Florida Weddings

There’s DIY weddings and then there’s this wedding. This super talented, not to mention, gorgeous bride literally did everything herself, with the help of a few close friends. Yup, that’s right: the invitations, flowers, escort cards, banners, spiced pecan favors, even a painting of the venue so she and her new hubby can remember their special day forever and ever. Whew! I’m tired just listing all the creative work she put into her big day! But I can certainly stare at the pretty images by Ricky Stern Photography all day long. Join me, won’t you?

 Click here for the FULL wedding!

From the Bride… We had our wedding at the Peacock Garden Cafe in Coconut Grove, Florida. I fell in love with it because it has a beautiful outdoor patio that looks like a tropical garden. I never wanted to have a traditional ballroom wedding, so it was perfect. The owners and staff were wonderful and did everything they could to make my vision come true. The food at the cafe was incredible! The other reason the cafe was perfect was the location. We were across the street from Biscayne Bay (perfect for our first look) and Peacock Park, which was full of gorgeous tropical trees and plants that bloomed just in time. The cafe was also right next door to a hotel, so our guests didn’t need to walk far to get to the wedding. The ceremony was held in a grassy area behind the cafe. Originally we had thought we would get married outside under a tree, but it had been raining for two weeks (typical Miami summer!). The day before the wedding, my mom insisted on putting up a tent with a floor because the ground was so muddy.  Initially I was bummed out about having to use the tent because it wasn’t my original vision, but it actually ended up being amazing and adorable once it was decorated.

I have always been creative, so I wanted to do as much of our wedding myself as I could! The wedding was small, so I was able to personalize everything. My friend and I did all of our flowers, which came out so perfectly. I made all the invitations myself. I hand-painted flowers on cards for all the place settings, and I made the escort cards using formal names for our families and nicknames for our friends. I found fabric in the fabric stores in downtown Miami and made a fabric banner to hang in the tent to conceal a less-than-perfect view on one side. I brought in peacock feathers and hanging lights to decorate the tent. I also made a painting of the Peacock Garden Cafe so that we would always have it to remember the place where we had our wedding. For our favors, I made spiced pecans from a recipe that my mother-in-law gave me a few years ago. My mom and my friend made paper cranes to hang in the tent, which turned out beautifully. On the day of the wedding, my future husband, my family, friends and me all decorated the tent. When I went to get ready, they put the tables for the dinner together and put flowers all over the tent. When we walked in for the ceremony, it took my breath away! I couldn’t believe how gorgeous everything turned out.

My future husband played squash with his friends the day of the wedding. Right after, he met me for our first look pictures by the water, and it was so wonderful. I was so happy to be getting married to him. Afterward, we walked to the ceremony together. It was so nice to have my best friend with me as we entered to get married! The look of love and sweetness on my husband’s face during the ceremony is something I will never forget. The dinner was incredible, and afterward, we had key lime pie and wedding cake. Following dinner, I put on a red dress and we all hit the town in Coconut Grove for a very memorable night. After the wedding, we gave all our flowers to the restaurant since all of our guests were from out of town and could not bring them home. When we returned the next evening to pick up our things, the flowers were all our on the tables and the restaurant looked so pretty. I was so glad that other people got to enjoy them. We put the enclosed the paper cranes with the thank you notes so that everyone could have a piece of the wedding. We put a lot of work into planning the wedding, but it was all worth it! It was so beautiful and perfect, and all of our guests had a wonderful time. I was so touched by how much effort my friends and family put into it as well — it was a really beautiful experience.

Wedding Photography: Ricky Stern Photography / Wedding Venue: Peacock Garden Cafe in Coconut Grove, Florida / Event Design + Planning: The Bride / Flowers: Berkeley Florist Supply + Arranged by the Bride & A Friend / Wedding Invitations, Place Setting Flower Painting, Escort Cards, Fabric Banner + Venue Painting: DIY by the Bride / Wedding Dress: Nicole Miller / Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka

Diva Productions sent a film our way that so perfectly captures the feel of Florida. It’s the kind of elegance found in the backdrop of the  Ca’ d’Zan Mansion and the pitch perfect stylings of Keren Lifrak Weddings & Special Events that will leave you wanting to throw a glamorous party of your own. From the images by Vue Photography to the film that makes you want to dance, dance, dance, this is an old world glamour fest and you can see even more snapshots from the day right here!

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Click here for the FULL wedding!

From Diva Productions… There are few places in this world I truly consider magical, but the Ca’ d’Zan Mansion on the grounds of the Ringling Museum is one of them. I grew up in this part of Florida, and can remember visiting the Ringling compound as child. For a little girl with a wild imagination, it was heaven. I can’t tell you how thrilled we were when Keren Lifrak contacted us about filming Ashley and Jaime’s big day. For me, it was a dream come true. Jaime and Ashley are one of the kindest couples we’ve ever worked with. They were so excited about their big day, and the idea of combining their love of life with backdrop of the Ringling for their wedding film? Bliss.

Wedding Cinematography: Diva Productions / Wedding Photography: Vue Photography / Wedding Venue: Ca’ d’Zan Mansion at John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota, Florida / Event Design + Planning Keren Lifrak of Keren Lifrak Weddings & Special Events / Floral Design: Flourish Event & Floral Design / Officiant: Danny Bilyeu / Catering: Michael’s On East / Wedding Cake: Pastries by Design / Wedding Invitations + Program Design: Dragonfly Custom Design / Band: Clint Wiley’s None Other / Lighting: Bay Stage Lighting / Linens: Connie Duglin Linens / Photo Booth: Cat Pennenga Photography / Wedding Dress: Lazaro via The Collection / Bride’s Reception Dress: Stephen Yearick via The Collection / Hair: D. Cole Hair Design / Makeup: Andie Sleeman / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Wtoo / Men’s Suits: Men’s Wearhouse

You know what never ever fails to put a smile on my face?  A drop-dead gorgeous wedding… especially when that wedding happens be of the beach variety.  Yep, seaside nuptials get me every.single.time – and this pretty, pretty Fort Lauderdale affair?  Head over heels in love. From the stunning setting (but, of course) to the oh-so-beautiful blooms by J Morgan Flowers and gorgeous event design by Kiss the Planner to image after image of lovely captured by Maggie Stolzberg Photography, it’s an oceanside lover’s dream come true. Prepare for a day non-stop pretty and join me in the galley for more.

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Oh, and we’re not done yet.  We have a sweeter than sweet film of the day from Seaglass Productions! Enjoy!

