Florida Weddings

Fairytales and romantic novels?  They have nothing on this darling duo’s big day. Because Cinderella and Snow White may have found their Prince Charmings, but these two sweeties found each other AND a drop-dead gorgeous wedding.  Think beautiful blooms from Just For You Floral Design Studio, a mesmerizing Marco Beach Ocean Resort setting and one seriously stunning moment after another captured by Binaryflips Photography.  See them all right here in the full gallery.

After a two year soul searching adventure that took me not only cross country, but around the world – it was time to return home (somewhat begrudgingly, I admit) to Ohio. Before I gave in and headed back to my hometown, I spent every last dime of the savings I had accrued backpacking through the mountains and glaciers of the stunning-but-desolate country of Iceland. Needless to say, once the trek led me back to my childhood bedroom, I needed to get a job! An old friend helped me land a prestigious engagement as bartender at a historic mansion (previously a speakeasy and a noted ganster hang-out) turned five-star steak house.

It was my first night training and I should have been paying close attention, as I didn’t know the difference between a Mint Julep and a Sidecar, but something else had caught my eye and held my interest. He looked like Clark Kent and he dressed like Jay Gatsby. As he popped a bottle of champagne, laughing jovially, he was full of life – and I, was captivated. Across the high top table sat a beautiful, petite brunette who wore a ponytail, sundress and a noticeably sparkling wedding ring. “Lucky woman,” I thought wistfully. A refreshing thought crossed my mind, “I want to meet a man just like that.”

As fate would have it, I met a man JUST like that. Later the same evening the handsome stranger returned with a friend in tow. This time he took a seat where I couldn’t miss him, at the bar behind which I was working. He ordered a Kettle One martini with bleu cheese olives, but I was so distracted I served him something along the lines of a tequila and tonic (Ew, right?!) but alas, I heard no complaints. After a bit of small talk I believed he was simply playing the role of “wingman” to his cute-but-quiet friend. When he, not the friend, asked for my phone number I finally had to say something. “I’m sorry, but weren’t you just here…with your wife?!” I protested confidently. He replied coolly, with a smirk that seemed to say ‘so you noticed me too, eh?’, “Well, you mean my date for dinner?”… “That, was my mother.”

Blushing, but delighted and quite relieved, I scribbled my name and number on a cocktail napkin…and the rest is history.

He recounts falling in love with my sense of adventure and love of travel. I vividly remember being drawn in by his authenticity and open-mind. We found that we were both captivated by the glamour and rebellion of past eras, especially that of the early 1900’s (which inspired his purchase of my antique 1920’s engagement ring). We also learned that we both had led charmed lives – raised on Midwest farms each with two siblings and adoring, hardworking parents, only ten miles from one another. This love of the luxurious, yet down-to-earth appreciation for life was what ultimately bewitched us both. Three days after we met he told me he was falling in love with me and within the year he asked me to be his wife.

After a four month engagement, we said “I do” in a rooftop garden on Marco Island, with waves of the Gulf crashing behind us. Our intimate celebration included only our immediate family and our bridal party. We kicked our shoes off for photos on the beach, ate dinner on the terrace overlooking the water as the sun set before us, and danced the night away in the lounge surrounded by our best friends and our beloved family. It was the perfect pairing of vintage glamour and relaxed charm from the dripping chandeliers to the weathered lanterns.

In the words of Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca (well, sort of!)…

“Of all the steak joints, in all the towns, in all the world… He walked into mine.” Wilhelm still has the napkin with my phone number jotted in blue ink. He keeps it in the nightstand on his side of the bed.

Photography: BINARYFLIPS PHOTOGRAPHY | Flowers: Just For You Floral Design Studio | Cake: Ella's Cakes | Catering: Sale e Pepe | Makeup: Erin Frame | Hair: Katie Zunick | Beach Resort: Marco Beach Ocean Resort | Music: The Sekond Nature Band

Fall in Key West is a magical thing.  It’s vibrant, colorful and chock-full of pretty.  And on a day that we celebrate one of fall’s happiest holidays (it’s Halloween, lovelies!), we thought it only appropriate to also celebrate all of that aforementioned South Florida beauty.  I’m talking lush blooms from Soiree Key West, crazy cool paper goods from Invites by Danette and a yummy + gorgeous cake from Key West Cakes.  See it all captured by Filda Konec right here in the full gallery.

The ladies at Soiree Key West decided to take inspiration from Key West’s vibrant culture and mix it up with the city’s lush landscape for an organic, rustic vibe. The florals infuse fresh kale and citrus which compliment the beautiful gardens of Old Town Manor – perfect venue for intimate garden event. The colors are great for Halloween and the upcoming Thanksgiving holidays.

Photography: Filda Konec Photography | Floral Design: Soiree Key West | Cake: Key West Cakes | Invitations: Invites By Danette | Jewelry: Chloe and Isabelle by Lee | Hair and Make-up: Casa Salon | Headpieces: Can Can Couture | Location: Old Town Manor | Party Rentals: Key West Party Rentals | Planners: Soiree Key West

This, my friends, is exactly the reason I love Julie Cate Photography.  The reason I swoon on a continual basis over her gorgeous work, and the bride and grooms she so effortlessly captures.  It’s an ethereal look into the celebration of two sweeties sooo in love and sooo full of joy, it’s palpable.  From the beautiful blooms from The Conservatorie Floral & Event Design to the perfectly perfect stationery from St. Augustine Paper Co..  See it all right here in the full gallery.

