Florida Weddings

When a wedding features a drop-dead gorgeous bride rockin’ a feather-adorned head piece, you just know it’s going to be something special.  That pretty much goes without saying.  And when that wedding is captured in amazing images by Agnes Lopez Photography and is layered with the fab stylings of Unforgettable Events, it kicks “special” up by about one million degrees.  Believe you me.  So, today, we’ll be happily basking in the loveliness that is this beyond breathtaking, uber-special Ponte Vedra Beach wedding, because, well.  It’s awesome.  And oh-so-pretty.  Join me in the gallery for more.

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From Agnes Lopez Photography… Lily and Graham came down from New York City and were married in the beautiful, new ocean-side courtyard at Ponte Vedra Inn & Club. After the ceremony, the guests were treated to a reception under the stars and lanterns at the Surf Club’s Patio, where DJ Reborn spun an amazing set to keep everyone dancing all night.

Wedding Photography: Agnes Lopez Photography / Wedding Venue: Ponte Vedra Inn & Club in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida / Floral + Event Design: Unforgettable Events / Officiant: Jack Edmonds / Wedding Cake: Simply Delicious! Cakes / Music: DJ Reborn / Hair: Saskia Penland / Makeup: Kimtasha

If you’ve been following SMP for awhile, then you know that we are big fans of Agnes Lopez Photography.  Big, big fans.  The kind of fans that literally jump for joy whenever we see her name pop up on our computer screens – which is precisely what we did when we first spotted this beautiful Ponte Vedra Beach wedding.  Because, really, who could resist this gorgeous bride and groom, the oh-so-heartwarming details (see: the bride’s gown + reception dress) and a Krispy Kreme nightcap?  Not us. See so much more in the full gallery.

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From Agnes Lopez Photography… Shannon and John were married in an afternoon ceremony at Christ Episcopal Church in Ponte Vedra Beach. They had such a beautiful wedding filled with so many personal and fun details. Shannon’s wedding gown had the buttons from her grandmother’s wedding gown, and for her reception she changed into a party dress made from her mother’s wedding dress. The open air reception at Ponte Vedra Inn & Club’s Surf Club ended with a visit from the Krispy Kreme man delivering hot doughnuts and the most harrowing beach exit I’ve seen to date!

Wedding Photography: Agnes Lopez Photography / Ceremony: Christ Episcopal Church in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida / Reception: The Surf Club at Ponte Vedra Inn & Club in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida / Floral Design: Arlene Swindell / Wedding Cinematography: CollabCreation Films / Wedding Cake: Classic Cakes in Jacksonville (904-246-6408) / Music: The Mystery Band / Wedding Dress: Modern Trousseau via The White Magnolia / Hair: Grazyna Mercado / Makeup: Kimtasha / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Bella Bridesmaid

As you well know, we kind of have a thing for First Looks here at SMP.  And by “kind of have a thing,” I mean we go seriously gaga every time a dazzling image of a First Look comes our way.  So, when we spotted this bride rushing happily towards her groom, we were instantly smitten.  Because this is the kind of smile-inducing moment you just can’t get enough of – and that’s really no surprise, since their entire wedding captured by Pure Sugar Studios is a happy-fest from start to finish.  A Tuesday overflowing with joy and non-stop pretty?  Sign us up.  See it all here.

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From the Bride… For our overall wedding design, I looked a lot on Pinterest and wedding websites and just chose what I liked best. My mom had a big help in planning the wedding, I’m the baby of three girls, so she had plenty of practice with the last two! I woke up and got to take a long walk on the beach before I started to get ready. My sisters, mom and bridesmaids made the day so easy for me to relax and not have anything to worry about anything. I literally sat on the couch watching TV and waited to be told it was my turn for hair/make up and when to put on my dress. Josh and I had a blast with all our friends and family who were able to travel from all over the world to get there. We had friends from from Australia, relatives from Canada and guests from all over the US travel so far to make it to our special day. We were so happy to spend our wedding day with everyone who loves us and wanted to celebrate our new life together. 

My advice to other couples would be to hire a cinematographer. We decided not to but then regretted it at the last minute and ended up borrowing a video camera last minute so my brother-in-law video the ceremony and part of the party.   

Wedding Photography: Pure Sugar Studios / Wedding Venue + Catering: The Lodge & Club at Ponte Vedra Beach in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida / Floral Design: Liz Stewart Floral Design / Wedding Coordination: Nicole Wesseling / Officiant: Jeff Hessinger / Wedding Cake: Classic Cakes (904-246-6408) / Wedding Invitations: Checkerboard via Write Impressions / Programs, Menus + Place Cards: Checkerboard + Carol Eugenio, The Bride’s Mother / Ceremony Music: Wehner Weddings / Reception Music: Kris Parnell of Footloose Entertainment / Wedding Dress: Alvina Valenta via CC’s Boutique / Hair + Makeup: Paulina Perez / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Bill Levkoff via CC’s Boutique / Men’s Attire: Calvin Klein via Men’s Wearhouse / Engagement Ring + Wedding Bands: International Diamond Center / Rehearsal Dinner Venue: Roy’s

Gorgeous beach? Check. Adorable couple? Check. Tons of pretty, pretty florals, pops of color, and super sweet DIY? Check, check, check. This little rustic charmer has my heart swooning this morning with all its great DIY projects, like that amazing drift wood looking backdrop. It’s so perfect for a beach wedding as are those little mint green numbers on the bridesmaids. Total perfection. Stephie Joy Photography captured all the goodness for us and there’s a whole lot more going on in the gallery right here.

