Florida Weddings

You are going to love these two. You are going to love them from the moment you watch this video. You’re going to love the cake, you’re going to love the decor, your going to love the beach ceremony. But you are going to capital LOVE this couple more than anything. Their infectious smiles, their extreme excitement, their tear stained vows. And you are going to love Paul Johnson Photography for capturing the day in beautiful stills, and Diva Productions for capturing it in a breathtaking video. You are going to love these two.

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A Water Color Wedding | Coming Soon: Missy & Lauren… from Diva Productions

Click here to see the full image gallery!

After dating for several months and realizing that I had absolutely met my best friend, it was clear that we meant to be together. Our plans were to be in WaterColor to celebrate the holidays with my father’s side of the family. Having such a special, amazing time in one of the most incomparably beautiful places, it seemed like this would be the perfect time to ask. Unfortunately, we still did not have a ring decided upon.

In WaterColor, there is a classic candy shop from your childhood with a bunch of stuffed animals and other small toys, amongst which is a big Hello Kitty section. Missy absolutely adores Hello Kitty. On the bottom shelf, thankfully tucked away from desperate eyes pointed at a huge stuffed Hello Kitty, was a rack of faux-antique rings with Hello Kitty jewels. While Missy sadly walked out without a big mushy feline friend, I rushed back and purchased one of the rings, thinking I had found perfection right there. I could barely contain my glee as I skipped outside, trying to look nonchalant while already trying to figure out the best place to ask Missy to be my wife.

Every evening in WaterColor, my family lines up beach chairs and watches the sun magically go down over the Gulf. This would clearly be the perfect place! However, being December, the coast was quite chilly and not everyone who grew up in Miami Beach wanted to stay out to watch, even when given the option of taking my fleece and gloves for warmth. Thus, “Plan A” was foiled. However, being Christmas the next morning there was another opportunity for a special and memorable moment. When we woke up, earlier than the family breakfast, I told Missy that I had gotten her a gift that week. “When? I was with you every minute!” Well, not every minute. I then reached into my coat pocket to get the pink princess Hello Kitty ring still waiting for a finger and got down on one knee in from of the bed. Looking up at the still just-waking Missy, I asked, “Will you marry me?” We then had the most smiling-est, jumping-est, teary-est morning ever.

After being engaged there, the decision to have the wedding at WaterColor was simple; we wanted a wedding where people who loved each other got to spend as much time as possible with one another. WaterColor is phenomenal for family get togethers, and we were excited to introduce so many people to the Emerald Coast.

The concept of a modern beach wedding was matched by the style of all of our fantastic vendors, who absolutely made the day. And we could not have had a better band than Rubik’s Groove. Missy and I both love 80s music, and these guys were the most amazing event band ever. No one sat for the entire night. Even when the delicious food was served, people wanted to be dancing, not eating! All we have seen in the pictures of the tent are empty chairs and a full dance floor!

Cinematography: Diva Productions / Photography: Paul Johnson Photography / Event Designer & Coordinator: Jennifer Warwick-Lewis + Jennifer Fisher for It’s a Shore Thing / Venue: WaterColor Inn & Resort / Venue Coordinator: Cheryl Walton for WaterColor / Cake: Confections on the Coast / Florals: Nouveau Flowers / Officiant: Rabbi Richard Baroff / Band: Rubik’s Groove / Makeup Artist: Yvette Nation / Hair Stylist: Ashley Carter / Ceremony Guitarist: Hunter Dawson

We are closing out the week here at SMP Florida with a super gorgeous fete by 1313 Photography. You’re seriously gonna die when you see all the pretty florals like baby’s breath and old moss roses in the prettiest, little mason jars wrapped with jute. What a cute and easy way to add a little something to an old standby. The color palette is beyond beautiful and seriously makes my heart flutter. You too? Click here for more!

Click here for the FULL wedding!

Make sure to take a minute or two to see this gorgeous fete come to life by Tall Like Trees.

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From the bride… Miami can be more of an adjective than a location when it comes to weddings, so when Jason and I started our planning we set out to have a non-Miami, Miami wedding that reflected our more laid-back, fun and friendly style. Among other things, that meant no ballrooms, no crystals, no “poof” and easy on the cheese (unless we’re talking about the edible kind). Luckily, I stumbled on to 1313 Photography through an exceptionally breath-taking post on Style Me Pretty and got our venue, Red Fish Grill at Matheson Hammock Park, and our photographers booked! That was not the last problem SMP would solve but it was definitely the most important first step!

Jason is from South Africa and we are lucky enough to have friends living all over the world, so we had guests coming in from everywhere (Literally. From Durban to Dubai, California to Kazakhstan). We knew we wanted to make it a whole weekend of festivities that ended with the Sunday night wedding and, most importantly, with a guest list of 120, we still wanted it to feel intimate and warm. So, with our wedding song, “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers, in mind we put everything through the “Fun, Friendly, Intimate: A Lovely Day” filter. We incorporated lace and organza accents, warm colors, and mismatched details that all started coming together as the day got closer. We knew we wanted to have the ceremony under the oak tree at Matheson Hammock park, so we enlisted the help of Jamie Lipman at Absolute Events to make sure everything came together to be the “Lovely Day” we imagined. More than that, Jamie became a resource for a whole network of vendors that just got our vision and never once tried to add glitter :) Little things like replacing the limos with old-school (but still air conditioned. Hey, it is still Miami!) trollies and having an acoustic guitarist play at the ceremony made things feel more like us, but with the traditions still in place.

There are a million details that added so much to that day but to name a few of our favorites: Guests sipping on mojitos (homemade by the hubby) before the ceremony. Coming down the aisle to an acoustic guitar version of “Doo Wah Diddy.” Incorporating our bulldog Spike (who unfortunately couldn’t be there) into the table numbers, ceremony and speeches. The words spoken by our officiant (who also happens to be our yoga teacher), “Marriage isn’t just about passion, it’s about intention.” The vows we wrote together. All our signage, including the custom fingerprint tree sign-in and directional sign. The “fauxto-booth” fun! The Soultrain that replaced our Father-Daughter Dance.  My brother MC’ing the wedding like a pro! The homemade whoopie pie favors made by our bridesmaid and BFF. Our cake topper (swoon!). And, of course, the groomsmen stripping down to their “knickers” and jumping in the ocean to end the night! All in all it was more than just a lovely day, it was an amazing one. And largely because of the awesome people we were lucky enough to share it with … and that DEFINITELY includes our vendors, who felt more like friends!