From the Bride… Justin and I went down to South Beach for the evening. We had a fabulous dinner at Jakes Stone Crab, and then we sat front row at the Jackie Gleason Theater to see Jackson Brown. It was such a great night, but I was so tired that I slept the whole way home. Little did I know Justin had a proposal planned for when we got home. When we walked in the door, Brad Paisley’s “Then” was playing, and there were candles lit all over and red rose petals spread over the whole house. We sat down on the couch and watched a slide show of all the best photos from our lives together. Then Justin led me outside to the backyard where he had created the most romantic scene. There were two rocking chairs sitting around a fire pit, floating candles in the pool, a bottle of champagne and chocolates. Justin had engraved a piece of driftwood from one of our favorite vacations that said “Grow Old With Me.” He got down on one knee and asked me to marry him! It was the most amazing proposal!

We originally wanted to get married in Key West, and the Pelican had a very island feel to it. The hotel was laid-back yet classy. And it offered something for everyone, including a getaway for those who live just down the street. We wanted the event to be clean and simple yet elegant with a natural feel and eclectic elements. Although it was a beach wedding, we wanted to bring elements of the forest into the decor. So we found beautiful pecky cypress wood to use as part of the centerpieces. Our wedding planner searched tirelessly to find unique silver containers to arrange all the flowers. There were so many little details. The colors, blue, white, yellow and green pretty much picked themselves because they worked so well with the beach and the colors of the hotel. We wanted our wedding to be beautiful but we also wanted it to be laid-back and FUN for our guests.

I had a piece of my mother’s wedding dress sewn into my train and embroidered in blue with both of our wedding dates and “Take our love wherever you go.” My parents have been married for 42 years and have set an amazing example of what a marriage should be.

The entire event was flawless. Every bride dreads that inevitable problem that arises, however we didn’t have any hiccups. The whole day was smooth and absolutely perfect! My only complaint was that it went by too fast. We are so lucky to have had Maggie Stolzberg and Dorian Iribarren to capture our photos and video. Though their works of art, we are able to relive the event anytime we want to. They captured so much emotion and the personalities of all our guests. Through them, we get to experience the wedding not only as bride and groom but also as everyone else did.

Wedding Photography: Maggie Stolzberg of Maggie Stolzberg Photography / Wedding Venue: Pelican Grand Beach Resort in Fort Lauderdale, Florida / Event Design: Aviva Samuels of Kiss the Planner / Floral Design: Jacqueline Goldman of J Morgan Flowers / Wedding Cinematography: Dorian Iribarren of Seaglass Productions / DJ: Sean McCourt of The Party Pros / Wedding Dress: Casablanca Bridal / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: David’s Bridal

This blue and white wedding is so fresh and pretty, I could stare at it all.day.long. I love how it’s traditional yet playful, and there’s just a hint of whimsy, which, in my opinion, every wedding totally needs. Szarmack Photography captured all the lovely details down to the fun striped ribbon on the bride’s bouquet. Want to see more? I don’t blame you one bit! Click right here.

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From the Bride… Alex and I got engaged in May 2011. Having met in law school in Tallahassee, Florida, we knew we wanted to be married in northern Florida. The Ribault Club was an easy choice as it was my dream wedding venue. I love the plantation feel and also liked that we were able to get married in a state park and historical destination. We also chose Fort George Island because of its proximity to Jacksonville. I have a lot of out-of-town family and friends, and we wanted it to be easy for them to travel to the wedding. Additionally, Alex is from Atlantic Beach and his family (and grandparents) lives there, so it was nice to have people familiar with the city during the planning process.

Alex was the best groom a girl could ask for and was helpful and involved in every decision. He even thought up a very special and unique idea for our table numbers. During our first year of dating (about a year before we got engaged), we traveled to Germany and Poland together. We both adore traveling, and Alex came up with the idea of taking a “proposal photo” in every city we visited together as a fun memory from our travels. I collected various white frames to hold the photos, and we named each table after the city in the photo. Some of the cities were: Nashville, Gainesville, Krakow, Berlin, Seaside, and Vail. It was actually hard to narrow it down to 11 photos because we had so many more from our travels!

I have always dreamed of planning my wedding day, and knew I wanted to be highly involved in the design and decision-making, so we hired a day-of coordinator at our venue to run the show and make sure everything went smoothly. We were really happy with this decision because while we still felt in charge of the look of our wedding, we didn’t have to worry about a thing on the big day! Since we were on a budget, I did a lot of DIY projects for decorations and recruited my wonderful friends and bridesmaids for help! We made sure that all of our details were the same color scheme and style to stay cohesive. We worked really hard to choose vendors that we felt were talented and fit our style, but were affordable because we had to stay on our budget. One way we saved money was by working with the florist to come up with creative options to reuse flowers from the ceremony to the reception. I also found lanterns that I filled and surrounded with candles for some of the table centerpieces. Another way we saved money was by purchasing all of our invitations online, rather than at a stationery shop. We also found our band at a bar in Jacksonville Beach on my birthday. By not hiring a “wedding band” we saved thousands of dollars and had an incredible band that our guests loved.

Finding the looks for ourselves and the wedding party was a cinch! We knew we wanted the groomsmen to wear navy blue and the bridesmaids to wear seersucker dresses in the classic seersucker blue color. I found two lines of bridesmaid dresses that could be made in seersucker and chose the one my bridesmaids liked best. I let them choose the neckline and skirt of the dresses so they’d feel comfortable. We then found a perfectly matching seersucker pattern at The Tie Bar and bought all the bow ties, pocket squares, and ties for our dads and grandfather. Alex also found complementary-colored argyle socks for his groomsmen, while I had my bridesmaids accessorize with pearls to look similar to me.

Wedding Photography: Adam Szarmack of Szarmack Photography / Wedding Venue: The Ribault Club in Fort George Island, Florida / Floral Design: Lynette Self of Rose of Sharon / Wedding Day Coordination: Lorna Meehan + Chrissy Sladek of The Ribault Club / Officiant: Rev. Gabe Goodman / Wedding Cinematography: Pure Life Videos / Catering: Rachel Deremer of The Perfect Pear Catering Co. / Wedding Cake: Angie Roberts of Angie’s Cakes / Groom’s Cake: Mindy Stover of Stover’s Custom Cakes / Ceremony Music: Jordan Mixson + Brittany Maroney / Reception Music: Cloud Nine / Mr. and Mr. Signs, “Eat Cake and Be Married” Bunting, Moss Monogram, Programs, Cocktail & Bathroom Napkin Embossing, Thank You Photo + Outside Table Decor: DIY / Dance Floor + Cake Stand: Beachview Event Rentals & Design / Lighting: Wayne McCoy / Transportation: Tommy Entenza / Wedding Dress: Christos via CC’s Boutique / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: LulaKate via Bella Bridesmaid / Groomsmen’s Tuxedos: Black Tie Formals / Men’s Ties, Bow Ties + Pocket Squares: The Tie Bar

We’re closing out the week here at SMP Florida with this gorgeously summery yellow and gray fete! All the pretty details were carefully crafted by the Flaire Weddings & Events and reflect this couple’s roots and favorite past times. And can we talk about how adorable those three flower girls are? They may possibly be my all time favorites! Click here for even more gorgeousness!

