Florida Weddings

One thing I know for certain – this wedding is awesome.  The kind of awesome that can only be found in chevron linens, a vibrant color palette and one seriously gorgeous seaside location.  The kind that jumps straight from your computer screen in the form of beautiful blooms by Native Gardens Florist and fab paper goods by Nico & Lala.  The kind that instantly puts a spring in your step and a smile on your face. Yep… it’s just that good.  And when you wrap up all of that lovely with breathtaking images by Concept Photography and a too.cute.for.words bride and groom, well… it’s awesome.  See it all right here.

From the Bride… Boca Grande is a very special place to Alan and me. Alan grew up going to Little Gasparilla Island, which is a boat ride away from Boca Grande. It was also one of the first places we went together on vacation. We had always envisioned a laid-back, coastal location for our wedding weekend — a place where our friends and family could relax and spend the entire weekend on “vacation.” The Gasparilla Inn was the perfect venue – classy, gorgeous and a little slice of old Florida.

The biggest challenge was living in Orlando and having our wedding location three hours away. It did make for some long days on the road – sometimes day trips and other weekend trips to knock as much out as we could while down on the island. Luckily for us, we got to enjoy many beautiful beach days and weekends on the island while in town, so I can’t say it was that challenging!

The mix of coastal, preppy and southern charm was played out in every area of our weekend. From the starfish vases on the tables to the chevron table cloths and shrimp and grits for dinner! I had a “look” I wanted for the tables and searched everywhere for chevron style table linens. I had no luck with linen companies, so decided to order fabric off of Etsy, and my sister made the 14 table linens for the reception. They were a perfect match to our fabulous invitations! A friend designed the programs, reception table and drink cards. She took our invitation and interpreted it in the most perfect way. Instead of flower boutonnieres for the guys, we purchased starfish and had pins put on them. It was the a fun touch to a coastal wedding! For our guest book, I got a coffee table book on Boca Grande and had all our guests sign it so we can display in our new home! I purchased all the glass vases for the tables — I found buying them was the same price as renting them, and now we can reuse them in our new home for backyard parties!

There were quite a few moments that stood out for me on our wedding day. Seeing each other before the ceremony was really special for the both of us. We got a chance to spend some time together taking pictures, laughing and taking in all the moments that led up to that day. When the church doors opened and my Dad and I walked down the aisle, it was a moment I had dreamed about my whole life. To see Alan at the end of the altar with tears in his eyes was indescribable. Walking into our reception as we were introduced for the first time truly took my breath away. Seeing all our family and friends there celebrating with us in the most gorgeous setting I have ever seen in my life – with the crystal green ocean and sand in the background, it felt like a dream.

Wedding Photography: Concept Photography / Ceremony: St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Boca Grande, Florida / Reception: The Gasparilla Inn & Club in Boca Grande, Florida / Floral Design: Native Gardens Florist in Boca Grande, Florida / Wedding Cake: The Gasparilla Inn & Club / Wedding Invitations: Nico & Lala / Band: Wings of Sound / Wedding Dress: Priscilla of Boston (Now Closed) / Hair + Makeup: Vanessa Schmitz of Stella Luca

A breathtaking backyard setting and a fabulous black and white checkered dance floor.  After spending my morning swooning over this gorgeous Atlantic Beach affair, I am thoroughly convinced these are two must-have ingredients for any Big Day soiree.  Well, that and some vibrant blooms by Cypress Creative Floral Design, a gallery filled with glorious images by Agnes Lopez Photography and an UBER-stunning bride and groom.  Together they make for one sweet, sweet day of wedded bliss – and one amazing way to spend a Tuesday.  See it all right here!

Throughout the planning process, I focused on the feeling I wanted to accomplish: relaxed, yet elegant. We wanted guests to feel comfortable kicking off their shoes while enjoying an evening outdoors with old and new friends. As a nod to Jeff’s and my southern roots, we served southern food with an upscale twist. The short rib sliders and shrimp and grits bar were a huge hit! A dear friend of ours owns an amazing floral and event design company (Cypress Creative Floral Design). I’ve admired her work for years, so using her was a no-brainer and one aspect of the wedding planning process I was very excited about. Ann “got” my vision from the beginning and truly made it come to life. Our photographer, Agnes Lopez, beautifully captured everything and was awesome to work with!

Having a wedding at a home (as opposed to a venue catering to such events) was definitely a labor of love. I had no idea how much planning and work would go into creating a party from scratch. My mom, dad and extended family spent days, weeks and months getting everything ready. My mom even grew succulents to incorporate throughout the décor a year in advance! Jeff and I are so thankful and blessed to have had their help and support. Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. My advice: try not to sweat the small stuff, and hire vendors you trust to do that for you. Things may not (and most likely will not) go exactly as planned. For example, the rickshaw company we planned to use for our getaway canceled last minute. My bridesmaids and cousin decorated my parents’ bikes for us instead. It was so fun to ride off on them at the end of the night knowing my best girlfriends made it happen!

Wedding Photography: Agnes Lopez Photography / Ceremony: Community Presbyterian Church in Atlantic Beach, Florida / Reception: The Bride’s Parents’ Home in Atlantic Beach, Florida / Event Planning: Forever Sacred / Floral Design: Cypress Creative Floral Design (bloomcypress@gmail.com) / Wedding Cake: Cinottis Bakery / Music: KTG Musical Entertainment / Rentals: Beachview Event Rentals & Design / Invitation Design: A Friend, Co-worker of the Bride / Letterpress Invitations: 42 Pressed / Stamps: Verde Studio / Wedding Dress: Melissa Sweet for Priscilla of Boston (Now Closed) / Bride’s Reception Dress: LulaKate via Bella Bridesmaid / Bride’s Belt: Custom by Nicole Lee for Pink Underground / Bride’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Amsale via Bella Bridesmaid

Have you ever fallen in love with a fabulous pair of shoes?  I have.  And they just so happen to be the prettiest pair of purple, bow-adorned heels I have ever laid my eyes upon.  Which comes as no surprise, really, since every.last.detail of this stunning Jacksonville soiree has captured my heart – and in a BIG way. From that swoon-worthy gown to the gorgeous florals by Shea Hopely Flowers to the breathtaking images captured by Jenn Hopkins Photography, it’s one serious lesson in traditional perfection.  Ready to spend your Monday wrapped up in lovely?  See it all here.