Photography: 1313 Photography / Event Planning: Absolute Events / Venue: Red Fish Grill / Floral Design + Decor: Ines Naftali Floral & Event Design / Cinematography: Tall Like Trees / Transportation: Lolly The Trolley, Pompano Beach / Ceremony Music: Jordan Brown Music / Tree Sign-In Board, Calligraphy + Other Signage: Ohmygoodness / Cake Topper: MilkTeabyBthanari / Dessert: Misha’s Cupcakes / Invitations: Manny Fabian, friend of the couple / Dress: Martina Liana via Bellissima Bridal / Suit: J. Lindeberg / Hair + Makeup: Julie Czarnecki Eggleston and Jackie Perez-Coscette

This darling duo didn’t let a venue cancellation ruin their big day.  Nope, instead they moved the party to their very own backyard… and the result was nothing short of spectacular with a day literally overflowing with love, family and friends.  Mandy and Me Studio was on hand to capture every moment of this intimate affair and from the sunny yellow hues to the succulent-filled blooms by FH Weddings & Events to a backyard bathed in hanging candlelight, the gallery is bursting with special moments between this adorable bride and groom. I think I’ll spend my day soaking in every ounce of lovely. Join me, won’t you?

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From Mandy of Mandy and Me Studio… A few weeks after Lauren and Jonathan booked us, they found out that their venue had double booked their date, so they had to start their search all over again. They wanted a fall wedding and, given this was already spring, they were having trouble finding a venue they like that had a date open. In the end, they chose to get married at a small park down the street from their home and have their reception in their backyard. It turned out awesome. We think more people should have a backyard wedding. Why? It brings the intimate feel that you get at weddings to a whole new level. Lauren and Jonathan’s wedding was quite awesome. Between the two of them and their family and friends, there was a lot of effort put into making this a night to remember. We know we won’t forget this sweet wedding anytime soon.

Wedding Photography: Mandy and Me Studio / Flowers: FH Weddings & Events / Food: DIY / Cake: Publix / DJ: A family friend / Wedding Dress: La Sposa Bridal / String Lights: Home Depot / Hanging Candle Lights: CB2 / Tables + Chairs: Signature Events By Design

Does it get any more gorgeous than a wedding at The Breakers Palm Beach? The beautiful venue is straight out of a fairytale, and this ballroom beauty captured by Lara Rios Fine Art Photography looks like a dream come true. Of course that is the just the beginning of what will leave you breathless in this gorgeous gala – the bride’s gown will make your heart skip a beat, the dapper groomsmen donned pink stripped bow ties, the Manolo Blahniks are fit for a princess and the ballroom reception surely left their guests gasping…it’s all enough to make you go gaga over this elegant fête! See it all here!

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From the bride… Erik and I choose The Breakers because the moment I walked into the hotel, I felt my heart start to race and a huge smile came across my face. Kym was showing me around and I could not tell you what she was saying because all I could think about was seeing Erik on the day of our wedding in the Mediterranean courtyard. I had gone to other venues and thought, hmmm, this could be pretty with flowers etc., but none of the venues lit me up like The Breakers. The architecture and attention to detail is obvious to anyone who has been to or seen this hotel. For me, it was how I felt when I walked in and saw the courtyard because for the first time, I could see Erik and I committing our lives to one another in that very place. When I saw the Mediterranean ballroom, there was not a single question in my mind that this was the room. The ceiling was inspiring and my jaw literally dropped when I saw pictures of this room decorated for a wedding. Little girls dream of magical wedding days and have fairy tale visions for how it will take place … Our wedding at The Breakers far exceeded anything I could have ever dreamed … It was as if I was finally not playing dress-up and pretending to be a princess. I actually was a princess for that day, and I felt like I was in my very own castle, far removed from reality. The Breakers creates this dream world where you forget you are at a hotel.

I was living in Ft. Lauderdale at the time and Erik was in Hoboken, NJ, where we live together now, so I was taking the first tour by myself. The day I took Erik there to see if he agreed it was the place, we stood in the courtyard holding hands, and just knew it was where we would have our wedding. We looked into each other’s eyes and there was not a moment of hesitation.

Also, Erik and I met at Cucina’s which is near the Breakers, so we liked the idea of having our wedding nearby. My family lives in the area so it was convenient and knowing the area was helpful.

Photography: Lara Rios Fine Art Photography / Wedding Planner: Zoe Gallina Event Styling + Coordination / Venue: The Breakers Palm Beach / Wedding Décor: Design Studio at The Breakers Palm Beach / Strings + Band: The Powerhouse Group / Videographer: Brewer Photo and Video / Invitations: Elle Ette Designs / Makeup: The Breakers Palm Beach / Hair: Torrie Tiernan (torrietiernan@yahoo.com) / Dress: Lazaro Couture via Kleinfeld Bridal / Shoes: Manolo Blahnik

SMP Florida, your Tuesday just got SO much prettier thanks to this fall fête by Melissa T Photography. Filled to the brim with those gorgeous autumn hues we can get enough of, and timeless touches that ensure this couple’s wedding will be stylish for centuries – waking up to this celebration is like waking up on the right side of the wedding-loving bed. And that outdoor reception area? LOVE. You know the gallery is the place to be to surround yourself with all the pretty – so jump on in for even more!

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From Melissa of Melissa T Photography… I was so excited to shoot Dan and Ashleigh’s wedding at Casa Feliz in Winter Park, Florida. The Andalusian-style farmhouse built in 1932 is the perfect setting. Although it is nestled in the bustling modern Orlando metropolis, the building and grounds feel like a different, magical world. The old masonry building is filled with elegant details. Archways, verandas, patios, a spiral staircase, lush landscaping, antique mirrors and secret courtyards combine in one location to give a wide variety of photographic opportunities. I planned for a lot of pre-wedding time in order to shoot enough detail to truly convey the beauty of the property. I was very excited to see the subtle and elegant design that Ashleigh and Dan had chosen. In such a bold location, just a little decor creates a lot of impact. The rich autumn colors and French-cottage florals fit the farmhouse perfectly, but didn’t disappear against the brick, mahogany and antique woods.

But what stood out most on that beautiful evening was the love that Ashleigh and Dan shared. The connection that they shared with their entire wedding party, family, and guests was a joy to participate in. It was obvious that the love they found in each other was spilling over onto everyone in their lives. I was simply honored to be a part of their beautiful day.

From the bride… Our wedding was a long time coming. Daniel and I dated for three years and were engaged for a year and a half before tying the knot. We knew from the moment we met that what we had was a special, once in a life time love. We didn’t want to rush, yet we hit the ground running with anticipation of a day we knew we would share together. One month before our wedding we lost Dan’s grandfather, and eight days before the wedding we lost my father. With such emotion running through the whole family, the one thing that tied us together was love. The love we all have for each other and the love that brought Daniel and I to our special day. It was a gorgeous day. Perfect Florida winter weather greeted our guests, and we danced under a harvest moon sky and stars that stretched for miles. Daniel and I poured our heart and soul into the wedding. We wanted our footstep on the earth to be as carbon neutral as possible. We made most of our favors and what was purchased was made by others with their hands and hearts. It was a magical evening, and we loved every minute of it. We knew our audience in the sky was smiling down upon us as we celebrated on our own version of heaven’s amphitheater.

