Florida Wedding Ideas and Inspiration - Style Me Pretty

Colorfully Elegant Casa Feliz Wedding

We’re always on the hunt for fresh new color combos here at SMP, and today’s Casa Feliz fete from Best Photography might just be one of my fave yet. The burgundy, navy and gold ‘maids mixed with pink, red and violet florals make for a soiree that’s bursting with happy hues—eclectic but complimentary, and oh-so-stunning. Make sure to dive into this vibrant day before you head off into the weekend and don’t miss the film from Black In White Films!

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From Best Photography… Casa Feliz has to be one of our favorite venues! From it’s gorgeous rustic old style architecture to the beautiful interior decor, it really is one heck of a place to get married. Everything about Chris and Ashton’s wedding was breathtaking! Between all of their hard work along with some incredible vendors, everything turned out perfect! Oh and let’s not forget all of the beautiful Anthropologie accessories Ashton incorporated! Chris and Ashton have a way of making everyone feel needed and loved, and those amazing qualities really shined on their big day.

From the beautiful Bride… Chris and I met while I worked for a non-profit. I was running our annual gala and Chris had volunteered to help through his company, AT&T. At the event, I asked if I could get a discount on my phone bill (which was not granted!). Chris sent an email the following day assuring me he still could not get me a discount but maybe he could take me to lunch instead. After a 2 hour lunch date, we knew something special was going to happen.

We spent endless hours of Pinterest-ing, blogging and magazine reading to come up with the overall concept for our wedding. We knew we wanted a theme that fit the beautiful venue space while also incorporating our favorite things. It was a special moment to share what we loved with who we loved.

The wine box at the ceremony was something we really loved. We both wrote a love letter to each other and sealed them inside a box with a bottle of wine. We were instructed only to open it on our first big fight and then drink the wine and read the letters to remember why we’re in this together.
We love food trucks so to have a cupcake truck at our wedding something fun for us – and our guests!

We loved Josh and Rachel’s photography style from the beginning! Having a team that understood the intricacy of the venue but were still able to capture the beauty of it was really great. There is a lot of stress that day but Josh and Rachel are seamlessly calm and patient – that was a HUGE help for all people involved.

To be surrounded by all the people we love was an unforgettable moment. We had such a great time – from the food to the dancing to the music to the food truck – it was so us.

Our advice to other couples—enjoy the ride. There were many times when we could have gotten stressed out about details but it was important to step back and see the big picture. We also recommend putting a cap on wedding talk – some dates deserve other topics. It’s good for your sanity! Also, ALWAYS ALWAYS hire a day-of coordinator. Worth every penny!

Chic Jacksonville Garden Wedding

Not only is this fête the perfect blend of sentimental details, but it’s also the perfect example that true love is worth waiting for. After holding onto a cherished alexandrite for 12 years, this Groom finally found his long distance love. So, when it came time to plan their Big Day they chose the talented Joey Kennedy Photography to capture every lucky-in-love moment.

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Form the beautiful Bride… The night I met Chaz I had no idea that he would be the man I would spend the rest of my life with. Fortunately he knew almost right away and pursued me from that day forward. I lived in Jacksonville, Florida and Chaz lived in Orlando, Florida. For roughly 4 months he drove to Jacksonville every weekend to see me. While we denied we were in a relationship for a long time, our family and friends knew better. I was always someone who never wanted to get married or have children. I was perfectly happy on my own and so was Chaz. But falling in love with him was the greatest adventure of my life. Charles is my game changer and will forever be the most wonderful surprise.

When we first got engaged, Chaz did not have a ring. He told me that he had cut a stone years ago (12 to be exact) and that he had always envisioned setting this stone for his future wife; however, he wanted to confirm that I did not have my heart set on a diamond. I was so incredibly happy that he proposed that I forgot a ring is typically involved. The fact that Charles had something so valuable and special to him all these years and decided I was worthy of receiving it took my breath away. A few months later I received my ring and it was well worth the wait! A one-carat alexandrite set in diamonds. I receive compliments all the time regarding how beautiful and unique my ring is and it just makes me smile. Charles has so many talents and gifts that this is just another example of one.

We were engaged for 2 years and while some thought that was a long time, it could not have been more perfect for us! Shortly after we got engaged we moved to Dallas, Texas and lived together for the first time.

Intimate Santa Rosa Beach Wedding

This, my friends, is an amazing wedding. It’s simple and sweet, set against a breathtaking ocean backdrop and filled with sooo much love, it’s palpable. In other words, it’s pure perfection, from the soft, neutral color palette to the crazy gorgeous DIY details (the Mother of the Bride is awesome) to one beautiful moment after another captured by Jennifer Blair. See them here.

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From Jennifer Blair Photography… After becoming engaged, Taylor and Chase knew they both wanted an intimate celebration with their closet friends and family. Santa Rosa Beach was a natural choice, since both their families love to vacation there. Taylor loves meaningful details and infused that love into so many aspects of their day. Taylor’s Mom and family created the stunning family style table set up on the lawn adjacent to the beach. They filled the tables with Taylor’s favorite muted colored oysters (a nod to the seaside theme), a plethora of candles and handmade arrangements. Guest signed two boat oars that they will keep in their home. Even the officiant was Taylor and Chase’s good friend and Taylor’s old soccer coach.

Their love is so natural and they were both so joyful throughout the whole day. I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed two people more thrilled to be joining their lives together. Everything about their day was beautiful, simplistic and focused on their sweet family and friends.