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From the Bride… When Dan and I envisioned our wedding, there was one thing we knew for certain–we wanted to have a fun, intimate, and relaxed day that reflected us. We chose the setting of our wedding to be in St. Augustine, FL, a place that has been special to us throughout our relationship, as well as Dan’s hometown. The Oldest House Garden provided the perfect backdrop for our ceremony with its simplistic beauty. Guests were greeted by songs played by our favorite local musician, Ricky Kendall. To further personalize our ceremony, our pastor had us write letters to each other, which he read aloud. I was initially reluctant to this idea, but I am so thankful that we went forward with it. It truly made the ceremony special. The reception was held across the street at the St. Francis Barracks. DIY elements were found throughout, consisting of a homemade photobooth, fabric pennants strung across the tent, a fabric strip banner behind the cake table, and Mr. & Mrs. signs for our chairs. My mom and sister helped tremendously in making all of this. Ricky Kendall graced our ears with more tunes played during dinner, followed by a night of dancing. Two of our friends put together a Spotify playlist, which was a huge success considering the dance floor was full all night long. Guests enjoyed cakes and popsicles provided by The Hyppo, a favorite local spot in St. Augustine owned by one of our groomsmen. The night ended with Dan and I exiting through a tunnel of sparklers.

Thinking back to our wedding day, there’s nothing Dan and I would change. The weather was perfect, the ceremony was beautiful, and the reception was truly a party. It was better than we could’ve imagined thanks to the support and help of our friends and family. We were blessed to work with amazing vendors as well, who made the whole day seamless.

Photography: Julie Cate Photography | Event Design: The Conservatorie Floral & Event Design | Flowers: The Conservatorie Floral & Event Design | Wedding Dress: Essense of Australia | Stationery: St Augustine Paper Co. | Ceremony Venue: The Llambias House | Reception Venue: Katie Deffke | Bridesmaids' Dresses: J.Crew | Caterer: Culinary Outfitters | Groom's Suit: Banana Republic | Cakes and Popsicles: The Hyppo | Make-up & Hair: Philosophie Salon & Apothecary

This gorgeous wedding started with a completely adorable love story that began way back in 8th grade. And now here they are on pages of SMP Florida thanks to the stunning set of images below by Christina Block Photography, with forever and ever in front of them. It leaves us with a wedding that is the perfect combination of stylish and sweet, making this gallery one you shouldn’t miss. Take a gander here.

Photography: Christina Block Photography | Florist: Lori Parker Floral Studios | Wedding Gown: The White Magnolia | Wedding Cake: Sweet 'n' Flour | Invitations: Smitten on Paper | Engagement Ring: Tiffany & Co. | Wedding Bands: The 58th Facet | Bridesmaid Dresses: BCBGMAXAZRIA | Makeup: Andrea Koegler | Band: Gary Starling Jazz Band | Bow Ties: High Cotton Ties | Wedding Venue: The White Room | Assistant to Photographer: Autumn Paciorek | Bridal Gown Shop: The White Magnolia | Hair Design: Mac Hair Studio | Headpiece: Nicole Lee of Pink Underground | Shoes + Cake Cutter + Flutes: BHLDN

Ozzy Garcia and perfect weddings go hand in hand. That’s a proven fact. Case in point — this life-changingly gorgeous Miami soiree that just might be his best work yet. It’s a lesson in the power of soft lighting and neutral palettes. But more than that, it’s a love story told through Ozzy’s lens, and you can watch it all unfold right over here.

From the Bride… My husband proposed to me at the top of Rockefeller center surrounded by a ton of tourists and a breathtaking view of Manhattan. Right afterwards, he took me on a surprise trip to Italy (marry the perfect guy: check!) where we explored Rome, Florence and Venice. In Florence, we stayed right outside the city in a gorgeous home turned charming bread & breakfast that was dripping with history and authenticity. From the arched little doorways, to the lace doilies that sat below our morning coffee cups, I totally fell in love with it. We drove from our B&B past gorgeous homes and gardens and up the hill to Piazza Michelangelo where we watched beautiful sunsets. I felt like the whole trip was in soft lighting. When it was time to plan the wedding, I wanted to channel everything I experienced there: a classic, timeless, soft and romantic beauty. Miami, my hometown, was a perfect place to achieve that.

We got married in a classic Coconut Grove church that both my parents and sister were married in. The ceremony was beautiful and emotional. The lighting coming through the stain glass made everything seem like a dream, which is exactly how it felt. The reception was held at Villa Woodbine, a perfectly timeless estate filled with pretty textures, gorgeous antique furniture, a beautiful tiled stairway, an intimate open courtyard, and a front lawn surrounded by huge oak trees and twinkling lights. The venue provided so much natural beauty and greenery that we didn’t need to add much.

In keeping with the softness I was so drawn to, we added ombre watercolor elements with the program, table numbers, menus and escort cards. Even the flower arrangements and bouquets created a sunset feel, with pink peonies, peach roses and white ranunculus against green accents. Lace tablecloths and runners, mercury glass, a tufted love seat, and one gorgeous draped chandelier hanging from the center garden sealed the deal. The evening was filled with joy, laughter and romance. It was perfect. We ended the night with tons of confetti and drove away in a 1964 classic white Pontiac GTO and the sounds of cans ringing behind us.

