Roxanne and Brent knew immediately after getting engaged they wanted a beach wedding. The couple, located in Texas, chose a destination wedding in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, close to many friends and family.

“Everyone was excited to hear that we would be getting married in Jacksonville Beach, Florida,” says Roxanne. Especially since the majority of our friends and family already lived there.” Roxanne and Brent loved living in Florida prior to their move to Texas, so they were thrilled to have out of town guests experience Jacksonville Beach.

Roxanne grew up on Jacksonville Beach, and the couple already had their perfect venue in mind. “We called Casa Marina and placed our deposit before we had even toured the venue.”

In lieu of hiring a wedding planner, Brent and Roxanne sought out to find their perfect vendors for their celebration. “We had chosen an amazing team of vendors that made planning a destination wedding so easy,” says Roxanne. “We would fly into town, sometimes on short notice, and they always made time to help us plan our dream wedding.”

When it came down to making decisions, Roxanne and Brent utilized Pinterest to help decide on what they liked and wanted for their ceremony. They also trusted in the opinions of the experienced vendors. “We couldn’t have picked out a better team of vendors, each one was willing to help answer all of our questions or help guide us in any way they could.”

While Roxanne had many ideas for DIY projects for their wedding, they ultimately had to narrow them down since the soon-to-be newlyweds were driving in from Texas. In the end, they chose to make signs for the back of their chairs, as well as signs for the flower girl and ring bearers to carry.

Travel logistics were easy for guests, as most of them already were located in Florida. Roxanne and Brent drove in from Texas, and other out of state guests flew in with no issues.

If they had chosen to have their wedding at home in Texas, planning would have been a bit easier due to the fact that they could see linens, décor and flowers in person. But in the end, Roxanne and Brent couldn’t have been happier with their destination wedding.

“It all was money well spent, I can’t stress enough how important it is to pick an amazing team of vendors,” says Roxanne. “We wouldn’t change anything about having a destination wedding.”

For those who are in the beginning stages of planning their dream day, Roxanne advises to trust your vendors. “Do you research on vendors, pick the best within your budget and trust each one,” says Roxanne. “They are there to help you. Do a little bit of wedding planning at a time so you don’t get stressed and don’t be afraid to ask for help!”

Vendors: Photography: Brooke Images, Ceremony/Reception SIte: Casa Marina, Florist: Anything WIth Plants, Stationery: Wedding Paper Divas, Remember November, Inc., Cake: AlleyCakes, Hair & Makeup: Pauina Perez, Gown Designer: Stella York, Groom’s Clothing Desinger: Jos. A. Bank, Bridesmaids Dresses: Bill Levkoff, Groomsmen’s Clothing Desinger: Jos. A. Bank, Linens & Lighting: Destination Planning, DJ: The Jeff Bell Experience, Videography: Gator Bride Videography.