From the Bride… When Chase and I got engaged, a dear friend of ours told us that “Your wedding is the only time, this side of heaven, that everyone you love will be in one place.” With that in mind, we knew we wanted to do a destination wedding, where selfishly, we could truly savor every second.

Growing up, my family vacationed in the Santa Rosa Beach area each year. Some of my favorite memories are on that beach and now my favorite of all! Beginning Thursday, our friends and family took over a strip of 30-A and for all the times I have seen that beach, it has never looked sweeter than it did filled with those we love most. We welcomed guests with a Low Country Shrimp Boil on Thursday, held our wedding on Friday evening and spent Saturday at the beach with our guests.

In the beginning, above all, we knew that we wanted our wedding weekend to be laid-back and full of fun. We searched high and low for a venue that offered a seaside home with a lawn. We wanted a space that felt intimate but was large enough to accommodate our guests – The Highlands House offered just that. Being that the beach and venue were both so beautiful in their own rights, we chose a neutral palette to compliment the white sand beaches and seaside vibe of our reception venue.

At our rehearsal we laughed at the very idea of it because at best we hoped that everyone would simply make it down the aisle in some way. Our wedding party was disproportionate, included 14 children and my brother-in-law stood among my bridesmaids. One of our dearest family friends married us beneath a cross built by my dad, and the flowers were flown in and arranged by mom and her best friends.

The dresses didn’t match, but were rather hand-selected with love by seven women that I simply couldn’t live without. During the ceremony and the evening, babies ran around, danced and giggled and we wouldn’t have had it any other way. In the end, the sea air did a number on my hair and the dance floor but dancing with bare feet in a soaked gown with my new husband is one of my favorite memories of the day.

The small details, likely meaningless to others, were the most treasured to us. Both University of Kentucky alums, Chase gave his groomsmen UK cufflinks and the little boys each wore belts handmade in Lexington, Kentucky. We placed a “Thank You” note at each seat and every child received a box containing a headlamp, a pencil and list of items that were hidden for them to find throughout the night. For our reception, our guests enjoyed dinner brought in from our hometown and we chose family style seating as we regard everyone in attendance as such.

It’s true what we were told, October 10, 2014 was nothing less than a little slice of heaven. The day was filled with enough love and joy to last us a lifetime. We are so incredibly blessed by the people we get to do life alongside and we wouldn’t change one thing about the first day of the rest ours.

We are forever indebted to our families and friends who worked tirelessly, our guests who traveled far and wide, and to Jennifer Blair Photography for capturing the greatest day of our lives.

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Elegant Pastel Panama City Wedding

After first meeting as kids in their hometown church, these two sweeties we’re destined for love. Fast forward to their first date as teenagers plus nine years + one proposal later, and you get this oceanside wedding captured by Lauren Kinsey and Pure 7 Studios. Pretty moments are tucked in every last detail thanks to Christina Gillon Events, and we can’t think of any better way to start your week.

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From The Bride…Josh and I met when we were just kids in our hometown church. It was not until we were teenagers that we decided to give dating a chance. Since then, the rest is history. We were even lucky enough to be married by the pastor that still continues to lead that same church and has known us from the beginning. We got married 9 years to the day after we began dating!

Josh proposed in November during our family vacation. We took an amazing trip that started in Chicago and ended in San Francisco. He carried “the ring” in planes, trains and automobiles. When we finally arrived to the Fairmont in foggy San Francisco, he could not wait any longer. Even though he planned a romantic outing, he popped the question in our hotel room within moments of arriving. But, it was so personal and could not have been more perfect for us.

While planning the wedding, I wanted to keep a clear vision that incorporated both our styles. We wanted to keep things timeless. My style tends to be more feminine, so Josh allowed me to also have some pretty touches throughout. We kept a fresh palette that did not interfere with the gorgeous location.

We were most looking forward to seeing all our family and friends together in one place. Because we chose such a special date that signified our commitment to each other over nine years ago, we were just excited to start our lives together with some beautiful memories.

Modern Nautical Newport Wedding

My hubby and I are knee-deep in planning a little Newport babymoon, and this seaside lovefest from the lens of Judy Pak has me hoping springtime rolls around, STAT. It’s every New England bride’s dream come true, with carefully curated nautical moments alongside all-white blooms styled by Stoneblossom. Kick Tuesday off right here in the full gallery.

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From The Bride… When Dave and I got engaged and started to think about our dream wedding, we knew we wanted to plan an event that would be elegant and classic with whimsical, personal touches and most of all be relaxed and fun for our guests. We live and work in Manhattan and decided we thought it would be extra special to come up with a great weekend destination – somewhere that would get people out of the city but wouldn’t be too far away for most of our guests. I had vacationed in Newport with my family growing up and had recently been back to Castle Hill Inn which is just the most magical and beautiful place – I knew it would be perfect. Dave and I took a trip to Newport and he was immediately convinced- Newport and Castle Hill would give us that perfect elegant environment for the wedding, with lots of room for fun for our guests.

We worked with Joyce Holland of Stoneblossom Florals and she became an incredibly trusted adviser and friend in planning. We weren’t stuck on any particular types of flowers but we knew we wanted the environment to feel light and soft with some minimal seaside/nautical touches. She paired lots of white and green flowers with beautiful garden roses, anenomes and other seasonal varietals which gave the perfect flecks of color for our fall celebration. She brought in tons of candles, mercury glass and other beautiful additions like lanterns and aisle decor. She was our savior! To add to Joyce’s decoration, the crew at Exquisite Events handled lighting. We picked vintage chandeliers and swathed the tent with fabric to bring the ceiling down a little lower and give it that quaint, vintage feel.