Don’t miss the fab film by In Motion Video Productions!

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From Flaire Weddings & Events… Valerie and Chad had a gorgeous, summery yellow and gray wedding in historic St. Augustine, Florida. They live in Valdosta, Georgia, and chose to marry in St. Augustine because of the charm of the city. Valerie wanted a chic look with yellow and gray and especially wanted to feature yellow roses (as she originally hails from Texas!) They were planning an outdoor, rooftop ceremony, but a summer Florida thunderstorm had other plans. The ceremony was then held in the venue’s loft space, which was just as beautiful. The couple plays competitive beach volleyball in their free time, so the groom’s cake was a fun nod to their pastime.

Wedding Photography: La Dolce Vita Studio / Wedding Venue + Catering: The White Room in St. Augustine, Florida / Event Design + Planning: Flaire Weddings & Events / Floral Design: Blossoms and Accents / Wedding Cinematography: In Motion Video Productions / Wedding Cake: Classic Cakes (904-246-6408) / Paper Goods: Alicia Rohan of A+P Design Co. / Entertainment: The Faze Band / Wedding Dress: San Patrick

Simply describing this wedding as awesome doesn’t cut it. It’s the awesomest of the awesome or maybe awesome to the hundredth power all while maintaining an ultra cool Miami vibe. But when my cool or awesome words fall short of describing such wonderment, simply try to imagine this. A modern aesthetic mixed with the vivid color of the Miami Art Space, a knockout couple and loads of fun details by Blooming Design and we’re getting closer to the end result. One that was so beautifully captured by Gesi Schilling Photography, you need to see it all in it’s entirety right here.

And how about a beautiful film from MXI Studios to finish things off? It’s a beauty; all three minutes and forty three seconds of it…

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From the Bride… From the moment we were engaged, Andrew and I shared the same vision for our day: clean, simple and modern with creative twists on tradition. Our ceremony would honor Andrew’s Jewish background with a handmade ketubah featuring our portraits. During the reception, there would be no cake — an idea that made our guests cringe (i.e. “NO CAKE?!?!”), but we were determined that our wedding would convey contemporary taste, even if it meant defying the long standing ritual of cutting into a tower of buttercream!

As soon as we arrived at Miami Art Space, located in the Wynwood Art District of Miami, Florida we were welcomed by a vibrant, mural of colorful squares which immediately appealed to our vision. Within the walls of Miami Art Space, the outdoor courtyard was punctuated by a peacock gate, which offered the perfect backdrop for our ceremony. Inside the venue, the stark white walls and concrete floors were exactly the modern, industrial look that would house our wedding reception. In addition to finding the perfect venue, I took on several DIY projects to make our day even more special. These included handmade clutches and satin robes for the bridesmaids and me, wedding programs, welcome boxes for our out-of-town guests and customized straws for the milkshakes.

On the day of our wedding, we welcomed guests with cool, refreshing, organic sorbet, served directly from a local sorbet cart. In the reception area, Blooming Designs filled the space with sleek white couches and ottomans, cocktail tables and a few acrylic royal table settings that were reserved for family members. Floral centerpieces featured fluffy hydrangea and bells of Ireland, which were the perfect contrast to the clean lines of the reception furnishings. With a lounge-style reception, we bypassed the formalities of a seated dinner and got the party started right away! Guests helped themselves to several food stations and cocktails throughout the night, and we finished it all off with warm chocolate chip cookies and vanilla milkshakes, complete with decorative straw flags created by yours truly! Perhaps my favorite part of the reception decor was the white baby grand piano that I rented so that I could play and sing to my groom! It was such a special moment! From beginning to end, our wedding was everything I’d imagined. It was a thoroughly modern and magical night!

Wedding Photography: Photography: Gesi Schilling Photography / Wedding Venue: Miami Art Space in Miami, Florida / Event Planning, Floral + Event Design: Blooming Design / Wedding Cinematography: MXI Studios / Catering: Food by Chef Lars / Sorbet Cart: Real Sorbet / Wedding Programs: DIY by the Bride / Boxes for Welcome Boxes: The Packaging Source / Wedding Dress: Oscar de la Renta via Ever After / Reception Dress: Custom by Rex Fabrics / Bride’s Shoes: RSVP via Zappos + Christian Louboutin / Bride’s Veil: Ever After / Bride’s Sash: DIY by the Bride / Sash Trim: Swarovski via Rex Fabrics / Bride’s Hair: Rik Rak / Bride’s Makeup: MAC Cosmetics / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Bari Jay / Bridal Party Robes: Macy’s + DIY Iron-On Applique via Jo-Ann / Purses: DIY by the Bride with Supplies from Etsy / Men’s Suits: J.Crew / Wedding Party Photo Location: Viceroy Hotel Miami / Mural Photos Location: The Wynwood Walls

If you’re looking for a take-your-breath-away stunning spot to tie the knot, Cheeca Lodge + Spa is a must see! This lush, oceanfront retreat located in Islamorada, Florida Keys has been around since 1946 and was named to Travel + Leisure’s “500 Greatest Hotels in the World”!  Intimate and incredibly relaxing, Cheeca is known for warm Altantic Ocean breezes, lush grounds, high-end accommodations and secluded beaches, PERFECT for a destination wedding with your nearest and dearest!

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Whether you opt for an al fresco event with your toes in the sand or a more traditional fête held in the lavish Bougainvillea Ballroom, you’ll be in good hands with the award-winning staff at Cheeca. You and your guests will undoubtably enjoy relaxing on the beach (or at the pool!) while soaking in the beauty of the island! Foodies will delight in Cheeca’s four award-winning restaurants (Atlantic’s Edge, Limoncello, Nikai Sushi +Tiki Bar) as well as their gorgeous spa offering everything from massages to custom facials!  Your guests will be at no shortage for things to do (besides celebrating you and your hubby, of course!) with activities from fishing to golf to windsurfing!