Photographer: Melissa T Photography / Venue: Casa Feliz / Wedding Planner: Shawnee Louise of I Thee Wed Bridal / Dress: Jim Hjelm via Kerrie Rourke of The White Magnolia Bridal Collection /
Hair + Makeup: Janelle on Location / Caterer, Linens + China: Arthur’s Catering / Cake: Sweet Ashley Rae’s / Flowers: Vintage Vines / Harpist: Catherine Way of HarpStrings, Inc. / Lighting: Kaleidoscope Event Lighting / DJ: Direct Entertainment / Invitations, Programs, Save the Dates, Guest Tree: Casey Pickett of Pick Ink (cpartdesign@hotmail.com) / Card Box, Aisle Lanterns, Ring Bearer Box, Favor Boxes, Chalkboard Signs, Table Number Notebooks, Cake Topper + Candle Holders: DIY

I don’t think you can get more darling, more personal, more loved-filled than this next little number snapped by Kristin Marie Photography. It just oozes that charm we all wish we could bottle, and that casual backyard vibe that just can’t be beat. There are too many details to list – so you’ll need to spend some serious QT with this lovely fête, but the most lovely detail of all is the completely adoration this darling duo has for each other. So darling. Click here for more!

Click here for the FULL wedding!

And believe it or not, it gets even more darling thanks to their beyond adorable wedding film by Tampa Wonderworks Films…

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From the Bride… Stanley and I spent a lot of our free time during college at the beach. We loved going out late at night to avoid the crowds and sticky Florida heat. We spent many nights naming stars, running through the sand and dancing to Billie Holiday. Stan and I knew the beach was the prefect place for our ceremony, but the location wasn’t a quick find. Stan would explain the right location as being “on the beach, but not a beach that’s toooo flat.” Thankfully our wedding planner, Anna, knew the islands well and walked us through different beach sites until we found just the right one! Our ideas and thoughts evolved some, but in the end we decided we wanted the reception to look and feel like a vintage picnic. The B&B was the perfect location for us! It gave our reception a really home-y intimate feeling even though there were about a hundred and eighty people.

Stan and I decided instead of writing something down to say before the “I Do’s” we would just talk and share our feelings with each other. It was a little nerve racking (!) but once the mic was in my hand, I realized I just needed to talk to him as honestly and sincerely as I normally would. It was really beautiful. There was so much love and thankfulness. God’s presence was there and it just made the moment so much bigger than us. The end of the night was memorable too. Gosh, so many beautiful people with beautiful hearts coming together to celebrate with me and Stan. There was so much love and encouragement along with many many hugs. A lovely friend told me they had received a fresh understanding of real love. I wanted to cry and laugh and praise God! That moment made me realize that yes it was “our day” but such a large part of it was really about our friends and family. That realization is something I want to carry through me and Stan’s marriage. We need to do our best to always put others first and recognize the impact we can make if we love with the unconditional love we’ve been given.

Don’t feel like you have to stick to traditions. We decided to have our ceremony in the morning and let our reception start up in the afternoon. It was absolutely perfect because it helped everyone avoid the heat and crowds of the holiday weekend, while also giving us as much time as possible with our guests. If the planning begins to feel too consuming take a break! It doesn’t matter if the wedding is in three months or three days, everything will get figured out in the end. Every morning choose to live out that day to the fullest, whether that means you spend a few hours planning or just a few minutes. And most of all be sure you and your fiance are having as much fun as possible along the way. It’s not going to go exactly the way you planned, but it’ll be better than anything you could have imagined.

Photography: Kristin Marie Photography / Ceremony Site: A beach in Longboat Key, FL / Reception Venue: Palmetto Riverside Bed and Breakfast / Wedding Dress: Marisa from Hayden Olivia Bridal / Shoes: Dolce Vita via Macy’s / Bridesmaid Dress: Delias / Hairpiece: Haute Bride / Jewelry: Matthews Town Jewelers / Groom’s Suit: J.Crew / Groom’s Shoes: Rand + Statler / Bowties: Tux & Tulle / Suspenders: Suspender Factory / Cinematography: Tampa Wonderworks Films / Makeup, Event Design + Floral Design: Enna Anne / Event Planner: Day Planners, Events by Anna Pohl /Invitations + Paper Goods: designed by couple, invitations printed by Red Stone Press / Cake: Pastries By Design / Music: Fitz Otis / Catering: Starkeeper Cafe

As we bid adieu to yet another gorgeous week on SMP Florida, we couldn’t resist sending you off into the weekend with this floral-filled Miami affair by the talented Captured Photography by Jenny. Held at the breathtaking Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden and complimented by the floral design of Kitanim – A Floral Design & Event Company, it’s hard to find a wedding more lush than this one! You’ll have all weekend to lust over all the pretty details, so don’t forget there is even more in the full gallery of images!

Click here for the FULL Wedding!

From the bride… Ryan and I live in Los Angeles.  When Ryan asked me to marry him in Santa Barbara in March. Soon after, we decided we wanted to have our wedding in my hometown of Miami. I always knew I would get married at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden.  My family has been involved with the Garden for years, my Bat Mitzvah was there, and it’s just a fascinatingly beautiful and unique place.  I fell in love with Jenny’s photography on Style Me Pretty.  Her pictures consistently articulated this youthful bliss, this sense of happily-ever-after, that I just adored.  When a friend of my mother’s told us she had hired Jenny for her own wedding, we knew it was meant to be.  Jenny and her assistant, Shelly, were a dream team.  They laughed with us, snapped more pictures than I thought possible, and made everyone feel so comfortable. 

Ryan’s cousins happily agreed to be the musicians for our ceremony.  They played such interesting music: scores from Forrest Gump and The Princess Bride for the processional, and a totally funky take on “Sign, Sealed, Delivered” for our recessional.  And before the ceremony, as we played cat and mouse with the Florida rain, our talented cousins kept our guests entertained with instrumental versions of old favorites from the Beatles, Bruce Springsteen, and other classic artists.  Ryan’s sister and father sang “You’re All I Need to Get By” during the ceremony, a beautiful wedding tradition in the groom’s family.  Having our family so involved in all of the music really made our ceremony one-of-a-kind and very personal.  

Kitanim did our floral and event design and provided our day-of-coordinators too.  Meredith, the owner, is so sweet and so dedicated to her work.   Meredith and her team at Kitanim took my ideas and suggestions and turned them into a breathtaking reality.  Every detail was better than I could have planned.  I wanted centerpieces with height, but I did not want that height to seem unnatural or forced.  I wanted plenty of green, but I also wanted pink; I was looking for something natural, old-fashioned, but fresh and sweet and lovely.  Each table—complete with its centerpiece, soft burlap linens, and decorative stones, candles, jars and vases —perfectly bonded that mossy, old-garden feel with a sweet, youthful brightness.   (My mom, true to self, spent the summer scooping up all the jars and lanterns on sale at Pottery Barn.) As a midnight snack and a thank you to our guests, we provided fresh oatmeal raisin and chocolate chip cookies, along with little cartons of milk.   After a send-off full of bubbles and laughter, we hopped into the convertible and drove down Old Cutler Road, one of the most scenic routes in Miami, as husband and wife.  It was such a sweet ending to an amazing night.