We were very lucky to have Judy Pak as our photographer. We fell in love with Judy’s signature style – light and airy, dreamy images. She captured our day to a tee from the perfectly orchestrated “first look” to those little moments that only the most skilled photographers can catch. She is a true artist.

Our cake was created by Marc and Marie Soliday/ Confectionery Designs. It was spectacular! Marie worked with Joyce to replicate the flowers in my bouquet. We were blown away when we saw it. Plus it tasted delicious. We had a most excellent band – Big Mix with Joe Shane, we brought them up from NY. I had seen them perform at a wedding many years before and they always stuck in my head. They played classic covers and even backed my husband our friend up for a little impromptu Whitesnake performance.

There were many special and personal touches throughout the weekend. From our “message in a bottle” save the dates, to our Adirondack chair escort cards (to match Castle Hill’s signature chairs) to our personalized welcome bags and signature cocktail straws, and much more, Alana Jones-Mann outdid herself in our collaboration! Alana is the queen of whimsy and details and took our visions and made them realities. She also hand letter pressed our three-piece custom invitations and created a gorgeous presentation for when they arrived to our guest’s mailboxes.

Castle Hill could not have been a more perfect venue for us. With breathtaking seaside views, the mansion and semi-permanent tent set the scene for our dream wedding. The menu was exquisite and the service is unparalleled. After the reception in the tent we hosted an after party in the mansion where our guests partied into the night. Our wedding was truly a dream, we loved every second!

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Stoneblossom Floral and Wedding Design

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Blush + Gold Rosemary Beach Wedding

Rosemary Beach is quickly becoming a favorite destination of mine… and I’ve never actually been there. Every time I come across a wedding at this Floridan venue, I’m awe struck. And sure enough, with this gorgeous blush and gold soiree planned by Christina Gillon, I’m mesmerized with the romance and beauty, captured by Leslie Hollingsworth. See why I’m so obsessed right this way.

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From The Bride… Our wedding day was everything I had dreamed of and so much more. From the perfect wedding day weather (after a few very cold days!) to dancing and laughing with our closest family and friends all weekend – it was a dream.

Richard & I had discussed a Caribbean destination wedding but we couldn’t find anything that quite fit. We also knew with three sets of grandparents they would not be keen to the idea of flying. Therefore we settled on finding something within driving distance from our home in Jacksonville Beach and the rest of our family in central Florida – and the hunt began!

I envisioned an indoor ceremony with an outdoor tented reception overlooking the beach since the beginning. I stumbled upon Rosemary Beach (on SMP where else!) and it was beyond ideal. We drove the six hours from Jacksonville two days later and fell in love. After seeing the sprawling green lawns overlooking the picture perfect white sand beach, roaming the idyllic town and visiting the quaint town hall we were sold.

I had an idea in my head of a palette filled with blush and gold, lush flowers and vintage touches. It all came together when I bought my glitzy gatsby-esque Modern Trousseau gown and started working with my amazingly talented coordinator Christina and Designer/Florist Brian of Myrtie Blue. Brian helped bring my vision to life and created the most spectacular yet intimate layout for our reception filled with three tents, a romantic sequined sweetheart table, glimmering bulb lighting over an open air dance floor, vintage lounge furniture, delicate sheer table runners, lush centerpieces and the most gorgeous entrance complete with draped curtains and wooden lamp posts. Seeing the finished product after a year of planning and dreaming I felt like the luckiest girl in the world and was completely blown away.

My vendors created a paramount atmosphere for the day. Townsend Catering delivered the most delicious meal I have ever devoured as well as above and beyond service. Bay Kings Band played just about every song on my request list, had everyone on the dance floor until the last song and my guests are STILL talking about how amazing they were. My photographer Leslie was there to capture it all in the most breathtaking photos and even there to bustle my gown! Of course my coordinator Christina was one step ahead of me from beginning to end and I can not possibly rave about her enough.

One of my favorite details from the reception was our escort display. While discussing how to show off our seating arrangements many ideas were thrown around until we settled on a large mirror. This was a fete for 200 guests but Brian more than delivered! I fell in love with the mirror concept and was dying to use more. I ended up using mirrors from our home for additional displays. My favorite was my late grandmother’s mirror used to display our cupcake flavors!

I tried to personalize as many details as possible. We wrapped my bouquet with a blessed rosary from my aunts, my great grandmother’s brooch and the first piece of jewelry Richard ever bought me, a small heart necklace. At the reception we used my mother-in-law’s cake stands, displayed our grandparents wedding photos next to the guest book and brought in a local band as well as brews from Jacksonville. My creative mother-in-law also made our invitations. She created a stunning shadow box masterpiece that blew every lucky recipient away. She also designed and printed our programs and menus AND made my bridesmaids sparkly belts!

There are more unforgettable memories from our wedding day than I could possibly recount. I will never forget watching the setup take place from the balcony at my mother-in-laws rental cottage overlooking the green and getting a glimpse at some surprises Brian had in store for me, I think I squealed! The look on Richard’s face when he saw me in my gown for the first time and realizing I was more nervous than him! Seeing my ten stunning bridesmaids lined up before the ceremony looking more beautiful than I could have imagined in their pale pink Jenny Yoo gowns. Laughing uncontrollably during the speeches when my maid of honor tripped over her words and described me as “the perfect friend for her man” and Richard’s brother closed his best man speech with a quote from ‘Bridesmaids.’ Dancing with my dad to a song he wrote and recorded just for our special moment.

