“I wore a beautiful backless lace dress. To me it screamed my personality and style but was elegant, and perfect for the beach. I loved the deep v and deep back but chose to alter the dress in my own special way by adding a lining to the front that is usually sheer. I wanted it to be white and different that what I saw everyone else wearing.”

“Everyone came such a long way that we just wanted it to be so fun and a true party. We allowed our guest to dress ‘beach / garden party’ attire so it encouraged everyone to enjoy cocktail hour outside and hours of dancing.

We have always been sentimental but also Intimate so we chose to do private vows to really give ourselves a change to take in not just the day but the last 7+ years that lead us to this moment. Something we could hold onto and remember forever but also someplace where we could really let go and feel every emotion.”

“I really wanted our wedding to be beach chic. I wanted to have the colors that remind you of the oceans / island with the corals, sands, and oranges but a touch of glam with the floral choice and the accents of gold. My goal was to have a beautiful wedding but one that only added to the beauty of being at the ocean. I also wanted it to be a fun atmosphere that made the guests want to drink and dance the night away with us so we did fun bar signs, marquess letters, and of course balloons for the dance floor.”

Courtney’s advice: “Enjoy every moment and don’t sweat the small stuff. Don’t spend so much time feeling like you have to walk around and talk to everyone that you don’t enjoy the dancing and the moments that make your wedding special to you. Also if you do a first look try to go see the space before the wedding. I regret not getting to totally take in the room and all the hard work.

Get a wedding planner! Hands down our best decision and allowed us to be present for ourselves and our guests.”

Russell’s advice: “Relax as much as you can, enjoy the moments both with friends and by yourself. Have other people get your suit and things ready so you don’t spend precious time. Take a moment outside at the reception just you two too look in and genuinely enjoy watching everyone else have a great time.”

Wedding Day Vendors: 
Venue – Pier Suite // Coordinator – Melinda Orona Weddings // Florals – Sunshine Designs // Videography – Salt & Light Visuals // Cake – Emerald Coast Custom Cake // Ceremony Music – DJ Jordan // DJ – DJ Jordan // Catering – Culinary Productions Inc // Officiant – Bryan Adams // Rentals – Melinda Orona Weddings // Marquee Letters – Rent the Lights // Balloon Installation – Blushing Balloons // Invitations – Designs by Kate // Gown – Emmy Mae Bridal // Dress Shop – Chantilly Couture //  Bridesmaid Dresses – Birdy Grey