Photographer: Captured Photography by Jenny / Floral Design, Event Design + Coordination: Kitanim – A Floral Design & Event Company / Venue: Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden / Hair: Rodolfo Hair Gallery (305-444-7443) / Cake + Desserts: Divine Delicacies / Caterer: David Schwadron / DJ: Corey Feldman / Dress Designer: Nicole Miller via Nicole Miller West Hollywood / Groom’s Attire: Men’s Warehouse /  Jewelry: David Yurman + Maria Elena / Shoe Designer: Kate Spade / Stationery: William Arthur via Paper Pigeon / Veil + Hair Accessories: Nordstrom at Village of Merrick Park / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: J.Crew

Weddings at home never fail to make my heart sing, so it goes without saying that it was love at first sight for this stunning Tampa Bay affair and me.  The intimate seaside setting combined with the classic stylings of Zoe Gallina, the soft color palette of white and cream and the lush florals by Botanica International Design Studio is almost too much for my wedding loving heart to handle… and for a bride who lists Father of the Bride as one of her all-time favorite movies (Me, too!), it was definitely meant to be.  Thankfully, Ryan Joseph was on hand to capture every dreamy moment and you can see them all in the full gallery!

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From the Bride… Ean and I met through my older brother, Jordan.  We were good friends for a while and then one day it clicked.  We should be  together. Ean asked my brother’s permission to take me out on a date and from that day forward things moved pretty quickly.  We were engaged six months later! One of my all-time favorite movies is Father of the Bride, so when my parents offered their beautiful home for the wedding, I didn’t have to think twice.  I always wanted an intimate wedding (simple and elegant) with close friends and family. Thank goodness for my mother, she took something I’ve been dreaming of since I was a little girl and made it a reality. Better than I could have imagined. We got married on a perfect day in March. It felt like a fairytale.  My mom and dad walked me down the aisle where the man of my dreams, the ocean, and a magnificent sunset awaited. In that moment nothing else mattered!

Zoe Gallina’s inspiration for the colors of the wedding came from the beautifully designed family home.  The varying shades of whites and creams that canvased the home’s walls made the family’s artwork stand out just that much more.  Truly evoking a gallery-like feeling, which reminded us a little of our own studio.  The elegance of such a subtle color combination was conveyed as family & guests joined the bride and groom for dinner.

Wedding Photography: Ryan Joseph Photographs / Event Planner: Zoe Gallina / Floral Design: Botanica International Design Studio / Venue: Private Residence / Caterer: Puff n’ Stuff / Hair + Makeup: Elena Joseph / Cinematography: Voila Cinematic / Cake: Cakes Plus / DJ: Josh Walther of Inspire Entertainment / Wedding Gown: Priscilla of Boston

I’ve been obsessing over this gorgeous Sarasota wedding captured by Stephanie A Smith Photography all.morning.long… and once you take a look at all of the lovely details that make up this wonderful affair, you’ll be right there with me.  Set amongst a literal garden paradise (my new favorite venue) and boasting one of the most breathtaking ceremony spaces I have ever seen, there just aren’t enough words to describe my love for this darling day.  Yep, I could spend hours upon hours wrapped up in the gorgeous florals by Beneva Flowers and the vibrant green, orange and blue hues.  Join me, won’t you?

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From Stephanie A Smith Photography… I’m sure Kyle and Justin have also thought this, but I have literally been waiting all year for their wedding day. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is such a gorgeous venue. Acres of lush trees, and flowers that surround the Sarasota Bay. You couldn’t ask for a better location to get married. Coming down from D.C. for their big day all Kyle wanted was a sun shining day. And even though it rained a little the morning of, the skies cleared for a PERFECT afternoon wedding. Kyle and Justin chose to say their “I do’s” under the big Banyan tree. Besides the gorgeous setting and perfect weather,  I think one of the key things I remember about this wedding was how in love these two were with one another. Justin couldn’t stop staring at his beautiful bride, and he got teary eyed when she walked down the aisle. The little looks they gave each other were so endearing and natural. All these elements combined created for a magical day.

Wedding Photography: Stephanie A Smith Photography / Photography Assistant: Blue Lane Studios / Flowers: Beneva Flowers / Catering: Sarasota Catering Company / Event Planning: Cari McDowell of Sarasota Catering Company / Wedding Ceremony + Reception Venue: Marie Selby Botanical Gardens / Wedding Dress: Paloma Blanca / Men’s Attire: JoS A. Bank / Hair + Makeup: The Michelle Renee Hair & Makeup Artist Group / DJ: Jay Goodley Entertainment

Happy, happy Monday, lovelies!  We have one very gorgeous Dade City wedding and a plethora of sweet DIY details to help us to jump start the week here on SMP Florida and, well, we couldn’t be more pleased.  Because, really, what’s better than a day filled to the brim with handcrafted goodness, vibrant colors and brilliant images captured by Mandy and Me Studio?  Plus, with a little rain adding some romance (and super cute photo ops) to this heartwarming affair, we guarantee that you’ll be swooning all the way ’till NEXT Monday.  Click here for more.

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From Mandy of Mandy and Me Studio… Erica + Mike + 200 vases = one heck of a wedding that not even the rain could stop from being awesome. As it is with every wedding, we always like to monitor the weather so we are prepared. We knew there was a high chance of rain during this wedding but we were determined to make it work. We were pleasantly surprised to find out Erica and Mike were just as determined to make it work as we were. So the dress got a little dirty? So what? A couple drops of rain on the awesome suit? Nothing dry cleaning can’t fix, and all worth it to get some awesome pictures. It was a heart warming experience for us, and we are just glad things fell in place to make their special day a memorable one.

There were 200 different vintage vases at this wedding that the bride and groom had been hunting down prior to their wedding. They had the cutest little cake topper. Erica is a gifted artist and made many of her wedding details herself.

Wedding Photography: Mandy and Me Studio / Wedding Ceremony + Reception Venue: Laurel Wood Gardens / Wedding Dress: Alfred Angelo / Flowers: DIY via Nordlie / DJ: SG Mobile DJ / Vases: Various Vintage Stores / Wooden Signs, Wedding Stationery, Ring Nest & Sand Ceremony Items: DIY by the Bride / Catering: Affordable Catering / Cake: Chef Nelson’s Cake Studio / Cake Topper: Lollipop Workshop / Linens: Classic Party Connections / Hair and Makeup: Shear Art Salon and Spa / Groom’s Suit: Calvin Klein / Bridesmaid Dresses: Tahari by ASL via Dillards / Groomsmen Ties: JCPenney / Groom’s & Ring Bearer’s Ties Made into Bowties: Apple and Ivy / Shoes: Gianni Bini + Converse  

The stars were perfectly aligned for this modern masterpiece wedding in Key West.  Not only did the lucky couple win this dream destination wedding but the combination of talented vendors, chic yet classic decor and flawless Florida vistas is a match made in wedding heaven.  Each and every detail is glam and gorgeous to the max and the photography, oh the photography, is beyond stunning!  Joey Kennedy Photography has found a die-hard fan in me and I have a feeling a few of you will fall head over heels as well!  See it all in the full gallery!