Photography: Ozzy Garcia | Flowers: Nevot Flower Design | Wedding Cake: Filled & Frosted | Invitations: Vera Wang | Ceremony Venue: St Hugh Catholic Church | Reception Venue: Villa Woodbine | Bridesmaid's Dresses: Bari Jay | Bistro Lights, Love Seat, Props: Unearthed Vintage | Bride's Dress: Reem Acra | Day of Stationary: Umbrella Tree Design | Flower Girl Dresses: Seahorse- Watters | Groom's Tux: Sandro | Linens & Coordination: Leyani | Pontiac GTO: Miami Vintage Prop Cars | Rolls Royce: Melian Limousines & Antiques

I love weddings like this.  You know the ones.  Those crazy gorgeous days where beautiful vintage stylings join forces with a dazzling backdrop (hello The Omni Hotel – Amelia Island), fab paper goods and lush blooms from Island Flower and Garden?  Yep, that kind wedding.  And when you add in an amazing duo and a gallery of gorgeous from Wes Roberts Photography, let me tell you… it’s some serious pretty.  Click here for more.

From the Bride… At the age of 15, I met my very best friend and partner in life. It took many years, thirteen in all, to finally make our way down the aisle, but it was an experience we will never forget. Our love of traveling and my love of old books inspired an intimate vintage wedding on Amelia Island, Florida.

The ceremony was held at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation. Guests were greeted with handmade programs and ribbon wands, ready to be waved at the ceremonial first kiss. My brother and two close friends contributed their musical talents, singing throughout the ceremony. My favorite moment, and by far the most personal, was hearing “Baby Mine” as I walked down the aisle. This childhood song, sang by my brother, beautifully captured the love of my family and husband. Our service was officiated by a close friend, who lovingly brought tears and laughter to all who were present. The mothers contributed words of wisdom and both my husband and I shared our own vows. Each contribution was written in a leather bound book. This book was used in the ceremony and now resides on a bookshelf in my home. All together it was a deeply personal service that ended with the utmost joy as guests waved their ribbon wands and the bridal party danced out to “Reach Out.”

Guests were then shuttled to the Oyster Bay Yacht Club in Fernandina Beach where they were greeted with an antique key and connected escort card. Approximately three hundred used books were scattered throughout the venue. Old milk jugs and medicine bottles held bridal bouquets and simple floral arrangements. Our cake was displayed in a vintage chest with rose petals and my mother’s vintage lace. All keys, books, and glassware were purchased from a local flea market and libraries. Grandparents contributed old picture frames, a mirror, and pocket watch. We wanted to infuse as many authentic vintage pieces as possible within our decor while still having a sleek and simple design. Our flowers parallel this simple design, using soft champagne, white, and grey arrangements. Centerpieces utilized old books, wooden pedestals, and grey ornate letters on a simple white table cloth. Lanterns and candles were scattered throughout the deck giving soft flickering light as the sun began to set.

The soulful music of Ray Charles introduced guests to the bridal party. Sam Cooke, Aretha Franklin, and Otis Redding maintained a nod to the past as guests ate delicious hand served appetizers. Guests overlooked the waterfront drinking cocktails as a light breeze floated in from the deck. An incredible buffet of apple cider pork, spicy potatoes, and roasted chicken stuffed with prosciutto were served to guests. From start to finish Oyster Bay served and supported my family and friends as we ate, drank, and danced the night away. It was beyond a magical experience and something my husband and I will cherish for the rest of our life.

Photography: Wes Roberts Photography | Floral Design: Island Flower and Garden | Cakes: Karen Ray - Bliss Cupcakery | Ceremony Venue: The Omni Hotel - Amelia Island | Reception Location: Oyster Bay Yacht Club | Music: Terry Thrift - Resort Talent

My favorite wedding ingredient?  Hands down, personality.  Because there’s nothing better than a wedding chock-full of personality-infused details to really give you a glimpse of the couple behind the big day.  And this darling duo captured by Alisia Thompson?  Well, they (and their family and friends) are as crafty as it gets with a whole host of amazing details lovingly styled with their very own talented hands. Think fab paper goods, beautiful florals and glittery gold centerpieces.  See them all right here.

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From the Bride… Romance, Fun and Mingle: Those were the words my husband and I based our wedding on. We knew that adding as many personal touches as we could was the way to achieve that. So with that in mind, we DIY’d almost everything and crafted nearly all of the decorations by hand. It was our way to create a wedding that catered to our style, as well as helped our budget!

It all began with the color peach, which I view as such a romantic, yet playful color. I chose it as the basis for the whole event! My sister designed our invitations, RSVP cards, and bulletins to fit our personalities and promote the theme of our wedding. She also created personalized crossword puzzles, madlibs and the signs that were displayed at our venues. All of the bouquets and florals were arranged by my aunt, who was the one to introduce me to the beautiful type of flower used in my bouquet. I described to her that I wanted a taller arrangement to compliment the flower bunch on my dress. She suggested “stock,” and when I saw a picture of them, I knew immediately that those were what I wanted. Who knew that such a pretty flower could have such a ordinary name? Other handcrafted projects we did were the coffee filter peach flowers that were used in the centerpieces on the tables and all of the backdrops used at the ceremony and the reception. We crafted the backdrops with simple light pink and peach crepe paper streamers, and added a touch of Martha Stewart’s Gold Glitter Eyelash Yarn for some sparkle. My mother and sister hand-crafted all of the cake toppers and cupcake toppers; it totally topped off our look!