Our wedding was the pinnacle of our 11 years relationship. A true manifestation of the love we have for each other and everyone in our lives through the most incredible celebration filled with enough laughs, love and pretty to last a lifetime.

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Organic Rabbit Baby Shower

I’ve attended and planned many a baby shower in the past few years, but I must admit, this might take the cake as the most adorable. Beautifully planned and styled by Kelly McWilliams, this organic rabbit-inspired fête has a wonderfully intimate yet elegant vibe, and the soon-to-be daddy, Cody Hunter, captured every priceless moment perfectly. See even more here.

Event Planner, Kelly McWilliams created a beautiful rabbit themed baby shower for her photographer friend Tiffany (who happens to be my wife!) Tiffany had told her she’d always wanted a very organic feeling shower with little woodland animals or bunnies (since she was decorating her son’s room with the same feel).

Kelly used a very clean organic pallet and incorporated simple greenery, root vegetables that she found at the local farmer’s market and several paper mache rabbits to create the overall feel. The invitations were created by Kelly herself using old torn tea-stained pages from the book “Peter Rabbit.”

Surrounded by her close friends they had a fun luncheon shower with a few games and gifts. One of Tiffany’s favorite details was the custom block making station. “It gave me a sweet handmade keepsake from every one of my friends who was there. So much more fun than a guestbook and something our son Asher can have forever.”

Photography: Hunter Ryan Photo | Planner: Kelly McWilliams Celebrations, Weddings & Parties | Floral Design: Sue Bain - Signature Florals | Cake: Lady Cakes | Restaurant: Casa Ybel - Thistle Lodge

Modern French-Inspired Nursery

When your mom is as stylish as Lexi of Glitter, Inc., it’s a given that your nursery is going to be one of the most impeccably styled spots in town. And from the first bonjour captured by Diana Zapata, to the tutu-filled dressing rack. this french-inspired nursery of baby Scarlett is a little girl’s (and a big girl’s) dream. See the full nursery tour in all its black, gold and blush glory right here.

We couldn’t believe how lucky we were when we found out we were having a baby. Decorating our little girl’s room was just the icing on the cake.

I knew from the start that I wanted something neutral, soft, and dreamy, with pops of black, gold, and subtle hints of very pale pink. I tried to be wary of keeping the design from getting too black (because goodness knows if I could paint the world in black, I would … or at the very least, throw a black leather jacket on everyone.) And black was a non-negotiable when I discovered the black-spotted crib sheets and the black and gold clothing rack. Keeping the room light and fun was a must, because a little girl was going to live in and love that room. The more modern white crib, dresser, and bookcase lent itself to a more playful space. I also always wanted the room to have a notable French vibe, something very Parisian and chic, with vintage touches. That was all mommy. I knew that travel and great vintage-inspired pieces had to find their way into the mix, and I figured roses would be the feminine flower touch of choice. The real trick was fitting everything into the very tiny former “office” without it feeling too overcrowded.

Today, Scarlett’s nursery is ever a work in progress. We’re always adding fun and quirky touches, and as she gets older, it’s toy central. We’re loving every second of it.

Vintage Chic Outdoor Country Club Wedding

This vintage chic affair has stolen my heart. From the gorgeous Ever After Florals surrounding every detail, to the softly elegant Ted Baker Bridesmaids’ gowns, to a late night milk and cookies station, every image captured by Shea Christine is sure to leave a lasting impression. Jessica’s Events planned every detail of this outdoor ceremony and you can watch it all unfold here!

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From Jessica Estrada with Jessica’s Events… Some couples just touch our souls and these two did just that. From their loving and funny personalities working alongside with them for a year we became the best of friends through this journey. We created this beautiful detail vintage chic flair. Vanessa always wanted the outdoors for her wedding surrounded by nature and beautiful large trees and we found the perfect venue for her vision and the day was perfect as well, not a cloud in the sky and what we call a perfect Miami fall day. Creating elements for this wedding the concept was always “Think outside the box” Let’s go different and let’s do different. From gorgeous floral surrounding every detail to a late night milk and cookies station. My favorite detail from this entire wedding was the gorgeous bridesmaids dresses they were modern and very unique.

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At Home Engagement Session

Of all of the magical places to shoot an engagement session (and there are many), at home is always my favorite. And this adorable shoot? It’s ranking high atop the list with two seriously cute sweethearts celebrating their upcoming nuptials with a whole lot of love and a whole lot of baking. See every heartwarming (+ yummy) moment captured by Erika Delgado in the full gallery.

From Erika Delgado… Lara and Brandon’s session was so fun to capture mostly because it was such an authentic session filled with love, tradition and sweetness! They wanted to have photos that reflected the type of couple that they are. They love staying home and cooking together, they also have strong family ties and traditions that are important to them. They decided they would have fun and bake one of Lara’s family heirloom pound cakes and the best part is that at the end of the session we all got to have some freshly baked pound cake – including me! I love the simplicity of this at home lifestyle session so much. You can just feel the love and smell the aroma of the sweetness in the air!