Click here for the FULL wedding!

What could make this dream wedding even better?  Why a breathtaking fim by Digital Island Media, of course!

From the bride… Billy and I started dating in high school and I always knew he was the one. We dated for 9 years before he finally asked the question; it may seem like a long time to wait but it was the right time in both of our lives to move on to marriage. People always tell me that in the past 10 years the only thing that hasn’t changed in their lives is the two of us together. Many of our friends grew up along side the two of us as a couple, so when we told everyone we had gotten engaged it was exciting for everyone. So one of my top priorities was to have one the most memorable weddings anyone had ever been to.  As most Greek weddings go, you invite 600 people, go to the local hall and pray for good weather in Ohio. This was not what I had envisioned for our wedding day. I had a large engagement party for 200 people and realized the party wasn’t for Billy and me; it was for the guests to enjoy.

I wanted our day to be intimate and relaxed, unlike any large event I had been to. So I googled wedding contests and decided to fill out an application to win a wedding in Key West, Florida. I told myself if we win we go and if we didn’t I wasn’t sure how I was going to convince my big Greek family to come to a destination wedding. Sure enough, out of 1400 couples we won the wedding. I was shocked but I knew it was right; it was what we needed to break the cycle of the typical Greek wedding. So after winning a portion of the wedding, adding tons of our own personal touches, and preparing for 10 months, we finally made it down to Key West. We brought along 100 of our closest friends and family members, our priest, and the best wedding photographer around. The guests were in Key West for a week; during this time we enjoyed the beach, the bars, and each other’s company. It was a vacation like no other and the most memorable one we had ever been on.

We started the wedding festivities with a boat ride rehearsal, followed by our wedding day, and ending it with a farewell breakfast. The wedding day was more than we had ever hoped for. Everything was so relaxing and perfect in our eyes. Although everyone worries about the flowers, desserts, and other minor details that make their wedding memorable, I was concerned about the feel of the wedding because I knew this is what sets a wedding apart.  Our wedding had so much life and happiness exuded from the guests, Billy and myself that I don’t think anyone could ever replicate that day. It was as if everything lined up perfectly for us as a couple.  It was scary to take a chance and go away, especially when no one you know has ever done it, but it paid off and that was the best decision I had ever made in my life, aside from marrying Billy. I would recommend a destination wedding to any bride and groom, because going against the grain is what made our wedding special, and all my guests are begging to go back on a ten year anniversary trip to relive the experience.

Wedding Photography: Joey Kennedy Photography / Wedding Planning: We’ve Got the Keys / Ceremony Venue: St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Parish / Reception Venue: Southernmost House / Catering: Great Events Catering / Guest Hotel: Southernmost on the Beach Resort / Wedding Cake: Key West Cakes / Band: Prime Movers / Hair + Make-up: Beauty Boutique / Tent, Lights + Dance Floor: Key West Party Rentals / Linens: Linens in Paradise / Flowers: Mama Flowers  / Save the Date: PRIM & PIXIE / Invitations + Programs + Table Names + Place Cards: Momental Designs / Guest Trolley to Church: Historic Tours Transportation / Nails: Cloud 9 / Cinematography: Digital Island Media / Groom’s Wedding Ring + Bride’s Earrings: Diamonds International / Vintage Car: Keys Limo

The stars were perfectly aligned for this modern masterpiece wedding in Key West.  Not only did the lucky couple win this dream destination wedding but the combination of talented vendors, chic yet classic decor and flawless Florida vistas is a match made in wedding heaven.  Each and every detail is glam and gorgeous to the max and the photography, oh the photography, is beyond stunning!  Joey Kennedy Photography has found a die-hard fan in me and I have a feeling a few of you will fall head over heels as well!  See it all in the full gallery!

Click here for the FULL wedding!

What could make this dream wedding even better?  Why a breathtaking fim by Digital Island Media, of course!

From the bride… Billy and I started dating in high school and I always knew he was the one. We dated for 9 years before he finally asked the question; it may seem like a long time to wait but it was the right time in both of our lives to move on to marriage. People always tell me that in the past 10 years the only thing that hasn’t changed in their lives is the two of us together. Many of our friends grew up along side the two of us as a couple, so when we told everyone we had gotten engaged it was exciting for everyone. So one of my top priorities was to have one the most memorable weddings anyone had ever been to.  As most Greek weddings go, you invite 600 people, go to the local hall and pray for good weather in Ohio. This was not what I had envisioned for our wedding day. I had a large engagement party for 200 people and realized the party wasn’t for Billy and me; it was for the guests to enjoy.

I wanted our day to be intimate and relaxed, unlike any large event I had been to. So I googled wedding contests and decided to fill out an application to win a wedding in Key West, Florida. I told myself if we win we go and if we didn’t I wasn’t sure how I was going to convince my big Greek family to come to a destination wedding. Sure enough, out of 1400 couples we won the wedding. I was shocked but I knew it was right; it was what we needed to break the cycle of the typical Greek wedding. So after winning a portion of the wedding, adding tons of our own personal touches, and preparing for 10 months, we finally made it down to Key West. We brought along 100 of our closest friends and family members, our priest, and the best wedding photographer around. The guests were in Key West for a week; during this time we enjoyed the beach, the bars, and each other’s company. It was a vacation like no other and the most memorable one we had ever been on.

We started the wedding festivities with a boat ride rehearsal, followed by our wedding day, and ending it with a farewell breakfast. The wedding day was more than we had ever hoped for. Everything was so relaxing and perfect in our eyes. Although everyone worries about the flowers, desserts, and other minor details that make their wedding memorable, I was concerned about the feel of the wedding because I knew this is what sets a wedding apart.  Our wedding had so much life and happiness exuded from the guests, Billy and myself that I don’t think anyone could ever replicate that day. It was as if everything lined up perfectly for us as a couple.  It was scary to take a chance and go away, especially when no one you know has ever done it, but it paid off and that was the best decision I had ever made in my life, aside from marrying Billy. I would recommend a destination wedding to any bride and groom, because going against the grain is what made our wedding special, and all my guests are begging to go back on a ten year anniversary trip to relive the experience.