One of the most meaningful personal touches of the wedding was that I had the honor of wearing the veil my mother wore at her wedding twenty-six years ago. In the end, we created a memorable celebration that reflected our personalities and our desire for our guests to just have fun. And everything came together the way my husband and I dreamed it would.

Photography: Alisia Thompson Photography | Dress: Something Blue Bridal - Allure Romance Collection | Cakes: A Slice of Heaven | Ceremony Site: Fellowship of Believers | Dress Designer: Allure Bridal | Reception Site: Lakewood Rach Golf & Country Club

After three years of blissful marriage, these two cuties (the ever-talented Jennifer Blair and her dapper Mr.) have still got it.  That eternally glow-y, love-filled happiness reserved exclusively for couples in all caps LOVE.  And what better way to capture that joy-filled bliss than with a pretty, pretty anniversary session set against a stunning Alys Beach backdrop and captured by the always stellar Lauren Kinsey? Answer: nothing.  See it all right here in the full gallery.

From Jennifer Blair… Today I’m so excited to send over some photos from our anniversary session with the lovely and talented Lauren Kinsey. I had been planing our little 3-year celebration for a few months and was so happy to find such a phenomenal film photographer so close to where we live. As a wedding photographer myself, it was a huge deal to find someone that I love and trust completely. When Lauren suggested Alys Beach I was almost beside myself. It fit in perfectly with the style we wanted to go for. The home we’ve created is full of pastel blues, greens and white with a Tuscan feel. We hoped our session would reflect that as well. After three years of marriage, we are so happy to have some updated photos of our everyday love not just wedding photos. I feel like we’ve changed and grown so much in the past three years as well. I, for one, have changed my hair color (admittedly, quite a bit) and we both look less like the babies we were when we wed at 21 and 22! I’m so thankful Lauren was able to capture us in this season of life. I’m forever grateful.

Photography: Lauren Kinsey Fine Art Weddings | Flowers: Petal Pushers | Shoes: Designer Shoe Warehouse | Couple: Jennifer Blair Photography | Jennifer's Formal Dress: Gianna Bini | Jennifer's Hat + Dress: Target | Jennifer's Shoes: BCBGMAXAZRIA | Jonathan's Attire: Express | Jonathan's Vest: H&M | Location: Alys Beach

This is the type of wedding I could get lost in for hours. The stunning florals from Shea Hopely Flowers, the perfectly placed details meticulously planned by Megan Martin and the plethora of picture perfect moments captured by J. Layne Photography – it honestly doesn’t get prettier than this, folks. It makes for a soiree worthy of spending some serious QT with this morning, and you can do just that right here.

From the Bride… I really love anything with a rustic edge to it, but I really didn’t want to go too far into the “country” feel, so my wonderful wedding planner, Megan Martin, dubbed my wedding style as “Fresh Rustic”: Light & Airy Details in Crisp Colors with A Rustic Flair. I wanted it to be romantic and elegant with a twist of my all-time favorite decorating style. I wanted everyone to feel like they were comfortable and at home, but also that they were at a very nicely detailed wedding. I had obviously cooked up a hundred and one ideas on Pinterest for my vision, but I was so overwhelmed that I think it became a few different visions. So, I handed it over to my wedding planner to take my vision(s) and create a visionary! Megan made this beautiful look book for me with pictures of the entire style of my wedding, with inspiration boards and color schemes and flower ideas I hadn’t even thought of, but that went perfectly. It put tears in my eyes to finally see it all coming together. She was the key to a very successful and organized plan.

My advice for new brides is, honestly, start early. I got my dress a week after Josh proposed, and the entire planning process followed suit. Not to say you should rush everything, some things take time, and it’s different for each bride. But, do things as early as possible that you KNOW you want. We did, and it was so we didn’t have to worry the week of the wedding. Everything was done, and we could enjoy our friends and relatives from out of town.

Get a planner! I can’t say it enough to everyone who asks if it’s worth it. I 100% would have been lost without someone to take my ideas and make them amazing in person. I would not change ONE thing about the look of the wedding.

Splurge on your photographer, if you can. Or at least do your research for a good one. The most important thing after planning and attending your amazing wedding is to have photographs to look back on that blow you away!! It’s so worth it, and I’m so glad I hired J. Layne Photography!

From J. Layne… Being a part of this wedding really opened our eyes as to how truly blessed we are to be in this industry. Megan, her family, and friends were all so welcoming we felt as though we were around our family and friends all day.and I think that is exactly the feel that Megan wanted for her wedding day.

The groom, being a Captain in the United States Air Force and stationed in OK, and Megan living in her hometown in FL, have spent the majority of their relationship apartI remember Megan telling me on her wedding day that she is just excited to begin her life with Joshua. Many of us, so often, take for granted our significant others being so close physically that mentally we lose sight at what is really important just being together.

Photography: J. Layne Photography | Event Design + Planning: Megan Martin | Floral Design: Shea Hopely | Wedding Dress: JLM Couture, Inc | Cake: Classic Cakes | Shoes: Designer Shoe Warehouse | Engagement Ring: Henri Daussi | Caterer: Designed Events | Makeup Artist: Paulina Perez | DJ: Skip Kelly Productions | Wedding Venue: Crosswater Hall | Bride's Crystal Belt for Reception: Essense of Australia | Bridesmaid Dress Designer: Alfred Sung | Canvas Bags: Stamp Out Online | Dress Boutique: Love Bridal Boutique | Drop Earrings: Haute Bride | Hair Artist: Casey Does Hair

This beautiful bride right here?  She wore five inch suede heels on her Big Day.  Five inch suede heels in a gorgeous pink hue with a stunning Anne Barge gown from Lovely Bride that will sort of take your breath away.  In other words, she’s awesome… and her wedding to her dapper Mr.?  Just as amazing, with a whole host of pretty styled by Pieces of Dreams and one crazy beautiful moment after another captured by Shaun Menary.  See them all in the full gallery.