From Jenn Hopkins Photography… Lindsay and Brian are an incredible couple.  They share so much joy and laughter together. We had a giant rain storm that day that moved their outdoor garden ceremony indoors, and it didnt faze them a bit. They still laughed and smiled and cried right along with each other, as if everything hadn’t gotten rained out. My bride even hopped out in the rain under a giant umbrella with her new hubby, to capture the day as it truly happened.

Lindsay even planned a special time to do a first look with her daddy. Which I love, as sometimes Dads get lost in the shuffle on wedding days, only seeing their daughters a few minutes before they walk them down the aisle. in planning a first look with the first love of her life, her daddy, she got to spend a few minutes with just him. Which was really really sweet.

The couple really made their day all about them and their friends and family. A sweet way they made sure that they touched each guest that day was by having their menu cards custom printed and personalized for each guest. Every guest’s menu had a special sweet note on it from Lindsay and Brian, personalized for that individual with a funny story or sweet words with how they had impacted the couple and why they were so grateful they were there that day to celebrate their love.

Lindsay and Brian made sure their day refelected who they were, classic, southern, sweet and fun. Incredibly in love and so excited to start their lives together.

Wedding Photography: Jenn Hopkins Photography / Floral Design: Shea Hopely Flowers / Event Planning: The Chefs Garden Catering and Events / Wedding Ceremony & Reception Location: The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens / Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Bride’s Dress: Malindy Elene

Crazy beautiful.  There’s just no other way to describe this breathtaking Hollywood wedding, because, well… it’s just that amazing.  A traditional love fest with a sassy color palette and a bride and groom that are the epitome of elegance – all wrapped up in miles upon miles of peacock-themed whimsy and uber-sophistication.  Intrigued?  No worries – we have you totally covered with a gallery that is literally bursting with mesmerizing images captured by Elaine Palladino Photography… and an entire weekend to devour every.last.one.  Click here for more.

From Elaine Palladino Photography… For this timeless wedding in South Florida, the bride wanted to have a day that “no on would forget.” Inspired by peacock feathers, there were many classic details, including breathtaking flowers with a touch of whimsy thanks to the feather details and pops of color.

From the Bride… I had in mind having a wedding no one would forget – romantic, yet party atmosphere, traditional, yet modern.  The most memorable moment of your day was when we said our vows. It was a beautiful afternoon.  My favorite detail was the decoration of the reception and the Peacock feather details.  Our DIY details were the menus, programs, and place cards, as well as the flower girl’s headbands.  A significant detail we incorporated into the wedding was the couples first glance.  It was beautiful private moment before the whirlwind of the rest of the day.

My advice for future bride/grooms would be to remember the day is about you and your honey.

Wedding Photography: Elaine Palladino Photography / Floral Design: Floral Designs by Yamir / Wedding Ceremony & Reception Venue: The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa in Hollywood, FL / Wedding Dress: Fantasia by Sottero and Midgley / Bride’s Shoes: Nine West / Bride’s Veil: Borrowed / Bridesmaid Dresses: Handmade by Local Designer / Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Zayas / Groom’s Shoes: Zayas / Linens: Leyani Linens / Wedding Invitations: Lilian Designs Studio / Wedding Cake: Ana Paz Cakes / DJ: 84 West Studios / Party Favors: Donut Divas

If you are anything like me (and I know you are) than you are still seriously giddy from this morning’s Dessert Inspired Engagement Session by Papered Heart Photography.  I mean, what’s not to love about a too.cute.for.words bride and groom-to-be and bundles upon bundles of yummy French-inspired desserts, including homemade ice cream?  So, when Papered Heart Photography offered to send along the recipes (chocolate sauce included!) for our very own ice cream making session, we seriously could not stop smiling.  It’s the perfect treat for the weekend… and a fabulous date night with your honey.

French Ice Cream

2 cups milk
5 egg yolks
Few grains salt
1 cup sugar
2 cups cream
1 tablespoon vanilla

Scald the milk in a double boiler or over hot water.  Beat egg yolks, salt, and sugar together until light. Pour the scalded milk on them and stir until well mixed.  Return to boiler and cook until the mixture coats the spoon, stirring constantly.  Remove from heat.  Add cream and stir well.  Cool.  Add vanilla.  Chill and freeze.  Serve with chocolate sauce…yumm.  Yields 1 quart of ice cream.

Old Fashioned Vanilla Ice Cream

1 1/2 cups top milk
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup whipping cream
1 tablespoon cornstarch

Scald milk.  Separate eggs. Beat yolks and add sugar and cornstarch. Combine this mixture with milk.  Cook over water 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then cool. Beat egg whites until stiff. Add salt and fold into cooked mixture.  Add vanilla.  Pour into refrigerator freezing tray/container and chill to a heavy mush.  Beat until fluffy.  Whip cream and fold into mixture. Return to tray/container and freeze.  Serves 6.

Homemade Chocolate Sauce

1 1/4 cups milk
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 tablespoon butter
2 ounces unsweetened chocolate
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/8 teaspoon salt

Cook milk, chocolate, and butter over a slow heat and stir until chocolate melts and the mixture is thick. Add sugar and cook until it thickens again, stirring constantly. Add vanilla and salt.  Mix well. Pour over ice cream. Yummmmm.

And a few more images from the day, because we love them so…

Click here for the entire image gallery!

