Stunning Floral Wedding at Palafox Wharf in Pensacola

Alyssa and Kent had a gorgeous wedding this past fall on the lawn at Palafox Wharf overlooking the water. We were TERRIFIED of rain the entire day. The forecast looked awful and, of course, a storm worst was supposed to blow through right at ceremony time. Alyssa and Kent really wanted their ceremony on the lawn and decided to just go for it despite what the radar showed was heading our way. I remember standing out there watching the future radar with Alyssa’s dad and he had perfect faith that everything was going to stay just far enough away and he was right. Ceremony time came and the darkest sky I had ever seen creeped in across the north. Because of this storm, the temperature outside dropped 10+ degrees from the 90’s to right around 80, and Alyssa and Kent got married in the middle of August, with the most perfectly cool and breezy weather and not a speck of rain.

Alyssa started the day getting ready at her and Kent’s house with Katie Kus  doing a stunning job on makeup and was breathtaking in her dress from BHLDN and Kent so handsome in his Don Alans suit. Christine with Ella Floral Event Design knocked the ceremony set up out of the park with her stunning floral ceremony arch and the guest’s welcome table. She also coordinated the day, handling everything that was thrown at us that day seamlessly. We had so much fun partying the night away and got to enjoy the Wahoos fireworks from the dock (a perk of a Saturday home game during baseball season).

I asked Alyssa and Kent a few questions about their wedding at Palafox Wharf…

“I didn’t have a specific theme but I knew I wanted lots of greenery, some pops of color, and simple but elegant decor. I was more focused on creating an atmosphere that was inviting and fun. We were so excited for the big day, wanted to enjoy the day without any stress, and wanted our guests to feel the same.”

Alyssa: “My wedding dress was from BHLDN and was the dress I had my eye on from the minute I started looking. I knew it was the one, and so did my mom and maid of honor, the minute I tried it on. The diamond earrings I wore were my mom’s and the diamond necklace I wore was made from my grandmother’s wedding ring and was a gift for my bridal shower. My grandmother had just recently passed away so to be able to have her with me in that way was so special. I also wore a simple gold and diamond ring that Kent got me for Christmas several years ago and I still wear almost daily.”

What was one of your sweetest memories of the day?
Alyssa – “Probably my first look with both my dad and Kent. Both of their reactions were priceless.”
Kent – “Our first dance.”

Why did you choose Palafox Wharf as your wedding venue?
“I loved that we could do both the ceremony and reception there. That made whole day flow easier without having to worry about transportation for ourselves or our guests. I also loved the gorgeous view from the deck and the character of the inside of the venue.”

“We wanted our ceremony to be short but sweet. We didn’t want to just get up there and say “I do” and have that be it. Our officiant was our planner and florist’s husband, Marty Clark. He met with us and got to know us and our story before writing the ceremony and he did a perfect job of making the ceremony special and unique to us.”

Alyssa: “My maid of honor, Shelby, has been my best friend since the 7th grade. She is more like a sister to me and was the obvious choice. I chose to only have a maid of honor in an effort to keep things as simple and stress-free as possible.”

Kent: “My best man, Patrick, has been a close friend of mine since kindergarten. Alyssa and I chose to only have a maid of honor and best man to keep things simple.”

Kent: “My best man and I both wore suits from Don Alan. I chose suits by Paul Betenly because I already owned a few and liked the quality and fit. I wasn’t sure what color I wanted but liked the blue Don suggested. Our ties were from BHLDN and complemented the colors Alyssa had picked for flowers. I wore a pair of Billy Reid boots I’d had my eye on for a while.”

What was your first dance song and why did you choose it for your first dance as husband and wife?
“True Love Baby” by Father John Misty. We both wanted something that was unique and fun to dance to. Kent suggested that song and it was perfect.

What were some of your favorite memories from your wedding day?
“Both of us agreed there weren’t specific memories that stood out as our favorite. The whole day was so special, being able to celebrate our marriage with our family and friends.”

Advice for future Brides:
“Don’t let the process or the day stress you out! There is so much to enjoy along the way and all that matters is that at the end of the day you are married.”

Advice for future Grooms:
“Go with the flow.”

Thanks goes out to:
“Our parents, of course! They made this day possible and we are so grateful. Christine Clark with Ella Floral Event Design for creating a wedding more beautiful than I could have imagined. Katie Kus (makeup) and Brooke Miller (hair) for making us all look and feel beautiful. And of course our phenomenal photographer, Erika Smith, who captured the day perfectly!”