Photography: Erika Delgado Photography | Cooking Aprons: Anthropologie | Headband Tie: Anthropologie | Private Residence: Erika Delgado Photography | Wedding Kitchen Towel: Anthropologie

Casual Elegance in Santa Rosa Beach

Seaside, Florida never fails to charm. Maybe it’s the darling little chapel or the white picket fences holding back beautiful greenery, but it sure does go hand in hand with weddings. Case in point? This soiree planned and coordinated with a whole lotta love by Christina Gillon Events. Dotted with blooms from Myrtie Blue, each moment from W&E Photographie is waiting to be oogled in the gallery.

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From W&E Photographie…Sumner & Drew were married on a bright, airy day in November. Seaside, Florida is known around the world for it’s pristine beaches and charming neighborhoods. Sumner and Drew’s wedding decor fit perfect with their surroundings. The Seaside Chapel is the perfect mix of classic and modern. It’s all clean lines and white, with the structure of a historic building. They added touches of loose greenery throughout, for a simple, understated beauty. Not only was their wedding a stunning display of classic details, but the joy that overflowed throughout the day was unescapable!

Commerce Street Events

This wedding is everything. A heartfelt ceremony set against a breathtaking backdrop, a dance ’til the sun comes up reception and drop-dead gorgeous details wowing each and every guest. It’s the kind of wedding that mixes Southern tradition with a little modern bling, and it was all planned and designed by the team at Commerce Street Events, a group of ladies that know a thing or two about perfect weddings.

From the stunning ceremony featuring a floral arbor, fabulous custom made doors and wooden church pews to the rustic farm tables highlighting the reception, this is a day that is all about the details. Something the team at Commerce Street Events is so very, very good at. They have the ability to take your story (in this case, an adorable duo who literally fell in love over their shared love of wine) and make that story the centerpiece of your big day. Think an Arrington Vineyards setting meets a sophisticated elegance that is literally jaw-dropping (hello, chandeliers). Teaming up with Commerce Street Events means hiring a group of amazing planners and designers who will walk with you step by step throughout the process, from event design and management, set-up and tear down, timeline management, guest services, vendor negotiations… and more. Which means that fairytale wedding you’ve been envisioning is right at your fingertips.

Contact Commerce Street Events TODAY to begin planning that wedding of a lifetime. You most definitely won’t regret it.

Classically Elegant Avila Country Club Wedding

Hillary and CJ infused their classically elegant wedding day with an incredible sense of family love—a love that runs deep and trumps a pretty detail any day. But lucky us, we don’t have to choose one or the other, because these captures from Jacqui Cole Photography are graced with both. From Dad officiating their ceremony to those sweet and sparkly ‘maids, this gallery is cause for a happy, happy dance.

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From Jacqui Cole Photography…Hillary and CJ were such a joy to photograph and I feel beyond blessed to have captured these memories for them. Every single aspect of Hillary and CJ’s day was perfectly planned. From the beautiful getting ready details in the bridesmaids’ Pretty Plum Sugar pj’s to the gorgeous florals by Carrollwood Florals. My favorite moment of their day was the moment the new Mr + Mrs turned around from their first kiss to walk up the aisle as husband and wife. The sheer elation and joy in their face as they looked at each other was so memorable!

From the Bride… CJ and I met at the University of Florida during our junior year (Go Gators!). We were both from Tampa, but our paths never crossed until college. We dated our entire senior year and after graduation CJ had to move cross-country to Phoenix, AZ for a new job. I was finishing up nursing school in Gainesville while we dated long-distance. We saw each other every six weeks, either in Tampa or in Phoenix. A week before our two-year anniversary, on his latest trip to Tampa, he proposed at the end of Davis Island overlooking beautiful Tampa Bay. His 16-year-old sister, and budding photographer, hid in the grass, catching the proposal while the sailboats passed behind us. We spent the rest of the day celebrating with our families. The next day, we drove up to Gainesville where all of our friends threw an engagement party for us. It was the most amazing weekend of celebrating with the people we love.

I finished nursing school in August, so we knew it would be perfect to have the wedding in the fall. We had three dates to match up vendors with, all of them revolving around Gator football. We ended up choosing October 18th, Florida’s Homecoming game. Needless to say, all of our guests were fortunate enough to miss the debacle that was the Missouri/Florida game.

During our venue search, we wanted to find something with character and meaning in the Tampa Bay area. CJ’s dad, Steve, has been the Senior Pastor at Holy Trinity Presbyterian Church for 16 years. We were so blessed and honored to have him officiate and marry us in the church he leads each Sunday. The neighborhood I grew up in, Avila, has this gorgeous “old-world” Spanish architecture that complimented the church and the historical charm that I love. The most attractive feature of the club was the expansive atrium; perfect for all the dancing we knew would go down.

Since our venues elevated the wedding to a more formal mood, I wanted to throw in some laid-back, organic features. My theme became bohemian glamour. My dress looked fancy, but was as comfortable as a nightgown. It had two layers, a champagne silk gown with a beaded lace overlay. It fit me perfectly with flats, so all I had to do was bustle it! The bridesmaids’ dresses were nude with silver beading. They looked like champagne from far away, but were shorter for a more casual look. Everything at the reception was mercury glass, a natural shimmer in candlelight. The groomsmen matched the groom, with modern tuxedos and suspenders, for a more relaxed approach. I met with my florist, Jaclyn, who is also a friend from high school, numerous times during the six-month engagement to get the flowers just right. We came up with the word whimsical to describe the arrangements. I wanted the flowers to almost sparkle against the bridesmaids’ dresses with their light natural colors and textures.