 Click here for the FULL wedding!

From the Bride… We met in 2010 while Brady was still in the Navy. He proposed in March 2011 during fireworks on the Disney boardwalk. I was even more surprised when I turned around to see my two best friends! He planned everything to a T, and I’m so glad they were there to witness such a special moment. We knew we wanted a small, intimate wedding, so we opted for a beach house with a backyard in South Ponte Vedra. It couldn’t have been a more perfect location!

We recruited friends and family to help make our dream wedding come true. My maid of honor designed our stationery and my mom helped me create all the other details, like our Jennifer and Brady sign. My dad and brother built the amazing platform that we used for the ceremony and backdrop for photos. Our guests loved that they were able to snap pictures while we were posing for the photographer. Food was important to us, as Brady is a chef. We chose The Perfect Pear and not only was the food wonderful, but the staff was organized and extremely helpful. My flowers were easy — I told our florist what I wanted and she delivered! I loved how our “tablescapes” turned out. One of the best things about getting married at the beach — storms blow over quickly! We were so lucky that it rained about two hours before the ceremony and the sun came out as our guests were arriving. It made for AMAZING photos. Thanks Stephie!

I loved watching my maid of honor and best friend crying tears of joy all the way down the aisle — she’s usually the one who keeps it together! AND of course my sweet husband serenading me on guitar while his best man performed “Iris” by the Goo Goo Dolls. I was SHOCKED, and it took courage to perform in front of all our guests! Brady says playing the guitar was his favorite moment — he loved that he was able to keep that a surprise! Brady also surprised me with the Swarovski earrings! My mom had bought me the exact pair when I was in my teens said they would be the perfect earrings for my wedding day, but I wore them so much I lost the pearls and crystals. When I was looking for my wedding jewelry, I couldn’t find the earrings anywhere, and I was so bummed to hear that they had been discontinued. Brady called Swarovski corporate office, spoke to the director of inventory and told him the story. A few weeks later the earrings arrived in the mail, and Brady surprised me on our wedding day.

As far as advice, I would say to enjoy every minute because it goes by so quickly! Brady says to be patient — with yourself, your partner and your family — and don’t let wedding planning get the best of you!

Wedding Photography: Stephie Joy Photography / Wedding Venue: A Beach Home in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida / Floral Design: Sherry Sullivan of Green Goddess Design / Event Design + Details: DIY by the Bride, Her Mother + Her Maid of Honor / Catering: The Perfect Pear Catering Co. / Wedding Cake: Hyatt Regency Riverfront Jacksonville (The Groom is a Chef) / Wedding Stationery: DIY by the Maid of Honor / Music: DIY with an iPod / Ceremony Platform + Photo Backdrop: DIY by the Bride’s Father & Brother / Cake Topper Birds: Etsy / Wedding Dress: Sandals Beaches / Bride’s Shoes: Enzo Angiolini / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: ModCloth

Everything about this wedding is girly, feminine perfection if you ask me. Each and every detail from the tulle on the tips of the brides toes to the gorgeous florals lining the aisle to the milk and mercury glass are total garden gorgeousness. Threaded Together Photography snapped up such pretty images that I’ve spent the better part of my morning swooning in the gallery. Join me, won’t you?

Want more? Check out this adorable couple’s wedding film by Bennett Video Productions:

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From the Bride… Phil and I met during Homecoming at the University of Florida in 2005 at a Sorority/Fraternity “Saved by the Bell” themed party. I never thought when I left the party that I had just met my future husband. We went on a few dates over the following days and as they say, the rest is history. Our time together over the past years have included long distance struggles, Gator football, numerous holidays, many date nights, family vacations near and far, and a constant growing love for each other.

Our wedding was everything I dreamed it would be and more. From the beginning of the wedding planning process, I was determined to make our wedding a true reflection of who we are and as do-it-yourself as possible. Majoring in Event Management at UF, and working for a non-profit where I plan fundraising events, made me confident in the wedding planning process. There were bumps in the road along the way, but thanks to a supportive and handy fiancé, Style Me Pretty and Pinterest, it was possible. From picking our colors and assembling save-the-dates, to milk glass hunts with my bridesmaids at local antique malls, the whole process was a fabulously fun and exciting experience that I will never forget. Our DIY touches could be seen in the bridesmaids’ peacock hair clips, directional signs, chalkboard beer mugs for the men, our save-the-dates, wedding invitations and each one of my bridesmaids’ earrings made with love by me. The food was an amazing mix of everything we love, including sushi, mini burgers and chicken sandwiches, as well as a hint of southern comfort in the shrimp and grits, mashed potatoes, and brisket. We also made sure to include personal touches on our day that reminded us of those who were there in spirit. We both lost grandparents last year very shortly after we got engaged. To recognize each of them, I wore a brooch in my hair from my grandma and a dinner ring that was Phil’s grandmother’s. Phil and I picked out a special pair of freshwater pearl cufflinks for him to wear that belonged to his grandfather.

