A Santa Rosa Beach Wedding

I’m back! I know it got a little quiet around here after I decided to take a last minute blog-cation last week (and yesterday). Although I had some gorgeous real wedding features locked and loaded it got a little since we went out of town to visit family.  The week was jam packed as we celebrated my hubby’s birthday, our nephew’s 1st birthday, finished making my sister’s save the dates magnets and then helped her and mom package them up pretty to be shipped out to her guests today! Phew- a busy week it was but I wouldn’t have had it any other way. There’s nothing like waking up in my ma’s house for a week and spending two wonderful weekends with family.

But now that we’re back in Florida, it couldn’t be more fitting that I have not just one Florida wedding feature for you today, but TWO! Sooo that’s a hint to come back this afternoon for more Florida beach wedding action. ;)

First up comes from Kay Meyer Photography with Joslyne & Wes’s spring time wedding. Their big day was held in the sweet little beach town of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. My step-sister got married there two years ago and it’s such a perfect and quaint little place to get married. If you need a little more action though while visiting or entertaining guests, Panama City is about a 40 minute drive away with Destin only being about 30. But the area is not too crowded and you’ll find the most adorable beach homes for rent- perfect for an intimate family gathering.

Joslyne and Wes carried out a sweet bird theme throughout their day and later danced the night away poolside at their night time reception. Oh and just so you know- I’m drooling over their cake!

The Creative Team Behind the Scene: Photographer: Kay Meyer Photography | Caterer:  Paradise Cuisine Catering | Event Planner:  It’s a Shore Thing Wedding & Event Planning | Floral Designer:  Celestine’s Special Occasions | Reception Venue:  Brown Yours Buns | Dress Store:  Vocelles, The Bridal Shoppe | Cake Designer:  Confections on the Coast | Band:  Nationwide Coverage

Real Wedding: Maria & Matt’s Waikiki Wedding

What better way to start off Monday, than a beautiful poolside wedding in Waikiki, Hawaii sent to us from Shawn Fields with Black Tie Cinema! This couple had a stunning intimate wedding at the new hotel venue Waikiki Marriott Edition. Love the pops of bright blues and pinks in the bridesmaid dresses and bouquets. And of course I’m a huge fan of a poolside ceremony and cocktail hour. So fun! Oh and I really hope I look as good in my wedding dress as Maria does in hers! Gorgeous.

Love those last few pictures that Shawn captured. Can you say hot? I LOVE the tall buildings in the background and their reflections in the pool in the last one!

Bride and Groom:  Maria and Matthew

Wedding Date: February 23, 2011

Location: Honolulu, HI, United States

Approximate Guest Size:  80

Ceremony & Reception Venu: Waikiki Marriott Edition

1. Please tell me a little more about you two as a couple and your personal love story:

Maria grew up in Michigan and Matt from New Jersey. We were introduced through a mutual friend and slowly got to know each other…. until we took a trip to Maui and fell in love.

2. How and why did you choose your destination/location?

Maria works at the hotel and was able to see a mock wedding (new hotel), which was truly magical. It is definitely the most beautiful place to stay in Waikiki.  We knew our guests would be impressed.

3. What unique elements or DIY projects did you incorporate into your big day to help make it extra special?

We didn’t do too much out of the ordinary and kept it very simple.  The hotel did so much for us, I couldn’t imagine not using a planner.

4. What challenges (if any) did you face while planning your wedding?

It was difficult not having our family close by or able to visualize where the wedding would be. My mom would have liked to be a part of decisions a little more.  Our wedding party doesn’t live near us either.

5. Please tell us about your favorite wedding moment!

The first moment we saw each other. We decided to take pictures with the wedding party before the ceremony, so we wouldn’t be pulled away during the reception.  Our photographer had Matt turn his back from the door and face the wedding party,  while I walked up behind him and tapped his shoulder. When he turned around, and we looked at each other, was a feeling so surreal and unexplainable.  We were able to spend that special moment with just our wedding party and parents there. It was incredibly special, and I knew the entire day was going to get better and better! Our untraditional decision to see each other before the ceremony turned out to be our favorite part!

6. What is your best advice for other couples planning a wedding right now?

Don’t over think details. Trust the professionals you hire to do their job, rather than telling them how. Brides – take a sleeping pill the night before the wedding. Every single thing will go through your head countless of times and there is nothing worse than no sleep! (men don’t seem to have the same problem)

The Creative Team Behind the Scenes:

Photographer: Black Tie Cinemas (Shawn Fields) / Marriott Edition Special Events planner – Margaret Akinaka / Officiate – Mark Kurnow / Ceremony Music – John Helmes / Florist – Su-V Expressions

This wedding was submitted via Two Bright Lights!