Wedding Photography: Joey Kennedy Photography / Wedding Planning: We’ve Got the Keys / Ceremony Venue: St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Parish / Reception Venue: Southernmost House / Catering: Great Events Catering / Guest Hotel: Southernmost on the Beach Resort / Wedding Cake: Key West Cakes / Band: Prime Movers / Hair + Make-up: Beauty Boutique / Tent, Lights + Dance Floor: Key West Party Rentals / Linens: Linens in Paradise / Flowers: Mama Flowers / Guest Trolley to Church: Historic Tours Transportation / Nails: Cloud 9 / Cinematography: Digital Island Media / Groom’s Wedding Ring + Bride’s Earrings: Diamonds International / Vintage Car: Keys Limo

I’m pretty sure that even if you aren’t a hippie dippie at heart, one glance at this Bohemian inspiration will have you dreaming of nuptials dripping in feathers and braids and just the right boho sandals to let your bridal footsies feel the open air. It’s awash with easy, breezy details crafted by Kasey D Weddings and a pop of colorful flowers by Xquisite Events that make for insanely gorgeous images captured by Diana Lupu Photography. Catch it all here!

click here for the FULL photo shoot!

From Kasey D Weddings… Feathers seem to be popping up everywhere these days… in our hair, hanging from our earrings and dangling from our necklaces. I was so inspired and excited by this trend that I couldn’t help myself but to bring them into a wedding setting. I also wanted to create an inspirational wedding in a South Florida setting while incorporating Northern woodsy appeal so we brought in some antlers! I was more than fortunate to team up with a group of amazing South Florida Vendors to make my vision come to life and create this “Birds Of A Feather Flock Together” inspirational shoot.

It all started with the fabulous hairpieces provided by HairFeather. We dressed the Bride in a beautiful headpiece with feathers hanging from the back in lieu of a typical veil. She was simply stunning and the veil like feather hairpiece truly created that ohh-ahh bridal moment. We also played around with a couple other hair accessories throughout the shoot to showcase the versatility of incorporating feathers into the Bride’s look during different settings. I didn’t think it was possible to make our Bride, Aniela, more beautiful but Kristin Brown did just that. We wanted free flowing curls to play with the hanging feathers and her makeup was perfectly oh so sweet.

Christine from Ink Lemonade nailed it with our Invitation Suite. She incorporated feathers into the invitation and r.s.v.p. card set, as well as antlers into the save the date with lots of whimsy lettering styles throughout. To exude the warmth and texture of crackling logs in a fire, she used charcoal as the main design medium and the envelope was hand painted with a custom-mixed turquoise gouache. It was perfect. The Paper Nickel just topped it off with their amazing collection of vintage stamps. It was such a treat to receive them and an undeniable addition to the already amazing hand painted envelope.

The Ceremony setting was Holiday-esque as the inspirational wedding was to take place in late December. By incorporating Christmas glass bulbs, we paid a little homage to the Holiday season. We also created a dessert display with varying holiday inspired treats to bring forth emotions from holiday foods and times spent with family and friends. For example, the Thanksgiving evoking pumpkin and praline pies, the Halloween inspired caramel corn popcorn balls, Santa’s favorite chocolate chip cookies and milk, the forever fun Fourth of July s’mores on a stick and who goes camping with family and friends without some good old trail mix?!

The floral arrangements designed by Xquisite Events brought the pop of color and whimsy I could have only hoped for. The gorgeous fuchsia peonies, bright yellow ranunculus, and hot pink roses provided a stunning palette & arrangement! The tablescape was created on a good ol’ picnic table. It was eclectic, uncluttered and clean, and incorporated elements such as antlers, glass bulbs, feathers, mercury glass, amber glassware, clear glass plates and twisted silverware, yarn, and fabulous glitter burlap napkins. And let’s not forget the custom made mustard and beige deer & chevron pattern pillows created by the talented RegansBrain, which provided guests with the comfort of sitting & gave us an extra splash of color & style. The entire look was created to be simple yet stunning and I think the floral arrangements helped it to be just that. The photo booth was a blast to make and was created by using craft paper and handmade sweet potato stamps shaped to resemble feathers. A special thanks to Little Retreats for supplying all the amazing handcrafted fun on a stick pieces. From the bowtie to the antlers, we had such a great time playing with their designs.

Styling + Coordination: Kasey D Weddings / Photography: Diana Lupu Photography / Videography: Timotei Jinar Films / Florals: Xquisite Events / Hair + Makeup: Kristin Brown / Hair Accessories: HairFeather / Paper Suite: Ink Lemonade / Stamps: The Paper Nickel Stamp Co. / Place Settings: Panache / Photo Booth Props: Little Retreats / Custom Pillows: RegansBrain / Models: Aniela McGuinness & Paul Vincent Alexander

Every wedding is special on Style Me Pretty. But when one of our own ties the knot, well, it gives “special” a new meaning. Annie is one of our beloved SMP girls and her wedding was a total representation of the passion that she puts into her work, into the vendors that make it possible, into the style and the beauty and the unabashed love that she finds in each of the celebrations that we feature. The photographs by Paper Antler, the florals + design by Parrish, the vintage styling paired with the al fresco gorgeousness…well, love doesn’t even scratch the surface. A HUGE congratulations to Annie and Matias…we have no doubt you are destined for a life as beautiful as your wedding day. Click here to see SO much more.

I moved to Argentina after college to learn Spanish and gain some work experience abroad. Little did I know that I would meet my future husband there and about 4 years later be planning my wedding! Since Matias is from Argentina and I am from Chicago, the first thing we had to do was choose our wedding destination. We wanted to get married in a meaningful place for both of us, while making it an accessible destination for guests from all over the world. Choosing Indian Creek Country Club in Miami was perfect. Plus, it was especially meaningful since we had gotten engaged there the previous year on New Year’s Eve!

To say we took a big risk with the weather is an understatement. The ceremony, cocktail hour and dinner reception were all al-fresco which is not an easy task in Miami! The most important thing to us was to mix both of our cultures and traditions into the wedding. I said my vows in Spanish and Matías said his in English so that families and friends on both sides could feel as though they participated in and witnessed our commitment to each other. To incorporate the local Miami culture, for the cocktail hour we had a Mojito bar and for the dinner we chose to do Indian Creek’s famous Seafood Buffet chock full of sushi, lobster and Alaskan king crab claws. After dinner guests enjoyed a full dessert spread including a gelato bar for our Argentine guests. Everyone was bid “adios” with a little burlap bag stamped “Viva Los Novios” with an alfajor, a traditional Argentine cookie, inside.

Working for Style Me Pretty and being inspired daily by different weddings and talented vendors made choosing a theme and color palette seem impossible! First I found my dress from the incredible Australian designer Johanna Johnson and knew the moment I saw it that it was what I wanted. SO much so, that I ordered it from Australia without ever even trying it on! The dress ended up really setting the tone for how I wanted the wedding to feel. We knew that we wanted the wedding to be elegant yet relaxed, vintage yet not too theme-y. The paper suite included an art deco-inspired shell logo, which was incorporated in every detail. We ended up with a tropical palette using corals, peaches, and champagnes and Parrish Florists went above and beyond in executing our vision. The vibrant arrangements accented by candles, lanterns and mercury glass were definitely show-stoppers without being over the top.