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From Shaun Menary Photography… Scott and Samantha are so kind and quite possibly the most FUN couple we’ve ever had the pleasure of photographing. I mean, you don’t do a destination wedding in South Beach unless you’re down for some serious celebrating! Scott and Sam are NYC residents who will take any excuse to head to the beach and knock back a couple of mojitos. So after seven years of dating, when the couple decided to make it official, they seized their opportunity for a beach bash wedding weekend, and with the help of designer Susan Jaffe of Pieces of Dreams, they put together one of the most beautiful and vivacious weddings we’ve ever witnessed!

It could have gone either way, given that it practically monsooned the morning of the wedding! We thought the nuptials would be moved indoors, but, almost serendipitously, the rain subsided just as we arrived, and the in-house coordinator and Susan Jaffe mustered up their magic and got the venue ready just in time!

Sam was absolutely s t u n n i n g in a lace Anne Barge gown, and that girl rocked some 5″ pink suede wedges. Scott was incredibly dapper in his custom suit from Custom Men.

Scott and Sam tied the knot in the Raleigh’s “Oasis” space, which is like a miniature Eden, with lush tropical greenery along the flanks, and the beach and ocean just beyond the tree line. Petal Productions erected a custom 10-ft. backdrop with an beautiful ombre floral design. Directly following the ceremony, the couple and their guests mingled during the cocktail hour. The reception took place in the Raleigh’s modernized art-deco ballroom, where the couple and their guests danced, drank and dined.

Once the sun set and the drinks really started flowing, the party animals came out! Pieces of Dreams and the Raleigh arranged an after-party in the hotel’s penthouse, so while the ballroom closed and the couple took a break, the Raleigh staff moved the party upstairs, where there was a bar, dessert table and a DJ. Those who wanted a tamer experience could enjoy their drinks on the rooftop lounge area overlooking the ocean.

So Sam, Scott and all their guests spent the entire day against the striking backdrop of the Raleigh’s art-deco brilliance and the sweeping sights and sounds of the ocean just yards away… not too shabby! We had so much fun being part of the Stringfellow wedding weekend, and we wish the happy couple all the best!

P.S. What’s up with those axes, you ask? They’re only the most awesome groom’s gifts we’ve ever seen. Scott went to Best Made Co. and had axes customized with paint jobs in each groomsman’s heritage. So neat!

Photographer: Shaun Menary Photography | Floral Design: Petal Productions | Wedding Dress: Anne Barge | Shoes: Kurt Geiger | Rings: D. Sachs & Co. | Hair + Makeup: Kiss This Makeup | Groom's Attire: Custom Men | Wedding Venue: The Raleigh Hotel | Cake + Catering: The Raleigh Hotel | Ceremony Singer: Ken Stringfellow | Custom Pillows: Susan Jaffe, Pieces of Dreams | DJ/Lighting/Production: Rock With U | Designer + Coordinator: Susan Jaffe, Pieces of Dreams | Dress Retailer: Lovely Bridal Shop | Groom's Gifts: Best Made Co.

Here at SMP, we’re always on board for a good beach affair. And when it’s shot by the likes of Lauren Kinsey? Even better. Think coastal beauty meets modern design, with splashes of black, white and blush woven in for good measure. To see this wedding is to LOVE it, so let’s keep this pretty party going in the full gallery over here.

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From Lauren Kinsey.. Claire and Adam’s wedding was held at the beautiful Casa Marina resort in Key West, Florida. I loved all the modern elements of this wedding, in a color palette of black and white, with a few touches of some blushes and mint.

Claire is a very talented interior designer based in the Atlanta area, and Adam is a private airplane pilot for a corporation. Because Claire is very serious about her design aesthetic, Claire hired
Peggy of Destination Wedding Studio and Peter Gran Bek of Milan Events to execute this wedding to perfection. Claire’s Aunt is also a jewelry designer and designed the couple’s rings as well as many of the pieces of jewelry that Claire accessorized her Kenneth Poole gown with.

From the Bride… Adam and I picked Key West because we went to The Casa Marina on our first trip together. He flew me down there himself in his teeny, tiny plane. While I have always loved Key West (it’s kooky like me), I fell in love with The Casa for its beautiful architecture, with it’s old world and new age feeling.

I’m an interior designer, which means I know exactly what I want all the time. So, I was very involved in every decision. Luckily, I had a team with not only the patience to guide me through the technical details, but also with the bevvy of talent necessary to execute my vision above what I could even imagine. From sketching the save the date, to making scaled models of every single paper good, to sourcing the shell pink runner at the ceremony, the buffalo check tablecloths and the Annabelle’s candy in guests’ welcome boxes – I put my hands in every single detail.

I also loved Reverend Eddie and how he matched his scarf (not the right word) to the runner – do you know he was on Million Dollar Listing!

