When Shane proposed to Maddy, he wrote her a message in a bottle, which she "discovered" during one of their walks on the beach. In light of this touching proposal, as well as her love of the birds of paradise flower, we created her wedding vision by incorporating colors of burnt orange and strawberry and elegant, tropical details. The bride's bouquet was absolutely stunning with bright tropical orchids, birds of paradise, ranunculus, calla lilies, and pincushion protea, with a collar of white ostrich feathers! Bridesmaids carried similar bouquets accented with orange ostrich feathers. The guys sported colorful boutonnieres of orange calla lilies with blue orchids, and the groom wore a bird of paradise blossom. As guests were seated for the beachside ceremony, they collected mini "message in a bottle" programs. The aisle was lined with palm frawns and framed by driftwood floral arrangements. The bride wore a stunning mermaid lace gown by Maggie Sottero, and the groom wore a khaki suit with orange paisley necktie and flipflops. The bride made her entrance to the tunes of a steel drummer. Following the ceremony, guests were given seashells to cast into the ocean upon making a wish for the couple's future. Dining tables were draped with sheer organza table runners with custom koozie favors tucked inside iridescent napkins. The centerpieces featured tropical floral arrangements resting atop tall vases with submerged orchids. Following a buffet meal of Floribbean cuisine, guests enjoyed an ocean sunset and danced under the open-air pavilion. At the end of the evening, the bride and groom were sent off under an arch of sparklers.
The bride and groom posed for sunset portraits on the beach.
A bamboo arch accented with sheer draping created a stunning backdrop, and driftwood lined the aisle
In honor of the couple's proposal story, programs were rolled and tucked into mini bottles nestled in sand
Bridesmaids wore persimmon chiffon dressed and gentlemen sported khakis and brightly colored ties
The bridal bouquet combined protea, orchids, calla lilies, birds of paradise, freesia, renunculus, & ostrich feathers
Tall centerpieces of tropical flowers, palms, & feathers were surrounded by submerged orchids & floating candles
Tropical orchids cascaded down the buttercream tiers of the wedding cake
The couple participated in a unity sand ceremony, mixing two colors of sand to symbolize their marriage
At the end of evening the couple exited through a path of sparklers
Venue: The Sand Bar Restaurant, Anna Maria Island
Photography: Life's Highlights
Florist: Sarasota Flower Girls
DJ: Ron, Universal Music Entertainment
Dress: Maggie Sottero
Steel Drums: Mello Vibes
Cake: Publix Bakery
Officiant: Jason Sowell, Married by Jason