We had the most beautiful ceremony with the music lead by the team from our church in Gainesville. My dad walked me down the aisle to “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing”, sung by my good friend Brittany. Both my dad and my grandpa gave me away. On my right wrist was my grandma’s tennis bracelet, alongside my great-grandma’s coral and pearl ring. The bridal party recessed to “O Love That Will Not Let Me Go”, a beautiful yet upbeat song that got us all dancing down the aisle and into the back of the church. It was such an amazing feeling to see the gospel on display in front of our family and friends and to be married at the same time. I was feeling nervous all morning, but I’ve never been so happy and affirmed at the commitment CJ and I had just made. When I hear that song today, it brings back so much joy.

The pictures of the bridal party were taken in my backyard. I loved snapping one with my groom under the bougainvillea arch where I had taken countless family and prom pictures before. It was such a special day, centered around two families coming together as one in the presence of God. At the reception, I had two goals: to eat and to have fun. It was hands down the most amazing party I’ve ever experienced. Isabel, our wedding coordinator prepared us to-go boxes of filet, chicken and the leftover cake, and we exited to our friends holding sparklers and wishing us well.

We stayed at the Le Meridian in downtown Tampa before heading to Jamaica for our 11 days of tropical paradise. Following the honeymoon, we headed straight to Arizona, my new home. We currently live in the Phoenix area, and I just accepted my first job as a Labor and Delivery nurse. We have a great group of friends and a church that we’re growing to love. I definitely miss the southeast and our friends and family, but love the opportunity to explore and enjoy the west!

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Wedding Dresses

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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?

Romantic Pastel Rosemary Beach Wedding

When Beau and Meredith began planning their long-awaited wedding, a celebration anchored in faith was at the top of their list. Along with Shelby Peaden Events they wove in beautiful moments like their scripture-filled ceremony backdrop and the Bride’s brother who served as officiant. Myrtie Blue made certain the day had no shortage of gorgeous blooms, and as for the photos by Lauren Kinsey? We’re only just getting started.

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From The Bride…Beau & I are a bit all over the place — literally all over the map! Our story begins in the wonderful town of Norman, Oklahoma. It’s not necessarily a small town, but if you have lived there long enough, you can’t go anywhere without seeing at least three people you know. So, I have “known” Beau since I was little. He was the sweet little boy my momma always mentioned as “the man I should someday marry.” He dated my life-long best friend in elementary school, I watched him speed past every runner in our town’s Hershey’s Track Meets, we attended the same summer camp, and eventually attended the same high school, where we would pass each other in the hallways with a semi-awkward half-smile… you know how that goes.

According to Beau, he began falling for me our sophomore year of high school, but someone must have been a little nervous :) Thankfully, God gave him a giant nudge when placing us together in a small “class” of only four students, where we had plenty of time to talk. One month later we went on our first date to a Mexican restaurant, followed by a trip to Super Target where we ate ice cream and “chased” each other down the aisles in motorized shopping carts (real mature, I know). From that point on, Beau and I were inseparable. I would love to say that “the rest is history” or “and here we are today!”, but Beau and I didn’t really do normal – in fact, we chose to be abnormal.

Choosing the Town Hall as our ceremony site was probably the easiest decision we made throughout the entire planning process. Rosemary Beach is our place. Being in a long distance relationship and traveling back and forth between states throughout the years, this was always the one place that was constant in our relationship. We quickly (and easily) decided that the Rosemary Beach Town Hall would make the perfect location to celebrate together with our two “separate worlds” in our most favorite place!

My brother was the officiant at our wedding, and knowing him as a man who is passionate about the message of a Christ-centered marriage, I knew that he would be diving deep into the passage of Ephesians for our ceremony. After discussing our ceremony timeline with him the month before the wedding, I knew that what he had to say was exactly what was needed to be said–nothing more, nothing less.

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Shelby Peaden Events

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Monique Lhuillier

Monique Lhuillier Bridal Fall 2015

Monique Lhuillier Bridesmaids Fall 2015

Spring 2016

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Elegant Boca Grande Spring Wedding

I’m enchanted by these Floridan colors; the pinks, greens and creams have me captivated. Dave Lapham captured every gorgeous shade at this elegant, yet relaxed, wedding, and Sixpence Productions made me not only feel like I personally know this couple, but wish that I had been there to celebrate with them. Sit back and enjoy this beautiful treat ahead and get ready to smile for the rest of the day.

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From Sixpence Productions… Full disclosure, this gorgeous girl is my cousin Molly. She’s patient, affectionate, enthusiastic, smart, organized, and well-traveled. I could go on for days about how fabulous she is because I’m just that proud of Molly, and her sisters Laura and Emily. Molly’s perfect half came in the form of the handsome, intelligent, loving, thoughtful and sincere, Dustin. As maid of honor Emily, quotes their mother Mary in her speech, “They really are each others perfect compliment.” We lost Mary just six weeks before the wedding and this film is dedicated to her memory.