With all of this amazing-ness tucked away at Cheeca Lodge + Spa, it’s no wonder it’s gained a reputation as a world-class resort. I’m thinking your guests will be thanking you for getting hitched in the Keys! Click here to start planning! xo

Photo Credits: Ambrosio Photography / Bob Care Photography / Domino Arts Photography / Belinda Serata Photography / McLaughlin Photo & Video / Parrish Designs / Floral Fantasy

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Floral Fantasy Weddings

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We had a visit from the Wedding Fairy at lunch time, and she dropped off a soiree that is going to make the girly girls week in the knees at the first sight of pink, the classic brides blush at the first bowtie spotting, and the floral fanatics more than a little gleeful at the first bouquet from J Morgan Flowers. It’s a wedding that is perfect for everyone and it’s captured magnificently by Meghan Stewart Photography. Click here for more!

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I was totally caught by surprise when one night Rob told our dog ‘Mahi” to give me a kiss and there on the collar was an engagement ring…..Rob quickly feel to his knees to ask me to be his wife…it was a very sureal moment, and of course I said “yes’!

Planning the wedding had some difficulties as we lived almost a 5 hour drive from where we were getting married and meeting vendors was sometimes a struggle as they work weekends and that was when we were available. My favorite vendor was Jacqueline at J Morgan Flowers. She really took the time to get to know me, my style and the vision I had for the wedding as well as making me happy she had to make my parents happy too! When I saw my bouquet I was speachless. Jacqueline asked for a family heirloom to attach to the handle, as she passed the bouquet to me there was my great grandmothers hankie. Somehow seeing this made the day become real and I was really getting married in a few hours.

When I walked into the church and I saw Rob for the first time it was as if everyone else dissapeared and it was just us… I don’t really remember anything about the ceremony other than seeing him and knowing it was all ok!

Our main aim other than getting married was really for everyone to have a great time… our DJ delviered! People called us the next day to say how muhc fun they had, and that was exactly what we wanted.

Photography: Meghan Stewart Photography / Florist: J Morgan Flowers / Ceremony Venue: Church by the Sea / Reception Venue: Hyatt Pier 66 / Hair: Tina Squadrito / Makeup: Alexandra Squadrito / Wedding Gown: Paloma Blanca, from Bleu Belle Bridal / Shoes: Kate Spade / Stationery: EV Creations / Favors: Glass / Tuxedo: Mens Wearhouse / Entertainment: Anthony Bonomo

You know you’ve met a keeper when your very first conversation with him happenings to be about weddings! And that’s just what this adorable couple discussed upon first meeting. And it looks like all that talk paid off because this my friends, is one drop dead gorgeous wedding! With incredible floral displays  (check out that chuppah!) by J Morgan Flowers, and stunning images by Jeff Kolodny Photography, this traditional wedding is definitely one for the record books. Click here for even more gorgeousness!

Don’t miss this gorgeous film by Senderey Video!

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From J Morgan Flowers… Michelle and Aron were destined to get married! They have mutual friends who tried to set them up several times to no avail … eventually they met and the first conversation they had happened to be about weddings! The couple lived in Chicago, so this was a destination wedding for them and understanding the vision of the wedding was very important.

They chose the symbol of a tree/branches for their chuppah, ketubah, guest book and table centerpieces — much like a tree, they have grown so much as individuals over their lifetime, their roots strongly planted in their Jewish heritage and their commitment to their family and friends. They look forward to the endless possibilities of their intertwined life as a couple in the years to come. Tu B’ Shevat, the 15th day of the Jewish month of Shevat, was celebrated during the week of their wedding and is a holiday also known as the New Year for the Trees. Prior to their wedding, Michelle and Aron made a donation to the Jewish National Fund to plant trees in Israel in memory of their family members who are longer with us.

The custom chuppah, the symbol of the new house the couple are creating together, was made of curly willow branches entwined with hydrangeas, roses, spray roses, orchids and tulips in soft shades of pinks and lavenders. I love sentimental details, so we used a family heirloom brooch to attach to the bride’s bouquet, a loose handtie of soft pinks. We decorated the ballroom with two styles of centerpieces to add dimension to the room — one was tall curly willow with blooming orchids and dripping with crystals, the other was a loose dome of cascading tulips, orchids and wisps of curly willow.

Wedding Photography: Jeff Kolodny Photography / Wedding Venue: Hillcrest Golf & Country Club in Hollywood, Florida / Floral Design: J Morgan Flowers / Wedding Cinematography: Ruben Senderey of Senderey Video / Wedding Cake: Ana Paz Cakes / Monogram, Program, Menu, Table Numbers + Graphic Details: Belletristics / DJ: Liquid DJs / Linens: Over the Top / Favors: Fortunately Yours, Inc. / Wedding Dress: Allure Bridals via Happy Bride Couture / Bride’s Shoes: Glint “Devyn” via Nordstrom / Hair + Makeup: Tatjana Terzic / Groom’s Tuxedo: Custom by Raja Fashions

Wow. Not only was this wedding absolutely gorgeous, it sounds like it was one amazing day! After reading the bride’s description of her day, I am totally longing to go to a wedding just like this one where guests were entertained all day and night with super cool surprises like when the groom serenaded his bride. So cute and romantic! Marissa Moss Photography captured all the details and special moments while Simply Cinematic played a same day edit video of the couple while they were getting ready for the ceremony. Click here for so much more!

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From the Bride… When Joey and I first crossed paths in 2008 at the University of Florida School of Theatre and Dance, we discovered that we were born in the same hospital, that I had attended the same high school as his mother, and that parts of our families had already known each other for years. This was only the beginning of the parallel universe we seemed to be living in. We wanted our wedding to be a culmination of the influences, events and traditions that lead us to this point in our lives.

Our ceremony and reception venues were a great jumping off point for our planning because they fit with our initial theme and concept of tradition and history. Four generations of women in my family have been married at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Tampa, so it was an obvious choice. The second we stepped foot into the Ritz Theatre in Ybor City, we knew that between the full proscenium stage, the checkered dance floor, the overall warmth and the vastness of the space, it would suit our performance backgrounds and personalities perfectly. We did not necessarily want a movie-themed wedding, but we couldn’t ignore the fact that the reception was taking place in an old movie theatre, and that both Joey and I have a history in entertainment. We were able to find a nice balance of elements. On the exterior of the reception venue, our names adorned the marquee along with engagement photos displayed in the windows like movie posters. The guests entered through the main doorway where they made their entrance on the red carpet. Once inside the main corridor, there were two rooms for guests to mingle during the cocktail hour. The room on the right was “the bride’s room,” and the room on the left was the “the groom’s room.” Joey and I selected our own signature drinks and favorite appetizers to be served in our respective rooms.