So, there you go, SMPers.  A weekend of nothing, but sweet, sweet ice cream and a whole lot of fun awaits you!  A great big thank you to Papered Heart Photography for sending along these recipes and for sharing this amazing day with us! xoxo

Photography: Papered Heart Photography / Dress: ModCloth / Hair & Makeup: Laura Barone with Blend True / Vintage Rental Pieces: Lucky Day Emporium / Recipes: Lily Wallace New American Cook Book, Copyright 1941 (Family Cookbook)

Ice cream and true love.  Two of my favorite things.  And when the two combine for a fabulous e-session captured by the uber-talented Papered Heart Photography?  Well… let’s just say our day couldn’t possibly be any sweeter.  (Literally.)  Because, not only is this darling e-shoot one of the cutest I have EVER laid my eyes upon (adorable duo alert!), it also happens to be chock-full of French-inspired deliciousness, including mouth-watering cupcakes, darling meringues and, of course, homemade ice cream.  Yummy.  So, join me in the gallery for all of the lovely – and then stay tuned for an UBER-fabulous treat coming up later today!

Click here for the entire image gallery!

From Papered Heart Photography… Our couple, Kim + Jeremy, enjoy making Ice Cream together on the weekends at Jeremy’s Family Property.

They plan to incorporate this into their reception dessert table after returning from eloping to Paris and their honeymoon!

They wanted a Vintage Ice Cream Dessert Table and so we thought, why not incorporate France!  We enjoyed rummaging through Jeremy’s family property barn, finding this rustic table and many of the handy pieces for decor. A lot of DIY work went into this shoot! This couple had the best time hunting through flea markets and antique shops to build the perfect dessert table for their ice cream making.

This dreamy couple had a blast and the pictures turned out just like Eye Candy, hope you love!!  

Photography: Papered Heart Photography / Dress: ModCloth / Hair & Makeup: Laura Barone with Blend True / Vintage Rental Pieces: Lucky Day Emporium

The very best, most captivating destination weddings are those that are completely organic. Where the decor, the ambiance, the moments are inspired by the land and the culture and the beauty of the region. And this wedding is the very definition of inspired. It’s rich and layered and full soul. And it is bursting at the seams with pure, unabashed romance. Just as a destination wedding should be. With decor and planning by The Dazzling Details and photographs by Jillian Mitchell, this wedding is destination gold. Click here to see so much more.

Click here to see the full wedding gallery!

From the lovely bride…A love for travel, adventure, and the great outdoors were a few of the things that attracted us to one another when we met, over six years ago. Therefore, it was a no brainer that travel and the outdoors would definitely be components in our wedding. A strong love of family and friends would be the other.

When we began planning our wedding, it was essential it be held at a destination by an ocean, but it was also equally important to have all family members and friends available to celebrate. There wasn’t a way to have both, as some would not be able to travel. So, we divided our celebration in order to have the best of both worlds… we would do a very intimate destination wedding with immediate family and a grand reception in downtown Portland, Oregon, for the rest of our family and friends upon our return home. This arrangement encompassed both sides of our personality as a couple; outdoor travel fanatics and downtown sheik (plus, I would get to wear my dress twice; what bride wouldn’t want to do that!).

With that decision made, we began concentrating on the destination part. Considering many options of places to go, we wondered, “Should it be somewhere we’ve never been, and how far could we travel and still convince our immediate family members to join us?” We found ourselves continuously thinking of Puerto Vallarta, our first major vacation as a couple, and in our minds… the place where we knew we were in this relationship for good, even years before we were engaged. PV held a very sentimental place in our hearts, and we really wanted our families to experience that during an occasion as important as our wedding…. where we would be joining not only our lives together for a lifetime, but our families as well.

As I began collecting wedding ideas, I found The Dazzling Details online. I immediately fell in love with Kristin, Michelle and the team’s work and so did Chris. I have to do event planning in my profession and Chris is a contractor/designer by trade, so aesthetics and truly capturing the essence of our personalities was extremely important to us! There was no doubt that The Dazzling Details would deliver on all of our hopes for our intimate gathering, a total of ten individuals. Every expectation was exceeded!

From start to finish, Chris and I never worried about a thing, because the team was truly exceptional!! Thru the guidance of Kristin and Michelle, we opted to have our wedding and ‘family’ reception at a lovely villa outside the city. What a fabulous family vacation, with our wedding being the big final event! The ceremony, conducted on a sandy beach with the ocean as a backdrop, was enhanced with elegant simplicity and unexpected personal touches along the way. Despite an unexpected day of rain, the drizzle cleared immediately before the group was seated for ceremony, and just a peak of sunlight illuminated the ceremony through dreary skies while the couple said their vows. It beautifully highlighted the natural splendor of the setting, allowing our wedding vows to be the focus.

Every detail was amazing, but the reception/dinner area was probably our favorite “scene” created by our planners. I was moved to tears by the perfection of every intricately designed component. They captured everything we could have ever imagined we would want – they draped multiple chandeliers high above the dining area, accented the table with dozens of candles, had a variety of bouquet holders and different wood elements, natural linen fabrics, and even a small suitcase that served as part of a centerpiece! One of my favorite touches was our cake holder, especially designed out of tree branches. All color choices for the event palette were colors found in nature: browns, grays, linens, and whites to highlight our love of the outdoors. Collectively, it made for a magical and memorable event that to this day everyone is still talking about… and for all that weren’t there, they wish they could have been!! Our wedding celebration was truly exquisite!!

Wedding Coordination, Design + Florals: The Dazzling Details / Wedding Photography: Jillian Mitchell Photography / Wedding Venue: Casita Camino al Mar / Catering: Plush Catering / Live Latin guitarist (ceremony and cocktail reception) – Lenny Lopez / Ceremony Officiate: Tamara Bradley with Puerto Vallarta Wedding Officiants / Wedding Dress: Vera Wang / Groom’s Attire: Calvin Klein /  Wedding Cake: Charme Reposteria

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again and again – oh, how I ADORE a beautiful beach wedding.  There’s just nothing prettier (or more perfect) than miles upon miles of bright blue ocean waves as your Big Day backdrop, don’t you agree?  And this stunning Jupiter Beach Resort wedding by Thompson Photography Group is everything I love about a sweet seaside soiree.  Breathtaking views, a casual yet elegant vibe and too much gorgeous to count.  See sooo much more here.

Click here to see the entire image gallery!