Photography: Lauren Kinsey Fine Art Weddings | Wedding Dress: KENNETH POOL | Shoes: Calvin Klein | Jewelry: Aurum | Casa Marina: Casa Marina | Floral Design + Decor: Milan Events | Guitarist:: Dave Feder | Planning: Destination Wedding Studio

Monday mornings call for some serious sweetness, and that’s just what you’ll see when you pour through all the gorgeous images from Alena Bakutis Photography of this downright darling Destin wedding. Intimate and filled with that casual elegance that just seems to make me melt, this gallery is one you won’t want to miss. See it all here.

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Hannah and Rush have met in Chattanooga, TN while in college. After being together for 5 years, they’ve decided to tie a knot after Rush’s proposal in March of 2013. The reason why they chose to do it in Florida was because it’s their favorite vacation spot. Bride and groom dreamt of a clean and simple, yet elegant wedding with navies and corals for accents.

Hannah and Rush’s dream came true September 1, 2013! 0% chance of rain made their Big Day go flawless, although nobody expected a nice sunset after such a gloomy overcast day. Rush with his groomsmen definitely had fun, showcasing their love for golf! Even the groom’s cake was a golf field made out of green cupcakes.

Photography: Alena Bakutis Photography | Flowers: Florals By The Sea | Wedding Cake: Bella Rella Cupcakes | Reception Venue: Destin Bay House | Catering: Jim 'n Nick's Bar-B-Q

If you know me at all, you know that just saying the word summer puts a little skip in my step. I love it with all my being. And although the other seasons have their moments of glory, summer always steals the show. So it’s no surprise that I fell head over heels in love with shoot from Lauren Kinsey – it’s the perfect way to send summer on her stylish way, and you can see it all right here. Until next time, sweet summer…

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The dress Rayna is wearing is pure silk dress by Olivia and James. Hunter is wearing JCrew. My friend, Bonny, took us out on the coast early one morning to enjoy the beautiful breeze, and I was able to finally bring this vision to life and photograph some beautiful images of these two.

Dress: Olivia and James | Food: Dine by Design Catering | Hair & Makeup: Make Me Blush | Men's Attire: J.Crew | Sailing: Bonny Todd | Scanning & Developing: Indie Film Lab | Styling & Photography: Lauren Kinsey Fine Art Weddings

This, my friends, is a wedding that is overflowing with perfection.  A wedding that is sooo stunning and sooo heartwarming, it deserves the description “jaw-droppingly gorgeous.”  And above all of the pretty, pretty details (I’m looking at you, seriously stunning tulips), it’s a wedding that showcases two of the most adorable people you’ll ever have the privilege to meet… and a proposal story that is all sorts of amazing. Dive into the full gallery captured by Jillian Tree Photography.  It’s sooo worth it.

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From the Bride… After over 2 years of dating, Kirk and I knew the rest of our lives would be best spent together. So my talented fiance set about the work of writing a song. He played, recorded, layered two guitars and a drum together, writing these words:

Just a few years back, I started talking with you.
I never had thought that you would like me too.
Now I get to see you almost every day.
You look so fine, and I have to say:
You’re so very special, truly one of a kind.
As a lifelong companion, I will claim you as mine.
You’re one in a million, truly one of a kind.
As a lifelong companion, I will claim you as mine.
For all of life’s journeys, we make a good team.
When I picture the future, you are in every scene.
Gazing at the night sky, the stars, they do not fade.
Let me be the man you vow never to trade.
I love you with all my heart.
And I’ll love you ’til from this life, we part.

With my dad’s blessing given, Kirk took me to the beach one night. On the way, he told me that he had heard a new song on the radio, but said he couldn’t remember the name. I asked about it, what artist? But I received no answers.

While walking along the shore, Kirk paused. He told me that he remembered the song and that he wanted to play it on his phone for me. He then played “One of a Kind,” while hugging me tight. After he got down on one knee and said, “Emily, will you marry me?” What he didn’t know is that the ring box he was holding out was upside down. I stared at that box trying to see the ring. I realize that Kirk was waiting for an answer! The ring didn’t matter. So I said yes!

Our wedding date was May 18th, 2013. Kirk is perfect for me. We compliment each other, by filling in what is lacking in each of us. This love is going to last forever.

Photography: Jillian Tree Photography | Ceremony Venue: First Baptist Church Of Cooper City | Music: Grace Coleman

Happy Wedding Wednesday SMPers! I think it’s time for a little spotlight, don’t you? We have our fair share of convo about gorgeous dresses, lovely blooms and the little details that make a wedding come together. But we don’t give the wedding dinner the love it truly deserves—what do you think fuels all that late night dancing?! So, we’ve brought in one of our talented caterers, Dine by Design to let us in on some of the tips that make weddings so tasty.

SMP: Tell us a bit about yourself. What is Dine by Design?

DBD: Over seven years ago, in March of 2006, I opened Dine by Design Catering in Santa Rosa Beach, FL. Ever since, we’ve been happily catering from Pensacola to St. George Island, though most of our events take place along beautiful Scenic 30A, in south Walton County. At a “certain age”, my lifelong love affair with food led me to leave a successful career in the software biz and into culinary school in New York City. After graduating from The French Culinary Institute, I spent eighteen months in Paris completing an apprenticeship at a Michelin starred restaurant, before moving to Northwest Florida and opening Dine by Design Catering.

Dine by Design is a boutique catering company, which means that we don’t expect to be all things to all people. We are chef-owned, so our food is certainly a priority, and we cook everything from scratch. We have a passion for food and believe that it should be fun! That said, we take great pride in our customer service, and receive great reviews for that as well.