Because our ceremony started at 2:30 in the afternoon, and the reception wasn’t to end until midnight, we worked very hard on the timeline of the wedding. We wanted to keep our guests engaged so that we did not lose them by 10 p.m. Throughout the night, we felt as though all of that planning definitely paid off.  We came up with several events beyond the usual speeches, dances, cake cutting and bouquet toss to fill in the time. Joey sang me a surprise song right after our first dance, which got our guests (and me) going crazy. This was my favorite memory of the night. My parents, Joey and I created an easy four step dance that we quickly taught to the guests and performed together to the song “More” by Bobby Darin in honor of my Nana who recently passed away. Finally, the same-day edit video. Simply Cinematic had shot an engagement session of Joey and I a few weeks before our wedding day. They combined it with footage of us getting ready, of the ceremony at the church and of the beginning of the reception and played it for all our guests on a large screen using a projector. It was absolutely amazing!

The final part of the night was the after party. One of the cocktail hour rooms was transformed into a nightclub, and the other was transformed into a dessert room. We had also been collecting tons of party props such as hats, glasses, boas, necklaces, masks, mustaches and more to use for the after party. You could not even recognize some people because they were disguised from head to toe in party gear. It was awesome because it gave everyone their second wind and another element of surprise. We really wanted to keep our guests entertained throughout the entire night, and I think that is exactly what we did. From performances to party gear, there was truly never a dull moment. The band did not stop playing and the dance floor was never bare. I think that our wedding was a success because everyone there was actively sharing in our love and celebration.  

Wedding Photography: Marissa Moss Photography / Ceremony: Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Tampa, Florida/ Reception: The RITZ YBOR in Tampa, Florida / Floral + Event Design: MMD Events / Wedding Coordination: Karen Wilson + Mary Alice Collins / Wedding Cinematography: Simply Cinematic / Catering: CDB’s Southside / Wedding Cake: Chocolate Pi / Monogram + Wedding Invitation Design: URBANcoast / Wedding Invitations: Smock / Band: Southtown Fever / Chair + Table Rentals: PKS Rentals / Wedding Dress: San Patrick via The Dressing Room / Bride’s Earrings + Shawl: From Her Great-Grandmother / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Bill Levkoff

Wrapping up the week is this gorgeous Boca Raton fete captured oh-so-perfectly by Soul Echo Studios. This reception location is to die for beautiful and totally romantic under the banyan trees. It’s like a super chic jungle with dinner and dancing! And what’s not to love about that?! Click here for the entire day, you won’t be disappointed!

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From Soul Echo Studios… This was a beautiful outdoor wedding surrounded by tall banyan trees. It had plenty of gorgeous decor full of orchids and lots of details to inspire brides. A very elegant couple and nice locations.

Jessica and Justin got ready at the Boca Resort in Boca Raton, Florida. They did a first look at the hotel where most of the portraits were done. The ceremony and reception took place outdoors at the Spanish-style location The Addison among towering banyan trees. Jessica changed outfits into a party dress half way through the reception.

Wedding Photography: Alex of Soul Echo Studios / Wedding Venue: The Addison in Boca Raton, Florida / Floral Design: Joan of Tropical Elegance / Wedding Dress: Christos / Bride’s Shoes: Angela Nuran / Hair + Makeup: Jenna Marie of Kiss This Makeup / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Bill Levkoff / Groom’s Tuxedo: Marc Ecko

Okay, so this bride is totally the cutest. We’re loving her sweet and simple style from her all white bouquet to her gorgeously natural wavy hair, this girl has the whole natural bridal day look down to a T. We’re pretty sure that this wedding was one fun party judging by the fab images from The Big Day Wedding Photography. And how cute are those little ring bearers?! You can see them and so much more right here in the full gallery!

Click here for the FULL wedding!

Anais and James wanted their wedding to be comfortable, fun and joyous day where everyone could feel the amount of love between them. Family and friends traveled to the wedding from as far away as Washington and Canada. The bride used her teacher skills to create many DIY items that were used as décor. From invitations to straw flags, personalized items were all over this event. The wedding took place at The Knight’s Loft on Bayshore, located in Miami. The beautiful hardwood floors set a comfortable atmosphere for the ceremony. Nephews of the groom walked before the bride with a cute sign that read “Here Comes the Bride” (for the recession, they flipped it, and it read “Just Married.” The bride wore a lacy trumpet-style dress, while bridesmaids wore off-the-shoulder, navy blue dresses. Groomsmen welcomed guests with black and blue converse — the groom’s idea. While guests enjoyed cocktail hour, the bridal party took some amazing pictures just outside of the building. The gray building was a great backdrop. The bride and groom also took some shots on the water.

Dinner took place in the dining room of the Knight’s Loft on Bayshore. The modern loft space was filled with purple lighting that created an elegant vibe during dinner. After dinner, guests went straight to the dance floor. Most guests danced the night away in flip-flops provided by the bride and groom. During breaks from dancing, most guests took part of the super-fun, faux photo booth. Props included hats, frames, and chalk board signs. The bride even created ties, lips and mustaches on sticks to allow guests to take some funny photos. As the party wrapped up, guests lit sparklers and created an arch for the bride and groom to exit through. It the type of exit that all brides and grooms deserve!

Wedding Photography: Eve Greendale + Kimberly Stanton of The Big Day Wedding Photography / Wedding Venue: The Knights Loft on Bayshore in Miami, Florida / Event Planning, Floral Design + Catering: Best Miami Weddings / Wedding Coordination: Vicky Martinez / Officiant: Dr. Kenneth Claus / Wedding Cake: Cake Designs by Edda / Cake Topper + “Here Comes the Bride” Sign: Party City / Cookie Station, Bar Decor, Sparkler Exit + Seating Chart: DIY by the Bride / DJ + Lighting: Promo DJs / Wedding Dress: DH Gate / Bride’s Shoes: Paris Hilton / Hair: Elise Klinsport / Makeup: Makeup by Elvi / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Bari Jay / Men’s Shoes: Converse

These two cutie pies have a lot to celebrate and it all began with a surprise proposal on St. Lucia! Their gorgeous e-session was captured brilliantly by Elaine Palladino Photography and judging by the description of their wedding plans, their day is not only going to be off the charts fun, but super meaningful to boot! We can’t wait to see it! See even more of their adorable session right here.

Click here for the FULL engagement session!

From the Groom-to-Be… Mallory’s birthday was approaching, and it was her GOLDEN birthday. I wanted to make this birthday was a special one and decided to take her on a surprise getaway. Little did she know, it would truly be a birthday weekend that she would never forget. For months, I had kept giving Mallory clues about their mystery destination and would tell her their trip was to Alaska. Departure day arrived — Thanksgiving Day — and very early in the morning we off to the airport. Mallory was still in the dark about where we were going, and I had the ring hidden in my carry on. While I was checking in at the kiosk, Mallory looked at the computer and saw we were going to St. Lucia! It was a wonderful trip full of surprises — besides the engagement! We toured the island, visited a drive-through volcano, bathed in the hot springs and mud baths and went zip-lining.