When I talk to couples before their wedding about hiring us, I tell them about how we focus on their friends and family rather than what I call “eye candy.” I consider eye candy to be all the gorgeous details and location shots which are nice to look at, but don’t really advance your story or add to the narrative. Boca Grande is my hometown, and in the early stages of editing this wedding film sneak peek, it looked like a love letter to Gasparilla Island with lots of beautiful details sprinkled in, rather than a story about Molly and Dustin, so I stopped, tore apart the edit, and focused on their story. At the end of the day, it’s not about my creative vision for a film. It’s about our couples. Molly’s sister Laura taught me that several years ago when I created her wedding film, and it’s shaped how I approach all my films to this day. I want to assure you, that this wedding had gobs of eye candy, but it belongs in their final film, not this sneak peek.

From the Bride… Ever since I was a little girl, I knew I wanted a Floridian wedding. Summer afternoons were spent dreaming up the details, and I would run around our home in Tampa Bay, sharing the palette, menu, and decor to anyone who would listen. My Mom used to joke that I had planned my wedding by age ten, but I couldn’t help but find inspiration in the colors and architecture of the “old Florida” that surrounded me. I loved the elegance, charm, and history, and often begged my Grandparents to share photos and stories of the St. Petersburg they once knew, fifty years ago. Despite a move to North Carolina, and to Columbus, Ohio soon thereafter, my heart still remained in Florida, with the vision of my wedding day painted with a Gulf of Mexico sunset.

Although Dustin and I met in Columbus, we spent a lot of time in Florida over the years, visiting my family in Tampa Bay, and his extended family in Polk County. When he proposed, it felt natural to pick Florida for the wedding, a place that’s so special to each of us, and a place that we have grown to love even more as we have experienced it together. We explored venues in my home town, but ultimately settled on a venue in a town newer to the two of us, but one very familiar to both of our families: Gasparilla Island. Boca Grande, the small town on the Island, was home to my Aunt, who started its first newspaper on the island, the Boca Beacon back in the 1970s. Dustin’s family grew up fishing in Boca Grande, and spent countless weekends exploring the island and its surrounding waters. Boca Grande is a true Floridian gem, abound with “old Florida” charm. It’s a rare place that’s been untouched for countless years, and one that we couldn’t wait to share with our guests on our wedding day.

We fell in love with the Boca Bay Pass Club and knew its views of the Gulf would be the perfect backdrop for a tented reception. We took inspiration from the venue’s surroundings, choosing classic decor that echoed the beauty of the island – shades of pink linens, floral arrangements of peonies and hydrangeas, whimsical calligraphy on signage and place cards. The Sperry Tent, adorned with a canopy of bistro lights, was one of my favorite details of the wedding, and (with the help of a beautiful April sunset!) helped create a stunning ambience for the reception. Floridian touches were scattered throughout the wedding – a menu highlighting Gulf Shrimp and Grouper, assorted pies from a nearby bakery, Boca Beacon newspapers layered in each welcome bag, hand drawn maps of the island passed out to each guest. Since many of our friends and family traveled long distances to Boca Grande, we wanted to ensure they fell in love with the island’s charm and simplicity, just as we had. Sarah Tucker’s guidance and support truly helped create a magical night for the two of us, and we could not be more thankful to our talented group of vendors that helped our vision come to life.

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Martina Liana

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Escondido: A Farm-To-Table Culinary Experience

Dinner parties rank pretty high on my things I love list. The more intimate the better, and when amazing farm to table food is added to that equation, you better believe I’ll be in my own little heaven on earth. That’s why I’m a little more than obsessed with all these gorgeous images from Melanie Gabrielle of one of Estancia Culinaria‘s amazing culinary experiences. With the girls at Gathered responsible for all the gorgeous styling, this gallery makes me want to book a flight and a table.

From Melanie Gabrielle …“Escondido” – A spanish word meaning “hidden”, i.e. “hidden treasure”, “tucked away”, “off the beaten path”.

Escondido is an intimate dinner series hosted by santi of estancia culinaria (a local avocado farm and wedding venue) and kathryn of new york food company, and is described as “a dining experience unlike any other”. with craft cocktails that will knock your socks off, delicious wine pairings, and live entertaining, you feel as if you are transported to another time and place. kathryn of new york food company masterfully creates an incredible menu using locally grown and organic foods.

“Gathered” is a food and lifestyle blog created by three wedding creatives who want to share their passion for food and memories with the rest of the world. the girls from gathered were asked to help style the table for escondido and they would like to share some styling tips with you!

Elegant Outdoor Key Biscayne Wedding at The Ritz

This little Floridian number here? Well, it just might be the inspiration for my upcoming wedding. A gorgeous Anne Barge gown, a beautiful Ritz- Carlton ocean backdrop, Grande Affairs peonies, and Jessica Lorren images that literally make my heart palpitate — this wedding is simply beyond. Click here to see so much more in the gallery.

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From the Bride… The night Chase and I met in Dallas, Texas, we realized we were neighbors. Chase had moved to Hong Kong after growing up in Tennessee and attending Auburn University. I had moved to Dallas 6 years ago after growing up in Arkansas and attending the University of Tennessee for dental school. I got my first job as a dentist in Dallas. A family business took Chase to Hong Kong for almost 7 years and then moved him to Dallas, and the rest is history.

Upon meeting Chase, I realized he had an extremely unique faith much like my own, which is what attracted me to his heart. I later learned that Chase was a stroke survivor and had suffered a stroke at the age of 28 years old while on a family vacation at the Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne in Miami. Chase’s experience in Miami was nothing short of a miracle.