Our photographers and friends Jonny and Michelle from Paper Antler are incredible. We never worried once about how our photos would turn out because we felt so totally comfortable with them the entire day. The photos have a nostalgic and natural feeling which is exactly what we wanted. Jonny and Michelle are not only talented photographers, they are a philanthropic team who have found a way use wedding photography to fight human trafficking. Beginning in 2012, the amazing duo will embark on The Fifty Nifty. They will hit the road for an entire year, photographing weddings in every state (plus stops in Canada and the Bahamas) aiming to raise $50,000 to support the non-profit organization She Dances. Future brides – look no further for your wedding photographer!

The most incredible part of the day was feeling all the love around us. We were truly humbled by our guests who flew from five different continents to share this special day with us.

Wedding Photography: Paper Antler / Event Coordination: Table 6 Productions / Floral Design: Parrish Designs / Wedding Videographer: Artistry Wedding Films / Hair + Make-up: Miriam Behar  / Graphic Design: Brittnye Rutherford / Wedding Dress + Headpiece + Veil: Johanna Johnson / Earrings: Tejani / Bracelet: Dreamcatcher Studio / Clutch: Moyna / Bridal Party Robes: Plum Pretty Sugar/ Ceremony Trio: Master Musicians / Band: Love Child / DJ: Ricky Vazquez

If ever there were a wedding that embodied both sweet Southern charm and all out elegance, it would look a little something like this number captured to perfection by Threaded Together Photography. Held at the Ribault Club with gorgeous waterfront views and loads of old oak trees for just the right ceremony spot, this wedding is a lovely reminder that beautiful weddings infused with a couple’s personalities and yummy southern cooking (shrimp and grits anyone?) are a fabulous match. See it all here!

Click here for the FULL wedding gallery

From the Bride… The moment I set foot on The Ribault Club property, I knew it was the place we were going to get married. From the gorgeous live oak trees dripping with Spanish moss to the classic white rocking chairs sitting on the porch, the historical clubhouse (built in the 1920’s) has a quintessential southern charm to it that is both elegant and timeless. The inspiration for our wedding mostly came from the venue itself. I’d describe the style as southern elegance with a few rustic, woodsy touches. We had mason jars filled with flowers, served classic southern favorites like shrimp and grits and fried green tomatoes, and since it was October–I loved the idea of having white pumpkins! We also added a few personal touches. I handmade all of my bridesmaids’ jewelry, and we had “his” and “hers” signature cocktails. Sweet Tea Vodka with Lemonade to represent my southern roots, and since he’s from New York (where we met and currently live), we served Brooklyn Brewery beer. When I was in the thick of planning all of the little details, I wasn’t sure if everything would come together, but in looking through the photographs from our amazingly talented photographers–Lynnell and Andy Hayes–I realize that it did, and it was a truly magical day.

Wedding Gown: White Magnolia Bridal / Venue: Ribault Club / Band: Atlanta Pleasure Band / Ceremony Music: Abby Music / Florist: Shea Hopely Flowers / Caterer: Matthew’s Restaurant / Cake: Classic Cakes / Photographer: Threaded Together Photography / Makeup: Renee Parenteau / Hair: Heidi Cormier / Custom Honey Jars: Parting Sorrow / Photo Booth: PlumbFun Photobooth

This might possibly be the most chic engagement session we have ever seen.  It is gorgeous enough to be a magazine spread for Ralph Lauren and uber-romantic.  This handsome couple, decked out in picture-perfect riding attire, took a stroll on horseback followed by a steamy session with the prettiest of pretty green dresses.  Lara Rios Fine Art Photography captured all the stylish and starry-eyed moments in these Vogue-worthy images.  See them all in the full gallery!

Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

From the Bride…Henry and I met during my last semester at Florida International University, a couple of months more and we would have missed each other.  It seems we did take a class together before we officially met where Henry says he noticed me but I didn’t give him the time of day.  Good thing I did pay attention later on because after almost five years of dating he proposed last December and we are getting married on April 14th, 2012.  

We’ve wanted to incorporate both our tastes into all the details of the wedding.  The Engagement Session was no exception.  Henry grew up in a farm in his native Venezuela, where he learned how to ride a horse before he even walked!  Horses are very dear to him and so we decided to do an Equestrian photo shoot to showcase his love of these noble creatures (plus I thought it would look amazing on camera).  

The first look was inspired by Ralph Lauren’s Romance ad campaign shot in Buenos Aires, one of our favorite cities in the world.  I am wearing Zara head to toe (shirt, riding pants and boots).  The second look we went for a more editorial feel and I am wearing a flowy green dress from the Fall 2011 Leon Max Collection and Henry is wearing an elegant black suit.  The Engagement Session was the perfect preamble to the wedding, since it was a very personal experience.  

We want this to transcend into our wedding day and so we will incorporate traditions from our culture (Cuban/Venezuelan) such as a traditional Catholic ceremony in Spanish and a Cotillon or Crazy Hour during the reception, which is when the music really picks up and guests are handed out props to dance with as if they were in a carnaval.  At the end we hope that our personalities shine through and that everyone enjoys themselves to the fullest on this, the most special of days, our wedding.

Photography: Lara Rios Fine Art Photography / Bride’s Outfit: Zara / Hair + Make-up: Karla Lola / Horse Ranch: Bar-B-Ranch

Believe it or not, this gorgeous wedding sent into us by Lora Rodgers Photography was all done for under $7,000!! And that includes all the vendors too! Can you believe it? This intimate wedding reception for just 26 guests took place at the couple’s favorite restaurant and from the looks of these beautiful images, I’d say it was quite the elegant celebration. See even more here!

Click here for entire image gallery!

From the bride…From the day we got engaged we knew we wanted a small and intimate wedding.  Our motto for the day would be, “good food, good wine, good people=good times.” Our main challenge was finding a reception location for our 26 person guest list.  We also had moved to Ocala, FL but wanted to have the wedding in Orlando where we met and we knew there would be more options.  I spent a lot of time searching online and found almost all my items, vendors and ideas online.  Ideas especially came from Style Me Pretty; which has been a definite daily favorite site to look through even today! For reception locations we knew a restaurant might be a perfect fit for our type wedding and since we are self proclaimed “foodies” we looked into the private room at Luma on Park, one of our favorite restaurants, and we knew we had our reception location. The chapel we chose was in the back section of my previous church and it was beautiful.  Simple wooden pews, glass chandeliers with marble flooring which reflected the stained glass perfectly into the space.

Being that our wedding guest list was so small we did not want our guests and family to be running around during the day helping me out with tasks.   It was important to let them enjoy the day with us so we hired Trishia with Green Button Events for day of coordinating.  She was amazing and helped me in so many ways.

Flowers were so important to me as they help to set the overall feeling of a room.  Brian with Flourish Productions was able to capture the overall feel I was looking for perfectly with amazing florals and tons of candlelight that filled the room and single large table for the reception. Our budget was tight so a lot of DIY projects were in place but with the help of family and friends we happily managed to stay in budget of under $7000.  Out of that budget one of our favorite selections was our photographer, Lora Rodgers.  She did an amazing job in capturing us and all the special moments.