SMP: Favorite part of your job?

DBD: Menu creation! Our goal is to understand a client’s specific tastes, in order to be able to put together a menu that speaks to them personally. It’s always a challenge, but a fun one, and we get it right because we listen.

SMP: How early in advance should a couple meet with a caterer?

DBD: Our market is unique.The months of April through June, and September through October are very busy for weddings in this region. If a client is planning an event during those months, I’d recommend sealing the deal with your major vendors as soon as possible. There are also specific dates that book up quickly; for example if you were interested in 10-11-12, that’s the sort of date that you’d better hop on right away. In addition, the earlier you establish a relationship with your vendors, the longer you will have to develop a rapport with them; and a great rapport will a vendor will really help you during those final, dizzying, tense days!

SMP: What are some budget friendly ways to fancy-up a wedding meal?

DBD: In general, a buffet will be less expensive than a seated meal, simply because it requires less labor. However, if you stock your buffet with beef tenderloin and pretty grouper, it could end up being more expensive! Also, if you’re a foodie, and upscale food is important to you, you might want to consider scaling down the number of guests to serve the sort of meal you want. Another choice to consider is the number of dishes you serve. A caterer never ever wants to run out of food, so the greater the variety, the more expensive a buffet will be, because there are that many more dishes to “cover”.

SMP: What percent of a wedding budget do you recommend setting aside for catering?

DBD: The average is ten percent of your total wedding budget. Naturally that depends on tastes, however, so it’s possible that food just isn’t a big deal for you (gasp!), and you might be able to get away with a little less.

SMP: Any advice for Brides & Grooms on the big day?

DBD: BREATHE! Have fun! Take it all in, so that you remember the day well after it is over. If you choose vendors that you trust, they will handle everything for you and your special day.

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Catering: Dine by Design Catering

This is a wedding that is all about the romance.  Beautiful pink-hued romance with lush blooms from Emma’s Flowers and just a dash of vintage charm.  And if that weren’t enough to totally make your Wednesday (it sooo is), there’s a Jim and Pam-esque love story brimming just beyond the surface; a love at first sight meets totally adorable family kind of love story you won’t be able to get enough of (believe me). See it all captured by Amalie Orrange Photography right here in the full gallery.

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From Amalie Orrange Photography… Max and Ana are such a sweet couple and had the most amazing wedding! Max and Ana met a little over four years ago when they worked at a restaurant together; Ana said she knew immediately that he was the one. During that time, Max and Ana got to know each other very well and fell in love, and Ana had also fallen in love with his little boy. Max’s son played a big part in the wedding festivities, even helping Ana pick out THE dress. Ana and Max dated for the past four years and on a rainy evening Max proposed to Ana while taking their dog for a walk.

Ana and Max were married at The Porcher house in Cocoa Florida, a beautiful historic home built in 1916 and is now an amazing venue. The ten bedroom house is composed of native coquina rock, and finished in the interior with teak, oak, cedar and well the light coming through the giant windows in the house is beyond amazing.

Ana’s vision for their wedding was to incorporate tons of blush and ivory details as well as vintage elements, and I think she did an amazing job pulling it all together from the blush bridesmaids gowns, baby’s breath bouquets, and lace details all around.

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Photography: Amalie Orrange Photography | Wedding Dress: Allure Bridals | Floral Design: Emma’s Flowers | Cake: Oleander Bakery | Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Bill Levkoff | Catering: Renaissance Catering | DJ: Tagas Event and Production Services | Men’s Attire: Express Men | Hair + Makeup: Marigold Scott | Wedding Venue: Porcher House

You’ve probably guessed by now that I am an uber-romantic.  That I’m the kind of girl that stays up until the wee hours of the morning watching Jane Eyre’s 100th showing, cry while reading greeting cards and count Pride & Prejudice as the greatest novel ever written.  You guessed right.  And on top of all of that total love of all things girly, I also happen to be the kind of gal that gets all kinds of excited for some e-session lovely.  An e-session, in fact, like this darling day captured by Jillian Tree Photography.  Because this, my friends, is romance and then some and you can see it all right here in the full gallery.

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From Jillian Tree Photography… Britnye & Phil wanted their engagement photos to be at the Jupiter Lighthouse since she lived really close by, so we started there and also headed to River Bend Park after an outfit change.

Photography: Jillian Tree Photography

If there is one thing you should know about me, it’s that I am obsessed with candy.  Sugary, fruity, chocolatey candy… the term “sweet tooth” and me go hand in hand.  So this candy-inspired masterpiece of a wedding captured by Ozzy Garcia Photography ?  Well, it has me smitten with its candy bouquet (YES), pink-filled blooms from Ocean Flowers and a never-ending sweets display.  Click here for all of the yummy details.  It’s beyond pretty.

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From the Bride… Yoav and I started by choosing a venue that could host our wedding outdoors, in the warm Miami air, a welcome reprieve from the blustery winters of Chicago and Amsterdam and a minimal climate change for our 30 family members that made the trek all the way from Israel. Our vision for the evening was casual comfort with a side of sugar and a couple of unexpected surprises along the way. Jessica Masi of JCG Events ensured that this vision came to life and Ozzy Garcia, of Ozzy Garcia Photography, artistically captured this vision and memorialized it.

We had Yoavs brother officiate a portion of the ceremony because we felt that when it came to incorporating personal details, who could tell our story better than someone who has been there from the beginning? We wanted this to set the precedent and tone for the wedding everyone in attendance, witnessing the first day of our lives as a couple, were all loving, integral characters in our story.