After a fun filled weekend, the last thing Mallory was expecting was a proposal. I had told Mallory that we were going to have a romantic dinner on the beach — the whole time Mallory was thinking this was for her birthday. As Mallory was finishing up getting ready in the bathroom, I slipped the ring into my pocket. The nerves were getting to me, and I thought that she would for sure see the ring box in my pocket. We walked up to a beautiful gazebo with a view of the gorgeous mountains in St. Lucia. It was the perfect setting for a romantic evening. As we went through the first course and drank champagne, I decided it was time. I began telling Mallory all the reasons I was thankful that she was in my life — after all it was Thanksgiving weekend. At no point did she think anything was out of the ordinary. I finally pushed back the chair from the table, and that was when Mallory knew. I  got down on one knee and asked, “Mallory Elyse Ross, will you marry me?” After wiping away the tears, Mallory said, “Yes!”

From the Couple… Our wedding is going to be both modern and traditional but most of all FUN!! Jonathan ran an entertainment company before moving to Florida, and Mallory knows how to party. There are high expectations for this big day, and some of our friends have already dubbed it as “the wedding of the year.” We both know what we want and refuse to settle. The wedding is going to be set in stages and with the amount of people coming from out of town, we want to have it all in one venue. It will begin with a traditional ceremony with a three-part orchestra setting the stage. We will be writing our own vows and confess our love for one another in front of our family and dearest friends. We are planning a first look so that we can enjoy our guests and every part of the day. After greeting all of our friends and family in a receiving line, we will move into the cocktail hour with a steel drum band to showcase our Caribbean heritage. The reception venue over looks downtown Miami and the music will be provided by Jonathan’s friends and business partners. This is when the fun begins! Great people, great music and a once-in-a-lifetime event calls for a celebration.

Photography: Elaine Palladino Photography / Engagement Session Venue: Redland Koi Gardens in Redland, Florida / Bride’s Attire: Target / Groom’s Attire: Old Navy, Guess + Express

We have such a beauty to share with you this morning thanks to the talented team behind the lens at Care Studios! It’s the type of fête people flock to Florida for, and the lush backdrop of the island of Boca Grande (a place near and dear to the Groom and his family) provided the perfect place for the pretty to unfold. The Bride, a blogger on Huffington Post Weddings, was able to put all her talents to work leading up to this stylish soiree, and you can see it all come to life in the full gallery of images!

Click here for the FULL gallery!

From the Bride… Rob and I met at George’s at the Cove in La Jolla. We were both living in San Diego while completing our post-doctoral work. Two weeks after our first date, Rob found out he would be moving to Seattle in just a few short months for work. We both knew we’d found “The One.” Nothing was going to keep us apart! I quit my job and packed up to move with him to Seattle just *two months* after our first date! It was the best decision of my life. We became engaged eight months into our relationship, and the engagement lasted one year.

Boca Grande Island is the best-kept secret around. It is timeless beauty and tranquility. Rob has wonderful memories of growing up and vacationing in the area with his grandmother and grandfather. It meant the world to us to have our wedding on the most beautiful island imaginable with all of the people we love. Our family and friends came from all corners of the US to be with us, and we will cherish the memories forever. This was a destination wedding, and we chose to have a romantic, simple and classic theme. The grounds of the Gasparilla Inn are stunning. We didn’t want to distract from the natural beauty of our surroundings; the crisp green of the golf course, the gorgeous water, the views from the gazebo. Rob and I wanted to have our wedding to reflect a timelessness and ease that embodies the island.

As for advice, I also have a wedding blog on Huffington Post where I discuss weddings and relationship issues. As a psychologist, I combine my love for weddings and my love for romance in my work with pre-marital couples. You can check it out here. Do know that all of the planning (and stress!) is so totally worth it. Just remember to plan a wedding in a place that is meaningful for you, and do plan to take your honeymoon right away! Our wedding was the best week of my life, hands down. It brought my husband and I even closer together and far exceeded my expectations.

Wedding Photography: Bob and Mariela of Care Studios / Ceremony: The Golf Course at The Gasparilla Inn & Club in Boca Grande, Florida / Reception: The Gazebo at The Gasparilla Inn & Club in Boca Grande, Florida / Officiant: Pastor Brian Brightly of The Lighthouse United Methodist Church of Boca Grande / Catering + Wedding Cake: The Gasparilla Inn & Club / Wedding Invitations: The American Wedding / Ceremony Violin: Leah Rothe / Reception Music: Black Tie DJs / Wedding Dress: Allure Bridals via Bellevue Bridal Boutique / Bride’s Shoes: Nordstrom / Hair + Makeup: The Gasparilla Inn & Club / Groom’s Attire: Calvin Klein

Some brides would be totally intimidated by a DIY wedding with a guest count of 170, but not this drop dead gorgeous lady! She, along with her closets friends and family spent her entire 6 month engagement getting their crafty-craft on and the result is beyond amazing! Just look at those gorgeous water color invites!!! Elaine Palladino Photography captured all the DIY goodness as well as all those meaningful moments and there’s an entire gallery just bursting with pretty. See it all right here.

Don’t miss this gorgeous film by Senderey Video:

From the Bride… I wanted a New Zealand-style wedding in Miami. In New Zealand, weddings are a lot more relaxed in their style, whereas Miami has a certain glitzy style, which was the opposite of what I wanted. The florist had to bring in all of our flowers from California because I wanted garden roses, lavender, peonies and other varieties that aren’t popular in Miami. Our flower choices fit well with our floral-themed decorations and colors: there were a lot of pinks, corals, gold, lemon and cream (and even a little bit of mustard). We are Jewish, so we had a lot of different aspects to incorporate. Our wedding was an entire weekend experience. My husband’s family hosted both of our out-of-town family and friends for the Friday and Saturday Sabbath meals. On the Saturday, my friend made me the most wonderful Shabbat Kallah (the Jewish version of a bridal shower) with beautiful hand crafts and hilarious games. For the actual wedding, we had custom prayer books made that matched our invitations, and the florist made us simple and elegant chuppah poles, which worked wonderfully with our delicate glass and paper aisle decorations.