My dream was always to get married in front of the ocean. Chase and I happen to share a love for the ocean and the coast. I wanted the setting to be a place of meaning for both of us. After searching high and low for the perfect venue (from Charleston to Dallas to Miami), we decided that the Ritz Carlton-Key Biscayne would provide the gorgeous ocean backdrop that we desired, while still being a place of significance and meaning. It meant everything to us to go back to this place and celebrate God’s faithfulness in bringing us together in marriage.

Choosing my dress was also a miracle in itself! I had a gorgeous Jenny Packham dress in mind, but with only a four month long engagement this was doable but costly. I ended up visiting the original Neiman Marcus in Dallas on a Saturday with no appointment. It just so happens an appointment cancelled about 20 minutes after I got there. I was able to try on many dresses and the final dress I put on was the dress of my dreams and just so happened to be a sample, never tried on by anyone before me, and in need of only one alteration. Bonus: I got the sample for 50 percent off. What a day!

Our wedding celebration was all a dream. It was a picture perfect day. Just before walking down the aisle, I noticed two beautiful white sailboats passing together in front of me. I took a deep breath and took it all in while walking down the aisle to meet the man of my dreams.

After such a special wedding ceremony, officiated by our good friend, Dr. John Tolson, we moved to a cocktail reception outside in front of the ocean. After cocktails, everyone went indoors for an amazing dinner and dancing. We chose a band from Texas to play some of our favorite songs. Then we had DJ Derek bring the party home. Seeing all of the smiles and joy throughout the evening made the planning (which happened in almost four months without a wedding planner) totally worth it. The best part was seeing all of our loved ones letting loose on the dance floor! I enjoyed every minute of planning and would not have changed a thing. My greatest inspiration while planning was Style Me Pretty. I poured over images for hours upon hours until I had created our perfect, elegant Black Tie Affair by the sea. I could not be more pleased with how the day unfolded.

Having Jessica Lorren and Eric Hires capture our day with their creative and insane talent was two of the best decisions I could have made. Jessica was extremely easy to work with and each of her photographs are truly a breathtaking work of art. Eric created a classic wedding film that is timeless and one we will enjoy forever. All in all, our wedding day could not have been more special to us. We made lasting friendships with our vendors along the way and could see God’s hand in every single detail.

Winter Beachside Inspiration

As a New England resident, seaside and winter aren’t necessarily two words I associate; however, upon viewing these Melanie Gabrielle oceanside images, my point of view is now permenantly changed. Elegant Ever After Floral Design blooms compliment the soft sunset, while snuggles are encouraged fireside. Every single detail will sweep you off your feet here.

From Ever After Floral Design… The inspiration for this lovely photo shoot was born out of the idea of a winter wedding on the beautiful beaches of South Florida. Beach weddings are so common in Florida, so we wanted to use the beach solely as a backdrop, showing that a beach wedding doesn’t have to be “beachy”.

Since winter is traditionally associated with Christmas and the Holidays, it was our main goal to create a winter wedding décor that excluded the usual reds, greens, and pine. We achieved this look by using a palette of grays and muted blues. We also incorporated whimsical aspects that are not commonly seen at a beach wedding, which included antlers, bunnies, mismatched china, and vintage silverware. Mercury glass centerpieces filled with delicate peonies and brunias were created for an elegant and timeless look, while contrasting textures added a whimsical element. Since the mood for this styled shoot was a warm, cozy, whimsical, and inviting winter wedding on the beach, we designed and styled a picturesque fireplace setting, which set the ambiance for a warm and cozy atmosphere.

The seating area had a wooden chest filled with warm throws, socks, and scarves for the guest to warm up and get cozy. Sugar Fancies created a unique array of sweet confectioneries, which included a whimsical two-tiered cake, chocolate mousse, heart shaped s’mores, tarts, and white chocolate bark. An adult hot chocolate bar was setup for guests to enjoy a spiced hot chocolate drink as they selected ingredients to roast delicious s’mores by the fireplace. We used a gray farmhouse table as the main reception table, and accented mismatched chairs and armchairs at the end; the whimsical printed plates from anthropologie tied the whole look and feel together.

The photography part of this project was very important to us. We wanted a photographer who shot film, as film lends itself to the feel and inspiration behind the shoot, and we wanted someone who was extremely detailed. Melanie from Melanie Gabrielle Photography was on our wish list, and we were beyond excited when she jumped onboard! Collaborating with Melanie was definitely the right choice; her style is like no one else. She perfectly captured our vision for a gorgeous, dusky gray and blue love story.

Jekyll Island Club Hotel

With the holidays just behind us, and engagement season in full force, there are lots of sparkly new rings upon fingers! Now that you and your honey have decided on forever, the wedding planning can begin. First up? A gorgeous venue. Lucky for you, I’ve got just the place — the historic Jekyll Island Club Hotel.

This incredible venue located on Jekyll Island, Georgia, is as gorgeous as they come. Offering couples a huge variety of settings where they can tie the knot — garden, beachfront, ballroom, cottage lawn + chapel to name a few — the breathtaking grounds of the Jekyll Island Club Hotel will have you and your guests head-over-heels. To help you navigate the planning process, the hotel has a top-notch sales + catering department that will walk you through everything from package options, room blocks, booking vendors, day-of coordination and so much more.

I don’t know about you all, but I’m seriously smitten with this stunning locale. It’s not too late to book your 2015 big day at the Jekyll Island Club Hotel — there are even a handful of discounted weekends available! To learn more about the venue and to get started planning, call 912.635.5170, email sales{at}jekyllclub.com or head over to their website. Happy planning, my dears!

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