When Carolyn walked into Love Bridal Boutique and slipped into her KYHA gown, she knew it was the one. Later, Max would don his tux, lined with photos of the two of them, complete with their wedding date and Carolyn’s name stitched inside. Those little details summed up their wedding day perfectly: classic and elegant, but with a playful, deeply personal twist.

And where better to host such a celebration than the Sunshine State? Their chosen venue, the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, was even the very place where Max popped the question. Carolyn put it simply: “It felt only fitting for us to begin our marriage in a location already filled with so many meaningful memories.”

From the start, the couple knew they wanted more than a single wedding day. “We wanted our wedding to feel like a full experience, not just a single day, but a weekend of celebration surrounded by the people we love the most,” they share. Guests were treated to three days of festivities: a lively welcome party by the ocean, a wedding under the stars on the croquet course, and a laid-back Sunday brunch on the golf course.

Carolyn and Max made sure no guest left without feeling their love woven into the details. Every seat came with a handwritten note, while hand-painted place cards added an artisanal touch. A custom crest, designed by Carolyn’s cousin, showed up on cups and cocktail napkins. Even the flowers carried meaning, lush blooms mixed with pops of oranges, a nod to their Florida roots. “The hanging floral installation with chandeliers and disco balls was executed superbly,” Carolyn says, still beaming about the show-stopping design from Marble & Pine.

And because Carolyn is a self-proclaimed coffee fanatic, she added a custom coffee bar with personalized cup sleeves. “As a coffee lover, I couldn’t resist having a coffee bar, it was such a hit and definitely added a personal touch to the experience.”

Their vows took place on the lush green golf course, with layers of personal touches stitched into every moment. Max’s uncle officiated. Carolyn’s brother and sister-in-law read a poem that had been part of their own wedding just months earlier. Carolyn’s college roommate and bestie, Katie (who was also Max’s lifelong friend), presented the rings. And Nancy, Katie’s mom and someone both Carolyn and Max adore, read a scripture that left everyone misty-eyed. “Having Nancy read was incredibly special — she’s like family to both of us,” Max says.

Pulling it all off from a distance could have been stressful, but Carolyn and Max knew they had the right person in their corner. “Adair was instrumental in making the process smooth from afar. Her strong relationship with the venue and deep familiarity with their operations proved incredibly helpful,” Carolyn explains. Their best advice to other couples planning away from home? “Trust your team and don’t underestimate the value of a great planner. Being flexible and focusing on what matters most, being present and enjoying time with loved ones, makes all the difference.”

For Carolyn and Max, Ponte Vedra wasn’t just a backdrop, it was the heartbeat of their wedding. “Having a destination wedding made the weekend feel special and immersive, like a true celebration rather than just a single day,” they reflected. Surrounded by family and friends, the couple danced under disco balls, toasted with custom cocktails, and soaked in every minute of their colorful Florida wedding weekend.

Vendors: Photographer: Oxana Rox Photography; Planner: Dairing Events; Venue: Ponte Vedra Inn & Club; Florist: Marble & Pine; Stationery: Cami Hall Design Studio; Cake: Classic Cakes; Videography: Releve Films; Gown: KYHA; Gown Store: Love Bridal Boutique; Alterations: Sew Beautiful; Rings: Robinsons Jewelers; Rentals: Luxe Party Rentals; Linens: Lola Valentina; Band: South City Live