From Thompson Photography Group… Kara and Tj wanted an elegant, stylish, wedding with their own personal flare. Simple cute touches from the flowers, to the mason jars they used as water glasses and all the burlap that they used to accent their day they really pulled off a romantic, country, shabby chic day. TJ got to express his love for music by having the tables be named after some of their favorite albums by their favorite artists. This wedding was a perfect expression of both of their styles and it turned out to be beautiful display of their personality, style and love for each other.

Wedding Photography: Thompson Photography Group / Planning & Event Design: Creations Production / Floral Design: Creations Production / Ceremony & Reception Location: Jupiter Beach Resort / Bride’s Shoes: BHLDN

I am so madly in love with this wedding, I am not even sure where to begin.  The vibrant purple and teal color palette, the contemporary meets traditional details, the beyond gorgeous (and uber-HAPPY) bride and groom – it’s a serious wedding knock out from start to finish.  And those lovely images captured by Merari Photography?  Well, they’ll leave you grinning from ear to ear with moment after moment of downright gorgeous jumping straight from your computer screen.  Yep, it’s absolute perfection and it’s all happening right.at.this.very.moment in the full gallery.  Join me there for more.

From Merari Photography… Eric and Margarita met at work. They met at a Starbucks for their first date. They fell in love. Fast forward a few years, and they were ready to pledge their eternal love to one another. It was an elegant and simple affair with touches of Margarita’s Nicaraguan heritage sprinkled in. Happiness was in the air, and I couldn’t have taken a picture without someone smiling even if I wanted to. Their laid-back personalities and passion for one another was contagious.

There were very personal details thrown in. The necklace Margarita wore is an heirloom from Eric’s family. Margarita had a special handkerchief made to give to her dad, and Eric gave his groomsmen custom flasks as gifts. They also provided a “photo booth table” during the reception with a Polaroid camera and various props so guests could take their own photo, write a small message and put it in a special album. There were lots of little ones at the wedding, so Margarita provided coloring books and crayons to entertain them. The table numbers were also personalized with facts about their relationship!

My favorite part of the day was when Margarita’s dad surprised them with a mariachi band and serenaded the newlyweds with a special song about Margarita. Oh my word, not a single dry eye in the room.

It was a very special day for a very special couple.

Wedding Photography: Merari Photography / Wedding Venue: Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay in Miami, Florida / Floral Design: Ever After Floral Design / Event Planning: The Bride + Her Family / DJ: A Family Friend / Wedding Dress: Maggie Sottero / Bride’s Shoes: Lulu Townsend / Hair + Makeup: Art of Hair by Claudia

I fall in love with a new venue every.single.day here on SMP Florida, but today’s glorious Wild Heron location just might be my favorite yet.  A gorgeous boathouse overlooking the pristine waters of Lake Powell, a darling gazebo perfect for ceremonies and a boardwalk just begging for a stunning Mr. and Mrs. and some uber-fabulous photo ops.  Thankfully, Adria Peaden Photography snapped up every moment of Panama City Beach lovely, including the sweet vintage vibe and the DIY details crafted by the breathtaking bride.  See it all here.

The day started with a first look next to the boathouse. We walked around the edge of the boathouse to find a spiral staircase and then out onto the boardwalk for some yummy, glowy, romantic images. Everything from the lace ruffles on the bride’s dress to the antique keys scattered around the reception made the whole event melt together. The ceremony was held in a gazebo on a lawn across from the boathouse. The bride was adamant that each detail be non-traditional. The flower arrangements on the gazebo were not hung level and they decided to face the crowd instead of the traditional way with their backs to the crowd. It gave the images of their ceremony a sweetness as they were able to gaze at their loved ones on the most important day of their life. While the catering, flowers, cake and music were all provided by vendors, the decorations were purely from the bride. She spent time shopping at local craft stores to make everything just as she wanted. 

Wedding Photography: Adria Peaden Photography / Wedding Venue: The Boat House at Wild Heron in Panama City Beach, Florida / Floral Design: Hallmark Flower Shoppe / Wedding Decor: DIY by the Bride / Catering: Victoria’s Event Planning and Catering / Wedding Cake: Publix / Wedding Dress: Aire Barcelona

There’s really no better way to kick off the weekend than with an uber-stylish soiree – and this breathtaking Palm Beach Gardens affair captured by Kat Braman Photography?  Well, it’s a sure-fire way to jazz up your Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  Filled to the brim with one drop-dead gorgeous detail after another and a plethora of beautiful blooms by Daniel Events, it’s traditional meets whimsy at its finest.  And when you get a look at those cute-as-can-be bridesmaid shoes, you’ll most definitely be smiling until we meet again.  See it all right here.

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From Kat Braman Photography… This beautiful South Florida wedding is a great mix of classic and fresh details. I love the timeless feel of the church wedding with a country club reception, and it fits Colleen and Barrett perfectly. They are both huge golf enthusiasts and even incorporated their love of golf into their cocktail hour decor. The combination of yellow and gray is a great choice, and I love the unexpected pattern on the bridesmaids’ shoes.

Wedding Photography: Kat Braman Photography / Ceremony: St. Patrick Catholic Church in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida / Reception: Frenchman’s Reserve in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida / Floral Design: Daniel Events / Band: The Headliners Band / Cigar Roller: Mya Cigars / Wedding Dress: Martina Liana / Bride’s Shoes: Tory Burch / Jewelry: Wedding Belles / Hair: Natalie of Edmund James Salon / Makeup: Joanne of Team Beauti / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Priscilla of Boston (Now Closed) / Bridesmaids’ Shoes: Nine West / Men’s Tuxedos: Calvin Klein

The official start of Summer is just around the corner and I don’t know about you lovelies, but I am definitely in the mood to celebrate the new season.  So, when Andi Mans Photography & Design sent along this sweet nautical inspiration shoot (complete with DIY cake pops!), well… I literally jumped right out of my seat.  It’s everything (and I mean everything) you need for that perfect sunny get-together – bright pops of color, bundles of maritime accents and watermelon aplenty.  Yep, the party planning starts right here.right now in the full gallery… and then stay tuned for a yummy cake pop tutorial below!

Click here for the full gallery of images!

