Friday, November 29, 2013

A Festive Florida Wedding

Words by Taylor Wilson
Photos courtesy of Aislinn Kate Photography

Lindsay always knew she would host a destination wedding when it came time to walk down the aisle. “I always knew if I ever became a bride, I would want a destination wedding – the option seemed less stressful and more fun”. With a supportive groom and 50 of their closest friends and family by her side, Lindsay’s dream came true on a sunny day in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.

The process, however, was not a seamless as Lindsay expected. The dates the couple originally wanted were not available, as the resort was in “peak” season, which required an extended stay. After many tears and some excellent problem solving skills, the couple decided to move the wedding up a few weeks. After all, they had fallen in love with the venue and were not going to let a minor issue prevent them from their fairytale wedding. “Chris and I became even closer as a couple and for that alone, it was worth every minute of the stress and I wouldn’t change a thing about it!” explains the bride.

Once the couple got the venue details all sorted out, they had four months left to plan the rest of the event. Along with an array of magazines and books, Lindsay used Pinterest to organize her ideas and inspirations. She also had the help of the venue’s coordinator to walk her through each step of the process. The bride reminds others the coordinators and florists are there to help and utilizing them is essential. “Weddings are their business, their livelihood if you will”. With that said, trust them! They are there to make your dreams a reality.

When it came to making their wedding unique, Lindsay had their photographer set up a photo booth so guests could wish them well in a non-traditional way. Guests wrote notes to the couple, which were then placed next to them in the photo booth, providing the couple with pictures to create a unique guestbook. The photographer also provided props, creating a fun and silly photo booth experience.

All in all, Lindsay and Chris’ wedding day was absolutely perfect. The bride remained incredibly calm and the couple focused on spending her time with the ones they love. All issues they had run into on the way were in the past and it was time to celebrate their happy marriage. “During my planning I found a quote on Pinterest that stayed with me throughout the entire process – ‘A wedding is a party, not a performance. If at the end of the day you are married to the one you love, then everything went perfectly!’”

Vendors: Photographer: Aislinn Kate Photography, Ceremony/Reception Site: Western Lake Park/Watercolor Boathouse, Gown Designer: Martina Liana, Florist: Bella Flora 30a, Groom’s Clothing Designer: Jos A Bank, Bridesmaids/Groomsmen’s Clothing Designer: W TOO/Jos A Bank