deep respect for both the bride’s and groom’s family heritages and nature in itself. The bride is Egyptian and Jewish in religion, the groom is Asian, and it was important to them that we pulled both cultures into the wedding to celebrate and respect both sides. There are so many details and nods to each culture through every portion of the weddding: from the tea ceremony the couple did with their parents earlier in the day, the handmade chuppah, yarmulkes, Ketubah/Kiddish Cup and smashing of the glass, the hand-painted parasols, the hand fans for each guest favor, the abundance of red and white paper lanterns, and all of the fabulous pops of red in the floral through the design of the entire day. Also helped that every one of them was GORGEOUS! It was even a full moon that weekend, as well as the weekend of the Chinese Moon Festival, which the bride and groom respected by serving little “moon cakes” along with the wedding cake and giving a speech to explain it. The mix of cultures in this wedding is, in itself, just stunning, and the personal touches we designed for these clients really took the entire wedding to a new level. The bride’s deep love of nature is what brought us to the lush landscape of the Naples Botanical Garden and the overall DIY look of the reception design. During the planning and design process, I worked out with Yael that she wanted to really “extend” the look of the gardens through the design, which worked well with the fabulous florals designed with Sue at Signature Florals.

The ceremony took place on a beautiful lawn lakeside at the gardens. Guests then enjoyed cocktails and appetizers in the gardens structure called “The Labrynth,” which is a circular walkway that is meant to provide tranquility and answers to any longing questions of the heart. Just perfect for a wedding! After the cocktails, the guests made there way to the Asian-themed garden, where we had the rest of the reception. The escort card display was a favorite of mine. DM Paper Designs created cute cards with the same gorgeous bird pattern from the couple’s invitations. I utilized this amazing stone structure that the Asian Gardens has right at the entrance and strung up the cards within the structure using hemp twine and these adorable little clips the bride collected. Another of my favorite details was the handmade cake topper on the huge cupcake tower. The reception began with traditional introductions, first dances and toasts, and of course the hora, which every guest participated in … I’ve never seen a happier group dancing the hora before! Cater Masters provided a yummy meal that was Asian-inspired as well, and DJ Ceron kept things running so smoothly through dinner, before finally moving the entire party to one last area within the gardens to dance the night away!

This wedding was a super special one for everyone involved. I personally just fell in love with this couple, who have been together for so very long and support one another so well. Anyone who meets them can just tell they are going to be together forever. It is wonderful to have a couple that really “gets it” and focuses the planning on the true meaning of a wedding. It is about celebrating the true love between the couple getting married, with friends and family and truly coming together in an event that speaks to who you are as a couple. We managed to capture Yael and Iggy everywhere in the details of this wedding, and I am so pleased to have been a part of it!

Wedding Photography: Audrey Snow Photography / Wedding Venue: Naples Botanical Garden in Naples, Florida / Wedding Design + Planning: Jennifer Dube of Wed Perfect / Floral Design: Sue Bain of Signature Florals / Officiant: Rabbi Wolf, A Family Friend / Wedding Cinematography: Eric Lu, A Friend of the Bride & Groom / Catering: Cater Masters / Cupcakes: Grace & Shelly’s Cupcakes / Wedding Invitations, Table Numbers + Place Cards: DM Paper Designs / DJ: DJ Chris Ceron / Lighting: O’Ryan Lighting and Sound / Linens: Connie Duglin Specialty Linen & Chair Cover Rental / Wedding Dress: Allure Bridals via For The Bride / Hair + Makeup: Sir Daniel + David Frohmberg of Faces by Frohmberg