All our “vendors” were such a joy to work with that I wish I could do it all again and can’t thank them all enough.  We were so thrilled with our wedding day and couldn’t have made it any better.  We got to marry each other, share it with our friends and family, and had a blast! 

Photography: Lora Rodgers Photography / Hair: Jessie Yeager at Stella Luca Salon  / Make-Up: Bride / Brides Dress: Oleg Cassini / Shoes: Badgley Mischka  / Brides Flower headpiece: Till Death Designs / Veil: Preowned Wedding Dresses / Earrings: Swarovski / Maid of Honor dress: Macy’s / Grooms Suit: Jos A Bank / Flowers: Brian with Flourish Floral Productions / Church: Annunciation Catholic Church / Reception: The Cellar  / Day Of Coordination: Trishia with Green Button Events / Place Card Cork Holders: Etsy / Place Cards: Grooms Mother / Cake Topper: Lynns Little Creations / Cake: Stellas Modern Pantry / Cake Stand: (base-Grooms Father) Top piece-Roxy Heart Vintage  / Invitations: FedEx Office / Ceremony Music: Guitar and Violin by Kevin Kress / Reception Music: Bride’s iPod

The temperatures outside may be cold, cold, cold, but it’s nice and cozy here on SMP Florida, all thanks to this uber-charming Boca Raton wedding and one VERY adorable bride and groom.  Yep, this stunning duo will literally melt your heart with their sweet as can be love story (they were best friends for six years prior to dating) AND with a gorgeous wedding that gives the word fabulous an entirely new meaning.  Thankfully, Captured Photography by Jenny was on hand to fill our gallery with brilliant images, so we can take in every last ounce of pretty.  Join me there for more!

Click here for the entire image gallery!

From the Bride… Shane and I had been best friends for over 6 years. Pretty much everyone who knew us, said he was the one for me.  It wasn’t until a few years later that I discovered everyone was right.  In June 2010, Shane asked me to marry him while having dinner out with my entire family to celebrate my birthday.

The day of our wedding was extremely emotional for most of my family for the simple fact that no one on my mother’s side had seen a wedding in our family in over 20 years.  My parents divorced when I was 4 and 4 years later they both happily remarried.  I am very lucky to have wonderful parents and step parents that shared in our day.  Shane and I both keep our families very close to our hearts and it was important to us that that shined through on our day.

With my family being on a bit of a budget, Shane and I decided we wanted our wedding to be elegant, yet practical.  I really wasn’t sure where to start with the planning, but things started coming together after we decided on our venue.  The Old Course at Broken Sound had a very natural, intimate feeling that Shane and I both felt very at home with.  We loved the ceremony setting with the large tree behind us and didn’t feel like we needed to add much to the scenery.  We wanted to carry some of that feeling inside our reception as well and decided on Manzanita branches with hanging votive candles verses traditional flower centerpieces for the dinner tables.  The peacock feathers were later added into our theme for a way to punch up all our colors a bit and add some fun.

When searching for items for the wedding, we kept in mind that we didn’t want to waste a lot of money on things that would get disposed of, but later could be displayed in our home to remind us of our special day.  Some items were handmade and other items such as the invitations and the letters that were hung on the tree were purchased on Etsy; along with other guest favorites which were our sign in puzzle, which was used in lieu of a guest book and our cocktail napkins, which had fun facts displayed on them about Shane and myself.  In place of name cards, Shane and I purchased an old weathered window pane that we took the time to sand and paint to display our seating arrangements.

It was such a breathtaking day that we will both never forget.  Seeing Shane for the first time, spending a few moments alone with him, and having both my father’s walk me down the aisle will forever be my most memorable moments.  We felt so very blessed to have everyone around us that we loved share in our moment.  We are thankful that we had a team of vendors that went out of their way to take care of every detail and to have such a wonderful photographer to capture all of our memories.

Wedding Photography: Captured Photography by Jenny / Wedding Gown + Bridesmaid Dressses: Alfred Angelo / Men’s Suits: Men’s Wearhouse / Flowers + Centerpieces: Misty Rose / Wedding Venue: The Old Course at Broken Sound / Wedding Invitations: The Extra Detail / Guest Sign In Puzzle: Bella Puzzles / Bride’s Garter: Gibson Girl Designs / Cocktail Napkins: Indie Wedding Napkins / Wedding Ceremony Tree Letters: The Back Porch Shoppe / DJ: The Entertainment Connection

Who wouldn’t want to cozy up to their honey and share a deliciously gooey s’more?  For these two chocolate lovers, what better way to spend an afternoon than at a picnic with one of their favorite sweet treats.  The entire session was styled by the bride-to-be’s mom who packed each s’more ingredient lovingly in a mason jar for a super cute presentation.  Set Free Photography was there to capture all the charming details, moments and love between this adorable couple.  See it all in the full gallery!

Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

From Set Free Photography…A simple love of gooey melted marshmallows, chocolate & graham crackers has never been so charming paired with nature, mason jars and matches bow-tied in twine.  Allison and Jake have always enjoyed the sweet outdoors together, and to celebrate their engagement a picnic at the historic Koreshan Park located in Estero, Florida seemed only natural.  Allison’s Mom, aware of the couple’s adoration for s’mores, planned their picnic by incorporating all of the s’more elements in jars…and to top it all off, she hand-carved a tree stump with their names on it. She and her husband seriously carved it themselves! Her vision and dedication to making such an amazing scene come to life was as breathtaking as the joy and love shared by Allison and Jake.

Photography: Set Free Photography

It’s always a fabulous day when Agnes Lopez Photography sends a pretty wedding our way.. and this stunning St. Augustine affair, complete with one very gorgeous outdoor setting and a bundle of sweet purple hues, is definitely making for a lovely, lovely Wednesday.  Yep, I am head.over.heels for every last darling detail planned to perfection by The BIG Event, including those charming centerpieces, the lavender linens and the bride’s stunning gown.  Swoon!  Don’t miss a moment of pretty… click here for more!

Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

From Agnes Lopez Photography… Jaime and Mark were married in a beautiful outdoor ceremony under the oak tree at the Oldest House. When planning the wedding they decided St. Augustine was the perfect destination for their guests since everyone would be traveling from afar. The evening reception was held poolside at the Casa Monica Hotel, with The Headliners Band keeping the party going well into the night.

Jaime is a chef so she incorporated lots of fresh herbs in her centerpieces and bouquets.

Wedding Photography: Agnes Lopez Photography / Wedding Ceremony Location: The Oldest House / Wedding Reception Location: Casa Monica Hotel / Wedding Planner: Sarah Grace of The BIG Event / Floral Design: 57 Treasury / Make-up: Jackie Neal / Music: The Headliners Band / Wedding Dress: Jim Hjelm