Our wedding was on St. Patrick’s Day, which we picked because of availability and the perspective that this would create a fun and entertaining night for all. Hints of green could be seen in our photo booth props, my late uncle’s rosary wrapped around my bouquet and the groom’s cake, which once cut revealed a green key lime cheesecake center. We even had a surprise from an old friend who changed into a St. Patty’s Day-inspired spandex suit! The entire weekend was full of incredible moments, from our rehearsal dinner and wedding to post-wedding brunch, that we will reminisce about for years to come. Thanks to all my amazingly talented vendors who made my vision come together with such ease! We are also grateful for our family and friends who were a part of our wonderful day!

Wedding Photography: Threaded Together Photography / Wedding Venue: Palm Valley Gardens in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida (904-543-7777) / Wedding Day Coordination: Madyson Holden of Save the Date Events / Floral Design + Chandeliers: Wilson’s Limited Inc. / Wedding Cinematography: Bennett Video Productions / Officiant: Fred Caldwell / Catering: Biscotti’s Catering / Wedding Cake: Classic Cakes (904-246-6408) / Ceremony Music: The String Group / DJ: McGee Entertainment & Events, Inc. / Photo Booth: Plumb Fun Photobooths / Wedding Dress: Lazaro / Bride’s Shoes: White by Vera Wang / Hair: Ramona Cabrera of Ten Salon / Makeup: Monica Mia On Site / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: LulaKate / Groomsmen’s Suits: Jos. A. Bank

The mega-talented Agnes Lopez has shared another of her pretty pretty weddings with us ~ and who better to tell you all about it than her gorgeous bride, Kelly …

I get so excited talking about our wedding!  Ever since the new TPC Sawgrass clubhouse opened in 2005, I knew that’s where David and I would get married. It is so strikingly beautiful plus we love to watch golf together and we go to The Players tournament every year and always have the best time!

My inspiration for our colors, design and flowers was “Preppy Chic.” I loved the look of the coral against black and white grosgrain ribbon. As soon as I saw the “tea rose” color Emily dress at J.Crew ~ I knew it was perfect and my styling was coming together! As a little surprise to us, as soon as I chose those dresses, they went on sale and most sizes were already sold out. I had a small bridal breakdown but my super Maid of Honor came to the rescue and called the headquarters to secure dresses for my girls.

Next came the flowers. I really wanted to have color “pop!” against my cream wedding dress so giant coral peonies were my first choice! They ended up not being available so we used large garden roses instead- equally beautiful. Our florist tied in the theme with a beautiful black and white striped ribbon to tie it up. I also instantly knew that I wanted the bridesmaids to carry white French anemones. The white bloom with the large black center looked so sharp and chic!

We continued the color scheme for the outdoor reception with giant coral carnation balls at the alter which was covered with white and tied back in the black and white stripe ribbons on either side. Down the aisle were coral pomanders hanging on the chairs. One of my favorite touches were the black and white chair ties that were tied on the back of every chair on the back row to blow in the wind and add some pizzaz!

While guests were being seated and waiting for the ceremony to begin, waiters passed out cold water and Arnold Palmers to keep everyone comfortable. Then after the ceremony, as we ventured inside to the cocktail reception, we had the waiters pass “Scotty Mac’s World Famous” drinks which were decorated with a golf tee cocktail stirrer. This was a surprise to my dad since he is known for his “world famous” (as he calls it) drink.

Inside the reception room, I abandoned the preppy chic look for an elegant candlelit palette of champagne, ivory and white. It was a nice transition into the evening where we had a stationed dinner and danced all night to the music from The Faze Band.

As the evening came to a close, we were ushered out of the clubhouse among all of our friends and family with sparklers to a waiting golf cart with a beautifully handwritten sign that read, “Happily Ever After.”

It was a fairy-tail wedding and I couldn’t have imagined anything more “me.”

IF ~ you’d like to see more of Kelly & David’s wedding gallery from Agnes Lopez, click here ~OR~ here on Agnes’ blog.

IF ~ by any chance, you missed the incredible photo shoot of Agnes’ that appeared in Jacksonville’s BRIDE Magazine,  and that Abby featured last month on SMP (full SMP Gallery here), well … you totally have to take a good long look!

IF ~ YELLOW (& black & white) are your dream wedding colors, be sure to take a look at Lisa & Robb’s champagne brunch reception at the Carling in Jacksonville, Florida that Agnes has just posted on her blog. Really {seriously} terrific!

Photographer: Agnes Lopez Photography; Ceremony & Reception: TPC Sawgrass – Ponte Vedra Beach, FL; Flowers: Liz Stewart Floral Design; Planner: Nancy Padgett / Soirees; Music: The Faze Band