We had a relatively short engagement (six months), and I — with a lot of help from friends and my new mother-in-law (my mother was overseas) — spent the entire time making, sticking, designing, stringing, chopping and decorating everything: flags, paper flowers, cupcake toppers, wooden spoons, stickers, invitations, place cards, confetti, signs, paper straws, menu cards and aisle decorations. My favorite detail was the seating chart; I worked on it for hours. I cut and hand painted paper flowers that I wrote everyone’s name on in ink and placed them into a frame.  We had 170 guests, so I needed a solution that would work with that many people.  Everything cute that I saw on websites was for no more than 50 people, so I had to think of a solution myself. In the end, we liked it so much we’ve kept it, repaired it (unfortunately, some names fell after the glass pane broke) and hung it on our wall.

My favorite parts of the day were having my closest family and friends from around the world at the wedding (I had about 30 people travel in from New Zealand, London, Israel, Holland, Los Angeles and New York) and my husband singing me down the aisle. I was so worried we’d both be a nervous wreck, but at that moment we were both brimming with happiness. My advice for other brides would be to make sure you find a wonderful photographer and cinematographer (like we did!). We were so caught up in our responsibilities as Bride/Groom/Hosts that we didn’t get to see what was happening around us. Our guests keep telling us little snippets of the day which they experienced and enjoyed — some things that were planned and others that were not, but most of them were missed by us.

Wedding Photography: Elaine Palladino Photography / Ceremony: DoubleTree by Hilton Grand Hotel Biscayne Bay in Miami, Florida / Reception + Catering: Briza on the Bay in Miami, Florida / Wedding Planning: The Bride & Groom / Floral Design + Wedding Day Set-Up: Epicure / Wedding Cinematography: Senderey Video / Wedding Invitations: DIY by the Bride / Band: The Music Machine / Wedding Dress: Pronovias / Bride’s Shoes: Vivienne Westwood by Melissa “Lady Dragon” / Bride’s Veil: Borrowed from the Bride’ Sister / Groom’s Tuxedo: Made to Measure by AM Bespoke / Groom’s Shoes: ALDO

This couple is ridiculously cute. She surprised him with their tuxedo-clad bulldog for pictures. He surprised her with a pair of dream cowboy boots for her wedding day look. If the world were filled with more people like these cutie patooties, it would be a VERY happy place. Their highlight film from Voila Cinematic is one for the books. One to make you smile, and maybe just grab your sweetie for a quick snuggle. It’s perfect.

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Josh and I were both born and raised in Brooksville, Florida. We grew up in the same town and never even met each other until December 23, 2009! We were at the local Applebee’s on Christmas Eve Eve playing a trivia game and we were introduced by a few mutual friends!

We spent the next few months getting to know each other and then we started dating. One year later while traveling in Park City, Utah he asked me to marry him. It was our true winter wonderland!

Which triggered our vision of a winter wonderland in Florida! We both had the same vision…Southern, eclectic, and very RUSTIC! We met with a wedding planner, Mrs. Georgia Watson and fell in love!! From right then and there she got us and exactly what we wanted for our big day! We wanted nothing to match! We also a signature whiskey and hot apple cider cocktail that everyone took home in a mason jars as a thank you!

She then set us up with Botanica International Designs and Ian took our vision and exceeded our expectations times 100! Our photographer Mr. Michael Schuhmann Captured our wedding day and we will forever use him for any other big event/day we will have in the future! He was simply amazing! Our videographer Voila Cinematic put together the most breathtaking video of our wedding that we could have ever imagined! We watched it 22 times in 2 days! It’s like our own little country music video! Love love love it!

Southern hills plantation is the venue where we got hitched and it’s one of the most gorgeous places in Brooksville. Early in our relationship we went there for brunch and I made the comment “if we get married one day…this is we’re it will be” so that happened.

One big thing that was super special at our wedding was not only tricking Josh with a pair of bulldog cuff links but incorporating our dog Tank into the mix. Josh had been asking over and over “can he please be in the wedding?” and I kept telling him NO! What he didn’t know was I had him showing up in a tux for pictures! Josh was so HAPPY! Josh surprised me with a pair of Old Gringo Swarovski crystal cowboy boots that I saw in park city when we got engaged! That was definitely a highlight for me! I rocked them out underneath my Carolina Herrera Gown. We feel that through the help and hard work of our wedding planner, photographers, and videographers we had the wedding that we had dreamed of. Most importantly we had our Winter Wonderland in Florida. Complete with a snow shower after we said ,”I do,” kissed, and as we were introduced for the first time as Mrs and Mr. David.

Photography: Michael Schuhmann Photography / Cinematography: Voila Cinematic, Alex Karas / Winter Decor Elements: Botanica International Design Studio / Event Planning: Georgia Watson Events / Ceremony & Reception Location: Southern Hills Plantation Club / Chairs: Signature Event Rentals / DJ: Grant Hemond and Associates / Make-up: Beauty Brought Out / Linens, Details, Bride Bouquet, Wedding party pinecones, boutonnieres, signs: Georgia Watson Events

We’re wrapping up another fab week here at SMP Florida with this pretty Key West soiree. These fun loving high school sweethearts knew exactly what they wanted for their big day and they weren’t about to let any conventional wedding ideas hold them back. They opted for a laid back, beach meets barnyard wedding, which is totally fitting since the bride grew up on a farm just a few minutes from the beach. Mec Images captured all the details and you can see all the rest right here in the full gallery!

From the Bride… I was with my husband for nine years before we married. Our friends and family have been there with us every step of the way — from being high school sweethearts and going to college, to graduating and getting grown-up jobs. The one promise we made together while planning this wedding was to keep everything fun … and us. And not get overwhelmed with what a wedding “should be.” The mustaches, mason jars, hand-picked flowers, antique window seating charts, and mustache flasks embodied just that. We decided to let the beach speak for itself and bring a barn yard feel to Key West. Growing up with the beach 15 minutes away but also on a farm really tied our theme together. The bridesmaids and I tied the tags (purchased from Etsy) around the mason jars with a thick hemp. The mustache sticks were a great way for people to start conversations, dance and take amazing pictures with. Overall, the inspiration truly lay behind the fact that we were celebrating our love with the people we cherished. We wouldn’t have changed a thing.

Wedding Photography: Meghan Capozzi Rowe of Mec Images / Wedding Venue: Southernmost on the Beach in Key West, Florida / Event Planning: Megan Jones of Swankey Events / Floral Design: Mama Flowers, Inc. / Wedding Cake: Key West Cakes / Cake Toppers: BHLDN / Table Numbers: zoeveedesign / Paper Heart Guest Book: Celadon Home / Flasks: The Hair of the Dog / Mustaches: The Paper Stache / Wedding Dress: Jenny Packham / Hair + Makeup: Rachael Garzaro of Blushing Bride Hair and Makeup / Bridesmaid’s Dress: BHLDN

This is one of those weddings that’s going to pull at your heartstrings! We’re channeling Cinco de Mayo in early fall with this festive celebration by Tina Bass Photography. Complete with a piñata, mason jars, fire pit and more, the Cross Creek Ranch set the perfect tone for a sophisticated and rustic wedding. There are so many impressive photos from this day that you’ll have to head to the full gallery for more.