From Andi Mans Photography & Design… Hello there! Oh it sure is heating up over here in Florida! What does that mean for me? Well, watermelon is in full effect for purchasing (yum) and so is the beach love! I love nautical decor, simple with a fresh essence of a summer time vibe. I put together an inspirational tablescape to portray just that! These ideas are super easy for anyone to create and are perfect for a backyard event, wedding or any type of celebration! Make sure to scroll down to learn how to bake my “Dulce De Leche” recipe for cake pops as seen in this shoot, they sure do pack a punch of deliciousness! Smooth sailing ahead!

Photography, Styling & Cake Pops: Andi Mans Photography & Design / Invitations & Paper Goods: Andi Mans via Etsy

Cake Pop Supplies

Vanilla Food Cake Mix {and ingredients listed on box}
1/2 Cup of Cream Cheese Frosting
2 tbsp. Cup Dulce De Leche {Nestle}
White Chocolate Candy Melts {2 bags from Michael’s}
Candy sticks {from Michael’s}
Styrofoam
Gel Food Coloring Blue {NOT liquid}
Foil
Vegetable Oil Spray
Shortening {large spoon full}
Sprinkles {optional}

Instructions

10. Now coat the balls with the candy coating. The key is to place the pop in the chocolate at a sideways angle with one hand. Using the other hand, spoon the chocolate mixture all around the pop. Try to do this as quickly as possible before the chocolate begins to harden and get lumpy. Once you have evenly coated the pop, gently tap the stick on the side of the bowl to get off any excess chocolate that would drip.

11. Use the remainder of your white chocolate for the drizzle. If you run out, make more following the steps above. Add the GEL food coloring of your choice until you receive your desired color.

12. Now let your cake pops dry and then you are done! Refrigerate until ready to devour!

So, there you have it.  A sweet guide to your next summertime soiree.  Thanks for all of the inspiration, Andi!  You are awesome. xoxo

This wedding makes me happy.  Very, very happy.  The kind of happy that can only be brought on by the breathtaking images of Captured Photography by Jenny, an oh-so-lovely color palette (pink and mint green!) and a ceremony overlooking the sunny waters of the PGA National Resort.  Yep, an all-encompassing, can’t stop smiling, oh how I love every last minute of this lovely kind of JOY.  And the best part?  All this glee is just a hop, skip and a jump away in the full gallery.  Meet me there for more!

Click here for the entire gallery of images!

From the Bride… Our wedding ceremony and reception took place at PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Having an outdoor spring wedding in South Florida can be risky, but the weather was absolutely gorgeous. The sun peeked through the clouds as palm fronds swayed from a light breeze in the air. The entire day was flawless! The outdoor ceremony magnified the beauty of evening in South Florida. The flower girls (the bride’s nieces) captured the hearts of many with their memorable entrance of handfuls of flower petal thrown down the aisle. The bride and groom exchanged their genuine, heartfelt vows to one another, and even the groom shed some tears of joy.

The ceremony was followed by a cabana cocktail hour overlooking the PGA National Golf Resort, where guests were enjoyed specialty drinks and delicious appetizers. Soon after, guests entered into the Bella Lago ballroom where dinner and dancing began.  The newlyweds first danced to Al Green’s classic hit “Let’s Stay Together.” Next, the groom’s brother toasted the bride and groom with an epic reenactment of their first date (BIG surprise to everyone). Guests enjoyed the comedy. Dinner was served with a choice of filet mignon or chicken roulade served with steamed vegetables and potato au gratin.

The DJ honored all married couples in attendance by asking them to join the bride and groom on the dance floor. A special gift was presented for the longest-married couple, who have been together 60 years and gave humorous, yet genuine words of advice to the newlyweds. Everyone danced the night away. Guests also enjoyed having their pictures taken in the photo booth. The props used in photos consisted of top hats, mustaches and boas. These helped to capture the various personalities of guests. Everyone got to take a copy of their photos home and another copy was placed in a scrapbook created for the bride and groom to keep. This wedding was memorable event for all in attendance. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves surrounded by our close friends and family. My favorite memory was taking a  few minutes during the reception to step back and take in the joy and love filled throughout room. We are so grateful for all that we’ve been blessed with in our lives. 

Wedding Photography: Captured Photography by Jenny / Wedding Venue: PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida / Floral Design: Simply Flowers / Event Planning: The Bride + Family & Friends / Wedding Invitations: Emily Post / Wedding Cake: Cake & Candy Designs by Mary Lou / DJ: Skip Kelly / Photo Booth: LuLu’s Photo Booth / Wedding Dress: Casablanca / Bride’s Shoes: Nina / Hair + Makeup: Bianca Piarulli / Groom’s Socks: SilkscreenExpress / Bridesmaid Dresses: After Six (Style: #6011, Color: Apple Slice)

When a wedding from Simply Bloom Photography makes an appearance in our inbox, we know without fail our adoration for all things beautiful is about to skyrocket. These ladies have a way of capturing a day that takes a veiled kiss or dining under a sea of strung cafe lights and kicks it up a few notches on the gorgeous scale. And so today we are doing high kicks and cheers all around because this gem held at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is all ours to devour and it is packed to the gills with fresh, organic details. One word: MAGIC. See so much more from the day right here.

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From the Bride… Nate’s from Kentucky and I’m from Transylvania. We met while I was teaching and getting my masters in Italian in Florida. We live in Los Angeles, while I’m getting my PhD, far from both of our families who live in Florida and Kentucky. Initially, we were going to have a very small wedding in Italy with immediate family only, but there are so many people that we love and wanted to be a part of our wedding day. We ultimately decided to get married in Sarasota, Florida where my family lives. We chose Marie Selby Botanical Gardens not only for its sweeping coastal views, but also for its stunning banyan trees. It’s a place where land meets water and sky to create a quiet magic at sunset.

We knew the most important thing for us was simply getting married. We wanted to make sure, however, that our family and friends would enjoy themselves. As a result, we invested in the food and soulful entertainment by Jonathan Cortez to keep our 70 guests bopping and rolling until the end. Phil Mancini, of Michael’s on East, was instrumental to helping us realize our vision, as well as Roger, of the Naked Florist. Because we were planning our wedding from the West Coast, while I was working on my PhD and Nate beginning a new job, we trusted them to bring our pictures alive into a unified vision. We focused a large portion of the budget on the photography because we believe in passing down art.