Love is sweet, my love for candy is even sweeter, and I knew all along that I wanted my bouquet to be made out of candy. Some people dry their bouquets, some people save them, I intended to eat mine. Thanks to the Donut Divas, I had a great late night snack on my wedding night! Some of my favorite sugar confections, marshmallows and m&ms, were artfully placed into a giant waffle cone. The benefit of having a wedding around the Easter holiday is that even the grass in the bouquet was edible.

In addition to my sugar addiction, I truly believe that there are few food items in this world that can make me as happy as a Publix Grocery store birthday cake. In order to share my love for this confection with others, Sweet Display made us different colored wooden cake stands, to which Ocean Flowers added some sparkle, and we had different flavors of 8-inch Publix cakes placed on the reception dinner tables. The plan was to remove the cakes after dinner and have them cut up for dessert, but our guests seated at these tables became so possessive over the cakes on their table that they would not let anyone touch them. Our guests dug into them with their forks, without even removing them from the cake stand!

Besides all of the fleeting sugar elements that went into our special day – the escort cards, the bouquet, the candy ring pops, the flower girl lollipops, the candy bar, the Publix cakes – I think one of our favorite keepsakes from the day came from Erin Una Chainani. I read about Erin online about 2 years ago after googling Miami portrait artist. I called Erin and asked her if she would be so inclined to attend our wedding and paint a scene. Not only was she willing, but she painted two scenes to boot! She captured one of the ceremony and one of our first dance as a couple.

When my new husband and I were comparing notes after the wedding, we both remarked that many people offered us this advice, cherish every second of this day because it goes so fast. And while the day did go quickly, we never felt that we missed any opportunities to take it all in. And thanks to Erin and Ozzy, we have mementos that will remind us of our wedding day forever.

Photography: Ozzy Garcia Photography | Event Planning + Design: Masi Events | Floral Design: Divine Design by Guerdy | Wedding Dress: Pronovias | Wedding Cake: Elegant Temptations | Shoes: Mojo Moxy | Makeup: Rachel Blair Shapiro | Hair: Tanya Maquez | Groom's Attire: Suitsupply | Wedding Venue: The Palms Hotel & Spa | Cake Stands: Sweet Display | Cake Topper: That's My Topper | Cakes (small): Publix Bakery | Candy Bouquet: Donut Divas | Cigar Roller: Acope Cigars | Dress Sash: Blue Bird Studio | Earrings: Weddings 826 | Flower Girl Dresses: Pretty Flower Girl | Flower Girl Shoes: Toms | Portrait Artist: Erin Una Chainani

To say I love Kate Spade would be the understatement of the year. There isn’t a brand that makes me happier, so coming across this Kate Spade inspired shoot from Chelsey Boatwright Photography is like striking gold in my book. It’s filled to the brim with perfectly preppy details to brighten your day, complete with a cake from Sugar Fancies that is like a cherry on the top of all the fabulous. See it all here.

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Photography: Chelsey Boatwright Photography | Event Design and Styling: Blush and White Design House | Wedding Dress: BHLDN | Cake: Sugar Fancies | Invitations: Llorente Design | Necklace: Kate Spade | Hair: Jessica Boatwright | Groom's Attire: Banana Republic | Wedding Venue: Vizcaya Museum Gardens | Necklace via: Rent The Runway

Have you heard?  Destination weddings in Delray are all the rage.  They’re breathtaking (read: beautiful ocean views), sun-filled and perfectly beach chic, with just enough sand-in-the-toes fun to be had for all of your friends and family.  Even better?  When you have the uber-awesome Sheila Camp Motley Events on hand to execute every amazing moment, Tom Mathieu to deliver some seriously stunning florals and Dillon Photo to capture every love-filled second, it’s a 100% dream come true day for you and your honey.  See it all right here in the full gallery.

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From Sheila Camp Motley Events… I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to work with Jessica and Peter via a referral from their friend’s wedding I had planned years ago in Virginia! Jessica lives in Atlanta and reached out to me with their interest in getting married in Delray, Florida. They knew they wanted a smaller intimate wedding where they could really spend time with all of their friends and family throughout the weekend. Once I saw the Beach Club at the Seagate Hotel I knew this would be the perfect space!

Jessica and Peter had a clear vision for their wedding and wanted to keep the colors bright and summery. Erin at Dillon Photography did a spectacular job capturing the beachside ceremony with Dr. Dolores Jacoby – we had post ceremony showers, but she managed to get the most special shots of Jessica and Peter rain or shine!

We worked with the floral dream team at Tom Mathieu and Co., who hit the flowers out of the park. The colors were stunning, and Jessica carried a bright bouquet of peonies, roses, calla lilies and parrot tulips. It was spectacular! Seagate Hotel produced a seasonal local menu of wonderful plates and a delectable cake. I even had the chance to play DJ – Jessica and Peter’s iPod playlist was such a hit I ended up manning the sound set-up and purchasing more songs there on the spot as their entire guest list was on the floor dancing all night long!

Photographer: Dillon Photo | Event Planner: Sheila Motley Events | Flowers: Tom Mathieu | Officiant: Dr. Dolores Jacoby | Ceremony Music: Tradewinds Music | Catering + Cake: Seagate Beach Club | Ceremony and Reception: Seagate Beach Club | Hair and Make-Up: Cosmo & Co