When they began planning the couple knew they wanted a beachfront wedding, with natural and earthy elements incorporated throughout. Both Florida natives, the couple met in Gainesville while attending the University of Florida. Their love of spending time together at the beach or on their boat, and ultimately getting engaged on a balcony overlooking the ocean at The Grand Plaza Hotel, inspired their choice for a beach location. To create a relaxed, boho environment at the Tradewinds Resort, blue and green sea glass colors were accented with neutral hues found in driftwood and white shells. The most special and unique pieces were the cake toppers which once belonged to the groom’s great great great uncle.
Elegantly styled in colors inspired by the beach, the couple look stunning against the water at sunset.
The bride wore a strapless, lace, mermaid style gown perfect for a beachfront affair.
Soft yet glamorous makeup in neutral colors complimented the bride’s attire.
The bride carried a bouquet of blue, green, and white hydrangea accented with greenery and starfish elements.
Starfish details were also found throughout other floral arrangements like boutonnieres, and as escort card displays at the reception.
To keep her hair tidy in any breezes coming in off the water the bride wore a style featuring a beautiful low updo.
Bridesmaids popped next to the bride in their strapless azure gowns.
Program fans were offered to guests as a fun way to keep cool.
A vintage dresser was converted into a “shoe valet” for guests to kick off their shoes and grab a pair of flip flops for the beachfront ceremony.
Fedoras were offered to guests at the shoe valet, along with brushes to dust the sand off before heading to the reception.
Along the ceremony aisle, lanterns and driftwood sat beside guest chairs.
The stunning couple looking elated as they are received by loved ones after the ceremony.
The couple were married beneath a natural wood ceremony arch adorned with neutral flowers, lanterns, and chiffon drapery.
Nautical details and lanterns decorated the escort card display table.
Starfish escort cards sat perched in delicate wood boxes.
The reception was held in the event pavilion, fully draped with chiffon drapery from the ceiling and along the walls and completed with uplighting throughout in blue hues.
Burlap table runners on blue linens were set along feasting tables adorned with centerpieces of driftwood and accented with succulents, shells, soft candle light, and lanterns.
The cake toppers that sat atop this adorable polka dotted cake have a very unique story: Years ago a cargo ship laden with cupie dolls sank off of the Florida Keys. For years beach goers found arms, legs, and heads of the dolls. But when a pair were found in perfect condition they were gifted to the groom’s great great great uncle, who was a lighthouse keeper in Key West, and his wife. The dolls made their first appearance on a family wedding cake in 1921, and since have adorned the tops of wedding cakes throughout the groom’s entire extended family, ultimately ending up on his own.
The incredible team that made it all possible include:
Venue & Catering: Tradewinds Resort St. Pete Beach
Hair & Makeup: Destiny and Light
DJ: Grant Hemond & Associates
Cake: Publix Greenwise
Linens: Connie Duglin Linens
Florist: Braun’s Fine Flowers
Photography: Lifelong Photography Studio
