A romantic proposal on the beach in Naples, Florida sparked the idea for Sarah and Rich to host a destination wedding away from the hustle and bustle of Washington D.C. and along the coast in the very same spot he popped the question. Absolutely thrilled with the idea of traveling to Florida, the couple’s friends and family quickly made arrangements – children free – for an unforgettable vacation.

Sarah’s profession as a wedding planner provided her an unfair advantage most brides lack. Planning this wedding was just like another day on the job but obviously much more meaningful. “As an event planner I have very high standards and I treated this as I would have with any other event,” admits the bride. For the most part, the vendors the couple worked with were incredibly accommodating. Not to mention, Sarah and Rich were able to take advantage of weekend trips to the beach on a regular basis to make sure everything was running smoothly, which was an added perk.

Sarah worked closely with her graphic designer and event producer to come up with unique ideas that would blow her guests away come W-Day. She used The Knot and Pinterest for inspiration and frequented Etsy in search of fun ways to enhance her event. “I also added lots of touches myself like adding crystals to every table card sand dollar and menu,” says Sarah.

Having a destination wedding was one of the best decisions Rich and Sarah could have possibly made, as they were able to spend quality time with their loved ones. “Seriously though, it would have been beautiful [in DC] but it would have been large and grand rather than intimate and relaxing which was the feel we were going for and with the amount of people, we would have spent our entire night thanking them and saying hello rather than enjoying the evening with our closest friends and family.”

Vendors: Photographer: Maria Angela Photography, Wedding Planner: Transcend Marketing & Events & Dream Studio Productions, Ceremony/Reception Site: Port Royal Club, Gown Designer: Jenny Lee, Florist: Botanicals on the Gulf, Groom’s Clothing Designer: Tom James, Bridesmaids/Groomsmen’s Clothing Designer: Anna Elyse/Tom James, Hair & Makeup: Salon Tease, Other Vendors: Niche Event Rentals, Taylor Rentals, Connie Duglin, Lightworks Stage Productions, Kakes by Karen