From Tina Bass Photography… I love not only this wedding but also this couple. The wedding was held at the beautiful Cross Creek Ranch and was a Cinco de Mayo celebration! I loved all the pops of color set against such a rustic venue. I met Robyn and James on the day of the wedding because James had a crazy work schedule that didn’t allow any time for an engagement session. It’s always a little nerve-wrecking as a photographer to not really know your clients, but I felt like I was a part of the family from the get-go. They are just such a sweet and appreciative couple with amazing chemistry. Their guests were definitely an extension of them as well. It was truly a photographer’s dream wedding. Not only in details but also in the joy that was in the air that day.

Wedding Photography: Tina Bass Photography / Wedding Venue: Cross Creek Ranch in Dover, Florida / Floral Design: Alta Fleura, LLC / Wedding Invitations: A&P Designs / Wedding Dress: Blue by Enzoani via The White Closet Bridal / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: David’s Bridal

This wedding is a big sigh wrapped up in a bouquet of goosebumps. Not only did the nuptials go down on one of the most amazing beaches I’ve ever seen, but the brides gown? Sigh. The stunning colors and design? Goosebumps. And the artists behind the images – Paul Johnson Photography + Diva Productions? A bouquet of goosebumps with a great big sigh in the middle! Click here for more.

Before we get too far, let’s fall in love with Diva Production‘s take on the day, shall we?

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Now back to Paul Johnson Photography‘s show stopping images…

From Diva Productions … Kristie Arnold and Cameron Conner were married on May 19, 2012 on the First Tee of the Camp Creek Golf Club in Watersound, FL. Their reception was held at the Watersound Beach Club which overlooks one of the most beautiful beaches in the Florida panhandle. Kristie and Cam live in Atlanta, but Kristie has vacationed on this coast her whole life, so she knew she wanted to get married here.  It’s one of those films which I can watch, over and over and not get tired of it. Lovely couple, lovely venue, all round lovely day.

Cinematography: Diva Productions / Song: “This Kind of Love” by Sister Hazel licensed through Song Freedom / Photography: Paul Johnson Photography / Venue: Watersound Beach Club / Coordinator: Shay Bell / Florals and Event Design: Nouveou | Flowers / Cake: Confections on the Coast / Officiant: Jim Donovan / Band: Compozitionz

When tying the knot in Florida, it really doesn’t get any better than The Keys. Gorgeous, tropical waters and vistas so beautiful you’d think they are fake make for the ultimate backdrop for your I Do’s. And this cute couple knew right away that Islamorada would make for one unforgettable day. Jensen Larson Photography captured all the pretty, pretty details of their day and there’s a whole lot more right here in the full gallery.

Don’t miss this amazing film by Sea Glass Productions!

Orlando couple Jaimie and Dennis made several trips to the Florida Keys throughout their relationship, and each time they visited, they felt a deeper connection to the islands. With its amazing views and beautiful grounds, where orchids literally grow on trees, The Caribbean Resort in Islamorada, made the perfect setting for their oceanfront March wedding. Not wanting to compete with the natural beauty of the location, the couple chose a simple palette of primarily black and white. Kelly Fowler the wedding planner and floral designer used all white flowers (roses, hydrangeas and carnations) for both the ceremony and reception. To tie in the vivid color of the surrounding waters, splashes of teal were added. Darcy Sang of Pearl Beach Paperie created a custom symbol incorporating that color scheme and the couple’s initials, which was used on the save-the-dates, invitations and programs. The symbol was even extended to the hand-painted baggo boards played on near the pool throughout the weekend.

Jaimie’s mother contributed her creative talents on many details. She made the numerous signs that were used around the property to help guests find their way. She also constructed the ribbon wands that were used to celebrate as the bride, groom and wedding party recessed. A really special gift to Jaimie was her practice bouquet, which her mother assembled with hair ribbons Jaimie wore as a child, ribbon from her parents’ wedding album, bows from her sister’s wedding, her brother’s wedding and her bridal shower.

Two signature drinks were developed to be passed during cocktail hour. The groom’s signature cocktail, the “Alligator Reef,” was named for its greenish hue and incorporated key lime juice.  The bride’s signature drink was a delicious martini dubbed the “Aisle-a-morada.” The bar also offered striped paper straws and DIY drink flags. Since the couple is commonly referred to as “JaimDen” by their closest friends, and because the groom’s favorite beer is Heineken, the bride devised a clever way to pay homage to both with the “Jaimden” koozies that were given. Perhaps the most impressive offering in the bar area was the cigar roller, who hand-rolled cigars for guests throughout the evening. It was a perfect fit for the tropical location.

The jewelry worn at the wedding told many stories. Jaimie was given a cameo and pearls, which were wrapped around her bouquet as she walked down the aisle. The  cameo belonged to Jaimie’s grandmother and has been worn by each of her granddaughters on their wedding day. The pearls were Dennis’ grandmother’s, and at Jaimie’s bridal shower, Dennis’ mom gave them to Jaimie. The bride wore the diamond earrings given to her by the groom that morning and he wore the Islamorada map cuff links she gave to him. The photo booth was constructed with fabric by Jaimie’s mother and hung between two palm trees.

The couple, who met at the University of Central Florida (UCF), rounded up their fellow alumni who attended the reception for a group shot signing the UCF letters to be submitted to their alumni association. The UCF connection also came into play with the groom’s cake, which Jaimie had made by friend and fellow alumni, Kyle Rivera of Happy Eatings.  

Wedding Photography: Jensen Larson Photography / Wedding Venue: The Caribbean Resort in Islamorada, Florida / Wedding Planning: Kelly Fowler of Just Save The Date / Floral Design + Decor: Just Save The Date / Wedding Cinematography: Sea Glass Productions / Catering + Cigar Rolling: Hugh’s Catering / Wedding Cake: Publix / Groom’s Cake: Happy Eatings / Wedding Invitations + Programs: Darcy Sang of Pearl Beach Paperie / Ceremony Music: Sir Cedrick / Reception Music: MB Entertainment / Lighting + Rentals: Florida Keys Party Rentals / Photo Booth Props: Party Goodies / Wedding Dress: Rivini “Almata” via Solutions Bridal / Makeup: Beauty Boutique and The Glam Squad / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: J.Crew / Bridesmaids’ Belt: DIY by the Bride / Groom’s Cufflinks: Tomato Made / Men’s Shoes: Kino Sandal Factory