For our wedding, we combined the elements that move us most. We wanted the design to be organic, dreamlike, and classic. The core of the design inspiration came from our various travels: Florentine marbleized paper, a brass flaming heart cachette, and a silver cake cutter that my mother saved and brought with us when we fled under Communism for America. My bridesmaids (a.k.a. champs) helped me glitter walnuts and glue them to beds of moss. They served as party favors and décor. Combining our histories, Nate and I created an Italian and Hungarian influenced Southern wedding. As a result, we chose an intimate sit down dinner at two, long Italian-style tables lit by mercury glass tealights and bistro string lights. We hoped for an Old-world feel amongst the sinewy trees.

Some of the best moments of the day were the ceremony, which my former professor graciously officiated, and our first dance. Our friends came out from behind the tree and encircled us with sparklers. With all that we’ve been through, while dancing to our song under the moon and moss moving in the breeze, I cried my heart out in Nate’s arms. And I can’t stress how important it is to allow yourself to have faith that things will work out. It RAINED between the salad and entrée for a few minutes, and somehow, it brought people closer and helped them to laugh and relax. We have the rain and the people we love to thank for a breathtaking moment.

Wedding Photography: Simply Bloom Photography / Wedding Venue: Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota, Florida / Floral Design: The Naked Florist Event & Floral Design Studio / Catering: Michael’s On East / DJ: Jonathan Cortez (813-476-3134) / Lighting: Affairs in the Air / Bride’s Headpiece: Jennifer Behr / Bride’s Shoes: Steve Madden / Hair: Gina Lane of Salon Excel / Makeup: Carey of Warpaint by Carey (warpaintbycarey@gmail.com)

I can’t think of anything I love more than seeing a sweet, sweet wedding film pop up on my computer screen, especially when that fab film is coming to us straight from the geniuses at Diva Productions. Yep, these talented cinematographers are serious masters at capturing those oh-so-special moments – and today’s Tallahassee affair is absolute perfection with a could.not.be.cuter bride and groom and bundles upon bundles of HAPPY.  All wrapped up in 5 minutes of pure melodic bliss, believe you me, this is one film you’ll be watching time and time again.

Oh, and we’re not done yet.  These breathtaking images captured by Kay Meyer Photography are about to add even more sweetness to your Tuesday. Enjoy!

From the Bride… Brett and I knew each other in high school, but we met again the summer before I started law school. I was going out one night and meeting up with my cousin, who brought some friends along — Brett included. After that, we started dating and have been together ever since. As far as the proposal: It was around Thanksgiving during my last year in law school.  I had finals coming up, so I was completely engulfed in studying. Brett had invited me out to his parent’s house for an early Thanksgiving dinner since his sister was in town. So, reluctantly taking a break from studying, I went to his parents’ for dinner. We were all sitting out on the back porch, drinking wine, when Brett dropped to one knee and proposed in front of his family and my family. As soon as I said yes, fireworks lit the sky out on their property.

The wedding ceremony was at Trinity United Methodist Church. I grew up in the church, so it was a no-brainer that we would get married there. The reception was held at Mission San Luis. We fell in love with this venue because of the Spanish-style architecture and the beautiful courtyard. I studied abroad in Spain for a semester while in college, so having the reception at an old Spanish Mission was perfect. We did not really have an “inspiration” for the wedding. We just wanted a nice mix of traditional and classic styles that reflected the season, so we decided to use dark purples with light green and silver. The colors were taken from the colors of a green cymbidium orchid. The garter that I worse was made from the McDonald tartan (my maiden name) — it is our Scottish family tartan. Also during the reception, Brett surprised me by playing a song from my favorite band: the Beatles. He played the song with one of the other members from his local band. It all went by so quickly, but we loved every minute of it. All of the photos turned out fantastic, but we especially love the ones of all of the wedding party under the arches. The sneak peek video is also wonderful! The fireworks are great! Brett and I are both musicians so our wedding favors were chocolate music notes.

Wedding Photography: Kay Meyer Photography / Ceremony: Trinity United Methodist Church in Tallahassee, Florida / Reception: Mission San Luis in Tallahassee, Florida / Floral Design: Missy Gunnels Flowers / Wedding Cinematography: Diva Productions / Film Song: “Perfect Day” by Holley Maher (Licensed through The Music Bed) / Reception Coordination: Robin Wharton of University Center Club / Fireworks: Ashley Pyrotechnics / Catering: University Center Club / Wedding Cake: Katie’s Cakes and Catering / Wedding Invitations: My Favorite Things / Wedding Dress: Blue by Enzoani / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Mori Lee

Take note, lovelies.  This Watersound Beach Club affair is a serious, serious lesson in understated elegance.  I’m talking fab blush hues, a breathtaking seaside location and an oh-so-chic (+ stunning) bride rockin’ my new favorite Monique Lhuillier.  Swoon.  Add to all of that lovely some uber-gorgeous bridesmaid frocks and a gallery filled with pretty captured by whitebox weddings and we’re in for one downright glamorous, toes-in-the-sand kind of Monday.  Sounds good to me.  See it all here.

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From whitebox weddings… Ashlee and David live in Alabama, but they love Florida’s beaches. They got married in the elegant beach town of Watersound Beach, Florida. Ashlee’s Monique Lhuillier dress was unique and perfect for the breezy, beach-side celebration. Photography and music were the two most important focuses of their big day. The couple allowed tons of time for photos, so we were able to meander through the beach towns to get a lot of gorgeous shots of the bridal party. After the ceremony, the wedding party went to the beach just as the sun began to set. The decor was elegant and understated — the setting was so pretty by itself that it was the decor. The bride and groom also love country music, and the groom is a talented musician. He hand-picked the band out of some of his favorite local performers from Alabama. The night ended with the groom and one of the groomsmen performing with the band. David sang a song or two just for his new bride. It was a very sweet moment.

