When Kim, owner of Platinum Papers, a custom wedding invitation company, and Paul, one of the original dot-comers, hired us for planning, I knew I had my work cut out for me. The couple had already chosen a wedding location for an intimate gathering of about 100 guests. We scheduled appointments to set off on our planning journey. Not long after our first meeting I received a panicked phone call from my normally “cool as a cucumber” bride stating her guest list had doubled. She suddenly realized she had outgrown her wedding venue. After the couple had gotten over the initial shock, we set out to find a new location for the ceremony and reception.
Kim and Paul wanted a beach wedding, but still wanted to keep it reasonably formal.
Knowing that most of the guests were from out of town, they wanted a larger resort type property with all of the amenities, so the guests could make a mini vacation out of the trip. It was also important to the couple that they have the ceremony on the beach, “toes in the sand,” and the reception indoors at the same venue. So we set off to find a beach location that would suit their needs.
I suggested looking on the west coast of Florida. Since the couple wanted soft sand this made the “toes in the sand” ceremony much easier. After a road trip and some property power shopping, they fell in love with the Marco Island Marriott. The property had all of the amenities they wanted for their guests, and the perfect space for the ceremony and reception. Kim’s experience in the custom invitation business meant she and I spoke the same language when it came to details and design. Starting with the color palette, Kim liked the idea of using a neutral sand color with punches of brilliant aqua. We added some richness and warmth with deep chocolate hues, and carried these colors throughout all aspects of the wedding. Then details were added, such as sea glass and starfish—Kim’s favorite beach elements. The challenge was to use these in ways that would still be semi-formal and polished. Yes ladies, starfish and sea glass can in fact look high end and polished.
After several road trips and brainstorming sessions, we designed a “beach-chic” wedding that would delight even the most discerning of guests. The couple wanted a fun wedding weekend, and as it was in fact a destination wedding, all of the guests would attend every event. To offer something different for the rehearsal dinner, we planned a great beach BBQ. The beach setting, complete with a Caribbean band and tiki torches, featured dining and lounge areas set directly on the sand to instantly create the ambiance.
The Wedding Day
For the ceremony, we created a beautiful canopy of suspended flowing white orchids that would move gracefully with the beach breeze. The aisle was lined with the same, and defined by a stunning monogram aisle runner, designed by the bride herself. Westayed neutral with color, and used aqua accents for the programs and aisle runner.
The reception was spectacular. Our only challenge was the red paneling in the ballroom, which we covered with panels of white chiffon, and color washed the room with a warm amber glow.
We kept the colors consistent, using punches of aqua on the tablescape in interesting ways, such as sea glass borders under the charger plates. Menu cards, and napkins were adorned with starfish dusted in aqua blue and silver. I commissioned a seamless white dance floor and had a monogram appliqué made in aqua blue. We added some intimate lounge sections around the dance floor accented with aqua toss pillows. As a final touch, I used a moving light pattern over the dance floor in sky blue. The room was just exquisite.
As a finale, Kim and Paul wanted to surprise their guests with a club-like after-party in another section of the ballroom. We offered the guests great late night comfort food, such as mini-grilled cheese, grilled PB&J sandwich minis, French toast bites, warm cookies, brownies, and milk, as well as an open bar. Here we created a great club setting. We draped the entire room from floor to ceiling in white staggered panels, created intimate white lounge sections in different areas with white blue accents, and lit the entire room in a cool blue for a total club effect. We brought in a South Beach DJ and percussionist who pumped the crowd as they danced the night away. The after-party was an unexpected touch that wowed the guests. The following day the guests were treated to a wonderful brunch as an end to a fabulous wedding weekend.
From there forward I coined the term “Beach Chic.” Needless to say, the couple gave their guests a “Beach Chic” wedding experience they are sure to remember for years to come.
CREDITS
Written by: Tiffany Cook of Tiffany Cook Events