I would describe this wedding as clean and simple. It was a great demonstration of how you do not have to go over the top to have a beautiful celebration. The bride and groom are super-cute too. 

Wedding Photography: whitebox weddings / Wedding Venue + Catering: Watersound Beach Club in Watersound, Florida / Floral Design: Bella Flora / Wedding Cake: Cakes by Tanis / Ceremony String Trio: Wedding Music Plus, Inc. / Reception Band: James Gee / Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier via Ivory & White / Shoes: Heiress via BHLDN / Makeup: Kate Norrell / Wedding Rings: Hudson-Poole Fine Jewelers in Tuscaloosa, Alabama (205-752-5535) / Bridesmaid Dresses: Anthropologie

An explosion of vibrant colors, an adorable Mr. and Mrs. and a gown that will rock.your.world – if you ask me, this darling Sanibel affair is the perfect way to bid adieu to the month of May.  And with a sweet ceremony held in the cutest chapel ever and pure sunniness radiating through every last magical moment captured by Justin DeMutiis Photography, it also happens to be a sure-fire combo for some uber-smiley, uber-happy faces.  Smiley, happy faces plus gorgeous wedding inspiration?!?  Count me in.  See it all here.

From the Bride & Groom… It was a happy coincidence that both we ended up starting our freshman year at Boston College in the fall of 2009. As a Boston College High School graduate, Kevin was excited to become a “double eagle,” and Lauren was excited to move to the “big city” of Boston from her small hometown in Minnesota. Another coincidence landed us in the same dorm on the freshman Newton Campus, where Lauren was on the third floor of Cushing Hall, and Kevin was in the basement. Being the only floor of girls, it didn’t take long for the basement guys to befriend some of the third floor girls. After nights of group activities such as sledding down hills on cafeteria trays, going to a Harry Potter movie, innocent confrontations with the RA’s and such, in December of 2009 we started dating.

Over the next five and a half years we shared many wonderful adventures and memories. We traveled to Edinburgh, Scotland, for our junior semester abroad and took a couple weeks to travel around Europe. After graduating from BC in 2009, we moved down to Nashville, Tennessee. Kevin is in his third year of Vanderbilt University’s medical physics program. Lauren is a registered nurse in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital and started grad school this fall in Vanderbilt’s acute care pediatric nurse practitioner program. We will both be graduating in the fall of 2013, so we will see where our futures lead us! Even though neither of us can specifically remember when we met for the first time, it has always been clear that our relationship was meant to last. A few happy coincidences, many fun memories and the support from friends and family bring us to April 14, 2012, when we began the rest of our forever together!

For our engagement, Lauren can truly say that even after five and a half years together, Kevin still managed to surprise her! We were spending a week down in Sanibel, Florida, with Lauren’s parents. Kevin wanted Lauren to plan her perfect Sanibel day, and they followed it exactly (slept in, walked on the beach with a cup of coffee, ate a big breakfast, read out on the beach, went for a bike ride, had cocktails on the beach at sunset, and ate a homemade grilled dinner). Lauren never imagined that her day could get any better. After dinner, we took a walk out on the beach to look at the stars, prepared with “miner’s lights” to see the shells. Before Lauren knew it, Kevin was down on one knee asking her to marry him, and Lauren’s light shown on the most beautiful ring she could imagine! There was no doubt in her mind she would say “YES!”

Wedding Photography: Justin DeMutiis Photography / Ceremony: Chapel by the Sea in Captiva, Florida / Reception: The Sanctuary Golf Club in Sanibel, Florida / Floral Design: Beth Traucht of Floral Artistry / Catering: Mark Brown of The Sanctuary Golf Club / Wedding Cake: Mason’s Bakery / Music: Juan Nealon of Sekond Nature / Wedding Dress: Maggie Sottero via The White Room Too / Bride’s Shoes: Enzo Angiolini / Hair + Makeup: Sanibel Day Spa / Men’s Suits: Black Tie Tuxedos

I have a confession to make.  I LOVE weddings.  Okay, okay… you probably already knew that, but I can’t help, but scream it from the rooftops every.single.day.  I mean, who doesn’t adore the pretty little details, the heart stopping moments and the pure joy shining through every last second of wedded bliss?!?  And this fabulous Montverde gem has me LOVING weddings more than I ever thought I could. It’s a bundle of gorgeous meets beyond breathtaking images by BinaryFlips Photography meets perfection in every.which.way.  Care to join me for all of the LOVE-ly?  Click here for sooo much more.

From the Groom… I first stepped foot inside Bella Collina in 2008 for a work Christmas dinner. The minute I walked in, I felt like I was in a foreign country. It felt like I was in an Italian village. Yet it also felt like I was in a vineyard. The beauty of everything, from the walls to the roofs and the clubhouse overlooking the lake just took my breath away. Once dinner was finished, we decided to take a tour of the property. As my coworkers and I walked in amazement, one of them joked that if my girlfriend Olivia and I decided to get married one day, we should do it here. Ever since that night, I always knew Bella Collina would be a special place.

Fast forward to summer of 2010. As Olivia and I were having lunch with one of her aunts, the subject of a wedding was brought up. Although Olivia and I were not engaged at the time, I decided to tell them about Bella Collina abs a possible venue. With the excitement of the conversation, they wanted to see this Bella Collina I was talking about. The minute we passed through the front gates, their faces lit up with surprise and awe. Bella Collina planted a seed in their minds the way it did for me. Olivia and I knew that Bella Collina would one day be the place where she would walk down the aisle towards me.

However, our lives took us to Calfornia in the fall of 2010. Shortly after, I proposed to Olivia at San Francisco’s Palace of Fine Arts. Wedding planning followed shortly after. From wedding dress shopping, to making save the dates to finding a photographer, the next few days became a blur. However, the decision of the venue of our ceremony and reception was still undecided. Since we lived in California, the possibility of having our venue in California was open for discussion. As each conversation turned to dead ends, we pursued the idea of having the wedding in Orlando, where we always thought was the best idea. Our friends, most of our families and where our love blossomed made the decision of having our wedding in Orlando easy. The minute we made the decision of having our special day in Orlando, no discussion was needed about our venue. Bella Collina has and was always the only place we envisioned our marriage to take place in. Bella Collina made February 19, 2012 our most perfect day of our lives. The months of planning, saving, anxiety, stress, nervousness, and indecisions made it worth it. The staff at Bella Collina and our vendors made it a day to remember not just for Olivia and I, but for our 110 guests as well. It only took one step inside Bella Collina for me to realize that this place would someday be special. But I did not know during that first step that one day, it would be the start of a new life, on a perfect day, with the perfect woman, in a perfect place.

Wedding Photography: BinaryFlips Photography / Wedding Venue: Bella Collina in Montverde, Florida / Wedding Design + Coordination: Blossoms Arrangements of Distinction / Wedding Invitations: Admire Designs / Wedding Cake: Party Flavors / DJ: White Rose Entertainment / Lighting: Get Lit Productions / Bride + Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Pricilla of Boston (Now Closed) / Hair + Makeup: Larri Matteson / Groom’s + Groomsmen’s Tuxedos: Men’s Wearhouse

The Ca’ d’Zan Mansion.  A breathtaking Italian-inspired masterpiece overlooking the pristine waters of the Sarasota Bay.  In other words, the perfect place to say “I Do.”  And when you combine this Floridian paradise with a stop-you-in-your-tracks affair boasting a vibrant purple color scheme and the world’s most gorgeous bride and groom, well… it’s pure, unadulterated joy.  Thank goodness Andi Diamond Photography was on hand to capture every ounce of amazing, because this is a traditional soiree that deserves your full and undivided attention.  See it all here.

Click here for the FULL wedding!

Oh, and we’re not done yet.  We have one very amazing film from In Motion Video Productions to add even more pretty to your day. Enjoy!

From the Bride… To say that I had my dream wedding is an understatement. In my eyes, there was no place like the Ca’ d’Zan to get married. Before I even knew that Thomas existed, I envisioned marrying the love of my life beneath the banyan trees at this gorgeous 1924 mansion on the bay in the town where I had grown up. Our day was that and so much more.

We wanted the venue to be the main design focus of the wedding. We kept the décor simple so as to not distract from the breathtaking surroundings (and to keep our dream wedding affordable, as we were paying for it ourselves!). Our inspiration for our color scheme, amethyst, peridot and aquamarine, came from the gemstone colors in the stained glass windows flanking every wall of the building. The style that we were going for: classy elegant with a hint of vintage and a lot of fun!

My favorite moment from the day — that’s tough! Maybe it was seeing the emotion in Thomas’s face as I walked down the aisle, being so engulfed in one another during our ceremony that we didn’t hear a word that the priest said or notice my niece practicing her twirls at our feet, or maybe it was our first dance, feeling like we were the only ones in the room even with 145 pairs of eyes focused on us. I guess the bottom line is it was knowing without question that we had said “I do” to the one God had intended for each of us. I loved seeing how it all came together and feeling that it was truly how I had envisioned it. I remember the moment when we stepped onto the  reception on the terrace and thinking, “WOW!” It was absolutely beautiful! A gorgeous spring night, the sun setting on the water, the uplighting on the stunning building, the colors coming together, the centerpieces lit — and that cake! The cake was my favorite detail of the day. I loved the pearls and rhinestones, and the lace that she piped onto the layers that matched my dress perfectly — and it was it delicious! My favorite self-created detail was actually created by my mom: our family’s homemade ice cream that I grew up eating at every special event and holiday with our family. My mom made gallons of it to serve ice cream with our wedding cake. It was a way to add a personal touch to the day while having that ice cream present in another of my most special memories.

Wedding Photography: Andi Diamond Photography / Wedding Venue: Ca’ d’Zan Mansion / Floral Design, Rentals + Uplighting: Bee Ridge Florist / Wedding Cinematography: In Motion Video Productions / Catering: Nellie’s Deli / Bakery: Pastries By Design / Wedding Dress: CB Couture via Sarasota Brides & Formalwear + Custom Design Alterations / Makeup: Michele Renee / Bridesmaid Dresses: All Brides 2 Be

Beach weddings.  The perfect fusion of elegant details, stunning ocean views and sunny blue skies – a sweet combo that never fails to leave us breathless.  And this sparkling Islamorada affair is most certainly of the take-your-breath-away kind with its beautiful blooms by Floral Fantasy Weddings, uber-gorgeous couple and beyond lovely blush hues.  Claudia Oliver Photography snapped up all of the pretty and, trust me when I tell you, seaside fêtes don’t get any better than this.  See it all here.

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From the Bride… It was really important to both Braden and I that the vibe of our wedding day be relaxed and fun with a lovely ambiance. Although we met in Chicago, and had spent years together getting to know the big city, there was something in both our spirits that was longing for a beach wedding. When we came across Pierre’s Restaurant in Islamorada while planning our wedding, we immediately fell in love with it. It featured first class cuisine and embodied a picture-perfect, cool — almost Caribbean — vibe, while remaining intimate. We chose light pinks and navy to accent the day, which added a touch of romance. It was also important to us to have many small personal touches on the day, some of which included writing our own vows and custom made jewelry for each bridesmaid. For decorations, we wanted to accentuate the unique charm and beauty of Pierre’s. We kept it simple with many candles and soft pink and white flowers in the dining area to create the ambiance we were looking for. But it was truly all of our close family and friends that were able to attend that made the day so special — the whole event nothing less than the perfect party. Amazing weather helped too! We were also so grateful to our photographer, Claudia Oliver, for her interpretation of the day through her photography. The way she was able to capture the day perfectly will make all the memories that much more special! The way everything came together, it truly was the wedding of our dreams!

Wedding Photography: Claudia Oliver Photography / Wedding Venue: Pierre’s Restaurant in Islamorada, Florida / Floral Design: Floral Fantasy Weddings / Wedding Cake: Bob’s Bunz / DJ: EMS Entertainment / Lodging + Preparations: Cheeca Lodge & Spa / Wedding Dress: Tara Keely / Jewelry: Kiki Designs / Bridesmaid Dresses: Amy Wong Micucci of Swoon

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